Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed suggestions by former Senate President Bukola Saraki that the Senate should investigate sexual harassment allegations made by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central.
Speaking during an interview on TVC News on Sunday, Eyiboh clarified that the Senate cannot launch a probe into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims as no formal petition has been submitted to the National Assembly. He stressed that the Kogi senator did not include any allegations of sexual harassment in her suit filed against Akpabio.
The controversy began on Friday when Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her, both at his office and residence in Akwa Ibom — a claim that has drawn sharp reactions from various quarters. Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, has since filed a lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan over the allegations.
Reacting to Saraki’s advice that the 10th Senate should follow the precedent set during his tenure — when the 8th Senate investigated allegations that he imported an official car without paying customs duty — Eyiboh firmly rejected the comparison.
“What Bukola Saraki said has no place for contemplation at this level,” Eyiboh stated. “There is no petition, either to the police, court, or Senate regarding sexual harassment. It is just somebody exercising the right to public communication — freedom of expression.”
He further argued that without a formal complaint, the Senate has no grounds to initiate an investigation.
“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 remarked. “In Saraki’s case, there was a specific allegation about a car. Here, there is no petition, no complainant — nothing for the Senate to act upon.”
The Senate President’s media aide emphasized that the upper chamber operates within legal frameworks and cannot act based on unverified public claims.
As the situation unfolds, observers are keen to see how the National Assembly will navigate the growing pressure surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations and the broader debate about accountability and due process within the Senate.
