CSOs Rally Behind Senate President Akpabio Amidst Harassment Allegations

Coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to remain focused and committed to delivering legislative interventions to Nigerians.

The CSOs, under the Stay Alert Human Right Awareness Initiative, expressed their support in a statement issued by Executive Director Lary Onah on Thursday in Abuja.

Executive Director Onah praised Akpabio’s leadership, describing it as “impactful and most gender tolerant.” He also commended Akpabio’s professionalism during a recent altercation with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangements.

“We praise the senate president for his professionalism in the manner he conducted himself in the plenary during the altercation by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangement”, he said.

Onah criticized Senator Natasha saying, “Natasha is wrong to go against the rules of the senate over seating arrangement. She should apologise for her wrong conduct and withdraw her petition of sexual harassment against the most performing senate president of Nigeria.”

“The accusation is only meant to distract the senate from applying sanctions on her and coerce the leadership to always do her bidding,” Onah stated.

He described the allegations as “cheap blackmail” aimed at distracting Akpabio and the senate. Onah urged Akpabio to focus on his duties, saying, “We urge him not to be distracted by the cheap blackmail but to focus more on discharging his duties for the good of Nigerians and ultimately for the prosperity of the nation.”

The CSOs are planning a solidarity march in support of Akpabio and the country’s leadership.