The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, following her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
On Thursday, the Senate suspended Senator Natasha for violating the chamber’s rules, after a dispute with Senate President Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment—a claim he has denied.
In a statement released on Friday, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP criticized the Akpabio-led Senate leadership for what it described as an attempt to cover up the issue.
The party argued that suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without thoroughly investigating her serious allegation of sexual harassment reflects poorly on the Senate and suggests it condones improper behavior.
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The PDP further noted that this suspension effectively deprives the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone of their constitutional right to be represented in the Senate.
“If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, what Nigerians expected of him was to clear his name by stepping aside in line with established parliamentary practice, allow and submit to an open and unbiased investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“It is indeed a national embarrassment that the person of the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly is being mentioned in a case of sexual harassment which has now tarred the image and integrity of the highest lawmaking body in Nigeria. Ordinarily under this situation the Senate President needs no prodding to step aside for an independent investigation to clear his name.
“More distressing is the fact that since Senator Akpabio assumed office as the Senate President, the leadership of the Senate has been largely unfocused and constantly embroiled in scandals including allegations of financial impropriety as well as negligence and abdication of its constitutional duty of checks and balances to the excesses of the Executive Arm to the detriment of millions of Nigerians.
“Moreover, Nigerians can recall that there are pending investigations before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegation of looting of N108.1 billion belonging to Akwa Ibom State under Senator Akpabio’s watch as Governor as well as alleged N86 billion contract scam in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
“Given the height of public anxiety on this allegation of sexual harassment which has already escalated into protests at the National Assembly, the PDP urges the Senate to redeem its image and integrity by immediately reinstating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensuring an open investigation into the matter,” the statement reads in part.
Several senators attempted to shorten Senator Natasha’s suspension to three months, but the Senate, through a majority vote, upheld the original decision.
However, the lawmakers stated that the suspension could be lifted or shortened if she submits a written apology.
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