Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The National Chairman of the South-South Front, Chief John Harry, has refuted the claims of any animosities between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Senator Representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He also described allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination against the female Senator as “wicked and malicious”.
Harry, who insisted that cordial relationship exists between the duo, applauded Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan for working for the progress of the country.
Harry in a statement shortly after a meeting in Calabar, said the leaders took cognizance of the pleasant disposition of the Senate President, his inclusive strategy and the peaceful atmosphere he has been able to create in the Senate.
“We know that the Senate President does not have anything against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, contrary to the insinuation of political mercenaries.
“We consider it very irresponsible and most uncharitable for some individuals and groups to mischievously try to set Akpoti-Uduaghan against the leadership of the Senate for expressing her views,’’ the leaders said at a meeting on Sunday in Calabar.
“These smear campaigns are attempts to tarnish the image of the distinguished senators and put the popular, bright and unflappable Akpoti-Uduaghan at logger-heads with the leadership of the Senate”, Harry said.
He continues “There is a general misunderstanding. The unwarranted attack being launched on Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan amounts to an assault on our collective sensibilities.
“No amount of allegations and criticisms hurled at the distinguished senators can erode their contributions to the development of the country.”
They, therefore, called on all South-South and North Central people and indeed Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the Senate President and the member representing Kogi Central in the Senate.