By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Former member of the House of Representatives, Patty Etete, has resigned as Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, citing sustained hostility, alleged physical assaults and administrative irregularities within the Senate President’s office.
In a letter dated 27 February and addressed to Senator Akpabio, Etete described his resignation as “long overdue,” saying it followed years of “humiliation, discrimination and denial of access” to the Senate President.
Etete, who represented Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, said he initially accepted what he termed a “downgraded designation” in good faith. He noted that he was invited to be part of Akpabio’s “first eleven” appointees in recognition of his contributions during both the senatorial election and the contest for the Senate presidency.
According to him, although his appointment was publicly announced as Special Assistant, he was later designated as Senior Legislative Aide — a development he described as demeaning.
The former lawmaker further alleged that he operated in a hostile work environment, was denied certain privileges, and was “severally assaulted physically by fellow aides,” claiming that some of the incidents occurred with the knowledge of the Senate President.
Etete also raised concerns over a symposium on the creative economy which he coordinated to support the Senate President’s legislative agenda. He said the event attracted participants from within and outside Nigeria, including resource persons who reportedly funded their own travel, accommodation and presentation materials with the expectation of reimbursement.
He alleged that more than six months after the event, the interim report had yet to receive the Senate President’s attention for legislative follow-up, while outstanding bills submitted by service providers remained unpaid.
