Senate Panel Explains Why Natasha’s Petition Against Akpabio Was Dismissed

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Neda Imaseun, has explained why the panel dismissed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During a session on Tuesday, March 25, the committee announced that it was closing the case. Imaseun clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initial petition, which she signed herself, violated Senate rules.

Imaseun made these comments after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Abiola Akiode, accused him of bias and called for Imaseun to step down as chairman of the panel. Akiode argued, “Our intention is that, if we are going to proceed, we want the chair to please step down from this conversation to ensure fairness and justice in line with the constitution.”

In response, Imaseun said the matter is now in court, and the committee would refrain from further involvement. He explained, “The first petition submitted to us was signed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to our rules, you cannot sign your own petition, and this petition didn’t even have an address. It should not have been entertained.”

He added, “If you believe I am biased, it would mean the entire Senate is biased, as all Senators witnessed what happened. The matter is now before the courts, and as per our rule book, Order 40 (7), we cannot discuss any issue that is already pending in a court of law.”

Imaseun concluded, “Therefore, we will allow the court, which is not biased, to handle the case. This matter is closed here at the Senate and is adjourned indefinitely.”

Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a contempt application against Imaseun and Senate President Akpabio following her suspension.