Senator Natasha’s Lawyers Demand Action on Unaddressed Petition Against Akpabio

The legal team representing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged the Nigerian Senate to take immediate action on a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which they say has been left unaddressed despite multiple submissions.

The controversy began earlier this year when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office, and obstruction of her legislative duties.

The initial petition was dismissed by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on procedural grounds, specifically because the petition was personally signed by the senator, which violated Senate rules.

Following the dismissal, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted the petition with the signature of a constituent, complying with the Senate’s procedural requirements.

The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, which was expected to report within four weeks.

However, shortly after resubmitting the petition, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months over alleged disruptive conduct related to a dispute over seating arrangements.

The senator has denied the accusations, calling the suspension politically motivated and an attempt to silence her.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has also filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against Senate President Akpabio and his aide over statements made on social media.

In retaliation, Akpabio filed a petition with the Inspector General of Police accusing the senator of making false and defamatory allegations, including claims that he instructed a former governor to assassinate her.

The ongoing saga has ignited a national debate on gender equality and the treatment of women in Nigerian politics.

Women’s rights groups have condemned Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, and public protests have taken place under the slogan “We are all Natasha.”

As of now, the Senate has yet to provide an update on the status of the resubmitted sexual harassment petition. Senator Natasha’s legal team insists on a transparent and fair investigation into the allegations against the Senate President.