The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has dismissed calls for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement issued by its chairman for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph Hayab, CAN described the ongoing dispute as “shameful and unfortunate” and called for national elders to intervene to preserve the integrity of the National Assembly.
“There is a need for elders to step in. Akpabio and Natasha have people they respect and highly regard. Members of the National Assembly must take responsibility in handling this matter,” CAN stated during a media engagement in Kaduna.
The religious body strongly opposed demands for Akpabio’s resignation, describing them as premature and unjustified, given that no concrete evidence had been established against him.
“Any group calling for Akpabio’s resignation should desist, as no one has been proven guilty in this matter. Taking sides will only escalate tensions. Allegations of sexual harassment must be treated with seriousness, but also with fairness and sobriety,” CAN added.
CAN further urged the media to exercise caution in reporting, warning that sensational coverage could deepen national divisions along gender and regional lines.
It also called on political actors to focus on governance, stressing that the passage of the 2025 national budget should be the priority of lawmakers.