Written by SpringNewsNG Media Limited, March 26, 2925

FCT, Abuja – The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has officially declared the sexual harassment case filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as “closed” within the legislative chamber.

Neda Imaseun, the committee’s chairman, made this announcement on Tuesday, March 25, in response to allegations of bias from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Abiola Akiode.

Calls for Committee Chairman to Step Down

Akiode had earlier demanded that Imaseun recuse himself from overseeing the matter, raising concerns about fairness.

“Our intention is that, if we are going to proceed, we want the chair to please step down from this conversation to allow for fairness and justice in accordance with the constitution of this country,” Akiode stated.

Senate Cites Court Case, Dismisses Petition

In his response, Imaseun defended the Senate’s decision to step away from the case, citing procedural violations in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition.

“Let me tell you, the first petition that came before us was signed by Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Contrary to our rules, you cannot sign your own petition,” Imaseun explained.

Additionally, he pointed out that the petition lacked an address, rendering it inadmissible under Senate standards, as reported by The Cable.

Furthermore, Imaseun cited Senate rules prohibiting deliberation on matters that are already before a court of law.

“The learned respondent (Akpabio’s counsel) has just told us that this matter is before the law court. By our rule book, Order 40 (7), ‘the Senate should not receive or deliberate on any matter to which actions are pending in any court of law,’” he stated.

Senate Declares Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Matter Closed

Given the ongoing legal proceedings, Imaseun announced that the Senate would no longer entertain discussions on the case, according to Vanguard.

“The petitioner said she would not speak to her petition because the committee is biased, and the respondent has just told us that this case is before a competent court of law. Therefore, this committee will allow the court of law, that will not be biased, to handle this matter.

“Therefore, this matter is closed here at the Senate and it is adjourned sine die,” he concluded.

Akpoti-Uduaghan Files Contempt Suit

Despite the Senate’s decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a contempt application against Imaseun and Senate President Godswill Akpabio over her suspension from the chamber. The legal battle is expected to continue in court as stakeholders closely monitor developments.

Judge Opts Out of Natasha’s Case Against Akpabio

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who was assigned to hear Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit, recused himself from the case.

The trial judge cited a petition written by Akpabio questioning his objectivity in the matter. Although the case was originally scheduled for hearing, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to withdraw in a brief ruling.

As the case progresses in court, legal and political observers will continue to scrutinize its outcome and implications for both parties involved.