From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for an independent investigation over an altercation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
This was contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement also noted allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation that have since been brought into the fray by the embattled Senator Natasha, which continue to make rounds in the media and indeed take center stage in many a discourse relating to the controversy.
“Inevitably, many persons and groups have been out there in the public space with strong opinions on the matter. Even Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband has been forced to publicly comment on the matter, and all such public interventions have the potential to bring into disrepute a body empowered to make laws for Nigeria.
“As things now stand, in the eyes of the general public, the allegations in question portend definite negative implications for the national and international public image of the Red Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly.
“While the imbroglio lasts, the interests of the people of Kogi Central are not being adequately represented in the 10th Senate.
“While perhaps far-fetched, ACF rues the development and hopes that it is not part of the thinly veiled anti-Arewa agenda now pervading the Nigerian political process. It does seem that to date, only Senators from the North have been subjected to heavy sanctions, such as suspensions, in the 10th Senate.”
