The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), has clarified that there is currently no formal petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In an interview on Arise TV Morning Show, Adaramodu described the allegations as a “storm in a teacup” and emphasized the importance of adhering to Senate rules in conduct and utterances. He stated that the Senate, as an institution, does not react to speculations or issues raised on television programs or other media platforms.
Senate Rules and Procedures
Adaramodu explained that parliamentary business is conducted within the confines of either the Senate or the House of Representatives. The Senate does not base its affairs on social media trends or public discourse. Instead, a formal petition or matter must be raised before the Senate for any investigation to proceed.
“There is no formal matter before the Senate regarding these allegations. The only issue before the Senate is Senator Natasha’s non-compliance with the standing orders,” Adaramodu said.
Controversy Over Sitting Arrangements
The controversy began with a dispute over sitting arrangements in the Senate chamber. According to Adaramodu, all senators are expected to adhere to the rules outlined in Order 6 of the Senate rules, which empower the Senate President to assign seats to senators. Lawmakers are required to speak from their designated seats, and any breach of this rule undermines order in the chamber.
Adaramodu further noted that if a senator follows due process in raising a point of order, no Senate President would deny them recognition. He dismissed suggestions that the Senate President could intimidate colleagues by denying them recognition, emphasizing that the Senate President is one among equals.
Senate’s Response to External Calls
Adaramodu also echoed the views of many of his colleagues who rejected former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s call for Akpabio to submit himself to an open investigation to clear himself and the Senate of the allegations raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Upcoming Investigation
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is scheduled to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for an investigation into her conduct at plenary last week.
This development underscores the Senate’s commitment to maintaining decorum and upholding its rules, even amidst public scrutiny and external pressures.
