The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President: Godswill Akpabio.
This is even as the Senate President described the sexual harassment allegation against him as unfortunately traumatising the 10th Senate.
Akpabio said the allegation was sadly coming from a woman who had accused other people but could not prove any so far.
FIDA Nigeria in a statement signed by its Country Vice President, Eliana Martins and the National Publicity Secretary, Chineze Obianyo noted that: “While this remains an allegation, it is a serious and weighty claim which warrants immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation. If proven, it would represent a disturbing abuse of power and a direct assault on the dignity and rights of women in leadership, governance, and decision-making positions.”
The full text of the statement reads:
Sexual Harassment within the corridors of power is more than a personal violation—it is an attack on gender equality, a sexual gender-based violence, a betrayal of public trust and confidence and indeed a stain on the integrity of governance. It fosters a toxic culture, where women in leadership are subjected to intimidation, coercion, harassment, abuse, and discrimination—barriers that have long hindered female participation in politics, governance, and decision-making.
FIDA Nigeria unequivocally condemns any form of intimidation and harassment; and calls for swift and expeditious action to ensure that such
injustice where found, does not go unpunished by way of prosecution to serve as a stern warning and deterrence against such threats and acts.
This issue transcends politics. It is about law, justice, and fundamental human rights. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to dignity (Section 34) and freedom from any form of discrimination (Section 42). The combination of the provisions of The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Criminal Code Act, Penal Code Act, and The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) 2015, explicitly criminalizes sexual harassment, intimidation and abuse of authority. Nigeria is also bound by its obligations under international
law: including but not limited to The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which mandates proactive measures to combat sexual harassment in all sectors.
The gravity of this allegation requires more than a public outcry. It demands decisive and accelerated action. What is more worrisome is that the allegation is coming from the Legislative Arm of the Government: a body principally charged with the responsibility of making laws for the entire country. It is very disturbing that the allegation is against the head of the third arm of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the time and age that the global community avoids such acts like the plague.
FIDA Nigeria calls for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation of Senator Akpoti’s allegation to establish the truth and ensure accountability. Silence or inaction will only embolden perpetrators and deter victims from speaking out. We must be able to restore confidence and respect for our government in the minds of the citizens. This will be lacking if the allegation is not objectively investigated and the report is made public. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. Power should never be a shield for misconduct, nor should any woman be subjected to any form of harassment – whether in politics or the workplace or indeed in any sphere of the society.
We also emphasize the need for protection against retaliation, ensuring that any woman who speaks out does not face intimidation, political persecution, or career setbacks. Women must be afforded the leeway and platforms to speak out their truth without fear of backlash or persecution.
This moment must serve as a turning point in addressing the systemic barriers that discourage women from holding leadership positions. We, therefore, once again, call for the full implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women in governance to move beyond rhetoric to reality. We must create a political and institutional environment where no woman is forced to choose between her dignity and her ambition. Women must be given room to render bold and courageous service to the country.
FIDA Nigeria stands firm in its zero-tolerance against all forms of abuse and gender-based violence. We urge all relevant authorities, civil society organizations, the legal community, and the public to stand together in demanding justice, accountability, and a safer Nigeria for women. Every woman, irrespective of her status, deserves to be protected and free from all forms of oppression, harassment, intimidation, abuse, and violence.
Justice must prevail. The time for action is now!
#AccelerateActionsNow
But while addressing participants at an event to commemorate International Women’s Day, Senator Akpabio, maintained his innocence.
He said that he would be vindicated as all previous allegations by Natasha ended up being false alarms.
According to Akpabio: “It is only yesterday [Friday] that I realized what we are talking about only happened when there was a change of seat. That is when hell was let loose and all sorts of allegations came up.
“Only after the change of seat and change of committee which my Senators know happen from time to time.
“This is said to have happened on the 8th of December, a day to my birthday which was celebrated in the Stadium in 2023.
“So from 8th of December 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment until her committee was changed and then her seat was changed.
“Have you ever wondered the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past. None has been proven so far.
“Do you even wonder the trauma this caused to the 10th Senate and the image of the Senate with all this useless allegations. I have refrained myself from making a statement.
“Look at these beautiful women. They have come across me so many times. Have I ever harassed any one of you? Or is the person thinking that you are not beautiful?”
Recall how the National Assembly (NASS) has come under the spotlight since Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial district on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), levelled sexual harassment allegations against Senator Akpabio.
Amid the allegation, the Kogi Senator had gone ahead to submit a petition against Akpabio, which was promptly thrown out by the committee on ethics on technical ground.
She also submitted another petition after correcting the perceived flaws in the first petition that was invalidated by the Senate panel kn Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The Committee subsequently recommended that Senator Natsaha be suspended for six months for breach of the Senate rules and for improper conduct.
Meanwhile, the Senate sanctions on the Kogi lawmaker has elicited mixed reactions, with some individuals, groups and Civil Rights activists urging Akpabio to step down as President of the Senate and allow an independent investigation to take place.
