The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has called on the Federal Government to launch a thorough investigation into serious allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The group emphasized that the matter transcends political rivalry and touches on national integrity, justice, and Nigeria’s global reputation.
In a statement issued by Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Otunba Kole Omololu, the group expressed concern over the Senate’s recent decision to lift Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension without addressing the substance of her claims, which include accusations of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
“Restoring her does not mean we should put all her claims behind us without subjecting them to judicial interpretation,” Omololu stated. “This is an issue of national interest that should not be reduced to the politics of divergent interests.”
Afenifere urged the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and National Intelligence Agency (NIA), to investigate the allegations both locally and internationally. The group warned that failure to address the claims could damage Nigeria’s credibility on the global stage, especially given Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s participation in international forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in New York.
The statement also referenced past allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against other public figures, suggesting a pattern that warrants scrutiny.
“He who alleges bears the burden of proof,” Afenifere noted. “We call on the relevant authorities to unearth the truth and prevent the recurrence of actions that undermine our collective interest.”