Ben Murray-Bruce defends Akpabio amidst sexual harassment allegations

Former Bayelsa East Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has come to the defense of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing him as a man of “unimpeachable character” amidst allegations of sexual harassment and corruption.

Murray-Bruce’s statement follows accusations leveled against Akpabio by Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar

Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Akpabio victimized and suspended her from the Senate after she rejected his alleged sexual advances. Atiku also criticized Akpabio, labeling him as a corrupt leader with a history of mistreating women.

Countering these allegations, Murray-Bruce took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his support for Akpabio, insisting that both the South-South region and Nigeria as a whole are fortunate to have him as Senate President.

“I know Senator Godswill Akpabio personally and intimately. He is a man of unimpeachable good character, and both the South-South and Nigeria are fortunate to have him at the helm of affairs at the National Assembly at this delicate stage in our national growth,” he stated.

Addressing corruption allegations, Murray-Bruce maintained that Akpabio has undergone multiple investigations by various independent agencies and has always emerged without any wrongdoing.

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“On the issue of corruption, here we have a man who has been investigated in and out by independent investigative agencies and friends and foes alike, yet he has come out clean as a whistle,” he asserted.

The former senator further stressed the need for stability in Nigeria’s democracy, warning against using partisan politics to undermine key institutions such as the National Assembly.

“Nigeria needs stability and men of ability, and it behoves us as a nation to tread with caution at this critical time of our national life. Institutions such as the Legislature should not be trifled with because of partisan considerations,” he stated.

Expressing his commitment to defending the Senate’s integrity, Murray-Bruce vowed not to remain silent while what he described as efforts to “destroy” the institution unfold.

“I will not stand idly by while some persons try, both home and abroad, to destroy an institution I was once proudly a part of. I am a Nigerian who is proud of Nigeria, and will give my all to protect and project my country to the world,” he said.

Declaring his firm support for Akpabio, he concluded, “I give him my right hand of fellowship and stand firmly with him.”

Murray-Bruce’s endorsement of Akpabio comes as the Senate President faces mounting scrutiny over the allegations, sparking intense political debate across the country.