Former Adamawa North Senator, Elisha Abbo, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of exposing suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to potential danger.
Abbo claims that Akpabio’s decision to order the withdrawal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security details and suspend her for six months was not only politically motivated but also put her life at risk.
During an appearance on Arise News’ PrimeTime Show, Abbo criticized Akpabio for his handling of the matter.
The suspension stemmed from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s failure to substantiate her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
However, Abbo argued that the Senate President’s actions went beyond disciplinary measures and instead endangered the safety of the suspended senator.
Abbo explained that Akpabio’s decision to withdraw Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security was a reckless move.
“In the case of Natasha, it took a different dimension. He sat like the emperor that he claims he is and said the woman should be suspended for six months, withdrew her security, stopped payment of her salary, barred her from being seen near the National Assembly building, and even ordered the Inspector General of Police not to provide her with security. In another way, he exposed her to be killed.”
Abbo pointed out that the Inspector General of Police had recognized the risks of Akpabio’s orders and had taken steps to prevent potential harm.
“The IG realised that it was not a good thing to do because if tomorrow they hear that Natasha is killed, something will happen,” Abbo said.
The former senator also drew comparisons to Akpabio’s own behavior in the 8th Senate, when he was not suspended despite a verbal altercation with then-Senate President Bukola Saraki.
“In the 8th Senate, Akpabio had a verbal exchange with the Senate President, Saraki, and was not suspended. If Akpabio was not suspended because of a seat in the 8th Assembly, why are you suspending Natasha for six months if your only motivation is because of a seat?” Abbo questioned.
