On Friday, March 14, Elijah Tule, the President of the Nigerian Ambassadors for Gender Tranquility (NAGET), spoke out about the ongoing controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tule believes that Natasha should apologize to both the Senate and Akpabio for the sake of her constituents and the public.
At a press conference, Tule explained that Natasha’s six-month suspension was the right decision, as it would give her time to study the Senate Rules and become a better legislator. The suspension followed Natasha’s accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, which she took to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Natasha also filed a contempt suit against Akpabio and other Senate members over her suspension without pay.
However, the Nigerian Senate defended its decision, stating that Natasha lied to the IPU in her claims.
Tule, supporting Akpabio’s stance, said, “Natasha’s suspension is in her best interest, as she will use the six-month period to study and become more familiar with the Senate Rules Book. This will help her grow as a better legislator and team player moving forward.”
Tule added that Natasha should stop “grandstanding” and publicly apologize for her actions. He stated, “NAGET renews our call for Natasha to withdraw her false accusations against Senate President Akpabio and apologize to both the Senate and Akpabio. This is in her best interest and the best interest of the people she represents.”
He also warned, “Spreading lies about the Nigerian Senate and the Senate President is an act of sabotage against the Nigerian state. We want these false claims to end now, or we will have no choice but to call for an extension of her suspension.”
On Thursday, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity, and Justice also dismissed Natasha’s allegations, questioning her sincerity after she was removed as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
At the same time, other groups and many Nigerians have shown support for Natasha, calling for Akpabio to step aside while an impartial investigation takes place. Former Senator Nicholas Tofowomo has also called on Akpabio to step down to ensure a fair investigation into the sexual harassment allegations.
