The Senate has stated that it cannot initiate an investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan without a formal petition.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, had accused Akpabio during an interview on ARISE TV, claiming he repeatedly obstructed her motions—particularly those related to corruption in Ajaokuta Steel—because she refused his alleged advances.
However, speaking on Monday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, clarified that no petition had been submitted against the Senate President regarding the claims.
He emphasized that the Senate does not act based on social media trends but requires an official complaint before considering any investigation.
He further explained that there was no record of a petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
“For any investigation to take place, there must be a formal petition or a matter properly raised before the Senate. As of now, there is no official matter before the Senate concerning these allegations. The only issue currently under review relates to Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the standing orders,” Adaramodu stated during the interview.
He also noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit herself for investigation following her recent altercation with the Senate President during a plenary session.