On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct cited procedural violations and legal limitations while addressing a petition.
During the probe session, Committee Chairman Senator Neda Imasuen referenced Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, stating that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed the petition instead of having it endorsed by another individual, making it procedurally invalid. He further noted that the issues raised in the petition were already before the court, rendering them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied the sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by the Kogi lawmaker.
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On February 20, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, refused to accept her assigned seat in the Senate and openly challenged Akpabio’s directive. She accused the Senate President of harassment and subsequently filed a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against him. In response, the Akpabio-led Senate referred her case to the disciplinary committee.
This controversy follows an earlier incident in July 2024, when Akpabio apologized to Akpoti-Uduaghan for a nightclub-related remark he made about her.
On March 5, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent as the Senate Committee began investigating her alleged failure to comply with Senate rules.
After waiting for an hour, Senator Imasuen expressed disappointment over her absence. “We waited, but unfortunately, she is not here. I hope she will join us before we conclude this process,” he stated. He emphasized that the committee was operating within its mandate, explaining that every petition is referred to them by the entire Senate. He clarified that the issue was brought before the committee on February 25 by Senate Spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu.
Despite her absence, Imasuen reiterated his hope that Akpoti-Uduaghan would appear before the committee before proceedings concluded. He also confirmed that she had been properly notified of the meeting.
