PANDEF Condemns Politicization of Allegations
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has opposed calls for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has criticized the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) for allegedly politicizing the issue.
CAN Calls for Mediation, Urges Restraint
Speaking on the controversy, Rev. Joseph Hayab, CAN’s chairman for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, described the situation as “shameful and unfortunate.”
He urged national elders to mediate and protect the integrity of the National Assembly.
“There is a need for elders to step in. Akpabio and Natasha have people they respect and highly regard.
Members of the National Assembly must take responsibility in handling this matter,” CAN stated during a media engagement in Kaduna.
CAN firmly rejected demands for Akpabio’s resignation, arguing that no solid evidence had been established against him.
“Any group calling for Akpabio’s resignation should desist, as no one has been proven guilty in this matter. Taking sides will only escalate tensions.
Allegations of sexual harassment must be treated with seriousness, but also with fairness and sobriety,” the religious body added.
CAN further urged the media to exercise caution in its reporting, warning that sensationalized coverage could worsen national divisions along gender and regional lines.
The group also called on political actors to prioritize governance, emphasizing that the passage of the 2025 national budget should remain the primary focus of lawmakers.
PANDEF Accuses ACF of Political Agenda
Meanwhile, PANDEF has accused the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) of exploiting the allegations to discredit Southern leaders and push for a return of power to the North in 2027.
In a statement, PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, alleged that the ACF’s stance on the issue was an attempt to incite regional tensions and undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The press release by the ACF is nothing but a political attack on Southern Nigeria. For the ACF to suggest that only northerners are being suspended and to call on northern senators to rally around their own is a direct threat to national unity,” Ominimini stated.
He pointed out that in the 8th National Assembly, a Southern senator was suspended under a Northern Senate President, yet PANDEF did not interfere in the legislative process.
“The Senate is governed by rules and regulations. Suspensions and disciplinary actions have always been part of legislative proceedings. Anyone who feels aggrieved can seek legal redress.
What ACF has done is an open call for division and a threat to the stability of Nigeria,” PANDEF stated.
The group further condemned attempts to frame the issue as an “anti-Arewa” campaign and called on security agencies to interrogate ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, over what it described as inciting statements.
With CAN urging restraint and PANDEF rejecting political interference, the allegations surrounding Akpabio continue to fuel national debate, raising concerns about unity, governance, and the influence of political interests in legislative affairs.
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for more updates on this developing story.
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