A civil society organisation, Defenders of Integrity in Public Leadership (DIPL), has reiterated its call for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to be held accountable over her recent allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja by the group’s convener, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the group described the allegation as serious. It said it should be subjected to legal scrutiny.
According to the statement, the senator has made public claims against the senate president without providing supporting evidence.
“Since making this accusation, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not provided any material proof such as messages, call records, witnesses, or any form of documentation to support her claims,” the statement said.
The group noted that legal proceedings had already been initiated regarding the matter and stressed that due process must be followed to determine the facts.
“Now that the matter is in court, we urge Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to present her case through the proper legal channels. Public office holders must be held to high standards of accountability, and allegations of this nature should not be resolved in the media but in a court of law,” it added.
The group cautioned against what it described as the politicisation of serious issues such as sexual harassment. It emphasised the importance of protecting the integrity of legitimate victims by ensuring claims are responsibly handled.
“We urge all Nigerians to allow the legal process to run its course. If the senator has credible evidence, it should be presented in court. If not, the appropriate legal remedies should apply,” the group stated.
The statement concluded by calling for restraint in public commentary on the matter and reaffirmed the group’s support for a lawful and transparent resolution of such allegations.
