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The Senate cannot initiate an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as no formal petition has been submitted to the National Assembly, his special adviser on media, Eseme Eyiboh, has stated.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Speaking on TVC News on Sunday, Eyiboh clarified that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has not lodged any official complaint with the Senate, police, or any other legal authority regarding the allegation.
“There is no petition, either to the police, court, or Senate regarding s*xual harassment. It is just somebody exercising the right to public communication, that is, freedom of expression,” he said.
Eyiboh dismissed growing calls for an inquiry, insisting that an investigation can only proceed if a formal complaint is submitted.
On Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio had made sexual advances toward her in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom State. The claim sparked widespread reactions, leading Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette Akpabio, to file a lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan. Some political figures have since urged the Senate to investigate the matter.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki suggested that the 10th Senate should follow the precedent set during his tenure, when he was accused of importing an official car without paying customs duty. However, Eyiboh dismissed the comparison, stating that the two cases were unrelated.
“What Bukola Saraki said has no place for contemplation at this level,” Eyiboh argued.
“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?”
Eyiboh maintained that without a formal complainant, the Senate has no basis to act on the allegations. He emphasized that the case against Saraki involved an administrative issue, whereas Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations remain unsubstantiated.
“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 s*xual harassment,” Eyiboh said.
“So, from where will the Senate as an institution set up a panel? Who is the complainant? There is no complainant. What he (Saraki) is saying has no place in the conversation.”
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