• Akpabio
Stakeholders from various political parties in Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, responded strongly to calls from certain civil society organizations (CSOs) for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resign over alleged electoral fraud in the 2019 elections.
A coalition of 56 notable CSOs, including Amnesty International Nigeria and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), recently urged Akpabio to step down following the Court of Appeal’s confirmation of a conviction related to the 2019 Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial election.
In response, the Coalition of Democrats (CODE) in Akwa Ibom State issued a statement after an emergency meeting in Uyo, urging the CSOs to refrain from associating Akpabio with any electoral misconduct.
The statement, signed by chairman, Rt. Hon Useneobong Akpabio and Secretary, Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh, also encouraged the CSOs to concentrate their advocacy efforts on socio-economic issues rather than constitutional matters such as calling for the resignation of elected officials.
The statement reads in parts, “These demands not only lack justification but also demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of legislative processes and democratic governance.
“Since assuming office, Senate President Akpabio has exemplified leadership, balancing the diverse interests of a complex Senate while committing to the unity, stability, and progress of Nigeria.
“These demands not only lack justification but also demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of legislative processes and democratic governance.
“Under his leadership, the Senate has passed significant bills, promoted constructive oversight, and maintained institutional integrity amidst national challenges.
“CODE views the campaign against the Senate President as a desperate attempt by forces opposed to reform, openness, and the new direction in the Senate.
“At a time when Nigeria requires collective effort to address economic, security, and governance challenges, the nation cannot afford unnecessary political distractions.
“CODE also urges the 56 CSOs to refrain from linking Senate President Godswill Akpabio to alleged 2019 electoral fraud and demanding his resignation, as he neither participated in nor benefited from such activities.”
The coalition encouraged members of the National Assembly to stand firm against unwarranted pressure and appealed to all geopolitical zones and patriotic Nigerians to come together in support of the Senate President and the 10th National Assembly.
They also urged members of the public to ignore smear campaigns and to engage constructively with government institutions.
