If You Want Akpabio Probed, Write Formal Petition – Senate Tells Natasha

The Senate has said it cannot probe the allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged sexual harassment levelled against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan without a formal petition.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, had in an interview with ARISE TV accused Mr Akpabio of sexual harassment.

She alleged that the Senate president repeatedly blocked her motions, especially those relating to corruption in Ajaokuta Steel, from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his sexual advances.

But speaking on Monday, chairman of the Senate committee on media and publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed that there was no petition against the Senate president regarding the allegation.

Mr Adaramodu said the Senate does not conduct its affairs based on what is trending on social media unless there is a formal petition.

He noted that there was no petition from Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for investigation.

“There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place.

“There is presently no formal matter before the Senate regarding these allegations.

“The only issue before the Senate is Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the standing orders,” he said on ARISE TV on Monday.

He added that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit herself to investigation after her altercation with the Senate president on the floor of the Red Chamber last week.