The Ijaw leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, High Chief Michael Johnny, has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, describing them as politically motivated.
Johnny, who is the Agadiwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, stated that the real reason behind the attacks on Akpabio stems from the passage of the Okerenkoko Maritime University Bill into law and the ongoing struggle over the Local Content Chairmanship position.
In a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday, Johnny alleged that some political forces were displeased with Akpabio’s role in the National Assembly’s passage of the bill and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s subsequent approval.
“There is nothing like sexual harassment,” Johnny wrote. “It is all about the Okerenkoko Maritime University Bill and the Local Content Chairmanship. That is all.”
He further stated that those behind the allegations never expected the bill to be signed into law.
“They never believed the President would sign that Bill. Please let us respect ourselves and live together as one,” he added.
The Okerenkoko Maritime University, situated in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, has been a subject of political and economic interest, particularly regarding its role in advancing education and human capital development in the Niger Delta. Its formal recognition and legal backing mark a significant victory for the region, reinforcing its strategic importance in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Similarly, the Local Content Chairmanship is a powerful position overseeing Nigeria’s local content policies, particularly in the oil and gas industry. The competition for the position has reportedly led to political maneuvering, with key stakeholders seeking influence over its leadership.
While Akpabio has not publicly addressed the allegations in detail, his supporters, including Johnny, maintain that the claims are part of a larger political plot to undermine his leadership and control over strategic policies that affect the Niger Delta and the nation at large.
