Natasha deserves more punishment, Akpabio’s supporters reveal

Kinsmen of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, under the umbrella of Afe Annang, a foremost socio-cultural organisation of the Annang nation in Akwa Ibom State, has lamented that the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is not sufficient punishment for a senator who, in their view, has disrespected a revered institution like the Senate.

On Thursday, the Senate imposed a six-month suspension on the Kogi senator, withdrawing all privileges, including allowances and salary, over what it described as a breach of its standing orders following her claim of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

However, speaking to journalists during a media interaction in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday evening, the Atai Afe Annang, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, flanked by other elders of Annang descent, stated that the embattled senator should have been recalled by her constituents and given proper guidance.

“We are not satisfied with just a suspension; I believe she should be recalled by her constituents and properly advised.

“I don’t think this is the kind of conduct any Nigerian, let alone a woman should bring to the Senate. Suspension alone is not enough; her constituents should recall her, provide proper guidance, and replace her with someone more suitable.”

Emphasising that every ethnic group is represented in the Senate, the elders warned that no female senator should be used as a front to tarnish the reputation of the Senate President, as they would continue to stand by him.

They cautioned against any attempt to remove him from office, stating that they would not sit idly by and watch such a move succeed. They also stressed that a false claim of sexual harassment should not be weaponised as a tool of political persecution.

Awakama said, “Every senator represents a people. Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio represents the people of the Annang Nation, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State.

“He also represents the entire nation as the Senate President, and we are proud of him and stand by him. No female senator should be used to defame him.

“If there is an organised political plot to remove him from office, we shall not stand by and allow his adversaries to succeed. The Annang Nation has made significant sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria, and our son, the Senate President, deserves to be treated with honour and respect.

“A false claim of sexual harassment, which is already a matter of litigation, should not and cannot be used as a tool for political persecution. A word is enough for the wise.”