The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central) by the Senate, calling it an attempt to cover up serious allegations.
The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct towards Senate President Godswill Akpabio. However, the PDP has condemned the decision, arguing that it violates the principles of fair hearing and justice.
PDP Demands Reinstatement and Open Investigation
In a statement released in Abuja on Friday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba called on the Senate to reverse the suspension and allow an open investigation into the matter.
“The hasty suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, without an open investigation into the serious allegation of sexual harassment against Akpabio, negates the principle of fair hearing, especially in parliamentary convention,” the statement read.
The PDP further stated that the Senate’s action gives the impression that it protects misconduct rather than upholding justice. “The action portrays the Senate as an institution that endorses, condones, and offers protection to reprobacy,” the party added.
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Denial of Representation for Kogi Central
The PDP also expressed concern that suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months would deny the people of Kogi Central their right to representation in the Senate.
“It is excessively harsh and amounts to a gross abuse of office. The people of Kogi Central should not suffer because of the Senate leadership’s actions,” the party said.
Calls for Akpabio to Step Aside
The PDP also argued that Akpabio should not have presided over a matter in which he was the accused. The party accused him of using his position to silence opposition and avoid scrutiny.
“It is scandalous and a violation of justice for Akpabio to sit as a judge in a matter where he is the accused,” the PDP stated.
The party also recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation was not the first time Akpabio had been accused of sexual harassment. “If Akpabio has nothing to hide, he should step aside and allow an independent investigation. That is the only way to clear his name,” the PDP added.
The party further stated that the controversy has damaged the Senate’s reputation. “It is a national embarrassment that the Senate President, who is also the chairman of the National Assembly, is involved in such an allegation. Under normal circumstances, he should not need anyone to tell him to step aside,” the PDP stated.