The Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW) has asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step aside for an independent investigation into the allegation against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the women’s group said the Senate must uphold justice and fairness and ensure that no individual intimidates or suppresses female senators.
BACKGROUND
On February 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, accused the Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom.
The allegation has generated reactions from notable Nigerians, including a lawsuit against the Kogi senator by Ekaette Akpabio, the senate president’s wife.
Others have called for an investigation into the claims made by the senator.
The allegation was preceded by a heated argument between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan at the upper chamber on February 20 over seating arrangements.
The Kogi senator disrupted the plenary by rejecting her assigned seat, defying Akpabio’s order, and repeatedly raising a point of order despite being overruled
Subsequently, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for disciplinary review.
‘SILENCING AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN WILL SET DANGEROUS PRECEDENT’
In the statement, the women group said the senate must take a “firm against the allegation and send a message that those in power are not above accountability”.
The group also cautioned that justice should not be sacrificed on the altar of protecting an individual.
The statement was signed by Asma’u Joda, Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Fatima Akilu, Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Amina Salihu, Mairo Mandara and Kadaria Ahmed.
“Given the gravity of these allegations, it is both ethical and necessary for the Senate President to step aside, in order to allow for a truly independent and transparent investigation,” the statement reads.
“The Senate must uphold the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that no individual, regardless of their position, wields unchecked power to suppress, silence, or intimidate colleagues, particularly female senators who remain underrepresented and vulnerable to systemic bias within the chamber.
“We demand a full and transparent investigation into the recurring allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President.
“This is not the first time such accusations have been made, and this disturbing pattern warrants urgent scrutiny.
“The Senate must take a firm stance against such allegations and must send a clear message that those in power are not above accountability.
“Justice should not be sacrificed to protect individuals, and the dignity of female senators must be safeguarded to facilitate women’s active participation in elective positions.
“Failure to act decisively will only deepen public distrust in our legislative institutions and further entrench a culture of impunity.
“Silencing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or attempting to diminish the credibility of her claims is not just an attack on one individual.
“It is an attack on justice, fairness, and the democratic principles that should govern the Senate.
“Allowing such intimidation to stand sets a dangerous precedent that undermines accountability and reinforces a culture where power is wielded to suppress rather than to uphold the rights of all lawmakers, particularly women who are already underrepresented.”(The Cable)
