Women’s Coalition Demands Akpabio’s Resignation Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
A coalition of women’s rights advocates, Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), has called for an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement released Tuesday, the coalition demanded an immediate probe by the Senate’s Ethics Committee, asserting that such allegations cannot be disregarded or downplayed.
“We are deeply disturbed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment by the Senate President. We demand an urgent and impartial investigation by the Ethics Committee,” the statement read.
VIEW also called for Mr. Akpabio to step aside while the investigation is conducted, stressing that a fair and transparent process cannot occur if he remains in office.
“The Senate must uphold justice and fairness, ensuring that no individual, regardless of rank, suppresses or silences female lawmakers who already face systemic biases,” the statement continued.
The call was endorsed by several notable activists, including Asma’u Joda, Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Fatima Akilu, Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Amina Salihu, Mairo Mandara, and Kadaria Ahmed.
Demands for Senate Reform
Beyond the immediate allegations, VIEW also pushed for a comprehensive review of Senate rules, particularly those that grant excessive authority to the Senate President, arguing that such powers enable marginalization and abuse.
The coalition cited the recent reassignment of Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate seat as an example of procedural manipulation used to suppress female lawmakers.
“The arbitrary reallocation of seats without following due process highlights systemic bias. These rules must be restructured to prevent the continued suppression of women in the Senate,” VIEW stated.
They further emphasized the gross underrepresentation of women in the 10th Senate, calling for urgent reforms to foster genuine gender inclusivity.
Pattern of Allegations
VIEW highlighted that this is not the first time allegations of sexual harassment have been made against Mr. Akpabio, insisting that the Senate must take a definitive stance on the matter.
“The Senate must send a clear message that those in power are not above accountability. These allegations cannot be ignored,” the coalition emphasized.
The group urged all senators, aides, and legislative staff, regardless of party affiliation, to ensure that Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan receives a fair and impartial hearing.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy began when Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned within the Senate chamber without her consent. She was moved from her original position in the minority section to the last row, a move she resisted.
Her protest was deemed a violation of Senate rules, prompting Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno to invoke Section 6(1) of the Standing Rules, which grants the Senate President the power to reassign seats.
Mr. Monguno justified the move based on the recent defection of opposition senators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that non-compliance could lead to penalties, including exclusion from Senate discussions.
Mr. Akpabio upheld Monguno’s stance, and when Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan persisted in her objections, he muted her microphone and instructed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove her from the chamber.
However, she resisted, insisting on her right to speak, leading to a dramatic standoff.
Sexual Harassment Allegations and Legal Battle
Following the dispute, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, alleging that on December 8, 2023, during a visit to Mr. Akpabio’s residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he made inappropriate advances towards her—even in the presence of her husband.
In response, Ekaette Akpabio, the Senate President’s wife, filed two defamation lawsuits at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking N350 billion in damages for alleged harm to her husband’s reputation.
Reacting to the lawsuits, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that she possesses “concrete evidence” to support her claims and, through her lawyer Victor Giwa, urged Mrs. Akpabio to stay out of the matter, asserting that the issue concerns justice and accountability within the Senate.
As the controversy unfolds, pressure mounts on the Senate leadership to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations while addressing the broader issue of gender discrimination within the chamber.
Reference
Women’s Coalition Demands Akpabio’s Resignation Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations