Afe Annang, a leading socio-cultural organization in Akwa Ibom State, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Senate’s decision to merely suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The group, which represents the Annang Nation—home to Senate President Godswill Akpabio—has called for stronger action, including her recall or replacement by her constituency, Kogi Central.
At a press conference held at the organization’s secretariat in Abak Local Government Area on Thursday, the group’s leader, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, stated that suspension alone was not enough.
“We are not satisfied with just a suspension. Her constituency should recall her, provide her with proper guidance, or replace her entirely. Such behavior is unacceptable for any senator, let alone a woman,” Awakama said.
Addressing the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Akpabio, Awakama dismissed claims that a routine change in Senate seating arrangements amounted to sexual harassment or discrimination.
“How did a simple adjustment in seating, necessitated by the movement of senators between parties, suddenly turn into an accusation of sexual harassment? This is nothing more than an attempt to damage Akpabio’s reputation,” he argued.
Awakama also warned against any political maneuvering aimed at removing Akpabio from office, vowing that the Annang Nation would not remain silent if such an attempt was made.
“As Senate President, Akpabio represents not only the Annang Nation and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District but the entire country. We are proud of him and fully support his leadership. No female senator should be used as a tool to tarnish his image,” he said.
“If there is a plot to unseat him, we will not allow his adversaries to succeed. The Annang Nation has contributed immensely to Nigeria, and our son deserves to be treated with honor and respect.”
He further insisted that the sexual harassment allegations, which are now the subject of legal proceedings, should not be used as a political weapon.
It will be recalled that on Thursday, March 7, the Senate suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months following an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The committee found her guilty of misconduct and failure to appear before it after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
