The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed calls for Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s resignation following allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement issued by Rev. Joseph Hayab, chairman of CAN for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, the association described the controversy as regrettable and called for mediation by national elders to prevent further damage to the integrity of the National Assembly.
“There is a need for respected elders to intervene. Both Akpabio and Natasha have individuals they hold in high regard who can mediate. Members of the National Assembly must handle this matter responsibly,” Rev. Hayab said during a media briefing in Kaduna.
CAN Cautions Against Premature Calls for Resignation
Referencing a Vanguard Newspaper report, CAN opposed demands for Akpabio’s resignation, arguing that such calls were premature and unfair given the lack of concrete evidence.
“Calling for Akpabio’s resignation at this stage is inappropriate, as no verdict has been reached. Allegations of sexual harassment must be handled with seriousness, but also with fairness and caution,” the association emphasized.
CAN further urged the media to exercise restraint in reporting the case, warning against sensationalism that could inflame tensions along gender and regional lines. The association also called on political leaders to prioritize governance, particularly the passage of the 2025 national budget.
PANDEF Accuses ACF of Political Motives
Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has accused the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) of exploiting the allegations to pursue a political agenda aimed at undermining Southern leaders and influencing the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PANDEF criticized ACF’s stance, describing it as an attempt to stoke regional tensions and destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The ACF’s claims of bias against Northern senators are misleading and divisive. Their statement is a deliberate effort to create regional animosity,” Ominimini stated.
PANDEF Warns Against Regional Manipulation
PANDEF also recalled that during the 8th Assembly, a Southern senator was suspended under a Northern Senate President, yet no similar ethnic narrative was pushed.
“The Senate operates under established rules. Disciplinary actions, including suspensions, have always been part of legislative processes. Anyone who feels wronged can seek legal remedies. The ACF’s comments are an attempt to sow discord and should be condemned,” PANDEF said.
The group also accused ACF of fabricating an “anti-Arewa” narrative and called on security agencies to investigate ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, for making statements that could incite conflict.