The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed a petition bordering on sexual harassment filed by the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, stated this on Wednesday during a probe hearing against Akpoti-Uduaghan at the National Assembly.
The Edo South Senator stated that the petition was “dead on arrival,” citing a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
According to Imasuen, Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself instead of having it endorsed by another individual, rendering it procedurally invalid.
The Edo lawmaker noted that the issues raised in the petition were already in court, making them subjudice.
Despite the committee’s scheduled sitting, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the probe panel.
The session, which was scheduled for 2 pm, did not commence until 2:58 pm when the committee’s chairman arrived after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu.
While Adaramodu eventually arrived at 2:50 pm, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent from the hearing.
