The Citizens Network For Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPD) has advised the Senate not to investigate the sexual harassment allegation made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the group’s Executive Director, Barr. Francis Okereke Wainwei, argued that since Akpoti-Uduaghan did not formally petition the Senate’s Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions committee, probing the allegation would be a distraction.
Wainwei stated, “The Citizens Network For Peace and Development in Nigeria hereby calls on the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not to be distracted by the sexual harassment allegation leveled against the Senate President, Sen. Godswill O.Akpabio, by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but remain focused on discharging its constitutional responsibilities to the Nigerian people.”
He questioned the timing of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation, asking, “Why is it that Sen. Natasha had not told her husband about the sexual harassment till now? Why has she not used the due process in the Senate to pursue redress for the sexual harassment that supposedly took place over a year ago?”
The group also criticized former Senate President Bukola Saraki for his comments on the matter, accusing him of partisanship. Wainwei noted, “We are very disappointed that such a statement was made by such a highly respected former parliamentarian, who knows the rules of the Senate and its parliamentary procedures.”
The CNPD urged the Senate to adhere to its rules and procedures, saying, “The Senate should focus on discharging its constitutional responsibilities and duties to the Nigerian people and shouldn’t waste its precious time and resources on frivolous issues.”
