Supporters of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, under the banner of Afe Annang, a prominent socio-cultural group representing the Annang nation in Akwa Ibom State, have expressed dissatisfaction with the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. They argue that this punishment is insufficient for a senator who, in their view, has disrespected the Senate, a respected institution.
On Thursday, the Senate imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan, stripping her of all privileges, including allowances and salary, after accusing her of breaching Senate Standing Orders. The suspension followed her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio, which he has denied.
However, Afe Annang’s elders, led by His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, voiced their concerns during a press briefing in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday evening. They called for Akpoti-Uduaghan to be recalled by her constituents, claiming the suspension alone was not enough.
“We are not satisfied with just a suspension,” said Obong Awakama. “She should be recalled by her constituents and properly advised. I don’t think this is the kind of conduct any Nigerian, let alone a woman, should bring to the Senate. Suspension alone is not enough; her constituents should recall her, provide proper guidance, and replace her with someone more suitable.”
The elders emphasized the importance of fair representation in the Senate and warned against any attempt to use Akpoti-Uduaghan to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation. They pledged their unwavering support for the Senate President, making it clear they would not tolerate any political efforts to remove him from office. They also condemned the use of false sexual harassment allegations as a political weapon.
“Every senator represents a people,” Awakama remarked. “Senator Godswill Akpabio represents the Annang Nation and the entire nation as the Senate President. We are proud of him and will stand by him. No female senator should be used to defame him.”
He further stressed that the Annang Nation had made significant contributions to Nigeria and that Akpabio, as their son, deserved to be treated with the utmost honor and respect. “A false claim of sexual harassment, which is already a matter of litigation, should not be used as a tool for political persecution,” he concluded, warning that they would not allow any efforts to undermine Akpabio’s position.
This latest development highlights the ongoing tension surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and the continued support from Akpabio’s constituents and political allies.
