Supporters of Senate President Godswill Akpabio have gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly on Thursday, chanting in his favour and demanding that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan apologise to the Senate.
They are also calling for her to be investigated by the upper chamber.
This comes after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally submitted a petition to the Senate on Wednesday, accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her move followed a clash of protests earlier in the day—while her supporters demanded Akpabio’s resignation, pro-Akpabio demonstrators dismissed the allegations.
However, the petition faced resistance on procedural grounds. Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) invoked Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, arguing that the matter could not be entertained as it was already in court, making it sub judice.
Monguno also pointed out that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had signed the petition herself instead of having it endorsed by another individual, which violated Senate procedures.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) supported Monguno’s stance and suggested a closed-door session to discuss the matter. However, Akpabio ruled that the Senate would proceed with the day’s business due to visitors present in the gallery.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, citing procedural violations and legal constraints.
The committee chair, Senator Neda Imasuen, reiterated that the allegations were already before the courts, placing them beyond the Senate’s jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has denied all allegations against him.
