Two Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Civil Rights Africa and League of Democracy Defenders, have cautioned suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against what they called ‘continued campaign of calumny and malicious falsehood’ against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The groups said Natasha’s recent allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President were not only baseless but malicious fabrications aimed at inciting public anger and undermining the office of the Senate President.
The CSOs stated this in a statement on Wednesday jointly signed by Amb. Ikemefuna Richard of Civil Rights Africa and Alhaji Rabiu Mohammed, National Secretary of League of Democracy Defenders.
The statement noted that the campaigns were deliberate falsehoods concocted to embarrass the institution of the National Assembly and divert attention from her misconduct.
The group insisted that Natasha’s suspension from the Senate proceedings was a disciplinary action taken in line with the rules and ethics of the Nigerian Senate, following her sustained misconduct, unruly behavior, and disruptive tendencies that threatened the peace and integrity of the Red Chamber.
The statement faulted Natasha for not seeking redress through internal procedures but choosing to embark on a shameless campaign of falsehood and blackmail.
The statement read: “In light of recent events and calculated attempts to malign the person and office of the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio, it has become imperative to set the record straight and expose the dangerous web of propaganda being spun by elements both within and outside the country, driven by desperation, envy, and political vendetta.
” The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Senate proceedings was a disciplinary action taken in line with the rules and ethics of the Nigerian Senate, following her sustained misconduct, unruly behavior, and disruptive tendencies that threatened the peace and integrity of the Red Chamber. Rather than seek redress through internal procedures or display contrition, she has embarked on a shameless campaign of falsehood and blackmail.
“Senator Natasha’s recent allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President are not only baseless, they are malicious fabrications aimed at inciting public anger and undermining the office of the Senate President. These are deliberate falsehoods concocted to embarrass the institution of the National Assembly and divert attention from her misconduct.
“We are aware that this smear campaign is not a lone effort. Credible intelligence has linked a former presidential candidate and key opposition figure as a major sponsor of Senator Natasha’s media crusade, providing funding for her international tours and media appearances. This is not only irresponsible but also indicative of a broader conspiracy to destabilize the current leadership of the Senate and disrupt the working relationship between the Legislature and the Executive.
“Even more disturbing is the growing body of evidence pointing to the involvement of high-ranking northern political figures, including one from Borno, who is currently disenchanted with the administration, in this coordinated campaign. These individuals, still aggrieved by the outcomes of internal power negotiations and threatened by the synergy between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio, are now resorting to underhanded tactics to sow discord and frustrate governance.
“It is appalling that few people around the President would want to undermine the peaceful synergy between the President and the Senate President. If we are pushed further than this, we will publish their names for the world to see.
“We want to make it abundantly clear: Senator Godswill Akpabio was elected by an overwhelming majority of Senators from across party lines, reflecting the will of the Senate and the Nigerian people. He has brought stability, vision, and productive collaboration to the Senate since assuming office. No amount of propaganda, intimidation, or external manipulation can upturn this democratic mandate.”
The CSOs cautioned those hiding behind proxies to peddle falsehoods to undermine the Senate President to have a rethink, adding that their plans have been exposed.
The group noted that the attempt to set up a panel to deliberate on Senator Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio as counter-productive and an attempt to water down the very serious accusations of sexual harassment and attempted assassination.
The statement also kicked against any attempt to give Senator Natasha a soft landing, noting that she made serious allegations against the person of the Senate President and the institution of the Senate and must prove her allegations in the court of law.
“Allegations of sexual harassment and assassination attempt are not a panel affair but a security and legal matter, not just for posterity but to build public confidence in the system.
“We condemn any attempt to give Senator Natasha a soft landing. She made serious allegations against the person of the Senate President and the institution of the Senate. She must prove her allegations in the court of law.
“We, therefore, urge the public, international observers, and lovers of democracy to disregard the malicious narratives being spread by Senator Natasha and her sponsors. We stand firmly with Senator Godswill Akpabio, a leader of vision and courage, and affirm our collective resolve that he will not be removed, distracted, or derailed,” the statement added.