The National Association of Nigerian Students has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Vice President, Sileola Akinbodunse, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, NANS emphasized the need for swift resolution to prevent the situation from escalating into a national and international controversy.
Akinbodunse appealed to both lawmakers to prioritize peace, stating that their rift should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of the National Assembly.
“The National Assembly is a key organ of the government which should be occupied by exemplary and forthright representatives of the people.
“The face-off between Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Godswill Akpabio should not be allowed to fester,” the statement read.
She further cautioned that the allegation of sexual harassment leveled against Akpabio must be handled with caution, as its mismanagement could draw negative international attention to Nigeria.
While acknowledging that Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to provide concrete evidence to support her claims, Akinbodunse stressed the importance of investigating the matter thoroughly to determine its validity.
NANS also warned that the student body would closely monitor the developments and would not hesitate to take action if a resolution is not reached.
“We will not hesitate to march to the National Assembly if the face-off is not resolved,” the statement concluded.
The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan, during an interview on Arise TV on Friday, accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her on two occasions.
She further alleged that her seating arrangement in the Senate was deliberately altered to hinder her legislative contributions.
Drawing a parallel to academic settings, she likened her predicament to that of a student who fails an exam for refusing to engage in inappropriate relations with a lecturer.
However, Akpabio, through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo, dismissed the accusations as “baseless and fictitious lies,” denying any wrongdoing.
