Afe Annang, a prominent socio-cultural organization in Annang Nation, Akwa Ibom State, has expressed dissatisfaction with the mere suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate.
The group has called for her recall or replacement by her senatorial district, Kogi Central.
Speaking at a press conference held at the organization’s secretariat in Abak Local Government Area on Thursday evening, the leader of Atai Afe Annang, His Majesty Obong Blaise Awakama, asserted that the senator’s conduct was unacceptable.
“We are not satisfied with only the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. We think her constituency should recall her. She should be given proper advice and orientation or replaced by another person.
“I don’t think that type of conduct is what any Nigerian, let alone a woman, should carry to the Senate,” Obong Awakama stated.
The press conference was convened in response to the controversy surrounding the suspension, which has garnered significant media attention.
Obong Awakama warned against any political plot aimed at undermining Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a respected son of Annang Nation.
“The issues at stake, as we gather from the mass media, include the routine change of seating allocation in the Senate affecting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“She perceives this as offensive and discriminatory, leading her to further allege sexual harassment by the distinguished Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“How did an ordinary routine change of seating arrangement, arising from the incidence of senators cross-carpeting and necessitating such changes, become an issue of sexual discrimination and harassment?” he questioned.
Reaffirming their support for Akpabio, Awakama stated that every senator represents a constituency, and Akpabio represents both the Annang Nation in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and the entire country as Senate President.
“No female senator should be used as a front to defame him. If there is an organized political plot to ease him out of office, we shall not sit idly by and watch adversaries succeed,” he declared.
