Sexual Harassment Case: Group Demands For Akpabio’s Resignation, Cites Judicial Interference

A political pressure group, Action Collective , (AC), has demanded for the immediate resignation of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, to pave way for an impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President 

 

The group said the continued stay in office could compromise the integrity of any probe.

National Coordinator of the group, Mr Teddy Onyejuwe who made the call in a statement made available to Edu-Biznews on Wednesday, also expressed  concern over the handling of the sexual harassment case filed against Senator Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, particularly following the recent withdrawal of the presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. 

The judge, who was presiding over the case, reportedly stepped down due to immense pressure, a situation the group described as "deeply troubling and a threat to judicial independence."

According to Action Collective , the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee, which should play a crucial role in investigating the allegations, cannot be trusted under the leadership of Senator Imasuen, given his political ties to the Senate President. 

“The only way to ensure a fair and transparent process is for both Akpabio and Imasuen to step aside and allow an independent inquiry to take place,” the group stated.

The pressure group further warned that the credibility of the National Assembly was at stake, emphasizing that Nigerians were watching closely.

 

“A legislature that cannot uphold ethical standards and protect victims of misconduct loses the moral right to perform oversight functions on the executive and judiciary,” the statement read. 

The statement added that failure to act decisively on the matter could erode public trust in the Senate.

The group also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to shield the Senate President from scrutiny, describing the developments surrounding the case as a calculated attempt to silence Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

 It therefore called on civil society organizations and pro-democracy groups to demand accountability from the leadership of the Senate and ensure that justice is not obstructed.