Civil Society Organisations Petition LPDC, Demand Action Against Senate President Akpabio And Senator Imasuen

Sobechi Obasi19 hours ago

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A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has petitioned the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to investigate allegations of misconduct against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Neda Imasuen. The organisations are concerned about claims of intimidation against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.

Allegations Against Akpabio and Imasuen

The coalition, which includes the Citizens Gavel Foundation for Social Justice, EiE Nigeria, and Global Rights Advocates for Sustainable Justice, among others, highlighted several allegations:

Akpabio: He is accused of refusing to recuse himself from investigations into sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in February 2025. This is not the first such allegation against him; in 2020, Joy Nunieh also accused him of sexual harassment. Additionally, Akpabio orchestrated the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan despite judicial precedents against such legislative actions.

Imasuen: He was permanently disbarred in New York, USA, in 2010 for fraud and professional misconduct. Despite this, he chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, a position the organisations argue he is unfit to hold. His recommendation for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension further highlights his disregard for ethical governance.

Call for Action

The organisations demand that the NBA investigate these violations and refer both senators to the LPDC for disciplinary action, including possible disbarment. They urge the LPDC to conduct a thorough investigation and impose appropriate sanctions where necessary. Additionally, they call for the Nigerian authorities to revisit the handling of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition and suspension, ensuring compliance with constitutional principles and judicial precedents.

Impact on Public Trust

The coalition warns that failure to hold these senators accountable will erode public trust in Nigeria’s institutions and damage the nation’s global reputation. They emphasize that Nigeria’s democracy cannot be hijacked by individuals who flout their professional and constitutional obligations. The organisations urge all Nigerians to demand accountability from their elected representatives and reject impunity in governance.

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