The ongoing controversy between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked different political views, with two prominent figures examining its impact on justice and the future of Nigerian politics. The Nigeria Senate is facing heightened scrutiny in the wake of sexual harassment allegations and the six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In this week’s edition of the Mic on Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, renowned political advocate and supporter of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Hon. Oganya Abdulrazak Mamman, along with the Special Adviser on Communications and Media Strategy to the Senate President, Mr. Ken Okolugbo, offered differing perspectives on the matter.
Mamman, who has been a staunch ally of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan, strongly criticized the handling of the issue, emphasizing that it goes far beyond a simple apology, suggesting as well that deeper principles are at stake “Apologizing in this matter is conceding. The matter at stake is very dicey. It has the capacity to elevate her politically. It has the capacity to destroy her image. So, how she goes about it can make or mar her personality. I don’t believe she should (apologize)!”
Highlighting what he views as a profound injustice, Mamman stressed that the situation has not only harmed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but also her constituents. “I see that injustice has been done to Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a human being. As a constituent, I see injustice has been meted out on the people of Kogi Central.”
The political intrigue deepened as Mamman alleged that former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello orchestrated the moves to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. He says the recall process, driven by political maneuvering and financial inducement was designed to distract her from her work, “Former Governor (Yahaya Bello) is behind the recall of (Sen. Natasha). If this recall sees the light of day, I will not advise anybody in the future to even contest in an election.”
Mamman also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging him to caution Senate President Akpabio and ensure that justice prevails, emphasizing that the outcome of this case could have far-reaching political consequences.
In stark contrast, Okolugbo rejected the allegations against Senate President Akpabio, dismissing them as unsubstantiated. “I say this (issue) is a lie because the facts don’t add up. All the senators present (on the 8th of December, 2023) had all said that there was never a time that Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had a one-on-one with the Senate President that night.”
Meanwhile, Okolugbo asserted that if he believed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, he would have resigned immediately. He also criticized the female lawmaker, arguing that her actions are damaging both the familial relationship between her husband and the Senate President, as well as the country’s image, “This whole thing that Sen. Natasha is doing is not only destroying the family relationship, but is also destroying the image of the country.”
While questioning the legitimacy of any legal action Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan might pursue, Okolugbo claimed that her petition against the Senate President would ultimately fail. He also commented on her refusal to apologize, suggesting that the matter should be resolved through legal means rather than political maneuvering.
Click the link below, ti watch the full clip.