The Senate has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed against its President, Godswill Akpabio, on the grounds of procedural irregularities and legal restrictions.
The decision, which followed a contentious debate during Wednesday’s plenary, underscored the Senate’s commitment to upholding its established rules and procedures.
The petition, submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was introduced at the start of the session. Rising to address the chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan read the contents aloud before formally submitting it to the Senate President, who accepted it despite the potential controversy.
However, a swift objection was raised by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Munguno, who invoked Order 40(4) of the Senate rules. Munguno argued that accepting the petition violated the chamber’s procedures, particularly since the matter was already before the court.
“The Senate must stamp its feet in defense of its rules,” Munguno insisted, cautioning that any deviation could lead to “chaos and anarchy.”
He further noted that Senate regulations expressly prohibit deliberations on issues pending before a court of law, describing such actions as sub judice.
A key point of contention was the revelation that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed the petition, a move that Munguno argued rendered it procedurally invalid. Senate rules prohibit any member from presenting a petition they have signed themselves.
Despite these objections, Akpoti-Uduaghan defended her actions, clarifying that her legal case did not involve sexual harassment allegations but was instead related to “malicious comments” about her attire. Citing Order 10, she contended that every senator has the right to speak on matters of public interest.
Efforts to maintain decorum were briefly overshadowed by a heated exchange of points of order, prompting former Senate Leader Abdullahi Adamu to intervene.
Adamu argued that since the Senate President had already accepted the petition, it should be referred to the Ethics Committee for a proper review. “When the issue gets to the committee, the chairman will uphold all the rules,” he asserted, seeking a procedural resolution.
The Senate Leader, however, reinforced Munguno’s stance, emphasizing that the chamber must adhere strictly to its Rule Book to prevent setting a dangerous precedent.
He pointed out that a legal suit had already been filed on the matter by the Senate President’s wife, further complicating any attempt to deliberate the petition.
In a statement addressing the chamber, Senate President Akpabio clarified his decision to initially accept the petition, explaining that he aimed to prevent any perception of bias or an attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“I took that petition because I didn’t want the people who do not understand our rule in the Senate to think that I am deliberately silencing her because I am involved,” Akpabio remarked.
Despite calls for a closed-door session to resolve the impasse, the Senate President opted to continue the plenary in open session. Following a prolonged debate, the Senate ultimately upheld the argument of the Senate Leader, dismissing the petition on the basis of procedural flaws and ongoing legal proceedings.
