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Akpabio Gate: Lawyer gives Senate President 7 days to step aside for probe
Nigerian Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been asked to step down pending an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a letter dated March 3, 2025, human rights lawyer, Myson Nejo, Esq demanded that Senator Akpabio step aside to allow for a thorough investigation by the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition Committee.
The allegations against Senator Akpabio surfaced after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s interview on Arise Television on February 28, 2025.
According to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator Akpabio made inappropriate comments and advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom on December 8, 2023.
Senator Akpabio’s alleged actions have sparked widespread concern, with many calling for his resignation.
However, Nejo, a pro-democracy campaigner, maintained that “pending the commencement and conclusion of investigation, it is required that you step aside as the Senate President and allow the Deputy Senate President to preside affairs in the red chambers. This is the prudent and appropriate thing to do in the interest of our country”.
Nejo who said he wrote on behalf of millions of concerned Nigerians passionate about democratic governance and ethics, stated that their attention was drawn to an Arise Television Interview granted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (“Senator Natasha”) on February 28 2025.
“In the said interview, Senator Natasha made allegation suggesting that you sexually harassed her and crossed the line decency in the discharge of your duties as the Senate President of Nigeria. Senator Natasha stated as follows:
“My issue with Senator Akpabio commenced on December 8, 2023, when my husband and I visited Akwa Ibom to attend Senator Akpabio’s birthday celebration. During our visit, Senator Akpabio was escorting me around his residence, holding my hand while my husband followed behind, and remarked that he would like me to visit his home regularly to share special moments. My husband overheard the comment and subsequently advised me to refrain from traveling alone or being in the company of the Senate President without accompaniment.
“Godswill Akpabio wanted to spend quality time with me ALONE in his Ikot Ekpene home. I’m the chief presiding office of the Senate and you can enjoy a lot of you take care of me”
“As you are aware, these allegations levelled against you are damning. They have, without doubt, brought shame and ridicule to the highest legislative body in Nigeria. The institution of the Nigerian Senate is sacred and allegations of this nature diminishes the sanctity of the Hallowed Chambers.
“This allegation of national importance requires immediate and thorough investigation by the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Committee (“Ethics Committee”) of the Nigerian Senate. This allegation demands that you appear before the Ethics Committee and make presentations in respect of the allegation in the interest of fair hearing and the sanctity of the Nigerian Senate.”
He added, “You will recall that in 2017 when former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, was accused of importing bullet proof car by one of his colleagues, he stepped aside and gave room for transparent investigation, the outcome of which absolved him of any wrongdoing. This is an admirable precedent that must be followed.
“On the strength of the foregoing, we hereby demand that you step aside as Senate President pending the conclusion of investigation, in order to save the institution of the Senate from ridicule of this magnitude.
“We are confident that you will accede to our demand within 7 days of receipt of this letter. In the unlikely event that same is not done, we will be compelled to take all appropriate legal and revolutionary actions against you which include protest, mass action, petition to foreign embassies and public interest lawsuits.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Senate is considering a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following findings from its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
According to the committee’s report, presented by its chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, the Kogi Central lawmaker was found guilty of violating Senate rules, prompting the recommendation for disciplinary action.
If the suspension takes effect on March 6, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will be barred from accessing the National Assembly complex, and her office will be sealed. Additionally, her salary and those of her legislative aides will be withheld. She will also be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity during the suspension.
The committee further suggested that she may submit a written apology, which could be reviewed to reconsider her suspension.
The Senate is expected to vote on the recommendations, a decision that could temporarily strip the senator of all legislative privileges.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has resubmitted her petition alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, this time signed by her constituents.
During the plenary, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law, to which she insisted it was not.
Following protocol, she was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The Ethics committee chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report back to the Senate.
This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegations in the chamber following a previous petition that was dismissed on Wednesday, owing to procedural irregularities.
News
Reps Set Up Special Committee to Investigate Use of Take-off Grants, Bailout Funds, Interventions
The Minority Leader emphasised that the prudent use of public funds is crucial for ensuring accountability, transparency, and public trust in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs).
He acknowledged that over the years, the government has provided Take-off Grants and Intervention Funds to both new and existing agencies to support their operations, alongside Bailout Funds aimed at facilitating specific services and clearing outstanding liabilities.
However, he expressed concern over recurring allegations of fund diversion and mismanagement, warning that the failure to use these funds as intended undermines critical public services and projects.
Rep. Chinda further noted that the financial losses resulting from such mismanagement pose a serious drain on public resources—funds that could otherwise be directed toward essential services and national development, in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution.
The House asopted the motio and resolves to set up a Special Committee to investigate the matter and report back to within four weeks for further legislative action.
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