Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
As the controversies between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti are gradually taking the centre stage of every conversation in the country, a group, Afenifere has joined well meaning Nigerians to call for thorough investigations into the allegation levelled by Natasha against Akpabio.
The group said the matter should be handled carefully so as not to affect the good work the Senate is currently doing.
The National Organising Secretary of the group, Otunba Kole Omololu, in a statement issued in Akure, said the allegations raised by Natasha demand crucial investigations, urging the Senate and Nigerians not to crucify Akpabio until the investigations are completed.
According to the statement “We in Afenifere note and appreciate the political stability engendered by the calm, thoughtful and patriotic leadership of the National Assembly by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who has been most instrumental in engendering one of the few eras in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria where we have enjoyed Executive/Legislative synergy.
“We are hopeful that such a committed patriot will not be sacrificed on the altar of unproven allegations by an accuser.
“Of course, the allegations should be investigated by a Senate Committee. But we cannot help but notice that they were made after the Senate President’s act of just discipline against Senator Natasha Akpoti.
“Hopefully, this is not a knee-jerk reaction made in a highly emotional state by the disciplined party. That being the case, the nation has to be careful in assessing these allegations, as they may or may not result from animosity toward that disciplinary measure.
“But whatever the case, Afenifere, without passing any judgment on the accuser and her accusations, based on his history and credibility, extends the right hand of fellowship to Senator Godswill Akpabio and commends him for being a steady hand during these times of political, economic, and social reforms of the Renewed Hope agenda,” he said.