A coalition of civil society organizations has called for an immediate investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse of power against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Ethics Committee Chairman Neda Imasuen.
In a petition submitted to the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), the organizations urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to ensure justice is served.
The petition follows Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusation that Akpabio sexually harassed her. She further alleged that her six-month suspension from the Senate was orchestrated by Akpabio in retaliation.
This is not the first time Akpabio has faced such allegations. In 2020, Joy Nunieh, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), accused him of similar misconduct. Critics argue that his refusal to step aside for investigations undermines Nigeria’s democratic and legal standards.
The coalition also raised concerns about Senator Neda Imasuen’s appointment as Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, pointing out his 2010 disbarment in New York for fraud and professional misconduct. The petition describes him as “grossly unfit” for the role and condemns his recommendation for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
“Their actions reflect a broader culture of impunity, where those meant to uphold justice instead subvert it for personal and political gains,” the statement read.
The organizations demanded that the NBA and LPDC investigate both senators and take disciplinary action, including possible disbarment. They also urged Nigerian authorities to review Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, ensuring compliance with constitutional and judicial precedents.
With international media outlets like The Economist already highlighting these developments, the coalition warned that Nigeria’s global reputation is at stake. “The National Assembly must act now to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law,” they concluded.
