- Natasha, during the interview, claimed Akpabio started victimising and persecuting her after she spurned him and turned down his sexual advances.
The Senate weighed in on the allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator.
Recall that Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha (PDP, Kogi Central) during an interview on Arise Television alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate amorous advances towards her on several occasions.
Before the allegation, Natasha had a public spat with Akpabio over seating arrangements after her seat in the red chamber was changed.
Consequently, the Senate had unanimously voted to refer Senator Natasha to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, for disciplinary review.
Natasha, during the interview, claimed Akpabio started victimising and persecuting her after she spurned him and turned down his sexual advances.
But Akpabio debunked the allegations through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo. His wife, Ekaette Akpabio, also came out to defend her husband, saying the allegations were unfounded
Speaking on the imbroglio, the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), disclosed that a formal petition must be submitted before Akpabio can be probed.
Speaking on ARISE TV on Monday, the Senate Spokesman said there was no formal petition from Senator Natasha before the Senate Committee on Ethics Privileges, and Public Petitions for investigation.
The Senate spokesman said, “The Senate does not conduct its affairs based on what is trending on social media. There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place.”
“There is presently no formal matter before the Senate regarding these allegations. The only issue before the Senate is Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the standing orders.”
On the controversy surrounding sitting arrangement, Senator Adaramodu said Senator Natasha must submit herself to the rules of the Senate.
Citing Order 6 of the Senate rules which mandates that the Senate President assigns seats to senators, Senator Adaramodu said,” all lawmakers are expected to speak from their designated seats, and any breach of this rule undermines order in the chamber.”
He equally dismissed the insinuation that the President of the Senate could intimidate his colleagues by denying them recognition, stressing that all senators are equal in the chambers
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