Afe Annang, a socio-cultural group from Akwa Ibom, has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, demanding her recall. The group defends Senate President Godswill Akpabio against harassment allegations, calling them political attacks. They warn against attempts to remove Akpabio, insisting he deserves respect as Nigeria’s Senate leader.
A socio-cultural organization from Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s home state of Akwa Ibom has rejected the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling for her recall or replacement.
Speaking at a press conference in Abak, the leader of Afe Annang, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, stated that the suspension alone was not enough, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct was inappropriate for a lawmaker. “Her constituency should take action by recalling her or providing necessary guidance,” he said.
The group’s discontent stems from the senator’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, which arose after a routine seating arrangement change in the Senate. Awakama questioned how a procedural decision linked to cross-carpeting among lawmakers could be interpreted as discrimination, let alone harassment.
He also warned against any attempt to undermine Akpabio’s leadership, asserting that the Annang people would not tolerate any political maneuver to remove him from office. “We stand firmly behind him. No senator should be used as a pawn to tarnish his reputation,” Awakama declared.
The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after its ethics committee found her guilty of misconduct. However, the controversy has drawn national attention, with the PDP and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urging the Senate leadership to ensure fairness in handling the matter.
The case remains a flashpoint in Nigeria’s political scene, with supporters and critics of both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan clashing over the decision.
