Apkabio vs Natasha: APC chieftain takes position on senate crisis amidst sexual harassment allegations
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has described the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a sign of leadership failure within the National Assembly.
In a statement released on Thursday by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, Mumuni expressed deep concerns over the conflict, which has placed the Senate in the spotlight following sexual harassment allegations leveled against Akpabio by Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Senate later suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan, a move that sparked further controversy.
Mumuni stated that the escalating crisis exposes deep-rooted leadership deficiencies at the red chamber, lamenting the absence of elder statesmen to mediate and urging a return to traditional values of guidance and unity.
He further noted that Nigeria’s political class must move beyond personal disputes and prioritize governance, calling on senior political figures and civil society organizations to intervene in national crises and restore confidence in the country’s democratic institutions.
The APC leader warned that disparities in leadership and communication are fueling confusion and disillusionment among citizens, emphasizing that without collective efforts to bridge divisions, Nigeria risks undermining national progress.
“In light of recent events involving Senate President Akpabio and Senator Natasha, it has become increasingly evident that Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The ongoing disagreements and tensions among our esteemed leaders raise fundamental questions about the presence and influence of our revered elders in the nation.
“It is disheartening to witness a landscape where our so-called elders appear passive while significant issues loom over our nation. Disparities in leadership and communication echo throughout our society, resulting in a climate of confusion and disillusionment among the citizenry. We must ask ourselves: Do we still have genuine elders in Nigeria capable of guiding us through these turbulent times?
“The silence of our elders, who traditionally have been seen as pillars of wisdom and unity, is troubling. Why do they remain unresponsive while crises multiply across our beloved country? This inaction is not merely disappointing; it is a disservice to the Nigerian people who look to these leaders for support, guidance, and resolution.
“The current state of discord is a reflection of broader societal tensions that cannot be ignored. From economic challenges to security threats, Nigeria faces a myriad of pressing issues requiring immediate and collective attention. Yet, instead of uniting to confront these challenges, our leaders risk perpetuating divisions that undermine national progress.
“If our elders choose to remain silent in the face of ongoing crises, we must contemplate alternative pathways to address our challenges. Citizens need to come together to foster solutions that prioritize unity, resilience, and constructive discourse. It is our collective responsibility to reshape the narrative of our nation, ensuring that our voices are heard and our aspirations are met.”
