Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has called on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to present concrete evidence to substantiate her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, recently accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a visit to his residence in December 2023. However, following a review by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, she was handed a six-month suspension. The penalties include the closure of her Senate office, withdrawal of salaries and allowances, loss of security details, prohibition from official representation, and restriction from the National Assembly premises.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Adeyanju described the controversy as overflogged, urging both parties to take the matter to court for proper resolution. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to focus on more pressing issues, such as the proposed Tax Reform Bill, which he warned could have adverse effects on low- and middle-income earners.
Adeyanju also criticized lawmakers for their silence on anti-people policies, questioning why similar outrage was absent when legislators received luxury cars, financial allocations, and other benefits.
“The matter has been overflogged. I believe that parties should go to court and resolve their issues. We should focus on Nigeria’s Tax Reform Bill and mobilize efforts to prevent its passage rather than being distracted by this controversy,” he stated.
He further challenged Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide verifiable proof to support her claims, arguing that since Akpabio has denied the allegations, it is necessary for her to present any available evidence to the public.
“If there are messages or any form of evidence, she should expose them. After all, he who alleges must prove,” Adeyanju asserted.
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