Nigerian Senate Dismisses Sexual Harassment Petition Filed by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

 The Nigerian Senate has officially dismissed a sexual harassment petition filed by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a former senatorial candidate from Kogi State. Akpoti-Uduaghan had alleged misconduct against a fellow senator, raising concerns about inappropriate behavior within the legislative body.

According to sources, the petition was reviewed by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which conducted an internal inquiry into the allegations. The committee, after reviewing available evidence, declared the claims unsubstantiated, citing a lack of corroborative testimony and tangible proof. Consequently, the petition was dismissed, sparking widespread debate on the handling of sexual harassment allegations in Nigerian politics.

Following the ruling, several women’s rights groups and activists expressed their disappointment, arguing that cases of sexual misconduct are often dismissed due to lack of physical evidence, despite victims’ testimonies. They have called for a more transparent and independent investigative process for such cases, rather than leaving them solely to legislative bodies where political interests may interfere.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, in response, criticized the Senate’s handling of the case and vowed to pursue justice through other legal means, stressing that dismissing allegations without thorough scrutiny discourages victims from speaking out.

This decision has once again ignited discussions about workplace harassment in Nigerian politics, with calls for legislative reforms to ensure that harassment claims are treated with the seriousness they deserve.