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| Tinubu defends Akpabio in public backlash |
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has refused to let Senate President Godswill Akpabio step aside for an open probe of bias and favouritism .
Northern senators had urged a neutral investigation into allegations of high-handed actions by Mr Akpabio . They argued he should recuse himself until those claims are cleared .
North Central women praised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her bravery amid “coordinated acts of intimidation,” suspension and a robbery attempt . She alleges Mr Akpabio displaced her for rejecting his advances.
An APC senator loyal to Mr Tinubu said valid points for stepping Mr Akpabio aside were ignored . He listed baggage from Akpabio’s time as Niger Delta Minister—insults at a hearing, a missing ₦1.4 billion from NDDC and audit-panel concerns .
“We saw growing discontent and a battered image for the 10th Assembly. But the President refused to entertain stepping aside, even for one day,” the senator said .
A Southeast senator noted it would be hard for Mr Tinubu to sacrifice his ally now . Rivals may be seeding talk of a leadership shift.
Last month, youths from Kogi State stormed the National Assembly. They demanded Mr Akpabio’s resignation for an unbiased probe of sexual-harassment claims .
A women’s coalition urged Mr Akpabio to step aside and let his deputy preside. “He cannot judge his own case,” they said . PDP lawmakers backed that call, stressing fairness and transparency .
Mrs Mary Adamu of the North Central Women Front called Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan a beacon of courage. She said attacks aimed to block progress in Kogi Central .
Church leader Tunde Bakare warned these disputes show Mr Tinubu’s administration in decline .
Legal experts say stepping aside in such cases can boost public trust. But Mr Akpabio still enjoys strong backing for past reforms and key bills.
Observers warn this showdown tests Nigeria’s checks and balances. Ignoring calls now could erode faith in institutions.
The Senate Ethics Committee has begun private review of the allegations. Its report may decide Mr Akpabio’s fate and Senate unity.
This moment could shape Nigeria’s legislative integrity. A fair probe may heal rifts, while a protracted fight could deepen divides.
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