Senate Committee Dismisses Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio Amid Allegations of Bias and Procedural Irregularities

By Emmanuel Olonade

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Petitions has sparked controversy by dismissing a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing an ongoing court case. The petition, filed by constituents of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), accused Akpabio of harassment, leading to a contentious hearing.

Suberu Yakubu, the petitioner, accompanied by his legal counsel, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, and former Education Minister Dr Oby Ezekwesili, challenged the fairness of the process. Yakubu refused to testify, insisting that Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to attend, and raised concerns over the impartiality of the committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen.

Imasuen had previously described the petition as “dead on arrival,” casting doubt on the committee’s neutrality. Yakubu questioned the chairman’s bias, asking, “If the chairman has already made up his mind before hearing the case, how can we expect justice?”

The committee’s decision to dismiss the petition has drawn sharp criticism from Yakubu and his legal team. Akiyode-Afolabi highlighted inconsistencies in handling petitions, stating, “First, they dismissed Natasha’s petition prematurely. Now, they entertained this one only to discard it again. This is a clear disregard for due process.”

Speaking to journalists, Ezekwesili accused the Senate of prioritizing its internal rules over constitutional provisions, saying, “The Nigerian Senate continues to impose its own rules, even when they contradict the Constitution. This is unacceptable in a democracy.”

With the petition dismissed and the hearing indefinitely adjourned, concerns over accountability and transparency within the Senate continue to grow. The controversy has sparked allegations of bias and procedural irregularities, raising questions about the Senate’s commitment to addressing gender-based allegations.