PDP Faults Natasha’s Suspension, Tells Akpabio To Submit Self For Open Probe
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following her confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate. The PDP described the suspension as a sign of desperation to cover up certain issues within the Senate.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP argued that the swift suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan without conducting an open investigation into the serious allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Akpabio undermines the principle of fair hearing and parliamentary conventions. It also paints the Senate as an institution that endorses, condones, and protects misconduct.
The PDP emphasized that the six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan deprived the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone of their constitutional right to be represented in the Senate. The party labeled this action as a gross abuse of office and a violation of the fundamental principles of justice and fair hearing, noting that Akpabio, as the accused party, should not have been the one to pass judgment in the matter.
Ologunagba further pointed out that this was not the first time Akpabio had faced allegations of sexual harassment. He recalled a previous accusation made by Dr. Joi Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), against Akpabio.
The PDP spokesperson stated, “If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, Nigerians expected him to step aside, allowing for an independent investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
He described the ongoing scandal as a national embarrassment, as it tarnishes the integrity of the highest lawmaking body in Nigeria. According to the PDP, Akpabio should step aside from his role as Senate President to allow an independent and unbiased investigation into the sexual harassment claims.
Ologunagba also criticized Akpabio’s leadership of the Senate, accusing him of failing to focus on the Senate’s duties and instead being embroiled in multiple scandals, including allegations of financial mismanagement and negligence. He reminded the public of ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the alleged looting of N108.1 billion from Akwa Ibom State during Akpabio’s tenure as governor and an alleged N86 billion contract scam at the NDDC during his time as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
The PDP urged the Senate to restore Akpoti-Uduaghan’s position immediately and to conduct an open investigation into the matter to clear the air and protect the integrity of the Senate.
