Economic policy expert and former Minister of Solid Minerals, Obiageli Katryn Ezekwesili, has taken to her official X account to urge the Nigerian Senate to handle the petition from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with the seriousness it deserves.
In her letter, Ezekwesili emphasized the need for an independent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, stating that the process should not be overseen by the accused party. She made two main demands:
- Appoint an Independent Investigator: Ezekwesili called for the swift appointment of someone independent to look into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition.
- Public Hearing for Transparency: She requested that the Ethics and Privileges Committee elevate the proceedings into a public hearing to ensure full transparency.
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Ezekwesili stressed that the National Assembly, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives, belongs to the Nigerian people and should not be used for personal gain by any politician. “No individual or group should capture this public institution for their benefit,” she said.
She pointed out that when serious accusations arise, such as those against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the lawmakers must acknowledge that Nigerians expect transparency and full disclosure. Ezekwesili criticized the Senate’s recent dismissal of the accusations, calling it a “Democratic Aberration” and a “blot on our Democracy.”
Ezekwesili emphasized the urgency of addressing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition to uphold the integrity of the Senate, urging the senators to act correctly and prioritize the public interest. “It is imperative that this issue is treated with the seriousness it deserves,” she concluded.
