Womanifesto, a coalition of over 350 women’s rights advocates, practitioners, and activists, has expressed serious concern over allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In response, the group has made four key demands:
- The immediate resignation of Senator Akpabio as Senate President.
- A thorough investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment.
- A public hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to ensure transparency.
- That all related matters currently in court follow due legal process.
The coalition emphasized that beyond the issue of women’s underrepresentation in public decision-making, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a critical concern in Nigeria. They insisted that the accusations against Akpabio must not be ignored.
Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, co-convener of Womanifesto, stated that recent events in the National Assembly have tested Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its constitution. She noted that Akpabio’s repeated derogatory remarks towards female senators and his position as “first among equals” in the Senate demand accountability.
Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi also recalled a similar allegation made in 2020 by Joy Nunieh, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, against Akpabio when he was Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. She stressed that the latest claims make urgent action imperative.
While the initial dispute between Senators Akpoti and Akpabio over seat reallocation and legal privileges was referred to the Ethics Committee, Womanifesto argued that this response was insufficient. Given the serious implications for the Senate’s credibility, they urged a public and transparent investigation.
The group further highlighted the alarming statistics on women’s political representation in Nigeria, pointing out that only 3.67% of Senate members and 3.9% of House of Representatives members are women. They also referenced disturbing data showing that one in three women in Nigeria has experienced violence in their lifetime.
“We believe an allegation of sexual harassment against the third-ranking citizen of the country cannot be dismissed,” the statement read. “We stand firmly against all forms of sexual harassment and intimidation of women in both public and private spaces.”
Womanifesto concluded by stressing that the National Assembly itself is under scrutiny, urging lawmakers to prove that Nigerian women and girls are protected by public institutions.
“We demand justice. We demand accountability. We demand the protection of Nigerian women and girls. It is in the public interest for the Senate to accede to our demands,” the group declared.