Sexual harassment: Senate dismisses Natasha’s petition as invalid

Sexual harassment: Senate dismisses Natasha’s petition as invalid

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During a probe hearing at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, declared that the petition was “dead on arrival”, citing a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.

According to Imasuen, Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself instead of having it endorsed by another individual, rendering it procedurally invalid.

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The Edo lawmaker noted that the issues raised in the petition were already in court, making them subjudice.

Despite the committee’s scheduled sitting, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the probe panel.

The session, which was scheduled for 2 pm, did not commence until 2:58 pm when the committee’s chairman arrived after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu.

While Adaramodu eventually arrived at 2:50 pm, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent from the hearing.

Sexual harassment: Senate dismisses Natasha’s petition as invalid