- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio continue to fuel discord across the nation
- Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) rejected resignation demands for Akpabio, citing lack of evidence
- Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) criticised Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) for using the Akpabio allegations to divide the nation along regional lines
The allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio have continued to stir national debate.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) rejected calls for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. At the same time, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) accused the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) of politicising the issue.
CAN opposes resignation demands for Akpabio
CAN, represented by Reverend Joseph Hayab, chairman for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, described the dispute as "shameful and unfortunate." He called for intervention by national elders to help preserve the integrity of the National Assembly.
“There is a need for elders to step in. Akpabio and Natasha have people they respect and highly regard. Members of the National Assembly must take responsibility in handling this matter,” Rev. Hayab said during a media engagement in Kaduna.
The religious body firmly opposed calls for Akpabio’s resignation, stating that they were premature and unjustified due to a lack of concrete evidence against him.
“Any group calling for Akpabio’s resignation should desist, as no one has been proven guilty in this matter. Taking sides will only escalate tensions. Allegations of sexual harassment must be treated with seriousness, but also with fairness and sobriety,” CAN added.
PANDEF alleges ACF exploiting allegations for political gain
Additionally, CAN urged the media to exercise caution, warning that sensationalised coverage could deepen national divisions along gender and regional lines.
The group also emphasised that political actors should focus on governance, with the passage of the 2025 national budget being a priority for lawmakers.
Meanwhile, PANDEF accused the ACF of exploiting the allegations to pursue a political agenda aimed at undermining Southern leaders and consolidating Northern political power in 2027.
PANDEF condemns ACF’s claims of bias against northern senators
In a statement, PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, condemned the ACF’s claims of bias against Northern senators, calling them an effort to incite regional tensions and destabilise President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The press release by the ACF is nothing but a political attack on Southern Nigeria. For the ACF to suggest that only northerners are being suspended and to call on northern senators to rally around their own is a direct threat to national unity,” Ominimini said.
Ominimini also recalled that during the 8th Assembly, a southern senator was suspended under a northern Senate President, and PANDEF did not interfere in those proceedings.
“The Senate is governed by rules and regulations. Suspensions and disciplinary actions have always been part of legislative proceedings. Anyone who feels aggrieved can seek legal redress. What ACF has done is an open call for division and a threat to the stability of Nigeria,” PANDEF concluded.
Akpabio’s wife sues Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for defamation, demands billions in damages
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Unoma Akpabio filed two lawsuits against Senator Natasha over alleged defamation and violation of fundamental rights.
According to the report, Mrs Akpabio demanded N1 billion in a separate lawsuit and a public apology in two national newspapers.