The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate, following her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a fiery statement issued on Friday, the PDP expressed its outrage over the suspension, which it sees as an attempt to silence Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and sweep serious allegations under the rug.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment; a claim Akpabio vehemently denied. Despite the gravity of these allegations, the Senate imposed a six-month suspension without launching a transparent investigation into the matter.
The PDP argued that this move was a clear attempt to cover up the issue and undermine the credibility of the Senate. According to the opposition party, the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, without addressing the allegations, reflects poorly on the Senate as an institution and sends a troubling message about the leadership under Senator Akpabio.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, without a full, open investigation into the serious claim of sexual harassment against the Senate President, paints the Senate as an institution that condones such behavior,” the statement read.
The PDP also emphasized that the suspension of the senator denied the people of Kogi Central their constitutional right to be represented in the Senate.
“If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, he should step aside temporarily to allow for an impartial investigation into these allegations,” the PDP urged. “This case of sexual harassment is a national embarrassment, and it has tainted the integrity of the highest lawmaking body in the country.”
The party also criticized the ongoing scandals surrounding Akpabio since his election as Senate President, including allegations of financial impropriety and neglect of the Senate’s constitutional duties. These controversies, the PDP argued, have further diminished the Senate’s reputation and credibility.
“The Senate leadership under Akpabio has been embroiled in multiple scandals, from financial misconduct to a failure to hold the Executive accountable. It’s clear that the leadership has lost focus, and the institution is paying the price,” the statement continued.
The PDP also reminded the public of ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into allegations of financial misconduct during Akpabio’s tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
Despite efforts by some senators to reduce Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension to three months, the Senate voted to maintain the six-month term. However, the Senate indicated that her suspension could be lifted or reduced should she issue a formal apology in writing.
The PDP has called on the Senate to act swiftly, reinstate the suspended senator, and ensure a transparent investigation into the harassment allegations to restore its integrity.
Source: Ripples
