The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Natasha

  • Senate denies suspending Natasha over sexual harassment claims

    Senate denies suspending Natasha over sexual harassment claims

    The leadership of the Senate, on Saturday, denied suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

    Rather, the Upper Chamber reiterated that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended specifically due to her flagrant disobedience to Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and her unparliamentary behaviour during its plenaries and proceedings.

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, made these clarifications in a three-page statement on Saturday “amid the deliberate misinformation and false narratives being circulated by certain media organisations.”

    Contingent on the report of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with its sitting arrangement during the plenary.

    The Senate upheld her suspension with a proviso that if Akpoti-Uduaghan “submits a written apology, the leadership of the chamber may consider lifting the suspension before the six-month period expires.”

    The statement alleged that rather than submitting to the authority of the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan had been misinforming the unsuspecting public that she was suspended because she accused the senate president of sexual harassment.

    Bamidele clarified that the disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan was unequivocally a response to her repeated violations of legislative decorum.

    He further clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on sexual harassment failed to meet the clear and established procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the Senate.

    The statement reads in part: “It has come to the attention of the Senate that some media reports are attempting to falsely suggest that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to allegations of sexual harassment.

    “This is completely untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to distort the facts. If Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice. But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving.”

    Bamidele said that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was “a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.”

    He said that the report found Akpoti-Uduaghan liable for violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and recommended her immediate suspension.

    As established in the findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, the statement pointed out that the disciplinary action was “a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s repeated violations of legislative decorum stated as follows:

    “Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, despite multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and other ranking Senators – an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.

    “Speaking without being recognized by the presiding officer, in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on 25th February 2025.

    “Engaging in unruly and disruptive behaviour, obstructing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings. Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.

    “Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.”

    Bamidele noted that the actions represented a direct challenge to the Authority of the Senate and a violation of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) that govern the business of the Senate and the conduct of all its members without any exception.

    He insisted that the disciplinary measure was imperative, necessary and justified to restore order and uphold the integrity of the Senate as the country’s foremost democratic institution.

    “Contrary to the false claims being circulated, Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended for making any sexual harassment or for submitting a petition.

    “Her petition was rightfully discountenanced because it failed to meet the clear and established procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the Senate.

    “The rules of the Senate apply to all members without exception, and no petition—regardless of its subject—can be considered if it does not follow due process.

    Read Also: Senate crisis: Minister seeks resolution of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

    “To suggest that her suspension was linked to her petition is not only a distortion of facts but an intentional and malicious attempt to mislead the public,” Bamidele said.

    While thanking some media organisations for their culture of objective reporting, the statement urged the media not to distort facts to suit a false narrative.

    He expressed dissatisfaction with an attempt to politicise a disciplinary action that was strictly based on clear violations of Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended).

    He added: “This coordinated misinformation campaign is nothing more than an attempt to politicise a disciplinary action that was strictly based on clear violations of Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended).

    “It is reckless, misleading, and a disservice to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who deserve truthful and factual reporting. We, therefore, urge all foreign correspondents and responsible media houses to correct these misrepresentations and avoid propagating falsehoods that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.”

  • Ex-lawmaker urges Senate to recall Natasha

    Ex-lawmaker urges Senate to recall Natasha

    • Says action unconstitutional

    A former member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje, has urged the Senate to immediately review the six-month suspension clamped on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central Senatorial District).

    He said it had clearly shown that with the suspension, the Senate had shot itself in the foot.

    In a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, Ukubeyinje, at various times State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, declared that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Rights and Privileges and indeed, the Senate had acted against the extant rules of the Red Chamber as regards the protection of the rights of senators under threat and intimidation.

    Ukubeyinje, also a legal practitioner, said instead of following the rules, it was unfortunate that in this particular instance, the Senate acted in unjustifiably shielding the Senate President.

    Ukubeyinje, who urged the Senate to immediately review its suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said “she had done nothing wrong by speaking out against her perceived oppression, intimidation,  victimisation and sexual harassment.”

