PDP Condemns Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension, Demands Akpabio Probe

Furthermore, the PDP pointed out that the six-month suspension effectively deprives the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District of their constitutional right to representation. The party contended that Senator Akpabio, as the accused in the matter, should not have presided over proceedings that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, emphasizing that this raises doubts about the integrity of the Senate’s decision.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, calling it a calculated attempt to suppress allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement issued on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, decried the Senate’s decision, describing it as a blatant disregard for due process and an attempt to shield the Senate President from scrutiny.

The opposition party argued that suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without first conducting an open investigation into her claims raises serious concerns about the credibility of the Senate’s leadership. The PDP maintained that such an action undermines the principles of justice and fairness, portraying the legislative body as complicit in covering up allegations of misconduct.

Furthermore, the PDP pointed out that the six-month suspension effectively deprives the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District of their constitutional right to representation. The party contended that Senator Akpabio, as the accused in the matter, should not have presided over proceedings that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, emphasizing that this raises doubts about the integrity of the Senate’s decision.

The party also reminded Nigerians that this is not the first time Akpabio has faced allegations of sexual misconduct. The statement referenced similar accusations previously made against him by Dr. Joi Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

“If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, he should willingly submit himself to an impartial investigation rather than using his position to suppress inquiries into the matter,” the statement read.

The PDP further criticized Akpabio’s leadership, accusing the Senate under his watch of being entangled in multiple scandals, including allegations of financial mismanagement and failing to uphold its constitutional responsibility of holding the executive arm accountable.

The statement also recalled that Akpabio is still under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged misappropriation of N108.1 billion during his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor, as well as an alleged N86 billion contract scandal in the NDDC while he served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

With public outcry and protests mounting over the issue, the PDP called on the Senate to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately and launch a transparent investigation into the allegations to restore public confidence in the National Assembly.