Veteran journalist and prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dele Momodu, has advised Senate President Godswill Akpabio to seek reconciliation with the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Momodu cautioned that any move to recall Natasha from the Senate over her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio would be counterproductive and could ultimately damage the Senate President’s political standing.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Momodu weighed in on the ongoing confrontation, warning that Akpabio risks undermining his legacy if he fails to mend fences with Natasha. He emphasized that the controversy could erode everything Akpabio has worked for unless he prioritizes dialogue and resolution.
“I expected him [Akpabio] to seek peace rather than engage in acrimony by pushing for a Senator’s recall. What do you gain? What do you benefit? After the recall, then what? It becomes an anti-climax,” Momodu stated.
He also linked the dispute to another major political crisis— the ongoing power struggle between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and his successor as Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Momodu criticized their feud, arguing that their personal disagreements have plunged the state into unnecessary political turmoil.
“Look at what is happening in Rivers State, where Wike is bent on removing a governor he personally installed simply because they fell out. Now the entire state is suffering because of personal ego battles,” he said.
Calls for Reconciliation
Addressing Akpabio directly, Momodu recalled the Senate President’s past political influence in Akwa Ibom, urging him to refocus on governance rather than being sidetracked by disputes.
“Once upon a time, some of us admired you as a great leader in Akwa Ibom, someone who developed that state. But today, you are being distracted by allegations over something as trivial as a sitting arrangement in the Senate Chamber,” Momodu remarked.
He urged Akpabio to extend an olive branch to Natasha and find a way to resolve the issue amicably.
“If I were in your shoes, I would call Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, sit down with her, and settle this matter once and for all. Otherwise, this situation will not end well for you. Everything you have built will go up in smoke,” he warned.
Background on the Controversy
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently facing a recall campaign initiated by some members of her constituency. This development comes weeks after she publicly accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment. The allegation stemmed from a heated argument during a plenary session over the Senate Chamber’s sitting arrangement.
As the situation continues to unfold, political observers and stakeholders are closely watching to see whether Akpabio will heed the call for reconciliation or escalate the conflict further.
