Harassment: Akpabio backs out of Tinubu’s panel to investigate Natasha’s claim – Group

A political pressure group, Action Collective (AC) has challenged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to tell Nigerians why he suddenly withdrawn from a presidential panel set up to investigate sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

It could be recalled that Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been at loggerheads in recent months, following the senator’s open accusation of sexual harassment against the Senate President. In a controversial move, the Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan pending the outcome of the investigation, a decision that many viewed as a silencing tactic.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, signed by its coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, said the revelation was made public during Saturday’s edition of Politics Today on Channels Television, anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.

According to the group, a panel was established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 2nd, 2025, headed by Vice President Kashim Shettima to look into the claims made by Senator Natasha.

Members of the panel included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Attorney General of the Federation; and one representative each nominated by Senator Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The group added that the presidential panel was mandated to investigate the serious allegations that have drawn national attention and embarrassment.

The statement said: “We are surprised to hear that Senator Akpabio has withdrawn from the investigation panel without offering any official explanation. The development has triggered widespread speculation across the country.

“We have gathered that the Senate President cited undue interference by the Executive Arm of government and lack of confidence in the neutrality of the panel as reasons for his decision.

“Is Akpabio saying he lacks confidence in the current presidency or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

“We believe that Senator Akpabio owe Nigerians and the world duty to speak out or step aside as President of the Senate.

“We observed that all the efforts to divert attention of Nigerians, by using proxies from this crucial matter have backfired. Recently, one controversial and discredited Prof. Mgbake was sponsored to raise some allegations against Senator Natasha but in the process the God of justice exposed both the sponsor and the woman and they have yet to recover from the shame.

“We are calling on leaders of thought to speak up and save the image of our dear nation. We are also calling on the presidency, who has taken a commendable step, to ensure that this issue is not swept under the carpet.” The statement stated.