By Hauwau Shehu Maikeffi
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has recently leveled serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of corruption and misconduct towards women during his tenure as governor. These claims were made during an interview on “Untold Stories With Adesuwa,” where Atiku also criticized the National Assembly’s approval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Atiku expressed his lack of surprise at the National Assembly’s decision, stating, “I was not surprised because I know the leadership is corrupt, and I have no apologies for that. They could do anything. The Senate President is known for such behavior, even during his tenure as governor.” He further alleged that Akpabio “was always in the habit of abusing women.”
These allegations come amid existing claims against Akpabio, including sexual harassment accusations by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. She accused Akpabio of making unwelcome advances and hindering her legislative efforts after she refused. Akpabio has denied these allegations, and his wife, Ekaette, has publicly defended him.
The allegations have sparked significant reactions on social media platforms:
Users have expressed shock and concern over Atiku’s revelations. A post by Instablog9ja highlighted the public’s surprise, garnering numerous comments discussing the implications of these allegations.
Discussions have centered around the gravity of the accusations and their potential impact on Nigeria’s political landscape. Some users have called for thorough investigations, while others have debated the timing and motives behind Atiku’s statements.
Atiku has urged President Tinubu and the Senate to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation. He emphasized that the handling of this matter will reflect Nigeria’s commitment to justice and gender inclusion.
While Atiku’s allegations are serious and have garnered public attention, it’s essential to approach them with caution. Accusations of this nature require thorough and impartial investigations to establish their veracity. Both the accuser and the accused deserve a fair process, and any conclusions should be based on credible evidence. The broader context of existing allegations against Akpabio adds complexity to the situation, underscoring the need for due process.
