By Ayodele Oni
Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has called on the Senate Committee to conduct proper investigation into the allegation leveled against its president, Godswill Akpabio.
This is just as the Senate clarified that there is no allegation or report before it which calls for any investigation, except that of breach of order.
Yemi Adaramodu, spokesman of the Senate, explained on Monday that the Senate is yet to receive any complaint bordering on se3ual harassment from any member.
Afenifere, in a statement signed by its National Organizing Secretary, Kole Omololu, and made available to journalists on Monday, advised that Akpabio should not be made to suffer unjustly over unfounded allegation.
It expressed suspicion in the timing of the allegation, noting that Senator Natasha decided to disclose the allegation when a punitive measure was taken against her at the Senate.
Afenifere insisted that Senator Akpabio could not be traded off on grounds of “unproven allegations,” considering his contributions to political stability and democratic governance in the country.
The statement reads in parts: “For we in Afenifere note and appreciate the political stability engendered by the calm, thoughtful and patriotic leadership of the National Assembly by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“He has been most instrumental in engineering one of the few eras in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria where we have enjoyed Executive/Legislative synergy.
“We are hopeful that such a committed patriot will not be sacrificed on the altar of unproven allegations by an accuser.
“Of course, the allegations should be investigated by a Senate Committee. But we cannot help but notice that they were made after the Senate President’s act of just discipline against Senator Natasha Akpoti.
“Hopefully, this is not a knee-jerk reaction made in a highly emotional state by the disciplined party.
“That being the case, the nation has to be careful in assessing these allegations, as they may or may not result from animosity toward that disciplinary measure.
“But whatever the case, Afenifere, without passing any judgment on the accuser and her accusations, based on his history and credibility, extends the right hand of fellowship to Senator Godswill Akpabio and commends him for being a steady hand during these times of political, economic, and social reforms of the Renewed Hope agenda.”
Senate spokesman, while reacting to the allegation on Monday pointed out that “There is no allegation before the Senate. There is none from anyone, for that matter. We do not entertain allegations based solely on television broadcasts or social media.
“Nobody has lodged any allegation with anyone in the Senate. The only matter currently at hand is a breach of the Standing Orders, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. I do not believe there are any other petitions or complaints before the committee.
“Unless someone brings up a new issue, it will be dealt with accordingly. For now, there is nothing other than the matter we have referred to the committee.”
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