BREAKING: Senate rejects Natasha’s petition against Akpabio, gives reasons
BREAKING: Senate rejects Natasha’s petition against Akpabio, gives reasons
Abuja – The Senate has dismissed a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which she alleged sexual harassment.
Speaking at a probe session on Wednesday, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, declared the petition “dead on arrival,” citing a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
According to Imasuen, Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself, instead of having it endorsed by another individual, rendering it procedurally invalid. Additionally, he noted that the issues raised in the petition were already in court, making them sub judice.
Despite the committee’s scheduled sitting, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the probe panel. The session, set for 2:00 PM, did not commence until 2:58 PM when the committee’s chairman arrived after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South). While Adaramodu eventually arrived at 2:50 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent as the session began.
The matter was referred to the Ethics Committee two weeks ago following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions during a plenary session. Senate President Akpabio subsequently directed the committee to conduct a thorough investigation and report back within two weeks.
During deliberations, Adaramodu informed the Senate that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public challenge of the Senate President over her seat allocation had damaged the Senate’s image. He also referenced an interview she granted to Brekete Family on Human Rights Radio and TV, where she reiterated her allegations against Akpabio.
Following these discussions, the Senate resolved to push the matter to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, for further review
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended her suspension on Thursday, March 6, 2024.
During the period of the suspension, the committee stated that her salary and security details will be withdrawn.
The committee also recommended that Senator Natasha should not be seen anywhere around the National Assembly during her suspension period.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stems from a controversy surrounding her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The dispute began when Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, formally accused Akpabio of misconduct, submitting a petition before the Senate.
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Some actions against Governor Fubara, contain elements of treason – Group warns
Some actions against Governor Fubara, contain elements of treason – Group warns
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has described as treasonable felony the actions perpetrated against Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers since he assumed office.
Mr Gimba Hassan, Legal Manager of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), CISLAC, made this assertion in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, the actions targeted at the governor violate the Criminal Code of the 1999 Constitution.
“It is my belief that some of the actions against Fubara contain elements of treason under Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act and treasonable felony under Section 40 of the same Act.
“When you examine the use of violence against the governor, the burning of the State House of Assembly, the withdrawal of his security, and the deployment of thugs to take over local government councils during elections, it becomes clear that these acts were intended to intimidate and overpower the governor, which falls within the legal definitions of treason and treasonable felony.
“This is especially worrisome in a country where even peaceful protests by minors are sometimes treated as treason,” Hassan said.
Hassan noted that the Rivers State House of Assembly’s 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the budget was unlawful and lacked legal backing.
Citing El-Rufai vs. House of Representatives (2003) and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, he explained that a minimum of seven days’ notice was required for a valid legislative summons.
He emphasised that the 48-hour ultimatum was a clear violation of established legal and parliamentary procedures.
“With its judgment, the Supreme Court has effectively stalled governance in Rivers, and the State Assembly is worsening the crisis by proceeding on a 12-week recess.
“This is despite the fact that the House had virtually no legislative activity for months while the matter was in court.”
“Our Constitution begins with the phrase “We the People…It is the people who gave power to our institutions, elected the governor and his deputy, and voted for the members of the State Assembly.
Hassan therefore urged leaders in Rivers to put aside their differences and prioritise governance, emphasising that the suffering of the people must end.
“It is time for all parties to come together, resolve their disputes, and move the state forward,” he advised.(NAN)
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BREAKING; Probe begins as Senator Natasha resubmits sexual harassment petition against Akpabio
BREAKING; Probe begins as Senator Natasha resubmits sexual harassment petition against Akpabio
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, has once again resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session, this time on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu.
Following the submission, Senate President Akpabio raised concerns about any legal obstacles to accepting the petition. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan assured him that there were no such impediments.
At precisely 12:38 PM, Akpabio instructed her to formally present the petition before the Senate.
The petition was then referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back to the plenary within four weeks after conducting a thorough legislative review.
This new petition follows a similar one submitted by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the day before, which had ignited controversy.
During the previous session, Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) raised a point of order under Senate Standing Order 40, arguing that the petition could not be entertained due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Akpabio.
Monguno also contended that the petition was invalid because Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it.
As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition, declaring it “dead on arrival.”
This latest development adds to the growing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.
Last Thursday, a heated confrontation took place in the Senate chamber when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived to find her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned by Akpabio.
She immediately demanded an explanation for what she saw as an unjustified action, further intensifying the ongoing dispute.