The Nigerian Senate has dismissed a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, citing procedural irregularities and sub judice matters. According to Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was “dead on arrival” due to her failure to have it endorsed by another individual, as required by Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
Furthermore, the committee noted that the issues raised in the petition were already in court, making them sub judice. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence from the probe panel, despite being scheduled to appear, has also raised questions about the validity of her claims.
The matter was referred to the Ethics Committee two weeks ago, following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public challenge of the Senate President over her seat allocation. Senate President Akpabio had directed the committee to conduct a thorough investigation and report back within two weeks.
During deliberations, Senator Yemi Adaramodu noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions had damaged the Senate’s image. The Senate resolved to push the matter to the Ethics Committee for further review, but with the petition now dismissed, it remains to be seen how the matter will proceed.
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