Demands Independent Investigator
- Safiu Kehinde
Former Minister of Solid Minerals, Oby Ezekwesili, has slammed the Senate over the dismissal of allegations filed against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, by lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
NPO reported that Natasha had at the Senate’s plenary session yesterday formally filed a petition before the Red Chamber, accusing the Akpabio of sexual harassment, misuse of office, and obstruction of her legislative functions.
The Senate would reject the petition on the ground that it was signed by petitioner which was against the order of the Senate.
Reacting in a post on her X handle on Thursday, Ezekwesili faulted the Senate’s decision over the petition, stressing that its dismissal is a democratic aberration which must not stand.
She also faulted Akpabio presiding over such allegation involving him. while charging the Senate to act correctly.
“Dismissing a serious accusation against the Senate President just like the Senators irresponsibly did yesterday is a Democratic Aberration. It cannot stand. Never.
“What happened yesterday in the Senate Chamber where a Senate President presided over a grave matter involving him, was farcical and a blot on our Democracy.
“It is in our Public Interest that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan petition be urgently given the seriousness it deserves to defend the institutional integrity of our Senate. Act correctly now,” Ezekwesili said.
“The Petition of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Must Be Independently Investigated and Openly Discussed in a Public Hearing that the Accused Does Not Preside.
“Two Demands: 1. Swiftly Appoint an Independent Investigator on the Petition of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Cc: ICPC
“2. Elevate the status of the proceedings on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Ethics and Privileges Committee into a Public Hearing for full transparency and disclosure. Our National Assembly which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives belongs to the Nigerian People and not to politicians of any stripe and status.
“This is why the National Assembly is called a Public Institution. No individual nor collection of individuals and their groups can capture a Public Institution and use to their personal benefit or advantage.
“Whenever a situation as the one involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Godswill occurs, the Lawmakers must understand the Nigerian public want transparency and full disclosure.” she added.