*Says it is undermining public image of Senate leadership
From Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for an independent investigation over an altercation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
This was contained in a statement issued by the National Publicity, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement also noted the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation that have since been brought into the fray by the embattled Senator Natasha, which continue to make rounds in the media and indeed take center stage in many discourses relating to the controversy.
“Inevitably, many persons and groups have been out there in the public space with strong opinions on the matter. Even Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband has been forced to publicly comment on the matter, and all such public interventions have the potential to bring into disrepute a body empowered to make laws for Nigeria.
“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.
“While the imbroglio lasts, the interests of the people of Kogi Central are not being adequately represented in the 10th Senate.
“While perhaps far-fetched, ACF rues the development and hopes that it is not part of the thinly veiled anti-Arewa agenda now pervading the Nigerian political process. It does seem that to date, only Senators from the North have been subjected to heavy sanctions, such as suspensions, in the 10th Senate.
“In the event, ACF wonders if the unfolding events constitute a pattern or are cruel coincidences at work! Putting it mildly, the public image of the leadership of the 10th Senate is now less than inspiring.
“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, favor, or interference of any kind from any quarters, be conducted.
“This will be necessary to allow the Senate to return, as it should, to the serious and solemn duty of lawmaking for Nigeria, at a period when citizens are being overwhelmed by dire existential living conditions on account of the impact of public policies on lives and livelihoods.”
The ACF urged the Northern Caucus in the 10th Senate to rally around Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for her to get a fair hearing “and, ultimately, accorded treatment with all the deserved due respects that she is entitled to in the affairs of the Red Chamber.”
