The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for a transparent and independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct in the 10th Senate, particularly those raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF expressed concern over the controversy, warning that it could damage the reputation of the National Assembly both within and outside Nigeria.
“The ACF is highly disturbed by the emerging controversy in the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria… Allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation have since been brought into the fray by the embattled Senator Natasha, which continue to make rounds in the media and indeed taken centre stage in many a discourse relating to the controversy.
“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,” the statement read.
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The forum also raised concerns that the ongoing dispute is affecting the representation of Kogi Central in the Senate. It urged that the matter be resolved quickly to ensure the interests of the people are not neglected.
“While the imbroglio lasts, the interests of the people of Kogi Central are not being adequately represented in the 10th Senate.
“ACF, therefore, joins concerned Nigerians in wishing that the saga be brought to an end soonest. An independent, open, transparent, and thorough investigation, devoid of fear, favour, or interference of any kind, from any quarters, shall be conducted.”
Prof. Muhammad-Baba reaffirmed the ACF’s stance on the need for due process, stating, “The ACF is calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations. We want to ensure that the truth is revealed and that justice is served.”
The forum also urged the Northern Caucus in the Senate to ensure that Akpoti-Uduaghan receives a fair hearing.
“ACF calls on the Northern Caucus in the 10th Senate to rally around Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan so that she gets a fair hearing and, ultimately, accorded treatment with all the deserved due respect that she is entitled to in the affairs of the Red Chamber,” the statement added.
It further called on lawmakers to uphold ethical conduct in their activities, warning that the 10th Senate must not fall short in matters of integrity and decorum.
“ACF calls on the leadership and membership of the National Assembly to always display exemplary behaviour, edifying comportment, display sensitivity, circumspection, personal discipline, and be above board in matters of ethics, decorum, moral rectitude, and integrity, qualities that are sorely needed but which, very sadly, appear to be in deficit in the way the 10th Senate is being run,” the statement concluded.
