Senate President Godswill Akpabio, currently embroiled in allegations of sexual harassment, is reportedly considering stepping down temporarily to allow a Senate investigation to clear him of wrongdoing, sources within the legislative body have revealed.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) is expected to exonerate Akpabio and subsequently push for the indefinite suspension of his accuser, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, sources disclosed on Saturday.
According to insiders, both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan are set to appear before the committee in the coming week.
The move is seen as a strategic effort to legitimize the Senate President’s acquittal before imposing harsher consequences on the female senator.
The investigation, to be led by Senator Neda Imasuen’s committee, is reportedly part of a broader scheme to officially clear Akpabio while ensuring Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is suspended for the remainder of her tenure.
Additionally, recent public statements by Senator Ireti Kingibe in support of the inquiry and an interview given by Senator Onyekachi Nweboyin on Channels Television are believed to be components of this plan. Nweboyin had confirmed that both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan would be facing the investigative panel.
One source revealed that the process had already been set in motion:
“Akpabio will announce his temporary resignation to allow for investigation.
“Within hours, the panel will declare him innocent, while Senator Natasha will be suspended indefinitely until her term ends in 2027. The goal is to remove her from the Senate.”
This latest development follows Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent petition to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), seeking intervention over the allegations against Akpabio.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken legal action, filing a contempt application against Akpabio for allegedly disregarding a court order that restrained the Senate from proceeding with disciplinary actions against her.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja had issued an order on March 4, barring the Senate Committee from investigating or punishing Akpoti-Uduaghan while her case was ongoing.
However, the Senate moved ahead with her six-month suspension, sealed her office, and demanded she return all Senate property in her possession.
In response to the defiance of the court order, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team filed a Form 48 Notice of Disobedience, warning that those responsible for violating the order could face legal consequences, including imprisonment.
As tensions rise, the unfolding events will determine whether Akpabio retains his position or if the controversy escalates further within the Senate.
