A coalition of 27 civil society organizations has thrown its weight behind Senate President Godswill Akpabio amid rising tensions over the suspension of
During a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, the National Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NACOCSO) dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims of gender-based suppression, insisting that her suspension was due to disorderly conduct rather than harassment.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, NACOCSO’s National Coordinator, Comr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry, accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of playing the victim.
“She had multiple opportunities to report this alleged harassment but never did until after her seat was changed,” Ogorry said. He also pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan attended multiple international events with Akpabio after the alleged incident, often accompanied by her husband.
NACOCSO urged the public to reject “emotional blackmail and social media outrage” fueled by what they described as false narratives.
The coalition’s support reinforces Akpabio’s standing within the Senate, where a confidence vote was passed in his favor on March 13. However, the deepening divide between Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters and the Senate leadership suggests that the controversy is far from over.
