Senate Dismisses Sexual Harassment Petition Against Akpabio, Labels It ‘Dead on Arrival’ Amid Growing Controversy

 

The Nigerian Senate has dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural violations and declaring it ‘dead on arrival.’ The decision came amid a heated exchange in the red chamber, with legal and ethical debates dominating the plenary session. However, the dismissal has sparked nationwide outrage, with activists and political observers questioning the Senate’s commitment to addressing gender-based allegations.

Background of the Allegations

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central, had accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State on December 8, 2023. She claimed that Akpabio held her hand, led her around his house, and propositioned her while her husband trailed behind them. Furthermore, she alleged that the Senate President suggested that she should “make him happy” if she wanted her motions to receive favorable consideration on the Senate floor.

These allegations surfaced shortly after the Senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for protesting a new seating arrangement in the chamber. Critics argue that the swift dismissal of her petition is an attempt to silence her voice and discredit her claims.

Akpabio Denies Allegations, Senate Rules Violation Cited

During the plenary session, Akpabio categorically denied the accusations, emphasizing his respect for women. He stated:

“I have the highest regard for women. At no time did I ever attempt any form of sexual harassment. Even as a state governor, I was awarded various honors, including ‘The Most Gender-Friendly Governor’ in Nigeria.”

Supporting Akpabio, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno cited Senate Standing Rules, emphasizing that a petition can only be presented by a senator other than the petitioner. Rule 40(4) explicitly states that “no senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by himself.”

Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele warned that entertaining the petition would set a dangerous precedent. However, human rights organizations argue that procedural technicalities should not overshadow the gravity of the allegations, especially in a society where victims of sexual misconduct often struggle to have their voices heard.

Senate Ethics Committee Dismisses Petition Amid Public Outcry

Following the debate, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, officially dismissed the petition. Imasuen argued that the issue was already before the courts and, as per Senate tradition, could not be deliberated upon by the committee.

“The first thing we ask when a petition comes before us is whether or not the matter is already in court. If the answer is yes, we do not entertain such petitions. Furthermore, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan signed her own petition, which violates Senate rules,” Imasuen stated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was notably absent from the committee hearing, which the chairman attributed to possible legal counsel. However, her supporters claim she was deliberately sidelined in a bid to suppress her allegations.

Judiciary Intervenes, Protesters Demand Akpabio’s Resignation

In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the National Assembly to justify why the Senate should not be restrained from disciplining Akpoti-Uduaghan over the alleged misconduct. Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted an interim injunction preventing the Senate from taking disciplinary action until the court reviews the matter.

Meanwhile, mass protests erupted across Abuja, Lagos, and other cities, as activists and concerned citizens condemned the Senate’s decision. Protesters marched to the National Assembly, calling for Akpabio’s resignation. Carrying placards reading, “Justice for Natasha” and “Say No to Sexual Harassment in Government”, the demonstrators were blocked from entering the Senate complex by security personnel.

Conversely, a group known as the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders dissociated itself from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, condemning what they termed “unnecessary escalation.” In a letter signed by Convener Abdulraheem Adeku, they criticized the senator’s approach, stating:

“A simple compliance issue with Senate rules has degenerated into a vicious attack on the Senate President. Such personal grievances should not undermine the integrity of the National Assembly.”

Calls for an Independent Investigation Grow

Amid rising tensions, women’s rights organizations, legal experts, and opposition politicians have called for an independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations. They argue that dismissing the case on procedural grounds sends a dangerous message about the treatment of harassment claims in Nigeria’s political space.

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other legal bodies to intervene.

“This case goes beyond legislative rules; it speaks to the culture of impunity in our governance system. An independent panel should be set up to investigate the matter fairly and transparently.”

Next Steps and Legal Implications

With the dismissal of the petition, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal battle now hinges on the judiciary’s intervention. The court has instructed the National Assembly to respond within 72 hours, setting the stage for further legal confrontations. Meanwhile, civil society organizations are mobilizing to ensure the case remains in the public eye, vowing to continue protests until a proper investigation is conducted.

The unfolding controversy continues to grip the nation, sparking debates on power dynamics, gender issues, and parliamentary decorum within Nigeria’s legislative system. Whether this case will lead to meaningful policy changes or be buried in bureaucratic and political maneuvering remains to be seen.

 

Abeokuta North LG Chairman, Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo Inaugurates Lisabi Festival With ‘Ayo Olopon’ Competition

 

Every year in the month of March, the Egba people in their wisdom and vision will gather once in a year to remember their illustrious and brave liberator, Lisabi Agbongbo Akala in the famous Lisabi Festival. So, yesterday 4th of March 2025, Council Chairman at Abeokuta North Local Government Akomoje, Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo ‘Lanre in Habeeb Ajayi Multipurpose Hall of the Local Government Secretariat has declared the Year Festival open with Ayo Olopon Competition (Traditional Game).

The festival is a rallying point for all Egba sons and daughters from far and wide to celebrate the fearless and brave feats of Lisabi in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Little wonder the festival itself took after the name of the warrior.

