The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual harassment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by the Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made the allegations shortly after a confrontation with Akpabio over seating arrangements in the upper chamber.

In a statement released yesterday, ACF spokesperson Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba expressed concern over the claims, noting their potential to damage the national and international image of the Senate.

“The fact that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband has been forced to comment publicly on the matter underscores the gravity of the situation,” the statement read. “These developments risk bringing disrepute to a body empowered to make laws for Nigeria.

“In the eyes of the public, the allegations cast a shadow over the credibility of the Red Chamber. While the issue remains unresolved, the interests of the people of Kogi Central are not being adequately represented in the 10th Senate.

“Although perhaps far-fetched, ACF regrets this development and hopes it is not indicative of a broader anti-Arewa agenda in Nigerian politics.”

The forum also noted that only senators from the North have faced severe sanctions, including suspensions, in the 10th Senate, raising concerns about possible bias.

“Given these circumstances, ACF wonders whether recent events constitute a pattern or are simply a series of unfortunate coincidences. Whatever the case, the public perception of the Senate’s leadership is now less than inspiring,” Muhammad-Baba stated.

The forum called for “an independent, transparent, and thorough investigation, free from fear, favour, or undue influence from any quarter.”

“This is essential to allow the Senate to return to its core duty of law-making at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardships,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, dismissed the allegations against Akpabio as “false and baseless.” He also criticised former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s call for the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to investigate the claims.

“The attempt to draw parallels between Saraki’s past case and the current allegations against Senate President Akpabio is fundamentally flawed,” Nwebonyi argued. “The two situations are worlds apart in context, substance, and motivation.”

As the controversy unfolds, civil rights activists, legal experts, and political analysts have urged Akpabio to submit to an independent inquiry to clear his name and preserve the integrity of the Senate.