Why Senate can’t probe Akpabio over Natasha Akpoti’s allegation – Senate President’s aide

Eseme Eyiboh, media adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has asserted that the Senate lacks the basis to investigate the allegations leveled against his principal by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

During a Sunday interview on TVC News, Eyiboh stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi Central senator, has not officially filed any petition with the National Assembly concerning the alleged sexual harassment.

He further noted that the Kogi senator did not include any reference to sexual harassment in her legal case against the Senate President.

On Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making unwanted advances toward her, both in his office and at his residence in Akwa Ibom.

The allegation has sparked various reactions, including a lawsuit filed against her by Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife.

Read also: Saraki to Akpabio, Natasha: Submit to probe, protect Senate integrity

Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President also weighed in on the controversy, advising the leadership of the 10th Senate to follow the example set during his tenure when he was accused of importing an official vehicle without paying customs duties.

When asked whether Saraki’s advice would be considered, Eyiboh dismissed the suggestion, stating that it was irrelevant to the current situation.

According to him, the circumstances surrounding Saraki’s case during the 8th Senate were entirely different from the allegations against Akpabio.

He also emphasized that the Senate has no basis to set up an investigative panel since there is no formal complaint on record.

He said, “What Bukola Saraki said has no place for contemplation at this level.

“There is no petition, either to the police, court or senate regarding sexual harassment. It is just somebody exercising the right to public communication, that is freedom of expression.

“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.”

He added, “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 sexual harassment.

“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,” Eyiboh stated.