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Lawmaker representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has resubmitted her petition against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
The petition alleging sexual harassment by Akpabio was earlier turned down on Wednesday because it was bearing the signature of the lawmaker instead of her constituents.
The Eastern Updates reports that the resubmitted version was signed by her constituents.
During Thursday’s plenary, Natasha, who accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law.
She, however, outrightly said it was not.
Read Also: Senate Committee Dismisses Natasha’s Petition Against Akpabio
The lawmaker was subsequently directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The committee was then given four weeks to conduct its probe and report to the Senate.
Dozens of Akwa Ibom women have expressed their anger over Senator Natasha Akpoti’s outburst against the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over allegation of sexual advances towards her, describing the action as a premeditated politically-motivated stunt to smear the number three citizen of the country.
The protesting women who carried placards with varying inscriptions held up traffic on major roads in Uyo, the state capital, for several hours.
Chanting a solidarity song, “Natasha, we no go gree, the insult is too much, we no go gree,” the visibly angry women warned Senator Natasha against further abuse and denigration of the office of the Senate President.
Some of the placards read, “As Nigerian women, we respect our men and our tradition,” and “Respect the office of the Senate President.”
Speaking with journalists on behalf of the women, Lady Unyime Ukpong, explained that the protest became necessary “in order to disabuse the minds of some misguided Nigerians. and other ill-informed women and other citizens who may be swayed to swallow the lies couched in deep sentiments and emotions as truth.