Dr. Oyegbola-Sodipo who showed enthusiasm while joining the participant in the Game with his Vice Chairman to demonstrate the reach culture of the festival. He however used the medium to beckon on to Egba descendants in oversees to imbibe in the Culture further advised not to forget their sources.

He said this that 38th LISABI Day Celebration is yearly done to unite all Egbas in the World.
That, Egba people are one of the Yoruba sub-ethnic groups comprising of Ake, Owu, Oke Ona and Gbagura in Ogun Central Senatorial district which is divided into six local government areas, namely, Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ewekoro, Ifo, Obafemi Owode and Odeda local governments.

Those in attendance in the opening event were: the Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Egbeyemi Taiyelolu, Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Local Government, Hon. Moruf Erubami, Secretary to the Local Government; Engr. Mutiat Agbaje, Head of the Local Government Administration, Mrs. Kikelomo Ajayi and the Head of Community Development and Social welfare Mrs. Adekunle Aderonke.

Tensions Soar in Rivers State as Ijaw Groups Warn Against Fubara’s Impeachment

The political crisis in Rivers State has reached a boiling point as major Ijaw groups, including the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), issued a stern warning against the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The groups declared their readiness to defend the governor’s mandate, warning that any attempt to remove him could destabilize the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production in the region.

Political Tensions Escalate

This warning comes after the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, demanding that Governor Fubara resubmit the 2025 budget for approval. The political face-off intensified after the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Rivers Assembly while ordering the seizure of state allocations and nullifying the October 2024 local government elections.

At its first sitting following the ruling, the Assembly instructed Fubara to present the budget within 48 hours, emphasizing that failure to comply could result in severe consequences. With the deadline set to expire on March 5, 2025, tensions have escalated, prompting strong reactions from Ijaw groups and other stakeholders.

Ijaw Leaders Vow to Defend Fubara

Reacting to the developments, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba strongly condemned the impeachment threats, describing them as a direct attack on the Ijaw people, who he said have historically played a crucial role in Rivers State politics. He warned that any attempt to remove Fubara could have dire consequences for national peace and economic stability, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

“If Governor Fubara’s tenure is truncated by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly or any other force, the INC cannot guarantee the sustenance of the current peace in the Niger Delta, nor the continued rise in oil production,” Okaba declared.

Historical Context and Ijaw Contributions to Rivers Politics

Okaba recalled the sacrifices made by the Ijaw people in shaping Rivers State’s political landscape. He cited instances from 1999 when Ijaw leaders backed Dr. Peter Odili’s governorship bid, the assassination of Chief Marshal Harry in 2003 for supporting Sergeant Awuse, and the role of Ijaw warlords in securing electoral victories for Celestine Omehia and subsequent administrations.

Despite these sacrifices, Okaba lamented what he described as the systematic marginalization of the Ijaw people, warning that the ongoing political maneuvering to unseat Fubara would be fiercely resisted.

“The Ijaw nation will defend Fubara with every pint of blood in their veins,” he vowed.

Ijaw Youths Council Issues Ultimatum

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), led by its President Worldwide, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, also condemned the Supreme Court ruling, alleging political interference aimed at destabilizing Rivers State. Alaye warned that any attempt to impeach Fubara would be met with strong resistance from Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta.

“The nullification of the Rivers State local government elections while similar elections in other states were upheld is provocative and unacceptable. We have also noted how certain individuals, including the FCT Minister, have continuously boasted about a political tsunami in Rivers State,” Alaye said.

The IYC, Eastern Zone, also echoed similar concerns, warning the Rivers Assembly against plunging the state into violence. In a statement signed by Chairman Datolu Sukubo and Secretary Tamunokuro Dango, the IYC emphasized that the ultimatum given to Fubara was part of a broader scheme to create chaos and push for his impeachment.

“This is not only an attack on our leadership but also an affront to the will of the Rivers people who freely elected Fubara. We will resist any such attempts,” the statement read.

National and Economic Implications

The Ijaw groups further warned that any attempt to undermine Fubara’s government could have devastating consequences for the national economy, given that Rivers State plays a key role in Nigeria’s crude oil production.

“If Rivers State is starved of its economic rights, we will also starve the economy of Nigeria,” the IYC declared, hinting at possible disruptions to oil production should the impeachment efforts continue.

The groups called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging the federal government to ensure that Rivers State’s political crisis is not dismissed as ordinary politicking. They stressed that the stakes were too high, warning that prolonged instability could jeopardize national security and economic stability.

Police and Security Responses

When contacted for a response to the threats issued by Ijaw groups, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko declined to comment and referred journalists to Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju. However, efforts to reach the commissioner were unsuccessful, as he neither answered calls nor responded to messages at the time of filing this report.

As the political impasse continues, all eyes remain on the Rivers State Assembly’s next move and the potential fallout from the deepening crisis. Observers fear that if not carefully managed, the standoff could spiral into broader unrest, with grave implications for Rivers State and the Niger Delta at large.