Kinsmen of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, under the auspices of Afe Annang, a prominent socio-cultural organisation of the Annang nation, have expressed dissatisfaction with the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. They argue that the suspension is not a sufficient punishment for what they perceive as disrespect towards the Senate.

The Senate had suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for six months, citing a breach of its standing orders following her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio. The suspension includes the withdrawal of her salary and privileges.

However, during a media interaction in the Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, the Atai Afe Annang, along with other Annang elders, stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan should have been recalled by her constituents and given proper guidance.

He said, “Suspension alone is not enough; her constituents should recall her, provide proper guidance, and replace her with someone more suitable.”

The elders said that every ethnic group is represented in the Senate and warned against using any female senator to tarnish the reputation of the Senate President. They affirmed their unwavering support for Akpabio.

“Every senator represents a people. Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio represents the people of the Annang Nation, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State,” Awakama said. “He also represents the entire nation as the Senate President, and we are proud of him and stand by him. No female senator should be used to defame him.”

They also cautioned against any attempts to remove Akpabio from office, stating that they would not stand idly by and allow such a move to succeed.

They further stressed that a false claim of sexual harassment should not be weaponised as a tool for political persecution.

He further warned that any organised political plot to remove Akpabio from office, will be resisted by the Annang nation. He added that the Annang Nation has made significant sacrifices and contributions to Nigeria, “and our son, the Senate President, deserves to be treated with honour and respect.”