Early Wednesday morning, hundreds of supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have gathered at the main entrance of the National Assembly to protest against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment.
The protesters, comprising men and women from Kogi Central Senatorial District, which Senator Natasha represents in the Senate, were seen carrying placards, banners, and a national flag.
According to the protesters, “A man cannot be a judge in his own case.”
They called on Senator Akpabio to resign from his position to allow for an unbiased probe into the allegations.
Some of them claimed that their law firm has obtained a court injunction to stop the Senate Committee on Ethics from proceeding with its assignment.
They stated that the chairman and members of the committee cannot be expected to deliver justice impartially, given that they were appointed by the Senate President.
There was also a heavy security presence at the gate due to the protest.
Similarly, in the Red Chamber, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan presented a petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment. Upon hearing the petition, Akpabio referred it to the Senate Committee on Ethics and struck the gavel.
However, in his submission, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Muhammad Tahir Monguno, argued that, based on Section 40 of the Senate Standing Orders, the petition presented by Natasha could be sub judice, as the case is already before the court.
Natasha rose again and insisted that her petition had nothing to do with the case in court. She argued that, according to Order 10 of the Senate Rules, she had the privilege to be heard.
Some senators, including former Senate Leader Yahaya Abdullahi, suggested that since the Senate President had ruled for the petition to be referred to the Committee on Ethics, it should be allowed to proceed, and the Senate should wait for the outcome.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele, in his remarks, stated that the petition lacked merit to be considered by the Senate Committee but suggested proceeding into a closed session.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader Michael Bamidele, in his remarks, stated that the petition lacked merit to be considered by the Senate Committee but suggested proceeding into a closed session.
The leadership, as of the time of filing this report, is currently holding a serious meeting, possibly to address the matter and find a lasting solution in the near future.
Bashir M
