The Action Collective (AC), a political pressure group, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of shielding Senate President Godswill Akpabio from scrutiny amid sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi central senator.
In a statement on Wednesday, Onimisi Ibrahim, coordinator of the group, expressed concerns over the handling of the case, citing the withdrawal of Obiora Egwuatu, a judge of the federal high court in Abuja, as a troubling development.
The judge reportedly stepped down due to alleged external pressure, a development the group described as “deeply troubling and a direct threat to judicial independence”.
“The only way to ensure a fair and transparent process is for both Akpabio and Imasuen to step aside and allow an independent inquiry to take place,” the statement reads.
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“A legislature that cannot uphold ethical standards and protect victims of misconduct loses the moral right to perform oversight functions on the executive and judiciary.”
The group said Akpabio and Neda Imasuen, chairman of the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions, should step aside, to ensure an impartial investigation into the allegations.
It also described the circumstances surrounding the case as a deliberate attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan.
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The AC also urged civil society organisations (CSOs) and pro-democracy groups to demand accountability from the senate leadership and ensure justice is not obstructed.
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