Senate President Akpabio to reportedly ‘step down’ temporarily

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is reportedly set to temporarily step down next week, allowing the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to clear him of accusations related to sexual harassment.

According to Sahara Reporters, after his clearance, the committee will recommend that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be suspended indefinitely until the end of her tenure in 2027.

Both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan are scheduled to appear before the Senate committee to discuss the allegations.

Akpabio, accused by Akpoti-Uduaghan of inappropriate behaviour during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023, is expected to testify.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that Akpabio made advances in front of her husband, has also taken her case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

In the coming week, the investigation led by Senator Neda Imasuen’s committee will focus on clearing Akpabio and pushing for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

The investigation aims to formally present Akpabio as innocent, leading to an indefinite suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan.

According to sources, the suspension would last for the remainder of her Senate term.

“The plan currently being orchestrated is to suspend Senator Natasha till the end of the tenure. The report of the panel is currently being prepared and the panel is just to formalise the process. 

“Akpabio will announce that he is stepping down for investigation to face the panel and after few hours, the panel will come up with a report that he is innocent and Senator Natasha will be suspended indefinitely till 2027 when her tenure ends. They want to send her away,” one of the top sources told SaharaReporters.