Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to temporarily step aside and submit himself to an independent investigation regarding the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a series of posts on her X handle on Saturday, Ezekwesili criticized Akpabio for refusing to face independent scrutiny and instead using public institutions to shield himself from accountability.

"For months, the world has watched on as you willfully refused to submit yourself as the occupant of an important democratic institution to an independent investigation to clear your name of the allegations of secret harassment against you by Senator Natasha Akpoti," Ezekwesili stated.

The Allegations

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on December 8, 2023. According to her account, Akpabio allegedly made inappropriate advances toward her even in the presence of her husband.

Following her allegations, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate, a move Ezekwesili described as an illegal deployment of "Senate Rules" to silence the accuser.

Ezekwesili's Demands

The former Minister outlined four specific demands for Akpabio:

1. To immediately stop abusing public institutions to shield himself from scrutiny.

2. To encourage his supporters in the Executive Branch to withdraw what she termed "irresponsible, illegal and irrational criminal case" filed against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

3. To hold sincere discussions with his Senate colleagues about the matter that is "tarnishing the public institution."

4. To temporarily step aside to allow an independent ad hoc Committee of the Senate to investigate the allegations.

"What choice will you make, @Senator_Akpabio? Every choice has a consequence. Will you choose wisely or..." Ezekwesili concluded in her statement.

The controversy has drawn significant attention as it involves two high-profile figures in Nigeria's political landscape. Akpabio, as Senate President, holds one of the most powerful positions in the country's legislative branch, while Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a vocal senator representing Kogi Central.

As of the time of this report, Senate President Akpabio has not publicly responded to Ezekwesili's demands.