The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria has challenged the representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to provide “concrete evidence” to substantiate her allegations of sexual harassment against the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The group made the call at a press conference at Arewa House in Kaduna on Tuesday, which was addressed by its National President, Isah Abubakar.
The text of the statement, titled: “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment Allegation: A Call for Evidence and Accountability,” reads: “Today, we, the members of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, stand before you and the public to address a matter of grave concern that has captured the attention of our nation. The allegations of sexual harassment against Senator Godswill Akpabio are serious and demand immediate and transparent action.
“As representatives of the youth and concerned citizens of Northern Nigeria, we believe that integrity, transparency, and accountability are the cornerstone of our democracy.
“Allegations of this nature not only impact the individuals involved but also have far-reaching implications for the reputation of our legislative body and the trust that the public places in our political system.
“In light of these allegations, we respectfully request that you provide concrete evidence to substantiate your claims against Senator Akpabio. It is essential that we approach such serious accusations with a commitment to truth and justice.
“We acknowledge the sensitivity of this issue; however, we must stress that unsubstantiated claims can lead to irreversible damage to reputations and can perpetuate a cycle of mistrust within our political institutions.
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“As the Northern Youth Council, we are dedicated to advocating for justice and fairness for all individuals, particularly those who have experienced harassment. We recognize that the voices of victims must be heard and respected, but it is equally important to ensure that accusations are grounded in factual evidence.
“The absence of such evidence can lead to a miscarriage of justice, as we have witnessed in the past, where individuals have faced severe consequences based solely on unproven allegations.
“We believe that our leaders must be held to the highest standards of conduct. Therefore, we urge you to take immediate and decisive action in addressing this critical issue. We implore you to communicate your next steps clearly to the public, as transparency in this matter is paramount.
“Should there be a failure to provide evidence or to take appropriate action regarding these allegations, we, as the Northern Youth Council, will have no choice but to mobilize and organize significant protests. These demonstrations will call for accountability and justice, not only for the alleged victims but also for the integrity of our political institutions.
“In conclusion, we stand united in our commitment to combat all forms of harassment and to ensure that our leaders exemplify the highest moral and ethical standards. We call upon you to act responsibly in this matter and to help restore faith in our political system.”
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