ACF Calls For Investigation Into Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by the senator for Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Natasha had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment days after she had an altercation with the senate president over sitting arrangements in the upper chamber.
In a statement yesterday by ACF spokesperson, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum expressed concern over the allegations, saying the issue has negative implications for the “national and international public image” of the senate.
It stated, “Even Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband has been forced to publicly comment on the matter and all such public interventions have the potential to bring into disrepute a body empowered to make laws for Nigeria.
“As things now stand, in the eyes of the general public the allegations in question portend definite negative implications for the national and international public image of the Red Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly.
“While the imbroglio lasts, the interests of the people of Kogi Central are not being adequately represented in the 10th Senate.
“While, perhaps, far-fetched, ACF rues the development and hopes that it is not part of the thinly-veiled anti-Arewa agenda now pervading the Nigerian political process.”
The forum said it did appear only senators from the north had been subjected to heavy sanctions, such as suspensions, in the 10th Senate.
“In the event, ACF wonders if the unfolding events constitute a pattern or are cruel coincidences at work. Putting it mildly, the public image of the leadership of the 10th Senate is now less than inspiring,” Muhammad-Baba stated.
The forum called for, “An independent, open, transparent and thorough investigation, devoid of fear, favour or interference of any kind, from any quarters be conducted.”
