Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi central, submitted a petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment on the floor of the upper legislative chamber.
Akpoti-Uduaghan presented her petition under order 40 of the senate rules, referencing comments she made on Arise TV about the alleged harassment.
Akpabio allowed the submission, referring the petition to the Committee on Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Public Petitions for review.
However, the chief whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, objected, citing that the matter is already in court and therefore cannot be entertained by the senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan countered Monguno’s argument, clarifying that the court case in question is actually a defamation lawsuit filed against her by Akpabio’s special assistant, Patrick Mfon.
The senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, also opposed the petition, leading to a brief rowdy session before the senate proceeded with its business.
