The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central) by the Senate, describing it as an attempt to suppress transparency and accountability.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months following allegations of misconduct against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement issued in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba criticized the Senate leadership, calling the suspension a desperate move to shield Akpabio from scrutiny.
The party urged the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately and conduct an open investigation into the allegations.
It argued that suspending her without a thorough inquiry into the sexual harassment accusations against Akpabio undermined the principles of fairness and due process in parliamentary proceedings.
“The Senate’s actions suggest an endorsement of misconduct and a blatant disregard for justice,” the PDP stated. It also argued that then six-month suspension effectively deprives Kogi Central constituents of their constitutional right to representation.
Furthermore, the PDP criticized Akpabio for presiding over a matter in which he was directly accused, labeling it a conflict of interest and an abuse of office. It maintained that Akpabio should step aside to allow an independent investigation, insisting that his alleged involvement in previous sexual harassment claims raises concerns about his leadership.
“If Senator Akpabio has nothing to hide, he should submit to an open and unbiased investigation. His continued leadership under these circumstances damages the credibility of the National Assembly,” the party stated.
The PDP concluded that the situation had become a national embarrassment and called for immediate action to restore the integrity of the Senate.
(Prompt news)