Senate Spokesperson: Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Akpabio Not Before Senate

Babatunji Wusu –

• No Official Case: Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is not currently before the Senate.
• Only Case on Record: The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions is only addressing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged non-compliance with Senate standing orders.
• Senate’s Stance: Adaramodu emphasized that any future allegations involving senators would be handled internally by the committee once formally referred.
• Committee Independence: He clarified that the Ethics Committee operates independently, and its proceedings are not subject to court action.

The Senate has dismissed claims that an allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is under its consideration. Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Monday, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu clarified that no such case has been formally brought before the Senate.

According to Adaramodu, the only issue currently before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions pertains to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged failure to comply with Senate standing orders. “The only matter before the Senate is between Senator Natasha and the rest of the senators, regarding her non-compliance with standing orders. No other issues,” he stated.

He further explained that if any new allegations arise involving senators, they will be reviewed by the Ethics Committee, but only if officially referred. “Whatever we do or say in the hallowed chamber is not actionable in court, so the committee will handle issues as they arise,” he added.

Adaramodu also clarified that the Senate President does not control the Ethics Committee, as it operates independently. As the situation unfolds, further details are expected to emerge.