The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday strongly condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate over her allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party asserted that the Akpabio-led Senate leadership’s action against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared to be a desperate attempt at a cover-up.
The PDP noted that the hasty suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, without an open investigation into the serious allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, not only violated the principle of fair hearing, especially in parliamentary convention—but also portrayed the Senate as an institution that condones, endorses, and protects misconduct.
The statement read: “Furthermore, the excessively harsh six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan effectively denies the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone their constitutional right to representation in the Senate.
“It is scandalous and amounts to a gross abuse of office and a violation of the fundamental principles of justice and fair hearing for Senator Akpabio to act as a judge in a matter in which he is the accused. This situation further reinforces public concerns that the embattled Senate President is desperately trying to suppress an open legislative probe into the allegation of sexual harassment against him.”
READ MORE:
- Juventus Sacks Coach Thiago Motta
- There Will Be Consequences For Illegal Detention, IGP Warns Officers
- Ibadan Airport Closed for Upgrade, Says FAAN
- WAEC Announces Release of 2025 Computer-Based WASSCE Results
- Withdrawal Of Services By Osun LG Workers Pathetic, Uncalled For, APC Chieftain
The PDP recalled that this was not the first time Senator Akpabio had been accused of sexual harassment.
The statement continued: *“This latest development in the Senate reminds Nigerians of the sexual harassment allegation previously made against Senator Akpabio by the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Joi Nunieh.
“If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, Nigerians would have expected him to clear his name by stepping aside in line with established parliamentary practices and allowing an open, unbiased investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.
“It is a national embarrassment that the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly is implicated in a sexual harassment case, tarnishing the image and integrity of Nigeria’s highest legislative body. Under such circumstances, the Senate President should not require external pressure to step aside for an independent investigation to clear his name.
“Even more troubling is the fact that, since assuming office, Senator Akpabio’s leadership of the Senate has been largely unfocused and plagued by scandals, including allegations of financial misconduct and negligence in fulfilling the Senate’s constitutional duty of providing checks and balances on the Executive, to the detriment of millions of Nigerians.
“Furthermore, Nigerians recall that pending investigations before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) involve allegations of Senator Akpabio looting N108.1 billion from Akwa Ibom State during his tenure as governor, as well as an alleged N86 billion contract scam in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) while he served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
“Given the widespread public concern over this sexual harassment allegation, which has already sparked protests at the National Assembly, the PDP urges the Senate to restore its credibility by immediately reinstating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensuring an open investigation into the matter.”*
Publisher,
Lagos Post Online,
Lagos Post is an online publication that seeks to provide fair, unbiased, credible, balanced and useful information about Corporate Organisations, Governments and the General Public by breaking news in Business, Politics, Arts, Entertainment, Culture, and Sports in Nigeria, Africa and the World. As a global news portal, we continually stand for responsible journalism and sound media practice.
Mobile: +238025837037
Email: lagospostng@gmail.com
