Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed recent demands by civil society organizations and others urging him to resign, saying the allegations against him are without merit.
The calls for his resignation follow accusations of sexual harassment by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and claims linking him to electoral fraud during the 2019 elections. Akpabio, however, stood firm, saying he would not bow to pressure over what he described as “baseless accusations.”
During a Senate session, he responded to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who had advised lawmakers to remain focused on their legislative duties. Akpabio said, “I will not allow false allegations to force me out of office.”
He added that history has shown many people have been wrongly accused and imprisoned, and he would not be a victim of such injustice. He also thanked Bamidele for his public support.
Akpabio also addressed comments by Defence Minister Muhammed Badaru, who had earlier downplayed the importance of a national security summit planned by the Senate. Akpabio stated firmly that the minister must attend the summit in his official capacity, stressing that any issues the Ministry of Defence has with the Senate should be handled privately to avoid tension between the legislative and executive branches.
Badaru had said during a media briefing that the military was more advanced than the insurgents it fights, and the real challenge is dealing with unpredictable tactics aided by local informants. He acknowledged that while summits are helpful, refining strategic approaches was more crucial.
In response, Senate Leader Bamidele defended the upper chamber’s decision to hold the summit, saying while the Senate welcomed constructive feedback, it would not accept false accusations. He reaffirmed the Senate’s dedication to reforms in taxation, elections, and the constitution. He also urged the Minister of Defence to participate fully when the summit takes place.
