5/5/2025
Senator Godswill Akpabio has been urged to give reasons why is he snubbing the investigation panel set up by President Bola Tinubu to investigate allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The panel which was set up by President Tinubu has Vice President Kashim Shettima as head, National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; and one representative each nominated by Senator Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as members.
But according reports Senator Akpabio will not be making any presentations at the panel. It was gathered that the former Akwa Ibom State governor sees the panel as an executive branch interference into affairs of the Senate and doubts about the panel’s neutrality.
Based on the development a group Action Collective, called on Akpabio to explain to Nigerians the real reason he quit on the panel.
“We are surprised to hear that Senator Akpabio has withdrawn from the investigation panel without offering any official explanation. The development has triggered widespread speculation across the country,” said a statement signed by Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim coordinator of Actional Collective.
“We have gathered that the Senate President cited undue interference by the Executive Arm of government and lack of confidence in the neutrality of the panel as reasons for his decision.
“Is Akpabio saying he lacks confidence in the current presidency or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?
“We believe that Senator Akpabio owes Nigerians and the world a duty to speak out or step aside as President of the Senate.”
