I Will Champion Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Akpabio – Ireti Kingibe
The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has vowed to stand shoulder to shoulder with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan whenever she presents the sexual harassment petition at the Senate for consideration.
She stated that she remains unwavering in her fight for justice for women’s rights, adding that she had no intention to undermine the sexual harassment allegation made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She, however, argued that her position was borne out of knowing the truth and could not, for the sake of women’s rights, support falsehood.
Speaking via a statement made available to newsmen, she said, “As the Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in the 10th Senate, and the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, I would like to state to all Nigerians that I am aware of the public dismay and I would like to address a few things officially.
“First, I would like to assure Nigerians that I will be at the forefront of championing the sexual harassment case involving my colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan when the investigation comes to the red chamber. I am aware of the narrative that has been going around, and to set the record straight, my actions were not to undermine her claims but to buttress that I was not aware in the first place of any such happenings.
Notwithstanding, I remain steadfast in the fight against all forms of violence against girls and women.
“As a sitting senator, I will always defend the truth and fight to right all wrongs. Over the years, sexual harassment and assault have become commonplace in our homes and workplaces. Every Nigerian, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or religion, should be committed to the struggle to end it as it affects all genders.
“Once an accusation of sexual harassment is formally tabled before the Senate, it would be incumbent on the body to note that this weighty issue must be investigated thoroughly by the appropriate mechanisms within the institution of the Senate.
“The office of the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, which I chair, stands as a pillar of hope and a watershed for equality, equity, inclusivity, and opportunity. It offers Nigerian women recourse, refuge, and the right to dignity and social justice.
It’s in this capacity that I am demanding an open, transparent, and fair investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment. Justice, fairness and equity must be provided for everyone regardless of gender, position, or social class.
“I affirm my commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women across Nigeria.
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