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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC) in Texas, Mr. Ike Chidolue, has issued a strong challenge to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her to either substantiate her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio or resign from the Red Chamber.
Chidolue’s demand follows Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, alleging a conspiracy to assassinate her.
The suspended senator had also dismissed a recent viral Facebook Live broadcast by Dr. Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke) as manipulated and politically motivated. Duru’s broadcast included audio recordings and screenshots that appeared to contradict Akpoti-Uduaghan’s previous public statements.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Chidolue criticized Natasha’s response as lacking factual basis or credible defense. “Her post offered no facts, no forensics, and certainly no credibility.
“What it does offer, unfortunately, is a continuation of a now-familiar pattern – sensational allegations, quickly recycled into conspiracy claims once confronted with inconvenient evidence,” the statement read in part.
Chidolue asserted that if the materials presented by Dr. Duru are authentic, they paint a concerning picture of an elected official misusing unsubstantiated accusations for political gain.
He highlighted several claims made by Senator Natasha that have not been supported by verifiable evidence, including allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio, the assassination plot involving Yahaya Bello, and accusations against the Akpabios regarding the 2021 death of a minor. He also pointed to her claim that her reassignment in the Senate was a punitive measure for rejecting advances.
“Not one of these claims has been substantiated by a police report, sworn affidavit, Senate resolution, or authenticated document. When confronted with contradictory evidence, the senator’s response has been predictable: attack the source, dismiss the proof, and shift the goalposts.”
To restore public confidence, Chidolue proposed a four-step course of action for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan:
First, to publicly verify or refute Dr. Duru’s recordings through an independent forensic laboratory.
Secondly, present concrete evidence, including police reports, court filings, and Senate records, to support every claim made. Alternatively, pursue legal action if she believes she has been defamed.
He further urged Akpoti to tender a public apology and resignation if evidence fails. “If unable to provide credible evidence, issue a public apology and resign from her Senate seat.”
Consequently, Chidolue emphasised the importance of accountability in public office: “Let it be said plainly that Nigeria’s public institutions are not theatres for trial-by-sentiment. When elected leaders make explosive claims, they owe the public facts, not theatrics. Nigerians deserve better than conjecture and drama. The time for storytelling has expired. The burden is now hers: evidence or exit.”