PDP Challenges Akpabio To Submit To Investigation, Denounces Suspension OF Natasha In Bold Move

In a statement issued on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized the actions of the Senate leadership under Akpabio, describing them as a blatant attempt to cover up the allegations. The party emphasized that the swift suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, without a transparent investigation into the serious claim of sexual harassment against the Senate President, undermines the principles of fair hearing and parliamentary convention. It also paints the Senate as an institution that tolerates and protects misconduct.

The statement read: “The excessively harsh six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan effectively denies the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone their constitutional right to be represented in the Senate.”

“It is a scandalous abuse of power and a clear violation of justice and fair hearing for Senator Akpabio to act as both the accused and the judge in this matter. This only reinforces public suspicion of the Senate President’s attempts to suppress an open legislative investigation into the sexual harassment allegations.”

The PDP further reminded the public that this is not the first time Senator Akpabio has faced accusations of sexual harassment. The party recalled the allegations made by Dr. Joi Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), against Akpabio.

The PDP stated: “If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, he should clear his name by stepping aside, in line with established parliamentary practice, and submit to a fair and unbiased investigation into the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

“It is deeply embarrassing for the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly to be implicated in a sexual harassment case, tarnishing the image and integrity of Nigeria’s highest legislative body. Under these circumstances, he should voluntarily step aside for an independent investigation to clear his name.”

The PDP also expressed concern over the Senate leadership’s ongoing scandals, noting that since Akpabio’s assumption of the Senate Presidency, it has been embroiled in controversies, including accusations of financial misconduct and failure to uphold its constitutional duty of checking the excesses of the Executive, ultimately to the detriment of the Nigerian people.