 Akpabio vs Akpoti-Uduaghan: Not laughing matter
By Newsmata
Suspicious of a bias against Northern Senators at the National Assembly, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called on the Northern caucus to rally round the embattled Kogi Central representative, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to ensure that she gets a fair hearing and is treated with respect and dignity.
The ACF, in a statement on Sunday by Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, its National Publicity Secretary, while expressing deep concern over the ongoing controversy in the 10th Senate involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual advances against the former, insinuated regional bias, stating that only lawmakers from the North had faced heavy sanctions, including suspensions, in the current Senate.
The statement said, âWhile this may seem far-fetched, ACF hopes that this is not part of a thinly veiled anti-Arewa agenda pervading Nigerian politics. The unfolding events raise questions about whether this is a pattern or merely a series of coincidencesâ.
Acknowledging the serious nature of the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan which had dominated media discussions and public discourse, the ACF called for open and transparent inquiry to ensure justice is served and to prevent undue interference.
According to the group, âMany individuals and groups have voiced strong opinions on this matter. Even Senator Akpoti-Uduaghanâs husband has been compelled to speak publicly. These interventions risk tarnishing the reputation of the National Assembly, a body entrusted with making laws for the countryâ.
The ACF regretted that while the dispute persists, the interests of Kogi Central constituents were not being adequately represented in the Senate.
The statement said the Senate must return to its core duty of law-making, especially at a time when Nigerians are struggling with economic hardships.
It emphasised that the National Assembly leadership and members must uphold moral rectitude, discipline, decorum, and integrity in their conduct, stressing that he 10th Senateâs reputation was at stake, and its members must act in a manner befitting their responsibilities.
The ACF therefore urged all parties involved to prioritise national interest and ensure that the Senate maintained its credibility both locally and internationally.