A coalition of women’s associations is planning a mass protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to demand Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s resignation over alleged harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Coalition of Female Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (FCSOs) has also called for Akpabio’s immediate and unconditional resignation.
The coalition’s founder, Karen James, stated, “We believe his presence as the Senate president can compromise investigation. Moreover, this is how these kinds of cases are handled, for the accused to step aside until his innocence is proven or otherwise. Akpabio’s case should not be an exception.”
However, Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, rejected the calls for Akpabio’s resignation, saying, “WE reject calls on him to resign based on a mere allegation.” Dakolo emphasized that Akpabio deserved a fair hearing.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the allegation. In contrast, the Senate has ruled out an inquest into the matter.
Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, has cautioned against sacrificing Akpabio over unproven allegations.