The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has dismissed the sexual harassment petition filed against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declaring it as “dead on arrival.”
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, made this known on Tuesday, stating that the petition lacked merit and did not meet the standard for legislative consideration.
The petition was reportedly submitted by a woman who accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, but the Committee, after a preliminary review, found that the allegations were not substantiated with credible evidence.
According to Imasuen, the petition failed to comply with the Senate’s guidelines for submission, adding that the Committee remains committed to upholding the integrity of the Senate while ensuring that all petitions brought before it are treated with fairness and transparency.
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“The petition was considered dead on arrival because it lacked the necessary proof to warrant further investigation. We cannot entertain petitions based on hearsay or without credible supporting documents,” Imasuen said.
He further urged the public to refrain from making baseless allegations against public officeholders, emphasizing the Committee’s dedication to due process and justice.
Akpabio, who has not officially reacted to the petition, continues to discharge his duties as the President of the Senate.