Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment Allegation: Akpabio Must Step Aside – CNPP, CSOs Demand
This post has already been read at least 117 times!
At a press conference held today, representatives from the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) addressed the escalating conflict between Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The bodies underscored the urgent need to preserve the integrity of the Senate amidst serious allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power.
Hon. Nnaemeka Aleke, the Public Relations Officer for the CNCSOs, who spoke on behalf of the organizations highlighted the broader implications of the ongoing situation. “We gather here today as representatives of the CNPP and CNCSOs to address a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to the integrity of the Senate and the reputation of Nigeria on the global stage,” he stated. The remarks set the tone for a discussion that delved into the serious allegations against Senator Akpabio and the perceived erosion of Senate independence.
The backdrop of this conflict is rooted in the controversial endorsement of Senator Akpabio by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which many Nigerians view as an alleged endorsement of corruption and impunity. “Following the announcement of a recess package for Senators, which many viewed as an inducement to garner support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, the voices of opposition within the Senate have diminished significantly,” Aleke noted.
He emphasized that the Senate has increasingly adopted a posture of compromise with the Executive, raising alarms about its independence.
They observed that the unresolved allegations of corruption against Senator Akpabio further complicate the situation. Aleke pointed to calls for an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into Akpabio’s alleged diversion of N700 billion during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. “An audit report has indicated financial infractions exceeding N1 trillion during his governorship, alongside allegations of misappropriation of over N200 billion in Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) funds during his ministerial role,” he stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The press conference took a more serious turn as the allegations of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio were brought to the forefront. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally submitted a petition detailing her experiences, which she publicly recounted during a television interview.
“This is not the first instance of such allegations against Senator Akpabio; similar claims were made by Joy Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of NDDC, in 2020,” Aleke pointed out, highlighting a troubling pattern.
Despite the seriousness of these allegations, there have been attempts to dismiss Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition. “We strongly condemn the actions of Senate leaders who appear to prioritize personal interests over the principles of justice and accountability,” the groups asserted.
He specifically criticized the declaration by Senator Neda Imaseun, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, who stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was “dead on arrival.” The groups described this as a “blatant affront to justice and the rule of law.”
In light of these developments, the CNPP and the CSOs made several demands. “We call for the immediate recusal of Senator Godswill Akpabio from his position as President of the Senate while the allegations against him are investigated,” they declared. The organizations emphasized that “Senator Akpabio cannot be the Judge in his own case if justice must be seen to have been done.”
The coalition also called for an impartial investigation, demanding that the Senate Committee operate with transparency and that proceedings be broadcast live to ensure accountability. Furthermore, they urged Senator Neda Imaseun to recuse himself from the investigation due to his apparent bias against the petitioner.
“The integrity of our Senate is at stake,” Hon Aleke emphasized. “We cannot afford to trivialize these serious allegations or allow them to go unaddressed. It is essential that we uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their status.”
As the situation unfolds, the eyes of Nigerians and the international community remain fixed on the Senate, with many calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations against Senator Akpabio. The outcome of this conflict could have lasting implications for the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative body and its standing on the global stage.
This post has already been read at least 117 times!
