The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The committee, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, announced the decision on Wednesday during a probe hearing at the National Assembly.

Senator Imasuen, who represents Edo South, stated that the petition was “dead on arrival” due to a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Order. He explained that the petition could not be considered because it was signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan herself.

“The petition that she (Natasha) presented today is actually dead on arrival; it runs contrary to Order 40, Subsection 4, which states that no senator may present to the Senate a petition signed by him or herself. Since that petition was signed by her, it will not be entertained by this committee,” Imasuen said.

He also noted that the issues raised in the petition were already before the court, making them sub judice.

This development comes amid an ongoing legal battle, as Akpabio’s wife has also filed a ₦250 billion lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan.