The Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition Of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs), have called on Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to ensure the Senate’s sanctity is respected in the alleged sexual harassment saga, which has led to Natasha’s suspension.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the public relations officer, CNCSOs, Hon. Nnaemeka Aleke, said the personal agenda of any senator should not tarnish the Senate’s image.
He further stated that “Nigeria’s reputation and the integrity of our Senate are at stake. We cannot afford to trivialise these serious allegations or allow them to go unaddressed. It is essential that we uphold the principles of justice, accountability, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their status.”
The group also stated that the Senate president would have stepped aside from his position while the allegations against him are investigated.
“It is imperative that he does not preside over a matter in which he is directly implicated; Senator Akpabio cannot be the judge in his own case if justice must be seen to have been done.”
The group also condemned the action of the chairman of the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions, Senator Neda Imaseun, accusing him of bias from the start of the case.
According to the group, “We strongly condemn the actions of senate leaders who appear to prioritise personal interests over the principles of justice and accountability. The declaration by the chairman of the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions, Senator Neda Imaseun, that the petition is ‘dead on arrival’ is a blatant affront to justice and the rule of law.
“The Senate committee investigating the allegations must operate with transparency and impartiality. We urge Senator Imaseun to recuse himself from the investigation due to his apparent bias against the petitioner, which undermines the integrity of the process,” they said.
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