Akpabio vs Natasha: CAN calls for peace

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has called on Nigerians to intervene in the feud between the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central over alleged sexual harassment.

The cleric in an interview in Kaduna said as a responsible religious body, CAN considers the feud “shameful and unfortunate”, calling on Nigerians to intervene to ensure sanity in the National Assembly.

According to the chairman, “There is a need for elders to intervene, saying that “Akpabio and Natasha, as well as the entire members of the National Assembly, are honourable members that should be accorded respect and Nigerians hold them in high regard.”

Hayab said: “The members of the National Assembly should also do whatever at their disposal to ensure they address the matter to give peace a chance. We should show that we are responsible people in addressing any matter that wants to cause any problem, it is not to find fault but to mend fences and move forward as a nation.”

Hayab pointed out that no one should toy with an allegation of sexual harassment, saying that Nigeria has gone past such things because Nigeria has gone past the era when people claim they are underdogs or minorities.

He urged the media not to fuel the feud in their reportage, saying that doing so would only further confuse and divide Nigerians.

The CAN chairman urged the members of the National Assembly to channel their energies toward making the lives of Nigerians better with their official engagements, having passed the 2025 national budget.

Northern CAN appealed for all groups involved or affected by the Akpabio-Natasha feud to sheath their swords and refrain from making comments capable of further dividing Nigerians along gender or regional lines, stressing that Nigerians should use their as a source of strength to achieve things that are to the overall interests of Nigerians.

“Let’s give peace a chance,” Hayab said.