A political pressure group, Action Collective (AC), has called for t Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Chairman Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, to step down for an impartial investigation into allegations against the Senate President Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Teddy Onyejuwe, expressed concern over the handling of the sexual harassment case filed against Akpabio by Senator Natasha, particularly following the recent withdrawal of 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.
“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, emphasising 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. It 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 Natasha.
It called on civil society organisations and pro-democracy groups to demand accountability from the leadership of the Senate and ensure that justice is not obstructed.