The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday waded in the allegation of sexual advances made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by  Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The Christian body dismissed as premature, suggestions that Akpabio should step down.

Chairman of CAN in 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, called on nation’s well-meaning elders to intervene to save the integrity of the federal legislature.

“As a responsible religious body, CAN considers the feud shameful and unfortunate,” it said during an engagement with the media in Kaduna, adding, “There is a need for elders to intervene. Akpabio and Natasha have some people they respect and highly regard. The members of the National Assembly should do what they must to address the matter.”

During an interview with a national broadcast medium last Friday, Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual advancement towards her. The claim has attracted mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some of them calling for the Senate president’s resignation.

However, CAN said the call for Akpabio’s resignation was premature because nothing concrete had been established against him. “Any group calling for Akpabio to resign should desist from that since nobody has established who is guilty in this matter yet. Taking sides will only aggravate the issue.”

 It said the matter called for a responsible assessment and explained that such a grievous accusation should be handled with sobriety.

 “No one should toy with an allegation of sexual harassment, but Nigeria has gone past this kind of thing. Nigeria has gone past the era when people claim they are underdogs or minorities,’’ it stated, adding, “We should show that we are responsible people in addressing the matter, it is not to find fault but to mend fences.’’

 It urged the media not to fuel the feud in their reportage, saying that doing so would only further confuse and divide Nigerians.

 It appealed to all groups to sheath their swords and refrain from making comments that could further divide Nigerians along gender or regional lines.

 The CAN also appealed to members of the National Assembly to channel their energies toward improving Nigerians’ lives, as the 2025 national budget has passed.