The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP described the suspension as a desperate attempt to cover up the allegation.
The party criticised the hasty decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without an open investigation, arguing that it violates parliamentary convention and undermines the principle of fair hearing.
“The excessively harsh six-month suspension denies the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone their constitutional right to representation in the Senate,” the statement read.
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The PDP also questioned Mr Akpabio’s role in the process, stating that it was inappropriate for him to preside over a matter in which he is the accused.
The party recalled that this was not the first time Akpabio had faced such allegations, referencing a previous sexual harassment claim made by Joi Nunieh, former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, what Nigerians expected of him was to step aside in line with established parliamentary practice and submit himself to an open and unbiased investigation,” the PDP stated.
The party further described Akpabio’s leadership as scandal-ridden, pointing to allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption during his tenure as Akwa Ibom State Governor and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
PDP noted pending EFCC investigations into the alleged looting of N108.1 billion belonging to Akwa Ibom State and an N86 billion contract scam in the NDDC.
With growing public outrage and protests at the National Assembly, PDP urged the Senate to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow an independent probe into the sexual harassment allegation to restore its credibility.
