A civil society organization, Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPD), has called on the Senate to remain focused on its constitutional duties despite the sexual harassment allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, CNPD’s Executive Director, Francis Okereke Wainwei, urged the Senate not to allow the allegation to distract it from enforcing its rules and responsibilities. The organization suggested that the accusation may be an attempt to evade disciplinary action by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which is currently investigating Natasha for alleged breaches of Senate regulations.
“This appears to be a strategic move to divert attention from her ongoing disciplinary proceedings,” CNPD stated. “It seems designed to manipulate both the Senate and the Nigerian public into viewing her as a victim, rather than addressing the ethical violations she is being investigated for.”
The organization also questioned the timing and handling of Natasha’s allegation. “Why did she not follow due process within the Senate to report the alleged harassment when it supposedly happened over a year ago? Why did she not seek support from fellow female senators? Why is this claim emerging now, just as she faces disciplinary action?”
CNPD further pointed out inconsistencies between Natasha’s interview on Arise TV and a statement released by her husband, High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan. “Her husband claimed she tells him everything, yet she said she never informed him about the alleged harassment until recently. This contradiction raises serious doubts about the credibility of her claim.”
The CSO also recalled that Natasha had previously made similar unsubstantiated allegations against other public figures, including Reno Omokri, Dino Melaye, and Yahaya Bello. “Each time, she provided no evidence but ensured the accusations gained widespread media attention. It appears to be a recurring pattern whenever she seeks public sympathy,” the statement added.
Addressing Natasha’s claim that she was removed as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content due to her refusal of Akpabio’s alleged advances, CNPD argued that her tenure itself lacked effectiveness. “Her assertion that committee funds were left untouched in the bank suggests that the committee was inactive under her leadership. If that was the case, then her removal was justified on performance grounds, not as retaliation for rejecting any alleged advances.”
The group also dismissed suggestions by former Senate President Bukola Saraki that Akpabio should step aside for an independent investigation, arguing that the Senate can only investigate matters formally raised before it. “Sarai is fully aware that this allegation was never officially presented in the Senate. His call for Akpabio to step aside is politically motivated and contrary to parliamentary rules,” CNPD asserted.
The organization urged the Senate to uphold its rules and procedures without external influence. “To maintain the integrity of the legislative process, the Senate must ensure due process is followed without being swayed by distractions or sentiments,” it concluded.
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