National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio have been dismissed as a “storm in a teacup” by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity Affairs.
Adaramodu made this statement on Arise TV’s Morning Show, emphasizing that the Senate will not react to issues raised on social media or television programs without a formal petition.
According to Adaramodu, there is no formal petition from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who leveled the allegations against Akpabio, before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
He stressed that the Senate’s affairs must be conducted within the Red Chamber, and not based on social media trends.
The controversy surrounding the seating arrangement in the Senate also came up, with Adaramodu citing Order 6 of the Senate rules, which mandates that the Senate President assigns seats to senators.
He argued that all lawmakers are expected to speak from their designated seats, and any breach of this rule undermines order in the chamber.
Adaramodu also dismissed insinuations that Akpabio could intimidate his colleagues by denying them recognition, emphasizing that all senators are equal in the chamber.
He aligned with his colleagues in rejecting the call by former Senate President Bukola Saraki for Akpabio to submit himself to an open investigation.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, has also denied the allegations, calling them “baseless fabrications” and threatening legal action.
