Coalition of six northern based Civil Society Organisations have passed a vote of confidence Senate President Godswill Akpabio despite what it termed, “unfortunate and baseless” allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti.
According to the CSOs , the sexual allegation coming from a lawmaker is diversionary at this critical period when Nigerians are yearning for laws to help cushion effects of the harsh economy.
The group which stated this in a press statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Jibrin Musawa, described the allegation by Senator Natasha as nothing but, a calculated attempt to damage the hard earned political image and career of the Senate President .
While condemning Natasha for making such allegation against someone who is family friend and benefactor, the Coalition comprising Arewa Good Governance Forum; Peace and Unity Forum in North, Progressives Movement for Development, Development Initiative for Better Arewa and Forum for Advancement of Youths and Women explained ,”We are beginning to see the drama of Pull-him-down actions unveils in the manner sponsored protests have been deployed across Nigeria with a view to remove him for selfish political gains”.
The statement reads: ” When we are beginning to enjoy dividends of democracy under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government as a result of the cordial relationship with National Assembly, suddenly comes this unnecessary distractions.
“From information gathered from the senators and members of House of Representatives, the detractors under guise of the sexual allegations are plotting to plant their own stooge as the Senate President ,who help them execute their plans to frustrate the good works of President Tinubu.
“The 10th Senate under Akpabio’s leadership has demonstrated high sense of maturity and even the critics today,are beginning to have rethink about the abinitio underated tarnished image of the National Assembly.”
The statement however, noted that Senator Akpabio who is widely known for his jovial gestures and nature since during his days as Governor of Akwa Ibom state could have been misread and interpreted. And for anyone to accuse him of sexual harassment is an aberration.
It further stater : “Akpabio has a track records of good relationship with people; performance and selfless service to his motherland, and we can watch Natasha damage these good side of him .
“It is against this background that as members of Civil Society Organizations from the north, we have come out strongly to support Akpabio and Pass a Vote of Confidence on his leadership as the Senate President.
“It therefore called for a full-scale investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha and reject the sponsored propaganda of character assassination.”
