A coalition of women’s rights advocates from North Central, North East, and North West Nigeria, known as Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), has called for an independent investigation into sexual harassment allegations made by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group demanded an immediate probe by the Senate’s Ethics Committee, emphasizing that such serious allegations cannot be ignored or dismissed.
“We are deeply concerned by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations of sexual harassment by the Senate President and demand a swift and unbiased investigation by the Ethics Committee,” the statement read.
The coalition also called for Akpabio to step aside during the investigation to ensure fairness and transparency, arguing that the Senate President should not have unchecked power to intimidate or silence female lawmakers.
“The Senate must uphold justice and fairness, ensuring no individual, regardless of their position, suppresses or silences their colleagues, especially female senators who are already underrepresented and vulnerable to systemic bias within the Senate,” they added.
Read Also: PANDEF Alleges Strong Reason Behind Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio
The statement was signed by prominent activists, including Asma’u Joda, Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Fatima Akilu, Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Amina Salihu, Mairo Mandara, and Kadaria Ahmed.
VIEW also called for a review of Senate rules, especially those granting excessive authority to the Senate President, arguing that such powers enable abuse and marginalization.
The group condemned the arbitrary reassignment of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat, calling it an example of how procedural gaps are exploited to suppress female lawmakers.
“The reallocation of seats without adherence to the rules must be reformed to ensure equity and prevent the systemic marginalization of female senators,” the group stated.
They highlighted the significant underrepresentation of women in the 10th Senate, calling for urgent reforms to promote “genuine gender inclusivity” in the Senate and warning that failing to act would perpetuate a culture of sidelining women.
The coalition also pointed out that this is not the first time Akpabio has faced allegations of sexual harassment, urging the Senate to take a firm stance against such claims.
“The Senate must address these allegations and make it clear that those in power are not beyond accountability,” VIEW stated.
They further urged all senators, aides, and legislative staff, regardless of party affiliation, to support justice and equity by ensuring that Akpoti-Uduaghan receives a fair and impartial hearing.
Read Also: Why Senate Won’t Investigate Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio – Senate Spokesman
The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was moved without her consent from the minority section to the last row of the Senate chamber, a change she resisted.
Her refusal to comply was deemed a violation of Senate rules, and Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno cited Section 6(1) of the Standing Rules, which allows the Senate President to reassign seats when necessary.
Monguno justified the seat change due to recent defections of opposition senators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that failure to comply could result in penalties, including exclusion from Senate discussions.
The Senate President supported Monguno’s position, and when Akpoti-Uduaghan persisted in protesting the decision, her microphone was muted, and she was ordered to be removed from the chamber by the Sergeant-at-Arms. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan stood her ground and insisted on her right to speak.
VIEW had previously criticized Akpabio’s actions in attempting to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan and order her removal from the chamber.
Following the dispute, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging that during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on December 8, 2023, he held her hand, led her around his house, and made inappropriate advances toward her, even in the presence of her husband.
In response, Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, filed two defamation lawsuits in the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking N350 billion in damages for the alleged harm to her husband’s reputation.
In reaction to the lawsuits, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that she had “concrete evidence” to support her claims and, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, urged Mrs. Akpabio to refrain from getting involved in the matter.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
