The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s commitment to upholding the dignity of the Nigerian Senate and urged the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to apologise to the Senate president over the allegations she levelled against him.
In a statement by the convener Martins Onyebuchi and the co-convener Alhaji Mohammed Audu, the coalition noted that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had always ensured equal opportunities for male and female colleagues in the Nigerian Senate.
It confirmed that the Senate President’s recent statement that he holds women in high esteem was true, as opposed to what Senator Natasha wants Nigerians to believe. It said her behaviour does not depict the true character of a distinguished senator.
It noted that worldwide, such platforms bestowed with law-making responsibility always operate within a set of rules and procedures. It stated that Nigerian Senate leadership can’t be treated with impunity and reckless abandon.
It said it was high time Senator Natasha acknowledged her wrongdoing by ignoring the Senate standing order and rules, which every institution with such responsibilities is expected to follow. It told Natasha always to comport herself as she did recently at the international outing in the United States. It was noted that Senator Natasha followed the procedure and rules in making her presentation while in the United States because she sat at the right place provided for her.
It recalled that the sexual harassment false alarm started in response to the change of sitting position. However, it urged Natasha to consider alternative peaceful and internal mechanisms to resolve this issue, prioritising the safety and stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
It said that as a respected civil society organisation, they promote women’s participation in politics devoid of emotions or blackmail and encourage a healthy and stable coexistence between both genders. It added that it was important for Natasha to understand that her allegations are seriously coloured by insubordination and disrespect to constituted authority.
It said that considering her past records of similar accusations against other individuals, many Nigerians have doubted her allegations.
“Running to the international community even while you have submitted to the Nigerian court was also the height of it. However, the major concern is to ensure that you are not being influenced by external interests to disrupt the leadership of the Nigerian Senate. If you are truly genuine and respect the institution, you would adopt a better approach in dealing with such acclaimed allegations instead of bringing shame to the entire nation under the name of sexual harassment,” the group told Natasha in its statement.
“We still greatly believe that exploring internal mechanisms could have led to a more satisfactory outcome than chasing clout because every struggle must have a clear objective,” it added.
It appreciated Akpabio’s leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s development. His dedication to the country’s progress is evident in his efforts to maintain peace and stability within the Senate in the face of provocation.
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