According to a report by Punch, former Senator Ayodele Arise has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking on the matter, Arise argued that the issue does not warrant the level of national attention it has garnered.
In his comments, Arise emphasized that the relationship between senators should be seen as one of equality, particularly within the confines of the Senate chambers. He posed the question, “When Senator Akpabio calls a male senator to see him in a hotel, would he read any meaning to it?” highlighting that all senators, regardless of gender, are on equal footing while performing their legislative duties.
Arise pointed out that, in the case of a female senator, it would be within her rights to decline any invitations she is uncomfortable with, asserting that “If she doesn’t want to come to the hotel, she can decline the offer.” His comments suggest that such an invitation does not automatically imply any inappropriate behavior, but rather reflects the autonomy of the individual to make decisions about their personal boundaries.
The former senator also criticized the disproportionate attention the matter has received, arguing that the focus should shift to more pressing national issues. “There are so many things that can be discussed in the Senate rather than this,” he said, implying that the political and legislative focus should be on matters of governance and national importance, rather than individual disputes that may not have broader implications.
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