The controversy surrounding the allegations of sexual harassment leveled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio has continued to elicit reactions from various quarters, with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) taking a firm stance on the matter. The ACF, a prominent socio-political organization in Northern Nigeria, has called for an independent, transparent, and thorough investigation into the allegations to ensure fairness and uphold the integrity of the Senate.

The allegations, which surfaced after a dispute over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber, have cast a shadow over the 10th Senate and raised concerns about ethical standards and decorum within the National Assembly. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making unwanted sexual advances towards her, an accusation the Senate President has vehemently denied.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF expressed deep concern over the allegations, emphasizing the potential damage to the national and international image of the Senate. The forum called on the Northern Caucus in the Senate to rally around Akpoti-Uduaghan to ensure she receives a fair hearing and is accorded the respect she deserves as a member of the Red Chamber.

The ACF also urged the National Assembly to uphold exemplary behavior, personal discipline, and integrity, qualities that the forum believes are currently lacking in the 10th Senate. The statement highlighted the potential for public interventions and opinions on the matter to bring the Senate into disrepute, emphasizing the need for a swift and impartial resolution.

The forum also raised concerns about a possible anti-Arewa agenda, noting that only senators from the North have faced heavy sanctions, such as suspensions, in the 10th Senate. The ACF questioned whether the unfolding events constitute a pattern or are merely coincidences.

Meanwhile, Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has stated that the Senate cannot investigate the allegations because Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not submitted any formal petition to the National Assembly. Eyiboh argued that the allegations were made on a public television platform and do not constitute a basis for the Senate to initiate an investigation.

This position has been met with criticism, with many calling for the Senate to follow the precedent set during the 8th Senate when then-Senate President Bukola Saraki was accused of importing an official car without paying customs duty. Saraki himself has advised the leadership of the 10th Senate to conduct a transparent probe of the allegations.

However, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Peter Nwaebonyi, has dismissed the comparison between Saraki's case and the current allegations against Akpabio. Nwaebonyi argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan's claims are politically motivated and aimed at diverting attention from legitimate disciplinary proceedings against her.

Nwaebonyi claimed that Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of making reckless and false allegations of sexual harassment against prominent figures. He questioned why she did not report the alleged harassment earlier or disclose it to her female colleagues in the Senate.

In response to the allegations, Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President's wife, has filed defamation lawsuits against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, seeking N350 billion in damages to her husband's reputation. Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her lawyer, has urged Mrs. Akpabio to stay out of the matter and allow her husband to address the allegations himself.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has publicly stated that he believes his wife's allegations and urged the Senate and Akpabio to treat her with respect and dignity.

The Societal Safety Network (SSN), a civic organization, has warned of a purported scheme to damage Senator Akpabio's reputation through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The SSN claims that this campaign involves the creation of AI-generated voice recordings and manipulated videos designed to disseminate false information about the Senate President.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the call for an independent and transparent investigation remains strong. The ACF and other concerned parties believe that a thorough probe is necessary to protect the integrity of the Senate and ensure that justice is served.