Sexual allegation: Akpabio urged to defend himself before panel during investigation

NewsNigeriaPolitics

Sexual allegation: Akpabio urged to defend himself before panel during investigation

Published on

May 5, 2025

Gong

In a fresh twist to the ongoing political drama at the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has allegedly withdrawn from a presidential panel set up to investigate sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

The revelation was made by Mrs Oby Ndukwe, President for “Citizens Quest for Truth” public in Saturday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.

The panel was established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 2 and was to be chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. Members included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Attorney General of the Federation; and one representative each nominated by Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The panel was mandated to investigate the serious allegations that have drawn national attention and embarrassment.

Akpabio’s reported withdrawal from the investigation panel, without offering any official explanation, has triggered widespread speculation across the country. Sources close to the matter claim the Senate President cited undue interference by the Executive arm and lack of confidence in the neutrality of the panel as reasons for his decision.

It could be recalled that Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been at loggerheads in recent months, following the senator’s open accusation of sexual harassment against the Senate President. In a controversial move, the Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan pending the outcome of the investigation, a decision that many viewed as a silencing tactic.

DON'T MISS

Iran eliminates four US soldiers in retaliatory strikes

At least four United States soldiers have lost their lives in retaliatory strikes by Iran. The US Central Command, CENTCOM, disclosed this in a statement posted on its X account on Monday. The US military emphasized that the identities of the deceased will remain undisclosed until their families have been notified. CENTCOM stated that four US service members were earlier confirmed killed in action, adding that the fourth individual, who sustained serious injuries from Iran’s initial attacks, ultimately succumbed to the wounds. “Major combat operations are ongoing, and we will withhold names for 24 hours post notification of families,” it added. In related news, President Donald Trump has vowed to retaliate for the deaths of American personnel following the joint US-Israeli operations against Iran.