The Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs has dismissed the sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio as insignificant.
Speaking on a national television programme on Sunday, the committee chairman, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, described the allegation as a “storm in a tea cup.” He stressed that no formal complaint had been filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions for an investigation.
According to Adaramodu, the Senate only reacts to officially raised matters and does not make decisions based on public statements or social media trends.
“The Senate does not conduct its affairs based on what is trending on social media,” he said. “There must be a formal petition or a matter raised before the Senate before any investigation can take place.”
Adaramodu also addressed the controversy over the reallocation of seats in the Senate chamber, which Senator Natasha had protested against. He stated that Akpabio had followed due process, citing Order 6 of the Senate Standing Orders, which gives the Senate President the power to assign seats to senators.
He explained that every senator is expected to speak from their designated seat and that any breach of this rule disrupts order in the chamber.
“If a senator follows due process in raising a point of order, no Senate President would deny him or her recognition,” Adaramodu stated. “All senators are equal in the chamber, and the President of the Senate does not intimidate his colleagues.”
Calls for Akpabio to Submit to an Open Probe Rejected
Following the growing debate, former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged Akpabio to submit himself to an open investigation to clear his name and protect the Senate’s integrity. However, Adaramodu and other senators rejected this call, insisting that there was no formal case before the Senate.
“There is presently no formal matter before the Senate regarding these allegations,” Adaramodu said. “The only issue before the Senate is Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the standing orders.”
The allegation against Akpabio has continued to generate discussions among Nigerians, with some calling for an independent investigation while others believe the matter is politically motivated. Observers have noted that the controversy could affect the stability of the Senate if not properly handled.
As the debate rages on, many are waiting to see whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will take further legal steps to back her claims or if the matter will eventually fade away. For now, Akpabio enjoys strong backing from his colleagues and leaders in the South-South region.
