The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has turned down requests for live television coverage of its proceedings as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan appears before the panel over alleged misconduct on Wednesday.
Committee chairman Senator Neda Imasuen explained the decision in an interview on Arise News, stating that media coverage could create distractions. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, noting that the committee room has limited space and must accommodate its 23 or 24 members.
“We want to stay focused on the issue before us and not be distracted by any other matter,” Imasuen said.
He assured that Akpoti-Uduaghan would receive a fair hearing, adding that her rights as a senator would be respected. However, he declined to comment on allegations of sexual misconduct within the Senate, citing legal restrictions.
“The issue of sex in the Senate is already before a law court, and that makes the whole conversation subjudice,” he said.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case stems from a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate, which she claims led to unfair treatment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Imasuen pointed to Senate procedural rules, explaining that seat allocations can change as necessary.
Addressing allegations of gender discrimination, Imasuen dismissed suggestions that female senators were being unfairly treated. He stated that there are four female senators in the current Assembly, and he is personally close to three of them.
“The Senate President, in my opinion, has not made any sexual remarks to any of the female senators, and I don’t think any have complained about sexual harassment against him or anyone else,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to allow the committee to handle the matter without interference.