The controversy surrounding the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, continues to generate heated reactions.

Over the past two weeks, the allegation has sparked widespread debate, with more than 100 women’s groups apologizing to the Senate President for what they describe as the misconduct of the Kogi lawmaker. Meanwhile, Akpabio has continued to receive solidarity from various organizations and prominent individuals.

Most recently, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s own constituents have voiced their disapproval, passing a vote of no confidence against her and accusing her of a pattern of blackmail, allegedly using sexual harassment claims as a recurring tactic.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ebira Youth Leaders Forum (EYLF), representing indigenes of Kogi Central, expressed disappointment in their senator’s actions. Signed by the group’s General Secretary, Dr. Adoza Dahiru, the statement criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for failing to uphold the values and reputation of the Ebira people.

The group questioned the timing of her allegations against Akpabio, noting that they emerged only after her removal from the Senate Committee on Local Content and subsequent changes to her seat allocation within the Senate. They accused her of attempting to tarnish both Akpabio’s reputation and the integrity of the Senate President’s office.

“The recent developments in the Senate, with our representative at the center, are disgraceful and cast the well-mannered and cultured Ebira people in a bad light,” the statement read.

The group further alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of making similar accusations, citing past unproven claims against former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, among others.

“We hereby pass a vote of no confidence in her, not only for misrepresenting us but also for her poor performance as a senator. Aside from solar street lighting projects and the establishment of five mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta—initiatives credited to President Bola Tinubu—no significant projects can be attributed to her tenure. The Senate is not a stage for media theatrics,” the group asserted.

The Ebira Youth Leaders Forum also noted that her behavior is a key reason why both past and present female senators have not rallied behind her.

They urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to accept her suspension, use the time to familiarize herself with Senate rules, and cease seeking attention through unsubstantiated claims. They concluded that the people of Kogi Central would reevaluate her position once her suspension is over.