Sexual harassment in the Senate: National Association of Nigerian Students beg Natasha to let peace reign

The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on President Bola Tinubu to wade into the altercation between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

NANS made the call in a statement signed on Saturday by its National Vice President, Sileola Akinbodunse, in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Akinbodunse urged the President to settle the rift between the lawmakers before it degenerates further and causes international embarrassment to the country.

The student body leader also sued for peace and urged Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan to sheathe their swords for peace to reign.

The statement read, “The National Assembly is a key organ of the government which should be occupied by exemplary and forthright representatives of the people.

“The face-off between Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Godswill Akpabio should not be allowed to fester.”

She argued further that if the issue of the allegation of sexual harassment leveled against the Senate President is not properly managed and rested, it would cause international embarrassment for the country.

Akinbodunse observed that though Akpoti-Uduaghan has not substantiated her allegation, the matter should be looked into with a view of ascertaining the veracity of her claims.
She said that the student body will be keenly monitoring the situation, submitting “we will not hesitate to march to the National Assembly if the face-off is not resolved”.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, while appearing on Arise TV on Friday, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.

She alleged that the Senate President had, on two occasions, made sexual advances at her, claiming that the seating arrangement was part of a ploy to frustrate legislative duties.
The Kogi lawmaker stated that her situation could be likened to a student failing an examination because she refused to sleep with her lecturer.

Reacting to the allegations through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo, Akpabio described the allegations against his principal as baseless and fictitious lies.