Kinsmen of Senate President Godswill Akpabio have reacted to Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, claiming that it is insufficient punishment for a senator who, in their opinion, has disrespected a revered institution such as the Senate.
On Thursday, the Senate suspended the Kogi senator for six months, revoking her privileges, including allowances and salary, for what it characterized as a violation of its standing regulations following her claim of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
However, speaking to journalists during a media interaction in Akwa Ibom State’s Abak Local Government Area on Thursday evening, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, flanked by other Annang elders, stated that the embattled senator should have been recalled by her constituents and given proper guidance.
“We are not content with a suspension; I feel she should be recalled by her constituents and properly instructed.
I don’t think this is the type of behavior that any Nigerian, let alone a woman, should bring to the Senate. Suspension alone is insufficient; her constituents should recall her, offer proper guidance, and replace her with someone more qualified.”
The elders emphasized that every ethnic group is represented in the Senate and warned that no female senator should be used to destroy the Senate President’s reputation, stating that they would continue to support him.
They warned against any attempt to remove him from office, adding that they would not stand by and watch such an action succeed. They further emphasised that a false charge of sexual harassment should not be used as a vehicle for political persecution.
Awakama stated, “Each senator represents a people. Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio represents the Annang Nation in Akwa Ibom’s Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.
“He also represents the entire nation as Senate President, and we are proud of and support him. No female senator should be used to discredit him.
“If there is a coordinated political plot to remove him from office, we will not stand by and watch his opponents succeed. The Annang people have made enormous sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria, and our son, Senate President, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
“A false charge of sexual harassment, which is currently being litigated, should not and cannot be utilized for political persecution. “A word is sufficient for the wise.”
