NANS urges Tinubu to intervene in Akpabio, Natasha face-off to avoid int’l embarassment
By Jeffrey Agbo
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in the ongoing altercation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to prevent further escalation and potential international embarrassment for the country.
NANS made this appeal in a statement signed by its National Vice President, Akinbodunse Felicia, on Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
The dispute began when Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with Akpabio during a Senate plenary session over seating arrangements. On Friday, she further accused the Senate President of sexual harassment.
In response, Akinbodunse called for calm, urging both lawmakers to set aside their differences for the sake of peace and national unity. She emphasised that the National Assembly, as a critical institution of governance, should be occupied by individuals who exhibit integrity and exemplary conduct.
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She warned that if the issue—particularly the sexual harassment allegation—was not properly addressed, it could tarnish Nigeria’s image internationally. While noting that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had yet to provide substantial evidence for her claim, she stressed the importance of thoroughly investigating the matter to determine the truth.
Akinbodunse also cautioned against allowing distractions to overshadow legislative duties, especially at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic and financial challenges.
Urging the Senate President to demonstrate leadership by extending an olive branch to Akpoti-Uduaghan, she also appealed to the senator to embrace peace in the interest of national stability.
The NANS Vice President further stated that the student body would be closely monitoring developments, warning, “we will not hesitate to march to the National Assembly if the face-off is not resolved”.
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