KEY POINTS
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Akpabio says the sexual harassment claims are politically motivated.
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He insists he won’t resign without credible evidence.
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The Senate vows to follow due process and resist pressure.
Godswill Akpabio, the president of the Senate, dismissed calls for his resignation due to sexual harassment accusations, describing them as “false and politically motivated.”
Senate President says resignation demand is politically motivated
After the Senate passed tax reform proposals in response to appeals from lawmakers and civil society organizations, Akpabio spoke about the matter during Thursday’s session.
Others, like former Senate President Bukola Saraki, requested Akpabio to resign while the accusations made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are looked thoroughly.
According to Businessday, Akpabio stated that he would not stand down over what he views as untrue allegations and that he would not quit, especially in the absence of proof.
He declared, “I’m not among those who resign over baseless accusations,” noting that while exoneration typically ensues, public opinion seldom overturns a decision.
He likened the pressure on him to racial injustice in the US, when systemic bias led to some Black Americans being wrongfully convicted.
He cited instances of African Americans enduring decades for crimes they did not commit when he questioned, “Who said I was stepping down?”
Senators stand behind Akpabio and emphasize due process
Akpabio stressed that any valid claims must be addressed through the appropriate legal processes and stated that he would not become a political casualty.
He urged anyone with solid proof to come forward rather than creating distractions, saying, “I won’t be an example of injustice.”
In her speech, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele urged the Senate’s members to maintain their composure and fend off politically heated outside pressure.
Bamidele informed MPs during Thursday’s session that “we won’t tolerate distractions or deliberate actions rooted in politics rather than public interest.”
He reiterated the Senate’s dedication to due process, declaring that they would not give in to political meddling or conjecture in their continued service to Nigerians.
“Knowing that this institution is larger than any individual, regardless of their status, we will act seriously, guided by our rules,” Bamidele stated.
Speaking directly to Akpabio, Bamidele said the Senate stayed focused despite outside predictions that they would seek a resignation.
He declared, “We act solely in the public interest, not for political spectacle or outside pressure, and we demand evidence for every allegation.”
On the Senate floor, Bamidele said, “I thank you, Mr. President, and appreciate our colleagues’ commitment to duty.”
