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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The allegations raised by a United Kingdom-based activist, Sandra Duru, popularly known as Prof Mgbeke, that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha, lied about sexual misconduct claim against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has raised concern on the veracity of the claim.
She also claimed that a former Minister of Solid Minerals, Oby Ezekwesili was paid to back Akpoti-Uduagha, an allegation the latter had denied, stating that “no sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled by your traducers.”
But the Committee for the Defence of Justice and Equity, at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, said such allegations must not be swept under the carpet.
Its National Coordinator, Peter Nwokolo, has charged the Department of State Services (DSS), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the United Nations (UN), to probe allegations.
Nwokolo said: “The Committee for the Defence of Justice and Equity issues the following demands to address this crisis: immediate investigation: Nigerian security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), must conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into Dr. Sandra Duru’s allegations.
“This should include forensic analysis of the alleged phone logs to verify claims of financial inducement by Senator Akpoti Uduaghan and Dr. Ezekwesili’s involvement.
“Summoning of Akpoti Uduaghan and Ezekwesili: Senator Akpoti Uduaghan, who enjoys no constitutional immunity, and Dr. Ezekwesili must be summoned to provide detailed responses to these allegations.
“Their failure to address these claims transparently risks further eroding public trust and compromising Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“Both individuals must issue public statements clarifying their roles in this controversy, refuting or admitting to the allegations of financial inducement, and outlining any interactions that may have contributed to these claims. Silence is no longer tenable given the gravity of the accusations.
“The international community, including anti-corruption bodies and governance watchdogs, is urged to monitor this investigation to ensure transparency and accountability, given the global implications of such allegations on democratic integrity.”
