‘Let the Senate President step aside’: Netizens react to Natasha’s petition against Akpabio

Social media users continue to express mixed reactions to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which alleges sexual harassment.

Tribune Online reports that Natasha submitted the petition on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, following her allegations on Arise TV.

Akpabio permitted Natasha to proceed with the submission, directing that the petition be referred to the Committee on Code of Conduct, Ethics, and Public Petitions.

He said, “Distinguished colleagues, this petition is hereby referred to the committee on code of conduct, ethics and public petitions, which should revert to the Senate as soon as practicable.”

However, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno objected, arguing that the matter was already in court. Citing Order 40, Rule 7 of the Senate rules, he stated that the “Senate should not receive or deliberate on any matter to which actions are pending in the court of law.”

Netizens, however, have taken to social media to react to the petition.

Some users who took to X to react to the petition are of the opinion that Akpabio should temporarily step aside from his position as the Senate President to ensure a thorough investigation into the allegations, while others noted that the tone of his voice has softened following the petition.

Reacting to the development, @Cikings wrote, “So, he’s going to be a jury in his own case? Lol. Kindly do the ‘uncommon’ thing in Nigeria politics and step aside, sir!”

“The petition was against the Senate President and was presented to the Senate President who now referred it to the House Committee on Code of Conduct and Public Petitions. Why is he the maker and the checker? Something is wrong, and justice can’t prevail in such circumstances,” @Dunilove tweeted.

“Hope Akpabio does the right thing by stepping down as he can’t be a judge in his own case,” @Jpobiokafor wrote.

@Somadina_arthur tweeted, “Let the Senate President step aside.”

ALSO READ: Natasha Akpoti submits ‘sexual harassment’ petition against Akpabio

@Mekazynnaemeka2 wrote, “Mr. Senate President, you may consider stepping aside until the proper investigations are finished. Thank you and God bless.”

@Mzia0721 wrote, “Now he has reduced his tone, and not talking from his ass. Oga don humble by force!”

Another user, @Christo37688397, wrote, “I’ve never heard Akpabio’s voice in this humble manner. You and sexual harassment na mate!🤣.”

Contrary to previous reactions, some netizens threw their weight behind Akpabio, saying that he should not be crucified until the investigation into the allegations is concluded.

@Ovakiss tweeted, “But is it not the same woman who accused Rino Omokri of the same sexual harrasment in Aso Villa and turned out that Reno Omokri wasn’t even in Nigeria the day she said it happened.  Let’s not crucify Akpabio on the altar of Natasha’s accusation.”

“Can Natasha prove it? If Akpabio, after the investigation, is found not guilty, then Natasha should be heavily penalised,” another user, @PaulEmmanu68682, tweeted. 

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