We will resist political plot to remove Akpabio from office – Itai Afe Annang
•Senator can’t sexually harass fellow Senator – Senator Ibokessien
By Emmanuel Ntekim
One of the foremost socio-cultural organisations in Akwa Ibom State, Itai Afe Annang, has vowed that the people of Annang nation shall resist any political plot to remove their son, Senate President Godswill Akpabio from office.
The organisation stated this at a press conference held, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Abak, and addressed by the president general of Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awaka-Ama, on the controversy surrounding the accusation of sexual harassment levelled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against their son, the Senate President.
The group said that Annang nation had sacrificed and contributed a lot to Nigeria and its son, the Akpabio deserved to be treated with honour and decorum.
“Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio represents the people of Annang nation, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State. He represents the entire nation and people of Nigeria as the Senate President.
“We are proud and supportive of him. No female Senator should be used as a front to defame him. If there is an organised political plot or controversy to ease him out of office, we shall not sit and cannot sit idly by to see the adversaries succeed.
“A false claim of sexual harassment, which has become a matter of litigation, should not be used as an instrument of political harassment by political antagonists. A word is sufficient for the wise.”
The Itai Afe Annang added that it had conducted research to ascertain the truth in the sexual harassment allegation, and found out that Senator Natasha lied.
He urged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan needed to be recalled by her Senatorial District and be advised over her conduct in the Senate. He did not, however, give details of the said research in terms of design, time and place.
Also speaking, the immediate-past leader of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and former Senate Deputy Majority Whip, Senator Emmanuel Ibiokessien, explained that the Senate operates with clear rules.
“Irrespective of gender, everyone is distinguished. There’s nothing like sexual harassment in the Senate. A Senator claiming harassment cannot be correct.”
The Annang nation maintained that the routine change of seating allocations in the Senate affecting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot be seen as offensive and discriminatory, to warrant her claim of sexual harassment.
Personalities from the Annang nation at the press conference held at Afe Annang, Abak m, included DIG Udom Ekpoudom (retd), Messrs. Nse Essien and Cosmos Udoette; Prof. Ahzaiah Umana, Elder Friday Iwok, Chief Sunny Udom.
