Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Wednesday, formally petitioned against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying he sexually harassed her.
Speaking under Order 40 of the Senate Rules, the senator representing Kogi Central, recalled that he has accused Akpabio of sexual harassment when she was a guest of Arise TV, adding that today she was presenting them officially before the Senate.
After her remarks, Akpabio said she should submit the petition, which she did.
There would be details coming from the petition in due course.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions says the proceedings against the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan would not be televised live.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, said on Wednesday’s programme of Arise Television, The Morning Show.
Natasha had demanded that the committee’s hearing over her clash with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seat allocation be broadcast live.
Imasuen said there is the need to maintain focus on the issue at hand without external distractions, adding that “we want to be very careful not to overplay things. This is a matter within the Senate, and turning it into a media affair could be distracting. My committee room can only accommodate a limited number of people, and the committee itself has about 23 or 24 members. We need to stay focused on the issue before us without unnecessary distractions.”
He pledged that Akpoti-Uduaghan would be given a fair hearing during the proceedings.
The Senator said, “Senator Natasha has the same privileges as any other senator, and her rights will be protected. She will receive a fair hearing in this matter for as long as I am in charge. She is my friend, and no one will trample on her rights.”
According to him, “The issue of sexual misconduct in the Senate is already before a court of law, which makes the matter subjudice. I cannot comment on any case that is before a court, and as a lawyer, I must respect that legal principle.”
