The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has explained why it dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fresh petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During its sitting on Tuesday, March 25, the committee, led by Chairman Neda Imasuen, declared that the sexual harassment case brought before it was officially closed.

Imaseun stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initial petition was dismissed because it was personally signed by her, which violates Senate rules.

“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. The petition did not even have an address. By our rules, that petition shouldn’t have been entertained,” he explained.

His response followed an accusation of bias from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Abiola Akiode, who had requested that Imaseun step down to ensure fairness.

However, Imaseun emphasized that the case was already before the court, and Senate rules prevent deliberations on matters under judicial consideration.

Citing Order 40 (7) of the Senate rule book, he stated, “The Senate should not receive or deliberate on any matter to which actions are pending in any court of law.”

Given these legal and procedural constraints, the committee decided to close the matter indefinitely.

“The petitioner said he would not speak to his petition because the committee is biased, and the respondent has stated that the case is before a competent court.

Therefore, this committee will allow the court, which will not be biased, to handle the matter. This case is closed at the Senate,” Imaseun ruled.

Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a contempt application against Imaseun and Senate President Akpabio over her recent suspension fromthe Senate.