By Lydia Zakka
The Nigerian Senate, once revered as the bastion of democracy and accountability, is now at a crossroads as it grapples with grave allegations against its current President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. In what has been described as a shocking turn of events, Akpabio, who has been in office for nearly two years, has found himself embroiled in a scandal involving accusations of sexual harassment, an issue that has become widely known as the ‘Banana Sleaze.’
The phrase ‘Banana Peels’ has historically symbolized the financial improprieties that led to the downfall of previous Senate Presidents. However, with the emergence of these new allegations, the ‘Banana Peels’ have given way to a more sinister form of scandal—one that threatens to taint the reputation of the National Assembly.
The situation harkens back to June 2007 when Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark was first elected President of the Senate. At that time, he swiftly set about addressing the corruption that had dogged his predecessors, ensuring financial integrity by establishing rigorous financial protocols for the Senate. His leadership style, which was largely quiet and effective, allowed him to serve uninterrupted for eight years, leaving a legacy of stability. Similarly, his successors, Senators Bukola Saraki and Ahmed Lawan, each served their terms without any significant scandal or controversy, demonstrating the Senate’s capacity for maintaining dignity.
However, with the appointment of Senator Akpabio, the Senate has once again found itself embroiled in a major controversy, with the latest allegations of sexual harassment casting a dark shadow over the institution. The charges not only jeopardize Akpabio’s leadership but also risk diminishing the public’s trust in the Senate as a whole.
The allegations have sparked outrage across Nigeria, with many calling for Akpabio to step aside while investigations are conducted. It is argued that the honor of the Senate, as well as the integrity of its leadership, requires that the Senate President rise above the fray and address the scandal head-on. There are calls for him to follow the example of his predecessors, who maintained their positions with honor, and step aside to clear his name.
If Senator Akpabio fails to do so voluntarily, it may fall to the Senate itself to take the necessary action to safeguard its own credibility. The institution cannot afford to allow such allegations to linger without resolution. The Senate must act in the interest of restoring public confidence and preserving the dignity of Nigeria’s legislative body.
In an ideal scenario, Senator Akpabio would, at the next plenary sitting, rise and announce his decision to step aside temporarily to allow for a fair investigation into the allegations. Such a move would be in the best interests of both the Senate and the Nigerian people, as it would demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability.
However, if Akpabio chooses not to act, the responsibility will fall on his colleagues in the Senate to ensure the institution is not dragged further into disrepute. The time has come for the men and women of the Senate to rise to the occasion, act with honor, and restore the Senate to its rightful place as a symbol of integrity in Nigerian governance.
However, the situation facing Senator Akpabio is a test of the Senate’s commitment to upholding the values of democracy, justice, and accountability. The Senate must act decisively to either clear the name of its leader or take the necessary steps to protect the reputation of the institution. Anything less will be a betrayal of the trust placed in the Senate by the Nigerian people.
