Despite the public controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate has stated that it will not engage in discussions about the matter unless a formal petition is submitted, either by the public or the affected lawmaker.
The issue first gained attention when Senator Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that he had obstructed her efforts to raise a motion regarding the Ajaokuta Steel Company because she refused his advances. This followed a disagreement over seating reassignments in the Senate.
However, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu clarified that the Senate would not address issues that have not been formally brought before it, emphasizing that social media trends alone are not enough to prompt discussion.
Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Monday, Adaramodu explained that the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions would only intervene if there was an official complaint.
“In the Senate, we don’t act on matters raised on Facebook or through media reports. There must be a clear complaint from any senator alleging misconduct by another. Only then will the Senate discuss the matter, and a decision will be made based on that,” Adaramodu said.
Representing Ekiti South, Adaramodu reiterated that unless there is a formal petition, the harassment allegation involving Natasha and Akpabio will not be raised in the Senate.
“We do not conduct our legislative business based on newspaper reports. Only issues formally presented before us are discussed,” he added.