Senate Dismisses Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition Against Akpabio

Senate Rules Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition Procedurally Invalid

Abuja – The Nigerian Senate has officially dismissed a petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which she alleged misconduct. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), declared the petition invalid due to procedural errors and legal constraints.

During the probe session on Wednesday, Senator Imasuen stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was “dead on arrival” as it failed to comply with Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. He explained that the senator personally signed the document rather than having it endorsed by another party, which rendered it procedurally flawed. Additionally, he emphasized that the allegations contained in the petition were already being addressed in court, making them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s purview.

Despite being scheduled to appear before the committee at 2:00 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to attend the session, which eventually commenced at 2:58 PM. Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), who was also expected at the meeting, arrived late but was present when the deliberations began.

The petition stemmed from an earlier plenary session incident involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. Following the incident, the matter was referred to the Senate Ethics Committee for a detailed review. The committee was mandated to conduct a thorough investigation and present its findings within two weeks.

Senator Adaramodu highlighted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public dispute with the Senate President, particularly regarding seat allocation, had adversely impacted the Senate’s image. He further referenced an interview she granted on Brekete Family via Human Rights Radio and TV, where she restated her claims against Akpabio.

Following these deliberations, the Senate reaffirmed its decision to reject the petition based on the procedural violations and legal restrictions surrounding the case.

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