Fight against Akpabio: Intelligence has linked ex-presidential candidate and others as sponsors–CSOs Revealed.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including Civil Rights Africa and the League of Democracy Defenders have strongly criticized Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and other politicians for launching a campaign against Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The CSOs believe these accusations are intended to undermine the office of the Senate President and disrupt the operations of the Senate.

Fight against Akpabio: Intelligence has linked ex-presidential candidate and others as sponsors–CSOs Revealed.

In a joint statement signed by Amb. Ikemefuna Richard of Civil Rights Africa and Alhaji Rabiu Mohammed, National Secretary of the League of Democracy Defenders, the groups defended Akpabio against the allegations. They insisted that Natasha’s claims were a diversion from the real reasons behind her suspension. The suspension, they stated, was a disciplinary measure in accordance with the Nigerian Senate’s rules, following actions that threatened the peace and integrity of the Senate.

According to Daily Post, the CSOs urged Natasha to have sought redress through the Senate’s internal procedures instead of resorting to what they described as a “campaign of blackmail.” They further accused Natasha of being part of a broader political plot to destabilize the Senate President, suggesting that her allegations of sexual harassment were part of a coordinated effort led by political opponents.

“We are aware that this smear campaign is not a lone effort. Credible intelligence has linked a former presidential candidate and key opposition figure as a major sponsor. This is not only irresponsible but also indicative of a broader conspiracy to destabilize the current leadership of the Senate and disrupt the working relationship between the Legislature and the Executive”, the group said.

The statement also pointed to the involvement of other high-ranking political figures, including one from Borno, who were allegedly displeased with the current administration and the growing synergy between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio. These individuals, according to the CSOs, were using underhanded tactics to create discord and frustrate governance.

The groups also refuted the narrative that Akpabio was connected to the recent conviction of an electoral official, stating that the claims were part of the broader conspiracy against the Senate President. They criticized the lack of logic in the allegations, calling them desperate and misleading.

The CSOs concluded by warning those trying to destabilize Akpabio’s leadership to reconsider their actions. They also rejected any attempt to handle Natasha’s serious allegations of sexual harassment and assassination attempt through a panel, emphasizing that these matters should be addressed legally to uphold public trust in the system. They stressed that Natasha must prove her allegations in a court of law rather than through political maneuvering