The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has thrown out a petition alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The petition was filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the committee, announced the dismissal on Wednesday during a probe session at the National Assembly.
He cited procedural lapses, noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself rather than having it endorsed by another individual, violating Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
“The petition was dead on arrival due to procedural breaches,” Imasuen stated, adding that the matter was also subjudice as it is already before a court.
Despite being scheduled to appear before the panel at 2:00 p.m., Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent.
The session, initially delayed, eventually began at 2:58 p.m. when the committee chairman arrived after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu. While Adaramodu arrived at 2:50 p.m., the petitioner failed to show up.
