A Senate in Turmoil
The Nigerian Senate was thrown into chaos on Wednesday as lawmakers grappled with the procedural handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The session, which began with Akpabio denying the allegations, quickly descended into confusion over the Senate’s rules and jurisdiction, highlighting the tension and division within the chamber.
Natasha’s Bold Move: Presenting the Petition
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan rose under Order 10 of the Senate Rules to formally present her petition against Akpabio. Her move came shortly after Akpabio, in his opening address, categorically denied the allegations, stating, “I have never harassed any woman in my life.”
Natasha’s petition was initially admitted and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for further investigation. However, this decision quickly became a point of contention among lawmakers.
The Jurisdiction Debate: Can the Senate Handle the Matter?
Senator Mohammed Monguno raised a critical point under Order 40, arguing that the Senate lacked jurisdiction to entertain the petition. He cited the fact that the matter had already been taken to court by Akpabio’s wife, Mrs. Unoma Ekaete Akpabio, and her family.
Monguno emphasized that debating the issue in the Senate would be sub judice (under judicial consideration) and an affront to the court’s authority. “The power to debate on the allegation of sexual harassment against Senator Godswill Akpabio has been taken away,” he stated.
Senate Leader’s Intervention: A Procedural Error?
Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi expressed sympathy for Akpabio, suggesting that the Senate had erred by admitting the petition. He argued that, according to Senate rules, only constituents—not a sitting senator—could sign and forward such a petition.
Opeyemi acknowledged that Akpabio had allowed the petition to be admitted to avoid the appearance of suppressing Natasha’s rights. However, he moved for the chamber to go into a closed-door session to address the procedural misstep and deliberate on the way forward.
The Bigger Picture: A Test for Senate Integrity
The confusion over the handling of Natasha’s petition underscores the challenges of navigating Senate rules while addressing sensitive allegations. It also raises questions about the Senate’s ability to hold its leadership accountable while respecting legal and procedural boundaries.
As the debate continues, the Senate faces a critical test of its integrity and commitment to transparency. How it resolves this issue will have far-reaching implications for its credibility and public trust.
Conclusion: A Tense Standoff
The Senate’s chaotic session highlights the complexities of addressing allegations against high-ranking officials within a legislative framework. With the matter now referred to a committee and the possibility of a closed-door session, the next steps remain uncertain.
One thing is clear: this controversy is far from over, and its resolution will shape the future of accountability and governance in Nigeria’s Senate.
