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Integrity Nigerian Senate: CSOs hails Akpabio, urges Natasha to apologize
Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), on Wednesday, commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his commitment to upholding the dignity and integrity of the Nigerian Senate.
The Coalition, comprising various grassroots and national civil society groups focused on deepening democracy in Nigeria and across Africa.
In a statement jointly signed by Coalition Convener Martins Onyebuchi and Co-Convener Alhaji Mohammed Audu, emphasized the need for adherence to legislative procedures and mutual respect within the Senate.
The group urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an immediate apology over her recent allegations against Senate President Akpabio.
The coalition said: “The Senate President position justifies his recent statement that he holds women in high esteem as against what Senator Natasha is parading all in name of sexual harassment, to maintain the institution’s integrity the Senate President encourages Senator Natasha to apologize for the unnecessary outbursts which doesn’t depict a true character of a distinguished Senator.
“All over such platforms bestowed with law making responsibility always operate within laid down rules and procedure Nigerian Senate leadership can’t be treated with impunity and reckless abandon.
“It’s high time you Senator Natasha should acknowledge your wrong doing by ignoring the Senate standing order and rule which every institution be stored with such responsibilities is expected to follow.
“Just same way you comported yourself self at the recent international outing Senator Natasha followed the procedure and rules in making her presentation because you sat at rightful place provide for you, meanwhile if nothing is hidden behind your accusations while refusing to move to a new seat and raise the concern or humbly request change of seat?
“The acclaimed sexual harassment false alarm started in response for change of sitting position.However, we urge you to consider alternative peaceful and internal mechanisms to resolve this issue, prioritizing the safety and stability of Nigeria’s democracy. Wrong can never be justified because sexual harassment can never be the reason for you not to comform with the Nigerian Senate laid down rules.
“As a respected Civil Society Organization, we promote women’s participation in politics devoid of emotions or blackmail, rather encourage a healthy and stable coexistence between both genders, it’s very important for you to understand that your allegations is seriously colored with insubordination, disrespect to constituted authority and considering your past records of similar accusations to other individuals in the past,it still makes many Nigerians to doubt the genuinity of your claims.
“Running to the international community even while you have submitted to the Nigerian court was also the height of it. However the major concern is to ensure that you’re not being influenced by external interest to disrupt leadership of the Nigerian Senate.
“If you are truly genuine and respect the institution you would adopted a better approach in dealing with such acclaimed allegations instead of bringing shame to the entire nation all the name sexual harassment.”
The coalition called for patriotism and unity, urging all parties to prioritize the nation’s interests over individual disputes.
They added, “We appreciate Akpabio’s leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s development. His dedication to the country’s progress is evident in his efforts to maintain peace and stability within the Senate in the face of provocation,his composure and openness to his colleagues showed good leadership qualities .
“Let us move forward with patriotism, prioritizing the nation’s interest above individual concerns. We seek a peaceful resolution, and we’re confident that, together, we can achieve desired democracy and entrench rule of law.”
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appealed to the Federal Government to step up and deal with rising insecurity in the state as the death toll from the recent attacks by suspected herdsmen on Ukum and Logo local government areas in the state has risen to 56.
The governor made the call on Saturday when he visited the scenes of attacks by suspected herdsmen in Ukum and Logo local government areas to ascertain the impact of the attacks.
Addressing journalists after the visit to the affected communities in the two local government areas, Alia condemned the violent attacks on the defenseless people and called for greater action from security agencies to nip these killings in the bud.
The governor used the visit to engage with community leaders and their people whom he assured of a better deal in addressing all forms of insecurity.
He also called for calm and urged the people to resist the will to resort to self-help
Security has also been beefed up in the Sankera axis where these attacks happened to restore confidence, while emergency services and relief items have been extended to the two local government areas.
In neighbouring Plateau State, also in the North Central geopolitical zone, over 100 people have been killed in the last two weeks when bloodthirsty marauders unleashed mayhem on communities in the Bokkos and Bassa local government areas of Plateau State.
Muhammad Auwal Jatau, Bauchi deputy governor, has denied reports claiming that he slapped Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, during a high-profile event in the state.
The alleged incident was said to have taken place on Friday inside a white coaster bus conveying dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa international airport to the Bauchi emir’s palace.
The dignitaries were en route to the turbaning of Mohammed Abubakar, a former governor of the state.
According to unverified reports, an argument broke out after the minister allegedly made disparaging comments about Bala Mohammed, Bauchi state governor.
Jatau was said to have slapped the minister in reaction, reportedly in the presence of Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other prominent figures.
But Muslim Lawal, spokesperson to the deputy governor, described the claim as “false and baseless”.
“No, no, no, how can the deputy governor slap the minister? I don’t think that ever happened in Bauchi because I know my principal is a responsible person,” he said.
“The number two person cannot slap a minister or whoever person that people are talking about. We are not even aware of that. I am just hearing this from you.”
Lawal questioned the credibility of the viral report and called on anyone with evidence to present it.
“Did you see the evidence of the slap? I didn’t see it, I’m just hearing about that from you,” he said.
“But my belief is that there is no way the deputy governor will slap a minister. I don’t think such can ever happen in Bauchi, not even my principal or whoever is in his position.”
He said there was no reasonable provocation for such an act.
“What is even the issue that will make the deputy governor slap a minister?” he asked.
“I was not in the car and if there is any evidence that the deputy governor did such, maybe we can speak on that, but as of now, I don’t even know about it. That’s our position.
“And I don’t even think that the deputy governor, even if it is not in the presence of the vice-president, can do that.”
Siminalayi Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers, has called on residents of the state to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
In his Easter message in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday, the governor said the season represents a time for reconciliation and unity.
“Easter is a sacred season of reconciliation and unity. It is a time when the peace of Christ dwells richly in our hearts, restoring relationships, comforting the afflicted, feeding the hungry, and healing the brokenhearted,” Fubara said.
Fubara also reiterated his commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Rivers state.
“I reiterate my unwavering commitment to delivering good governance to the resilient and dignified people of Rivers state,” he said.
“Therefore, I call on the good people of Rivers state to continue to support and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while looking forward to a better tomorrow.”
Fubara added that the transformation desired by all is achievable when people act together as one, committed to peace, unity, and progress.
“Let us not lose sight of our collective strength. The transformation we all desire is achievable when we act together as one people under God, committed to peace, unity, and progress,” the governor said.