Ahmad Lawan, the lawmaker representing Yobe North, has denied reports that he backed Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on the claims of s3xual harassment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Gatekeepers News reports that the conflict arose when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her after a disagreement concerning the seating arrangements in the Senate chambers.
Following these events, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months due to allegations of violating the Senate’s standing orders, which also included the withdrawal of her security detail. During a plenary session on March 6, Lawan asserted that the Senate does not possess the authority to mandate the withdrawal of a member’s security detail, emphasizing that Akpoti-Uduaghan remains a member of the National Assembly despite her suspension. Conversely, Akpabio contended that a suspended senator should not retain legislative privileges.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ezrel Tabiowo, Media Adviser to Lawan, said the senator’s remarks were procedural and intended to uphold the integrity of the national assembly.
“His remarks were strictly procedural and aimed at upholding the integrity and independence of the National Assembly,” the statement reads.
“At no point did Senator Lawan defend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or take sides in the allegations against the Senate President.
“His intervention was purely a matter of principle, reflecting his commitment to due process and the rule of law.
“Senator Ahmad Lawan remains a statesman who prioritizes the stability and dignity of the National Assembly.”
