251
Atiku Requires Impartial Investigation into Sexual Harassment Allegations Towards Senate President Akpabio
Former Nigerian Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate to conduct an intensive and neutral investigation into the intense allegations of sexual harassment leveled in opposition to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Atiku, in an announcement launched on Friday, expressed deep concern over the accusations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Kogi Central lawmaker had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, intimidation, and political retaliation after rejecting his alleged advances.
Atiku emphasised the gravity of the state of affairs, stating, “Like thousands and thousands of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised severe allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment in opposition to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. These allegations are grave and deserve an intensive, neutral, and clear investigation.”
He additional underscored the significance of integrity in public workplace, highlighting that the Nigerian Senate, as a physique representing the voice of the folks, should uphold the best requirements of dignity and respect. “Those that serve in it — particularly its management — should uphold the best requirements of integrity, dignity, and respect, each for his or her workplace and for the Nigerian residents they serve.”
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment. She claimed that after she rejected his advances, Akpabio retaliated by blocking her motions within the Senate. She additionally alleged that she had substantial proof to assist her claims, together with screenshots of their conversations, and challenged safety companies to research.
Atiku identified that because the third strongest determine in Nigeria, Akpabio should set an instance of unimpeachable character, emphasizing that sexual harassment within the office is a major barrier to ladies’s development and, by extension, the nation’s progress. “Allegations of such misconduct ought to by no means be merely dismissed, significantly after they contain a public officer with immense energy, affect, and duty,” Atiku acknowledged.
The previous vice chairman additionally reminded Akpabio of his duty as Senate President to guard and empower Nigerian ladies. “Because the chief presiding officer of the Higher Chamber, the Senate President has an obligation to champion the safety and empowerment of Nigerian ladies by way of laws — to not be the topic of allegations that undermine these very rules,” he mentioned.
Atiku additional careworn that how this case is dealt with will ship a transparent message about Nigeria’s dedication to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of girls in governance. “The dealing with of this matter will ship a powerful message about Nigeria’s dedication to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of girls in governance,” he asserted.
The previous vice chairman additionally highlighted the gender imbalance within the Senate, the place solely 4 ladies at the moment serve, emphasizing the necessity for a harassment-free surroundings wherein feminine legislators can serve with out worry of intimidation. “With solely 4 ladies at the moment serving within the Senate, it’s crucial that we foster an surroundings the place feminine legislators can serve with out worry of harassment or intimidation,” he mentioned.
In conclusion, Atiku referred to as for decisive motion from each the presidency and the Senate to make sure a reputable, unbiased, and clear investigation into the allegations. “I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations significantly by guaranteeing a reputable, clear, and unbiased investigation,” he mentioned.
He concluded by urging principled motion to guard the dignity of all Nigerians. “This second calls for cautious and principled motion to uphold the integrity of our establishments and be certain that each Nigerian, no matter gender, is handled with dignity and respect,” Atiku added.
Like thousands and thousands of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised severe allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment in opposition to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
These allegations are grave and deserve a…
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) February 28, 2025
Publish Views: 298
