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In response to mounting claims of sexual harassment, The Action Collective, a civil and political advocacy group, has demanded that Senate President Godswill Akpabio resign immediately.

The group argued that his ongoing leadership is harming Nigeria’s reputation abroad and undermining the National Assembly’s legitimacy.

The group stressed that the accusations against Senator Akpabio are not unique in a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Mr. Teddy Onyejuwe, its National Coordinator.

In 2020, Joy Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), publicly accused Akpabio of trying to sexually harass her at his Abuja home. She allegedly slapped him in response to the accusation, the group recalled.

Despite Akpabio’s denial of the accusations and his threat of legal action at the time, The Action Collective cited a string of recurring charges, contending that this raises serious questions regarding his behavior and aptitude for high office.

“In any functional democracy, a public official facing repeated and serious allegations would voluntarily step aside to enable an independent investigation,” the statement read.

“Nigeria cannot afford to project leadership that appears insensitive to issues of gender-based violence and accountability.”

The Senate was also chastised by the group for what it called a “culture of impunity” and for not acting quickly enough to address the issue.

The Action Collective emphasized the need to maintain institutional integrity while upholding the presumption of innocent.

“Senator Akpabio’s continued stay in office sends a dangerous message and undermines the dignity of the Senate. It is not only a mockery of justice but an insult to every Nigerian woman,” the group stated.

In closing, the group urged concerned people, international human rights organizations, and civil society groups to join the call for Akpabio’s resignation, at least until an unbiased investigation is carried out.

“If Nigeria must command global respect, we must demonstrate a commitment to moral leadership and accountability,” Onyejuwe said.

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