The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to prevent the situation from escalating into an international embarrassment for the country.
In a statement released on Saturday by NANS National Vice President, Sileola Akinbodunse, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the student body urged both lawmakers to resolve their differences amicably.
Allegations of Sexual Harassment
The controversy began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, alleged during an interview on Arise TV that Senate President Akpabio had made sexual advances towards her on two separate occasions. She further claimed that her seating arrangement in the Senate chamber was deliberately altered to frustrate her legislative duties.
Drawing an analogy, Akpoti-Uduaghan likened her experience to a student failing an exam for refusing a lecturer’s advances.
However, in response, Akpabio’s media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo, dismissed the allegations as "baseless and fictitious lies."
NANS’ Call for Peaceful Resolution
Akinbodunse emphasized the need for dignity and decorum in the National Assembly, stressing that it should be occupied by "exemplary and forthright representatives of the people."
“The face-off between Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Godswill Akpabio should not be allowed to fester,” she stated.
She further noted that while Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations have not been substantiated, the matter should still be addressed to ascertain the truth and protect Nigeria’s international image.
NANS also warned that it would not hesitate to stage a protest at the National Assembly if the issue is not swiftly resolved.
This development adds another layer of controversy to the Nigerian Senate, raising concerns over ethics, gender relations, and decorum within the legislative arm of government.
