ActionAid Nigeria Calls For Investigation Into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegations Against Senate President

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has urged a thorough investigation into allegations leveled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godwin Akpabio.

The Country Director of AAN, Mr. Andrew Mamedu, issued the call today, cautioning against dismissing the claims.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that she has been intimidated by the Senate President for rejecting his advances.

While refraining from confirming or denying the veracity of the allegations, Mamedu stressed the importance of a proper investigation.

“So for us, it is a case of those allegations needing to be investigated,” Mamedu stated.

He advocated for the establishment of a suitable committee, ideally within the Senate, to conduct an independent inquiry.

Mamedu emphasised the need to avoid any perception of a cover-up. “We cannot sweep it under the carpet. We cannot undermine her.

She should not be victimized, but the allegations should be investigated,” he asserted.

He called on both the Presidency and Senate leadership to refrain from interfering in the process, ensuring its impartiality.

He specifically suggested the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee as a suitable body to handle the matter.

“If the offense is proven to be true, then the right sanction should be meted out. And if it is false, then the right sanction should be meted out,” Mamedu clarified.

He acknowledged the difficulty in definitively proving the allegations but reiterated the necessity of a full and impartial investigation to ascertain the truth.

The AAN’s statement underscores the need for accountability and due process in addressing such serious claims.