Senate has no business investigating sexual assault claims against Akpabio – CNPD

The Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPD) has called on the Senate to dismiss allegations of sexual assault against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, insisting that it would be a waste of time and public resources to probe a matter not formally presented before the chamber. The group emphasized that without an official petition before the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee, any investigation would be a distraction from critical legislative duties.

In a statement issued on Monday, CNPD’s Executive Director, Barr. Francis Okereke Wainwei, accused Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who made the allegations, of attempting to divert attention from her own disciplinary case. He urged the Senate to remain focused on its investigation into Natasha’s alleged disruption of proceedings last Thursday, rather than entertain accusations that lack formal submission or supporting evidence.

The group also questioned the credibility and timing of Natasha’s claims, highlighting her past failure to prove similar allegations against former presidential aide Reno Omokri. It further criticized former Senate President Bukola Saraki for calling on Akpabio to step aside, accusing him of playing politics to gain favor ahead of the 2027 elections. CNPD insisted that Saraki’s remarks were partisan and misleading, as the alleged incident occurred outside the Senate and was never formally tabled for discussion.

Urging lawmakers to uphold parliamentary integrity, CNPD warned against using the Senate as a platform for personal vendettas and political distractions. It called on senators to focus on critical national issues and avoid being swayed by what it described as “frivolous accusations aimed at derailing governance.”