    Read Also: RONKE OSHODI-OKE: Nollywood will frustrate you

    The legal practitioner argued that, “it is unconstitutional to suspend a senator more than 14 days for wrongdoing. By the Rules of Senate Order 67 (4), the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2018, a member of any Legislative House guilty of contempt of the House cannot be suspended for more than 48 hours.”

    According to him, “In the instant case of Ali Ndume Vs Senate which was decided by the Court of Appeal in 2018, it was held that a Senator cannot be suspended for more than 14 days; the case of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is also supportive of this legal stand, ‘harassment.”

    Furthermore, he said, “Senator Natasha, whilst pursuing her rights before the Senate by raising Order 10 which was ignored and submitting a written and detailed petition, it is expected of the distinguished senate to protect her rights and thoroughly investigate all issues surrounding the grievances before it and come up with a detailed report which will be fully deliberated upon with the Senate President recusing himself.

    “Rather, the Senate dismissed her petition bordering on sexual harassment and intimidation, claiming sub judice, citing the suit filed by the wife to the Senate President, thereby manifestly perpetuating double standards and approbating and reprobating, wrongly assuming jurisdiction by suspending her beyond their powers.”

  • APC chieftain urges Nigerians to focus on 2025 budget, not Natasha’s allegations

    APC chieftain urges Nigerians to focus on 2025 budget, not Natasha’s allegations

    The South-South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, has urged Nigerians to prioritise scrutinizing the implementation of the 2025 national budget rather than engaging in discussions about the sexual allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Agbomhere dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated and undeserving of the widespread attention they have received, arguing that pressing national issues should take precedence.

    Describing the backlash against Akpabio as part of the challenges faced by great leaders, he cautioned against condemning Nigeria’s third-highest-ranking official based on unverified claims, warning that baseless accusations are increasingly being used as political weapons.

    He also commended lawmakers, particularly the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, for unanimously exonerating Akpabio.

    He said their resolution effectively put to rest what he called a “malicious and wicked” allegation against a man he described as a father figure and a leader with integrity.

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Agbomhere praised the former Akwa Ibom State governor’s character, describing him as a devoted family man and a committed public servant. 

    Read Also: Business magnate Adegbola joins APC in Oyo

    He warned that any further attempts by individuals or groups to drag Akpabio’s name through the mud would be strongly resisted by well-meaning Nigerians.

    “President Bola Tinubu has just signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 appropriation bill into law. What Nigerians should be demanding now is for the Executive arm of government—through coordinated oversight from the Legislature—to ensure the proper implementation of the budget, rather than engaging in attempts to denigrate Nigeria’s legislative institution before the world,” he stated.

    Agbomhere further noted that as the world marks International Women’s Day, Nigerians should see through the alleged plot against Akpabio, dismissing it as a calculated political maneuver rather than a genuine push for justice or gender inclusion.

    He also cautioned those working to undermine the Senate President, warning that history has a way of repaying such political betrayals. 

    He emphasised that Nigeria’s leaders need support, not attacks, especially from former allies and friends.

  • Senate crisis: Minister seeks resolution of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

    Senate crisis: Minister seeks resolution of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

    The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hajia Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has expressed concern over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, pledging to engage with the Senate to seek an amicable resolution.

    Suleiman-Ibrahim, speaking at a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, described the sexual harassment allegations surrounding the issue as “unfortunate,” emphasizing that such incidents should have no place in the National Assembly.

    Read Also: Alleged sexual harassment: Reno Omokri urges Natasha to take lie detector test

    Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, was suspended for alleged rules violations, reducing the number of female senators to just three out of 109.

    “It is not a good thing to lose more women in the National Assembly at a time when we are already grossly underrepresented,” Suleiman said.

    The minister stressed the need for greater cooperation between male and female lawmakers, adding that women in politics should be sensitized and encouraged to collaborate effectively. 

    She called for accelerated efforts to boost women’s representation in governance, insisting that they must have a stronger voice in decision-making.

    Suleiman assured that she would engage with the Senate leadership to promote dialogue and ensure a fair resolution of the matter.

    Details shortly..

