… Issue 7-Day Ultimatum
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, and the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, CNCSOs, have issued a 7-day ultimatum for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to step aside.
The group made the call following the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.
In a statement jointly signed by the deputy national publicity secretary of the of CNPP, James Ezema and the national secretary of the CNCSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, the organizations described the action as a malicious move to silence her.
In the statement on Monday, they accused the Senate of bias and disregard for due process, warning of mass protests and international mobilization if their demand was not met.
The groups alleged that Natasha’s six-month suspension was arranged in retaliation for a petition she submitted accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment.
They criticized the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for proceeding with disciplinary actions despite a Federal High Court order stopping them from doing so.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court had earlier granted the order after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team filed an ex-parte application.
On the contrary, the Senate committee ignored the court ruling and proceeded with the suspension.
While questioning the unusual speed with which the Senate investigated and adopted the committee’s report, the orgaisations suggested that an expanded probe panel be constituted, with its proceedings broadcast live by both local and international media.
