The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement on Friday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, described the decision by the Akpabio-led Senate as a deliberate attempt to suppress the truth and avoid scrutiny.
PDP Alleges Cover-Up
According to the PDP, the swift suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without a transparent investigation into her claims not only undermines the principle of fair hearing but also raises concerns about the Senate’s commitment to justice.
The statement partly read: “The excessively harsh six months suspension on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan translates to denying the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone their Constitutional right of being represented in the Senate.”
The opposition party further argued that Akpabio’s role in the decision-making process regarding a case in which he is the accused represents a “gross abuse of office” and a “violation of the fundamentals of justice and fair hearing.”
Akpabio’s History of Allegations
The PDP reminded Nigerians that this is not the first time Senator Akpabio has faced allegations of sexual harassment, referencing similar accusations made by Dr. Joi Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The party insisted that if the Senate President had nothing to hide, he should submit himself for an open and impartial investigation.
“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.”
The PDP further stressed that the allegations against Akpabio have “tarnished the image and integrity” of Nigeria’s highest legislative body and called for immediate action.
Calls for Akpabio to Step Aside
The opposition party expressed concern over the controversies surrounding the Senate since Akpabio assumed office, citing allegations of financial impropriety, negligence, and a failure to uphold constitutional checks and balances.
The statement also referenced pending investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), including allegations of the misappropriation of N108.1 billion in Akwa Ibom State during Akpabio’s tenure as governor and an N86 billion contract scandal in the NDDC when he served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
PDP’s Demand
The PDP called on the Senate to restore public confidence in its integrity by reinstating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and launching an open investigation into the sexual harassment allegations.
By doing so, the party argued, the Senate would demonstrate a commitment to justice, fairness, and transparency.