8 hours Ago By Bolu-Olu Esho
AKURE – Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has thrown its support behind the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on the ongoing face-off between him and Senator Natasha Akpoti bothering on allegation of sexual harassment. Afenifere, in a statement signed by its National Organizing Secretary, Kole Omololu, and made available to journalists on Monday, called on the Senate Committee to conduct proper Investigation into the allegation leveled against Akpabio. The group expressed suspicion in the timing of the allegation, noting that Senator Natasha decided to bandy the allegation when a punitive measure was taken against her at the Senate.
Afenifere insisted that Senator Akpabio could not be traded off on grounds of “unproven allegations,” considering his contributions to political stability and democratic governance in the country. The statement reads in parts: “For We in Afenifere note and appreciate the political stability engendered by the calm, thoughtful and patriotic leadership of the National Assembly by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who has been most instrumental in engineering one of the few eras in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria where we have enjoyed Executive/Legislative synergy. “We are hopeful that such a committed patriot will not be sacrificed on the altar of unproven allegations by an accuser.
“Of course, the allegations should be investigated by a Senate Committee. But we cannot help but notice that they were made after the Senate President’s act of just discipline against Senator Natasha Akpoti. “Hopefully, this is not a knee-jerk reaction made in a highly emotional state by the disciplined party.
“That being the case, the nation has to be careful in assessing these allegations, as they may or may not result from animosity toward that disciplinary measure. “But whatever the case, Afenifere, without passing any judgment on the accuser and her accusations, based on his history and credibility, extends the right hand of fellowship to Senator Godswill Akpabio and commends him for being a steady hand during these times of political, economic, and social reforms of the Renewed Hope agenda.”.
