The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has rejected calls for live television coverage of its proceedings as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central appears before the panel over alleged misconduct on Wednesday.
The chairman of the committee, Senator Neda Imasuen disclosed this during an interview on Arise News TV’s ‘The Morning Show’ monitored by our correspondent.
Explaining the committee’s decision, Imasuen emphasised the need to maintain focus on the issue at hand without external distractions.
“On the issue of the media, we also want to be very careful so that we don’t overplay things. It is a matter within the Senate, and to make it a media affair may even be distractive to us. My committee room can only take so many people—not many—and the committee has about 23 or 24 members. We want to stay focused on the issue before us and not be distracted by any other matter.”
He assured that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan would be given a fair hearing, stating: “Distinguished Senator Natasha has privileges just like any other senator, and her privileges will be protected. She will get a fair hearing in this matter as far as I am there. She is my friend, and no one will trample on her rights.”
When questioned about the ongoing controversy regarding alleged sexual misconduct in the Senate, Imasuen declined to comment, citing legal constraints.
“The issue of sex in the Senate is already before a law court, I believe, and that makes the whole conversation subjudice. I cannot comment on any matter that is before a law court, and as a lawyer myself, I have to respect that privilege.”
The committee chairman also addressed concerns about sitting arrangements in the Senate, which have reportedly contributed to tensions.
He referenced the Senate’s procedural rules, stating, “The matter before us in the committee is about seating arrangements. I can only direct you to Order Six of our rule book, which regulates the activities of the Senate. It clearly states that seats are allocated to senators just like our offices, and from time to time, anything can happen to necessitate the reallocation of seats.”
Senator Imasuen dismissed claims of gender-based discrimination in Senate proceedings, asserting that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, does not single out female senators for unfair treatment.
“There are four female senators in this Assembly, and I will tell you straight up that I am very close to at least three of them. I sit next to Senator Ireti Kingibe, and I consider her a friend.
“The issue in question does not concern sexual harassment. It is a matter of privilege, and I do not believe it was directed at any individual because of their gender. There are many times I raise my hand to speak, and the Senate President does not recognise me while recognising someone behind me. But he cannot entertain every senator’s opinion at every sitting. It is his prerogative.
“The Senate President, in my opinion, has not made any sexual remarks to any of the female senators, and I don’t think any of the female senators have complained about sexual harassment against him or anyone else. We joke a lot in the Senate, I must let you know that,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Imasuen urged Nigerians to allow the committee to handle the case without undue interference.
“Everybody should be patient and allow us to handle the case before us,” he said.
