‘Dead On Arrival’: Senate Throws Out Natasha’s Petition Against Akpabio

The Senate has dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Senator Neda Imasuen (LP- Edo South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, thrashed the report on Wednesday during the probe session.

He declared the petition “dead on arrival,” citing a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.

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

Additionally, he noted that the issues raised in the petition were already in court, making them sub judice.

However, Natasha did not appear before the probe panel.

The probe session was meant to start by 2.00pm, but did not commence until after 2:58 PM because Natasha did not show up.

Meanwhile, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) showed up at the probe session to defend the integrity of the senate.

During deliberations, Adaramodu informed the Senate that Natasha’s public challenge of the Senate President over her seat allocation had damaged the Senate’s image.

He also referenced an interview she granted to Brekete Family on Human Rights Radio and TV, where she reiterated her allegations against Akpabio.

It would be recalled that the matter was referred to the Ethics Committee two weeks ago following Natasha’s actions during a plenary session.

Senate President Akpabio subsequently directed the committee to conduct a thorough investigation and report back within two weeks.