Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly dismissed mounting pressure for him to resign, following recent allegations and growing criticism from civil society groups and opposition leaders.
Akpabio is currently under fire over accusations of sexual harassment made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as well as his alleged involvement in electoral malpractice during the 2019 general elections.
Several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called for his resignation, arguing that stepping aside would pave the way for a credible investigation and preserve the Senate’s institutional credibility.
Speaking during Thursday’s plenary, Akpabio defended himself, rejecting the allegations as baseless and stating his refusal to step down.
“I will not have answered you, but for the fact that you said those who would have asked you to step down. Who told you I was going to step down?” he said.
He drew a parallel with the American justice system, referencing racial injustices.
“You know, if you watch the colour of America, there are Black people who went to prison for false allegations. Some were there for 25 years,” he added.
“So, I’m not one of those people who will step down over false allegations. When it is eventually proven that the allegation is false, they will say, ‘Oh well… I’m not that bad.’”
“So if you had that in mind, please cancel it. I must thank you for the words you spoke today.” he concluded.
