Akpabio shouldn’t be sacrificed on altar of unproven allegations, says Fasoranti-led Afenifere

A faction of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural and political group, led by Reuben Fasoranti, has weighed in on the allegation levelled against Godswill Akpabio by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

BACKGROUND

The altercation between Akpabio, the senate president, and Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, began over seat re-arrangement in the red chamber.

Akpoti-Uduaghan firmly resisted her new seat placement after the re-arrangement, claiming the move was intended to stifle her voice.

On February 25, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for disciplinary review.

On February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the senate president of making sexual advances towards her in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom.

The allegation spurred reactions from notable Nigerians, including a lawsuit against the Kogi senator by Ekaette Akpabio, the senate president’s wife.

Others have called for an investigation into the claims from the Kogi senator.

‘A STEADY HAND’

In a statement by Kole Omololu, the national organising secretary of the Fasoranti-led group, the faction cautioned against any attempts to undermine Akpabio based on “unverified allegations”.

Afenifere said it hoped that a “committed patriot” like Akpabio would not be sacrificed on the “altar of unproven allegations by an accuser”.

The organisation acknowledged the necessity of a senate committee investigation, but noted the timing of the allegations, which followed disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“We in Afenifere note and appreciate the political stability engendered by the calm, thoughtful, and patriotic leadership of the National Assembly by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the statement reads.

“He has been most instrumental in engineering one of the few eras in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria where we have enjoyed Executive/Legislative synergy.

“Hopefully, this is not a knee-jerk reaction made in a highly emotional state by the disciplined party.

“That being the case, the nation has to be careful in assessing these allegations, as they may or may not result from animosity toward that disciplinary measure.

“But whatever the case, Afenifere, without passing any judgment on the accuser and her accusations, based on his history and credibility, extends the right hand of fellowship to Senator Godswill Akpabio and commends him for being a steady hand during these times of political, economic, and social reforms of the Renewed Hope agenda.”

On Sunday, Eseme Eyiboh, special adviser on media to Akpabio, said the red chamber cannot investigate the allegation because Akpoti-Uduaghan has not submitted any petition on the subject to the national assembly.