…Senator Suspended Over Face-Off with Akpabio
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central) for six months. The party described the suspension as an attempt to cover up serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended after being accused of misconduct toward Akpabio. However, the PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the move was unfair and politically motivated.
Denial of Fair Hearing
The PDP criticized the Senate for failing to conduct an open investigation before suspending the senator.
“The hasty suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, without investigating the serious allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, is a violation of fair hearing,” the party stated. “This action makes it appear as if the Senate is protecting misconduct instead of upholding justice.”
The party also argued that the six-month suspension deprives Kogi Central of representation in the legislature, calling it an abuse of power.
Calls for an Independent Probe
The PDP claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was part of a larger effort to silence calls for an independent investigation into Akpabio.
“If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, he should step aside and allow a transparent investigation,” the PDP stated. “The Senate President’s name being linked to such allegations is damaging to the integrity of the National Assembly.”
Demands for Immediate Reinstatement
The PDP urged the Senate to reverse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and conduct a fair probe into the allegations.
“The Senate must restore its credibility by reinstating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensuring a fair and impartial investigation,” the party said.
