The Senate has stated that it will not investigate the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as no formal petition has been submitted. Senate spokesman Adeyemi Adaramodu clarified that the Red Chamber only acts on officially lodged complaints, not claims made through media appearances or social media.
Despite mounting pressure, including calls from the Arewa Consultative Forum for an independent probe, Adaramodu insisted that no allegation has been formally presented before the Senate. He explained that the only issue currently under review is a breach of Senate Standing Orders, which has been referred to the Committee on Ethics. “We don’t act on hearsay; there is no complaint before us,” he stated.
Backing this stance, Akpabio’s media adviser, Eseme Eyiboh, noted that even in court filings, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not mention sexual harassment. He also highlighted the longstanding relationship between both families, questioning the timing of the allegations. “This matter lacks substance, and those entertaining it are chasing shadows,” Eyiboh added.