  • CISLAC condemns Natasha’s suspension, describes it as illegal, undemocratic 

    CISLAC condemns Natasha’s suspension, describes it as illegal, undemocratic 

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) on Friday added its voice to those condemning the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months by the Senate over her allegation against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

    CISLAC in a statement signed by Executive Director, Awwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), described the six-month suspension as illegal, unconstitutional move that undermines democracy and legislative independence. 

    The Senate on Thursday passed its verdict on Natasha over her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. 

    The verdict which was read by Akpabio who chaired the Ethics Committee proceeding despite being the alleged, shocked many Nigerians especially human rights advocates, lawyers and members of the civil society who wondered why the Senate President, being a lawyer, did not allow his deputy superintend that particular probe.

    More disturbing was the Committee’s failure to give Natasha a fair hearing, as well as their refusal to dispassionately probe the allegations against Akpabio.

    According to CISLAC, the Senate’s action violated the 1999 constitution and sets a dangerous precedent for legislative governance.

    CISLAC argued that the suspension of an elected senator contradicts Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly outline the lawful processes for a legislator to lose their seat. 

    “Section 68(1) & (2) states that a legislator’s seat can only be declared vacant under specific circumstances such as resignation, defection, conviction, or recall by constituents through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “Section 69 stipulates that the recall process is the only constitutional means for removing an elected legislator, making the Senate’s decision legally baseless.

    Read Also: Alleged sexual harassment: Reno Omokri urges Natasha to take lie detector test 

    “By suspending Senator Natasha, CISLAC notes that the Senate has effectively denied the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District their right to representation, an action that constitutes an abuse of power,” the group said.

    The civil society group also highlighted past judicial rulings that have consistently declared legislative suspensions unlawful. 

    It referenced key cases such as Hon. Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009), where the Federal High Court ruled that legislative chambers lack the authority to suspend elected members.

    “In Ali Ndume v Senate President & Ors (2018), the Court of Appeal nullified the senator’s suspension, reinforcing the principle that lawmakers cannot be arbitrarily removed by their peers.

    “Similarly, House of Assembly v Hon. Danna (2003) established that only the judiciary or the electorate have the power to remove an elected official,” it said.

    CISLAC accused the Senate of disregarding these precedents and eroding legislative independence by silencing dissenting voices.

    The group also questioned the impartiality of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in handling the matter. It pointed out that Senator Natasha’s suspension stems from her raising sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.

    “CISLAC argues that allowing the Senate’s Ethics Committee-seen as influenced by leadership- to dismiss the allegations without a fair and neutral review violates Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing. 

    “The principle of Nemo Judex in Causa Sua (no one should be a judge in their own case) has been completely disregarded in this matter,” CISLAC stated, calling it a misuse of legislative power.

    The organization also warned that suspending lawmakers for expressing dissent weakens the oversight function of the National Assembly. It stressed that Section 39 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, including for lawmakers. 

    “Parliamentary immunity exists to protect legislators from persecution over statements made in the course of their duties.

    “A legislature where members fear retribution for questioning leadership cannot function as a true democracy. 

    “CISLAC warns that the move sets a dangerous precedent where Senate leadership can silence opposition through suspensions, effectively turning the National Assembly into a tool of intimidation,” it said.

    The organization also expressed concern over the implications of the suspension on gender inclusion in politics, stating that the decision discourages women from participating in governance. 

    “This move sends a message that female lawmakers can be silenced and intimidated at will, reversing decades of progress toward gender inclusion,” CISLAC noted. 

    It further criticized the Ethics Committee for failing to uphold integrity by dismissing the sexual harassment claims instead of conducting a transparent investigation.

    CISLAC expressed concern over the global reputational damage caused by the Senate’s decision, emphasizing that “this action has legitimized attacks on freedom of expression, encouraged intimidation, and institutionalized sexual harassment in public spaces.” 

    The organization warned that Nigeria risks being perceived as a country where democratic institutions are weaponized against dissenting voices, undermining its credibility in the international community.

    CISLAC demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha and urged the Senate to retract its decision and uphold democratic principles and the peaceful resolution of the crisis.

