The Senate has stated that no formal petition has been submitted against Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), dismissed the claims, describing them as exaggerated.
He emphasized that all senators, including Akpoti-Uduaghan, must adhere to the rules governing legislative conduct and procedures.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Monday, Adaramodu clarified that the Senate does not act based on media reports or social media trends.
He stressed that any matter requiring investigation must be formally presented before the Senate.
“The Senate operates within its official procedures. There is currently no petition before us concerning these allegations. The only issue under consideration is Senator Natasha’s failure to comply with the standing rules,” he stated.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the seating arrangement in the chamber, Adaramodu noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan, like every other senator, must abide by the regulations.
He referenced Order 6 of the Senate Rules, which grants the Senate President the authority to assign seats, stating that lawmakers are required to speak from their designated positions.
He further argued that any senator who follows due process in raising a point of order would be given recognition, dismissing suggestions that Akpabio could use his position to suppress dissent.
Adaramodu also rejected calls from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who suggested that Akpabio should submit himself for investigation to clear his name.
He reiterated that the Senate President is merely a “first among equals” and does not wield undue influence over his colleagues.
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has been summoned to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for an inquiry into her conduct during last week’s plenary session.
