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Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Tinubu and leadership of the National Assembly to wade into the altercation between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, before it degenerates further and causes international embarrassment to the country.
NANS made the call in a statement signed by its National Vice President, Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had a face-off with Akpabio during Senate plenary over seating arrangements, on Friday accused the Senate President of sexually harassing her.
Akinbodunse, however, in the statement, sued for peace and urged the duo to sheathe their swords for peace to reign.
She said the National Assembly is a key organ of the government which should be occupied by exemplary and forthright representatives of the people, adding that the face-off between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio should not be allowed to fester.
She argued further that if the issue, particularly the allegation of sexual harassment leveled against the Senate President by the female senator, is not properly managed and rested, it would cause international embarrassment for Nigeria.
The NANS leader observed that though Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not substantiated her allegation, the matter should be looked into with a view of ascertaining the veracity of her claims.
She, however, noted that the Red Chamber and the Green Chamber are hallowed and should not be bogged down by frivolities, especially now that Nigeria is going through economic and financial stress.
Akinbodunse, who urged the Senate President to live up to his position and extend an olive branch to the female senator, equally charged Akpoti-Uduaghan to give peace a chance for the sake of the country.
The NANS National Vice President said that the student body will be keenly monitoring the situation, submitting “we will not hesitate to march to the National Assembly if the face-off is not resolved”. (Saturday Vanguard)
