JUST-IN: Despite Admitting Natasha’s Petition Against Akpabio At Plenary, Senate Committee Says It’s Dead On Arrival

As Kogi Senator Shuns Probe Panel

 

 

The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has dismissed the petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite the petition being admitted at plenary earlier on Wednesday.

Senator Natasha had formally presented the petition to the Senate plenary, which was admitted and subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for further investigation.

However, the committee rejected the petition, citing a technical flaw. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, declared the petition “dead on arrival,” referencing a procedural breach. According to Imasuen, the petition was signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan herself, which is against the provisions of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Order. The Senate rule stipulates that petitions must be signed by another individual and cannot be presented by the person who filed it.

In addition, Imasuen pointed out that the issues raised in Natasha’s petition were already subject to a court case, which rendered the matter subjudice, further complicating the situation.

Despite the committee sitting to consider the petition, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the panel, which was seen as a response to a court order.

The development has raised questions about the procedural handling of the petition and the ongoing legal battles surrounding the allegations.