•Says South-South stands behind Senate president
Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council,King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, has rejected calls for the president of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to resign following an allegation of s3xual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We reject calls on him to resign based on a mere allegation,” his royal majesty said in a statement on Monday, contending that the Senate president deserved a fair hearing.
Natasha in an interview with ARISE NEWS Channel on Friday accused Akpabio of victimising her because she refused Akpabio’s s3xual advances.
The allegation generated mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some asking him to step down pending an investigation.
However, on Monday, King Dakolo backed Akpabio, saying, “The South-South stands with Akpabio.”
“I have confidence in Senator Godswill Akpabio. He is a son of the South-South who has lived a life that has projected a commendable legacy thus far. “Additionally, he has been pivotal to Nigeria’s political stability for the last two years,” he said.
He however called for an inquiry to determine the veracity of the allegation.
“When an accusation of the type that Senator Natasha Akpoti has made against the Senate president is made, the best course of action would be to institute a Senate inquiry into the matter, which will examine the veracity of the claims.”
Dakolopicked holes in Natasha’s allegation, wondering why it came at the time a disciplinary action was being taken against her by the Senate.
“The allegation is suspicious. It is extremely suspicious,” he said.
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