Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan’s quest to get justice for an sexual harassment allegedly by Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio appears not to have the support of some people from her state, Kogi.
Following her allegation against Akpabio, the senaotr from Kogi has received strong support from not a few Nigerians, particularly women groups who are now calling for a thorough investigations to get to the bottom of the allegation.
On Tuesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was dealt a big blow after the Senate rejected her petition, because according to the lawmakers, the submission did not follow the rules.
Recall that she had already instituted a N150 billion suit against Akpabio and one of his aides over a social media post, she claimed defamed her.
As she grapples with the set back, a group, Kogi Central Stakeholders has threatened to commence the process of recalling her from the Nigerian Senate, describing her allegation against Akpabio to be inappropriate, accusing her of failing to fully represent her people due to the distraction caused by allegation of sexual harassment.
AbdulRaheem Adeku, Convener of the Kogi Stakeholders, said in a statement that the senator must retrace her steps failure which they will commence a process of recalling her from the hallowed chamber, saying her decision to engage in a public brawl with the Senate President will not serve the interest of her people.
Part of the statement reads: “We, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, have observed with utmost dismay the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and our senator, Natasha Akpoti. We wish to firmly dissociate ourselves from these unfolding events, which have become a national concern.
“As a revered institution of government, it is essential to acknowledge that the National Assembly has established rules that must be adhered to in order to maintain order. Regrettably, we note that what should have been a simple compliance issue has devolved into a vitriolic exchange.
“It is alarming to witness the numerous allegations and counter-allegations circulating in both social and conventional media since the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, subjecting the peaceful people of Kogi Central to unwarranted public scrutiny.
“We urge Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to recognise her position as an equal among her peers in the red chamber, to act as a distinguished member, and to concentrate on the mandate entrusted to her by her constituents. She must refrain from distracting others with events that yield no common good.
“This behaviour is not in line with our character; thus, we, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, may be compelled to initiate the recall process if the current public abuse of her privilege of representation continues.”
Meanwhile, a former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has assured Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of her unflinching support on the ongoing battle against the Senate President.
“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti. You. Will. Never. Walk. Alone,” the outspoken Ezekwesili wrote on her verified X handle on Tuesday.
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