Abuja, Nigeria – A civil society organization, Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPD), has urged the Senate not to be distracted by the sexual harassment allegation leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, CNPD’s Executive Director, Francis Okereke Wainwei, called on the Senate to remain committed to its constitutional responsibilities, suggesting that the allegation might be a ploy to evade disciplinary action.
According to CNPD, the timing of the accusation raises concerns, as Senator Natasha is currently facing an inquiry by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges for alleged breaches of Senate rules.
The organization argued that the allegation appears to be a strategy to divert attention from the ongoing proceedings against Senator Natasha.
“It seems to be a desperate attempt to manipulate public perception and escape punishment for her conduct,” CNPD stated. “She is using the sexual harassment claim to garner sympathy and shift focus away from the disciplinary process she is facing.”
The CSO also questioned why Senator Natasha had not pursued redress through the Senate’s internal channels earlier, instead choosing to speak out only after being summoned for disciplinary action.
CNPD further pointed out inconsistencies in Senator Natasha’s statements, particularly between her interview on Arise TV and a statement issued by her husband, High Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan.
“The claim by her husband that she confides in him contradicts her assertion that she never told him about the alleged harassment until now,” the group noted.
Additionally, the organization recalled previous unsubstantiated allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha against public figures, including Reno Omokri, Dino Melaye, and Yahaya Bello, suggesting a pattern of using such claims for political leverage.
CNPD also dismissed Senator Natasha’s claims of political victimization, particularly her assertion that she was removed as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content due to her refusal to accept Akpabio’s alleged advances.
“If, as she claims, funds for the committee’s activities were left untouched during her tenure, it suggests a lack of productivity rather than political retribution,” the group stated.
Furthermore, the CSO argued that the routine seat reassignment in the Senate, which affected multiple lawmakers, should not be framed as an act of retaliation against her.
Urging the Senate to uphold its rules and procedures, CNPD emphasized the need to maintain parliamentary integrity without yielding to external pressures or sentiments.
The group also criticized former Senate President Bukola Saraki for suggesting that Akpabio step aside to allow his deputy to preside over the investigation. According to CNPD, Saraki’s stance is inconsistent with Senate protocols, as the matter has not been formally presented before the chamber for investigation.
“Saraki is playing politics,” CNPD asserted. “No matter can be investigated by the Senate unless it is formally raised or presented on the floor.”
As the controversy unfolds, CNPD reiterated its call for the Senate to remain focused on governance and not allow distractions to hinder its legislative duties.
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