The Senate has reportedly resolved to stand down a petition brought before it by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan because of several procedural breaches which betrayed against her concerning ignorance of Senate rules and standing orders.
This was disclosed in statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abuja from Communications and Strategy Department Office of the President of the Senate on Wednesday.
The statement noticed the Standing Orders in breach in her petition included Order 40 (4) “No Senator may present a petition signed by himself,” Order 40 (7) “petitions must follow Senate Rules.”
In addition, it was observed that the allegation has led to ancillary legal cases and the Senate Order 40 (7) forbids the Senate to entertain petitions which are before competent courts of law.
Similarly, it was observed that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan contrary to Oder 55 (1); that at the entry of the Presiding Officer all Senators and Officials and Members of the Press and those in the gallery should stand until he takes his seat, refused to stand.
Also, on several occasions, she spoke without being recognized and kept shouting ‘Order Ten’.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio stated categorically that he never sexually harassed or made advances to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, adding that he is a father of four girls and he has robust respect for women.
In another development, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North Senatorial District raised a point of order that his former Governor and former Minister, Chief Kayode Fayemi was petitioning Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over defamatory statements that he sold Ajaokuta Steel Mill and also sexually harassed her. He said the petition was on its way to the chambers.
Deliberations in the chambers were however without any other incident as the Senate went into plenary and entertained the matters listed in its schedule for the day.
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