Alleged s£xual harassment: CAN opposes calls for Akpabio’s resignation

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has firmly opposed calls for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, following allegations of s£xual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The religious body’s stance has sparked conversation across political and social circles, particularly as the issue continues to dominate public discourse.

In a statement delivered through Rev. Joseph Hayab, CAN’s chairman for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, the organization described the situation as “shameful and unfortunate.” 

The association stressed the importance of national elders intervening in the dispute to preserve the integrity of the National Assembly.

Rev. Hayab emphasized that figures such as Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan command significant respect within their circles and that the matter should be handled with care by those who are capable of de-escalating tensions.

CAN’s objection to the calls for Akpabio’s resignation hinges on the belief that such a step is premature and unjustified without concrete evidence.

The religious body argued that the legal principle of innocence until proven guilty must be upheld. “Any group calling for Akpabio’s resignation should desist, as no one has been proven guilty in this matter,” CAN said. 

The organization cautioned against making assumptions or taking sides too quickly, suggesting that this could potentially escalate the issue rather than contribute to a fair resolution.

The association also expressed concerns about how the media has handled the coverage of the allegations.