As the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions begins its investigation into Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged “disorderly conduct” on Wednesday, the Kogi senator has failed to show up.
The probe was sparked by her heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20, which centered around seat allocation.
Persecondnews reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of publicly humiliating her and blocking her motions and bills from being heard on the Senate floor.
The situation escalated when she refused to accept the new seating arrangement, leading to Akpabio barring her from speaking during the session.
The Senate promptly referred the matter to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for further investigation and review.
However, in a significant development, a Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Senate Committee from proceeding with the investigation, following an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel.
Persecondnews reports that at the committee’s sitting on Thursday, Sen. Neda Imasuen, the Chairman of the committee, representing Edo South, expressed disappointment over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence, saying: “Senator Natasha was duly invited to this meeting. We hope she will join us as we continue”.
As of the time of this report, the Kogi lawmaker had yet to arrive for the hearing.
Meanwhile, protests erupted in the National Assembly on Wednesday as supporters of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio stormed the Assembly complex in a show of solidarity.
Persecondnews reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters had earlier stormed the parliament entrance and demanded Akpabio’s resignation over alleged sexual harassment of the Kogi lawmaker.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the protest scene near the Mopol gate, her supporters erupted in cheers, waving placards with messages such as “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha”.
The protesters, comprising members of civil society groups, unequivocally demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into her allegations.
Meanwhile, a rival group of pro-Akpabio demonstrators launched a counter-protest with placards and banners carrying messages such as, “Apologise to the Senate President”, “We say No to Natasha’s serial blackmailing”, and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”
The protesters believed to be affiliated to the United Women for Good Governance organization demanded an apology from Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President.
Police had dispersed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters with tear gas at the National Assembly Arcade, forcing them to briefly retreat before regrouping at the Unity Fountain to continue their protest.
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