The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has stated that caution must be exercised against sacrificing the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over unproven allegations.
The frontline Yoruba group, which described Akpabio as a committed patriot, advised that the allegation should be thoroughly examined, particularly since the allegations were made after an act of discipline against Senator Natasha Akpoti.
Natasha had alleged that the Senate President made persistent advances toward her despite her rejections, claiming that her refusal to yield to his demands led to hostility and antagonism from Akpabio.
In a statement by Afenifere, signed by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, and made available to The Guardian, the group, however, urged that the allegations should be investigated by a Senate Committee.
Omololu said: “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 engendering one of the few eras in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria where we have enjoyed executive/legislative synergy.
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“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.”