  • Alleged sexual harassment: Reno Omokri urges Natasha to take lie detector test

    Alleged sexual harassment: Reno Omokri urges Natasha to take lie detector test

    Former presidential media aide, Reno Omokri has challenged Natasha Akpoti to undergo a lie detector test following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. 

    Omokri, in a detailed video posted on social media, revealed that Akpoti-Uduaghan made similar allegations against him in 2021.

    He said: “On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, Natasha Akpoti had a dispute with me and after the dispute, she went on social media and accused me of sexually harassing her. 

    “She claimed that at a state banquet at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, held by President Goodluck Jonathan for the visiting Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, May 6th 2014, I had sexually harassed her. 

    “Now the thing is, a month before, the Chibok girls had been abducted, and as one of his presidential spokesmen, President Jonathan sent me to the United States as a special envoy to try to clean up Nigeria’s image. I left in April and I wasn’t back in Nigeria until the end of May. So, obviously, Natasha Akpoti lied.

    “So what I did, I went on social media and I published my passport stamp, with my passport leaving Nigeria, And then, entering the United States, showing the stamps, and I also published a first-class British Airways ticket showing that I left Nigeria for the United Kingdom, and from the United Kingdom to the United States, and I wasn’t in Nigeria throughout the time when Natasha Akpoti accused me. So she obviously lied.

    “So what happened is that after the newspapers published my evidence, Natasha deleted all traces of her accusation. She deleted everything. She had made a video insulting me, my wife and my newborn daughter. She also deleted that. 

    Read Also: Unpacking the Natasha-Akpabio controversy

    “The next day, I got a phone call from a prominent Christian clergyman and they felt that as a fellow pastor, I would listen to a senior member of the body of Christ. 

    He called me on three-way with Emmanuel Oritshejolomi Uduaghan, Natasha Akpoti’s present husband. 

    “They appealed to me, they quoted the scriptural references about Christians taking each other to court and I listened to them and we settled the matter out of court. I was paid a large amount of money as damages, and I let the matter go.

    “So fast forward to four years later, Natasha Akpoti had a dispute with the Senate President. After that dispute, she went on Arise TV and accused him of sexual harassment. It sounds like deja vu. 

    “The thing is, I do not know if those allegations are true. But one thing I know is that Natasha Akpoti is a liar, a known liar. So, here’s the thing. The best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour. 

    Omokri said before Nigerians crucify Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan should be compelled to take a lie detector test. 

    “Come out. Take the test. You know, be escorted by one senator that is in your support and another senator that is just objective,” he said. 

    He added that because he had evidence, the Kogi senator retracted her false allegations and deleted every trace of them.

    “Until she takes a lie detector test, the presumption is that she is acting on her past behaviour,” he concluded.

  • Natasha reacts to suspension from Senate, says action illegal

    Natasha reacts to suspension from Senate, says action illegal

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reacted to her suspension for six months by the Senate, saying the action was illegal.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan posted the reaction on her Facebook page.

    She said: “Against the culture of silence, intimidation and victim-shaming; my unjust suspension from the Nigerian Senate invalidates the principles of natural justice, fairness and equity.

    Read Also: Natasha Akpoti: We can’t normalise injustice – Akah Nnani

    “The illegal suspension does not withdraw my legitimacy as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I will continue to use my duly elected position to serve my constituents and country to the best of my ability till 2027 and beyond.”

  • ‘This injustice will not be sustained’, Natasha reacts to suspension by Senate

    ‘This injustice will not be sustained’, Natasha reacts to suspension by Senate

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has been suspended from all legislative activities for six months.

    The Senate had earlier proposed a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a probe by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

    The investigation concluded that she had “totally violated” Senate regulations.

    This followed her confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over sitting arrangements.

    Natasha’s suspension is set to last for six months.

    Read Also: I slept in Dangote cement factory on Senator Natasha’s wedding day – Akpabio

    However, the senator will not be allowed within the premises of the National Assembly while her suspension lasts. Additionally, her security details will be withdrawn.

    However, in a viral video after her suspension, Senator Natasha said, “This injustice will not be sustained,” before her microphone was yanked off.

