Akpabio vs. Natasha: Nigerians Suffering, Deserve Progress Not Political Battles — Coalition

The Network of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria has called for calm in the National Assembly following the face-off between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

National Coordinator of the network, Mr Victor Kalu, made this call in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

The face-off was sequel to the change in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seating arrangement on the floor of the senate, which did not go down well with her.

Kalu expressed regret that in spite of several attempts by other senators to calm frayed nerves and maintain decorum in the senate, the matter was allowed to degenerate into allegations of sexual harassment.

“Our network is concerned over such needless squabbles at a time when all members of the upper chambers of the National Assembly should be working together to ameliorate the prevailing downturn in the country’s economy.

“We wish to place on record that since the inauguration of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen. Akpabio, there has been harmonious relationship between the national assembly and the executive and between the senate president and his colleagues,” he said.

This, Kalu said, had ensured the seamless passage of legislations that had impacted on the overall well-being of Nigerians.

According to him, such a harmonious relationship is crucial to the smooth implementation of government policies and programmes in the overall interest of all Nigerians.

Kalu also stated that some female members of the senate had alluded to the fact that the change of seating arrangements in the upper legislative chamber of the national assembly was a normal practice.

“The Senate President himself has had similar experience in the past where his seating arrangement was altered, adding that once he was made aware of the development, the matter was laid to rest.

“The legislature plays a very vital role in the running of smooth and impactful governance. Such veritable role can only be felt in a convivial and tranquil atmosphere devoid of rancour and unnecessary mudslinging,” he said.

The national coordinator said that political activism must be measured and controlled in the larger interest of the society.

“We appeal to both parties to sheath their swords in the overall interest of Nigerians to whom they swore allegiance to protect and work for.

“We also appeal that all the court cases presently instituted as a result of this avoidable matter should be withdrawn to enable a peaceful and amicable resolution of all the issues.

“The network appeals to the conscience of all politicians that Nigerians are presently facing some difficult times, and they must attach seriousness to viable political philosophies that can better advance democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

The coalition is made up of 65 non-governmental civil society organisations, with the mandate to protect and promote citizens’ rights and advance the course of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

NAN

Akpabio vs. Natasha: Nigerians Suffering, Deserve Progress Not Political Battles — Coalition is first published on The Whistler Newspaper