Why Senate won’t investigate Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio — Senate President’s aide

Eseme Eyiboh, media adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has stated that the Senate is unable to investigate the allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against his principal.

In an interview on TVC News on Sunday, Eyiboh explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has not filed a formal petition with the National Assembly regarding the allegations of sexual harassment.

He also noted that the Kogi senator did not include claims of sexual harassment in the legal action she initiated against the Senate president.

Last Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Akpabio of making unwanted sexual advances toward her at his office and residence in Akwa Ibom.

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The accusation has sparked widespread reactions, including a lawsuit filed by Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate president’s wife.

The incident has prompted calls for an investigation, with some drawing parallels to past cases in the legislature.

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki suggested that the current Senate leadership should follow the example set during his tenure when he faced allegations of importing a vehicle without paying customs duties.

When asked whether Saraki’s recommendation would be considered, Eyiboh dismissed the comparison, arguing that the situations are fundamentally different.

“What Bukola Saraki said has no place for contemplation at this level,” Eyiboh stated.“There is no petition, either to the police, court or senate regarding sexual harassment. It is just somebody exercising the right to public communication, that is freedom of expression.

“She went to a public television platform; another person could have gone to Wuse market to lay an allegation. And you are asking the institution to investigate.

“It is a different thing that happened to Senator Saraki during his time on the car issue. In this case, there is no petition anywhere. There is no petition on sexual harassment.

“So from where will the Senate as an institution set up a panel? Who is the complainant? There is no complainant.“What he (referring to Saraki) is saying has no place in the conversation.”