    Natasha had on Monday failed to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Rules, and Code of Conduct who invited Natasha.

  • FULL LIST: Six senators who have faced suspension since 1999

    FULL LIST: Six senators who have faced suspension since 1999

    The Senate, on Thursday, March 6, suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct in the red chamber. 

    The decision followed the consideration and adoption of the report presented by Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, during plenary.

    Here is a list of senators who have previously faced suspension and the reasons behind their sanctions:

    1. Joseph Waku

    Waku, a lawmaker from Benue state, was suspended by the senate in 2000 after he stirred a major controversy in the country.

    The senator suggested that a military coup would be preferable to allowing former President Olusegun Obasanjo to continue as a dictator.

    Waku criticised Obasanjo’s administration and described it as the worst in Nigeria’s history. His comments resulted in widespread condemnation and subsequent suspension by the senate.

    He died on February 3, 2019.

    2. Arthur Nzeribe

    Nzeribe, a lawmaker from Imo state, was suspended indefinitely in November 2002 by then-Senate President Pius Anyim over allegations of N22 million fraud.

    He died in 2022 at the age of 83.

    3. Ali Ndume

    In 2017, the upper legislative chamber suspended Ndume, a senator representing Borno South, for six months for “embarrassing” then Senate President Bukola Saraki and Dino Melaye, a former senator representing Kogi West.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Senate suspends Natasha for six months

    Ndume had asked the senate to investigate the allegation that the upper chamber was exacting vengeance on Hameed Ali, former comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), because of a seized bullet-proof car allegedly owned by Saraki.

    The Borno senator also demanded that Melaye be probed for certificate forgery.

    Saraki and Melaye were later cleared of the allegations by a senate panel.

    4. Ovie Omo-Agege

    Omo-Agege, a lawmaker from Delta state, was suspended by the senate in 2018 after he kicked against the election reordering bill.

    Although the lawmaker later apologised for his stand, he still went to court to get a restraining order against any move by the senate to suspend him.

    His action was said to have angered some of his colleagues, who pushed for his suspension.

    5. Ningi

    The senate suspended Abdul Ningi on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, for three months for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion. He subsequently resigned as chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF).

    6. Natasha

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has attributed her recent issues in the Senate to her refusal to accept sexual advances from Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    In an interview with Arise Television on Friday, the lawmaker, who made headlines last week following a public dispute with Akpabio, shared her side of the story.

    The conflict began on Tuesday when Akpoti-Uduaghan discovered that her seat in the Senate had been moved without her consent. She voiced her frustration, which led to a brief disruption in legislative proceedings.

  • UPDATED: Senate suspends Natasha for six months

    UPDATED: Senate suspends Natasha for six months

    …caution her against flouting rules

    …as Kogi Central lawmaker presents another petition on alleged sexual harassment against Akpabio

    The Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct in Senate chambers.

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions during plenary.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen, presented the report.

    Also, on Thursday, the Senate warned the Kogi Central lawmaker to stop violating the standing rules of the upper chamber.

    The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, gave the warning after reporting to the Senate that Akpoti-Uduaghan had persistently refused to stand to her feet anytime the Senate President Godswill Akpabio led the procession to commence the day’s plenary in clear violation of the Senate Standing Orders 55(1).

    Monguno said Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot hide under a session of the rules to air her opinions and at the same time disregards other provisions in the Standing Orders.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Seven recommendations made by Senate committee on Senator Natasha

    “Senator Natasha has been consistently and persistently in breach of this rule.

    “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

    “If you are seeking refuge always under Order 10, you cannot approbate and reprobate.

    “We urge to urge her to study the rules and comply in observance and not in breach,” Monguno said.

    Also on Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan submitted another petition to the Senate on alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    She said the petition was signed by one of her constituents.

    Akpabio, after asking whether the petition was subject to any litigation in court and receiving a negative response from Akpoti-Uduaghan, referred the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions to report back in four weeks.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan had on Wednesday submitted a similar petition, but the Senate rejected it, saying it violated Order 40(4), which bars a senator from submitting a petition signed by him or her.