By Johnson Adebowale
Emmanuel Umohinyang, is the convener of the defunct Re-elect Buhari Movement (RBM). He also led a formidable campaign in support of the aspiration of President Bola Tinubu in the build up to the last general elections.
In this interview, he speaks on the controversy surrounding the brickbat between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
What are your thoughts on the allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio?
For me, there are two ways to look at the issue. In as much as I would have ignored it as one of those trivialities that they just throw up once in a while, I feel it is appropriate to comment. Having said that, I think it may amount to a distraction when you look at the burning issues—how do we put food on the table of Nigerians.? The ordinary man on the street doesn’t even know Natasha Akpoti either, nor does he know who Godswill Akpabio is. What his interest is, is how to go out there to get something for his family considering the times we are in and the challenges we have all gone through. The Natasha Akpoti and Akpabio conundrum shouldn’t drive the process.
Since she pushed her sexuality into the discussion, what we have gotten from the media is some drama of sorts, and this is happening in a hallowed chamber that expects people to look at them as distinguished. Nothing distinguished is coming out from that place; it is one of the shames of our democracy. However, I have listened to the young woman, and I am a little bit disappointed. When I look at the issues surrounding the allegation and the person of Natasha, one would have expected that, flowing from the level of a lawyer—in fact, both of them are lawyers—you don’t make such an allegation without preparing your evidence. Cases all over the world are won based on the weight of evidence. I thought she would have put out the evidence, but she was telling Nigerians to go and meet the DSS, that they have a way of unlocking the WhatsApp and putting what they discussed out. You will discover that her story, as serious and grave as it looks, has gaps. What are those gaps?
First, you said you were in Ikot-Ekpene in Godswill Akpabio’s house; he was showing you around, your husband was behind you on the phone, he was showing you around, and before you knew it, Godswill Akpabio started developing an antelope speed, far from where your husband was. He took you inside the house and said if you make yourself available, you can always come around and relax. I went to that place during the 2019 general election. Akpabio is somebody I have known as far back as when he was governor. We are very close. However, I am not speaking for him. Why did she not disclose what went on between her and Akpabio, such a serious issue? This is a woman who has sworn love and fidelity to her husband, who ought not to keep anything away from him. At what time was sexual harassment committed? At what point did it occur? Sexual harassment is a criminal offence; she knows where to report it because the senate president is not under immunity. He can submit to interrogation and prosecution. If found guilty, he can be punished according to our laws. So, I am curious to observe why the woman did not report to the appropriate authority.
Senator Akpabio seems to be the news quite often over sexual harassment allegations. Why do you think this is so?
It is always news when a dwarf throws a challenge or an ant against an elephant. Natasha should have filed a complaint with the police over the matter. I don’t believe in this Senate Committee on Ethics. In fact, the allegation of sexual harassment was not before that committee; I have seen the court papers. Natasha sued Akpabio and one Ufom; it is also not in it, so I don’t know why she would choose such a weak action when she could have brought a heavy criminal action against the senate president. I know Akpabio and he has his weaknesses just like any other human being, but sexual harassment is not one of them.
Don’t you think he should have stepped aside over this issue?
As we speak, no single complaint has been brought against Akpabio, so you cannot ask him to step down for proper investigation to be conducted. Senator Natasha owes Nigerians a duty to take a further step by causing a petition to be written to the Inspector General of Police. I have also told the IGP too not to wait till the petition comes before acting because he is an employee of Nigerians. He draws his salaries from taxpayers’ funds. He needs to see to the end of the matter by digging up the truth. We must have an open mind. I am not saying this because of Akpabio; he is my brother; I can’t deny that fact. But this is my honest opinion. So, if Senator Natasha fails to prove her case beyond reasonable doubt, he needs to protect his reputation. And I will suggest that he should approach the court to uphold his name, to clear his name.