The Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW) has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment leveled against the Senate President God’s will Akpabio by another Senator, Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan.
VIEW, an association women rights advocates, said in a statement issued on Tuesday that such serious accusations cannot be ignored or swept aside, as they speak to the fundamental character and ethical standards expected within the nation’s highest legislative body.
The statement was signed by Asma’u Joda, Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Fatima Akilu, Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Amina Salihu, Mairo Mandara and Kadaria Ahmed.
The organization further said the Senate must take a firm stance against such allegations and must send a clear message that those in power are not above accountability.
Read the statement in full:
Breaking the Cycle: Demanding Gender Equity, Justice & Accountability in the Nigerian Senate
We, the undersigned, express deep concern over the troubling incidents of persistent gender inequity and the systemic disrespect of women in the 10th Senate. This has been particularly highlighted in recent events involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
We are particularly alarmed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment by the Senate President and in the first instance, demand an immediate and impartial investigation by the Ethics Committee of the House. Such serious accusations cannot be ignored or swept aside, as they speak to the fundamental character and ethical standards expected within the nation’s highest legislative body.
1Given the gravity of these allegations, it is both ethical and necessary for the Senate President to step aside, in order to allow for a truly independent and transparent investigation. The Senate must uphold the principles of justice and
fairness, ensuring that no individual, regardless of their position, wields unchecked power to suppress, silence or intimidate colleagues, particularly female senators who remain underrepresented and vulnerable to systemic bias within the chamber.
It should be noted that the Senate President is first among equals and is required to respect the various constituencies Senators represented. Therefore, we call for a comprehensive review of the Senate rules, especially those that currently vest excessive authority in the hands of the Senate President enabling the abuse of power. The arbitrary reallocation of seats arrangements (among other procedural gaps) without compliance with the rules, must be restructured to promote equity, prevent the systemic marginalization of female senators, and safeguard all senators from unfair treatment.
The Senate, as the guardian of democracy, must ensure that its internal regulations reflect democratic values and uphold the dignity of all its members.
We demand a full and transparent investigation into the recurring allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President. This is not the first time such accusations have been made, and this disturbing pattern warrants urgent scrutiny.
The Senate must take a firm stance against such allegations and must send a clear message that those in power are not above accountability. Justice should not be sacrificed to protect individuals and the dignity of female senators must be safeguarded, to facilitate women’s active participation in elective positions. Failure to act decisively will only deepen public distrust in our legislative institutions and further entrench a culture of impunity.
We insist that all senators, senatorial aides, and legislative staff, regardless of party affiliation, stand for justice and equity by ensuring that Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan receives a fair and impartial hearing. Upholding due process and fostering a culture of accountability within the Senate is not just a duty of elected officials but a collective responsibility of all who serve within the institution. Indeed, recent comments from senators and senatorial aides that attempt to downplay, trivialize or invalidate concerns about abuse of power, only reinforce the systemic barriers women face in political leadership.
Dismissive behavior ignores the broader institutional failures that allow misogyny and intimidation to persist within the Senate. It is imperative that the Senate upholds its responsibility to foster a culture of respect, accountability, and gender equity by taking decisive action to address structural failures and prevent the normalization of condescending and exclusionary conduct.
The gross underrepresentation of women in the 10th Senate necessitates urgent reforms to address systemic marginalization and ensure genuine gender inclusivity. The current structures must be fundamentally reformed to ensure that the voices of women in the Senate are not only heard, but women are also fully empowered to participate without any hindrances.
True representation requires an institutional framework that actively fosters gender inclusivity, amplifies women’s voices, and guarantees them equal footing in legislative deliberations. Without these changes, the Senate risks entrenching a culture where women remain sidelined rather than recognized as full representatives of their constituencies and equal contributors to national decision-making.
6. Silencing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or attempting to diminish the credibility of her claims is not just an attack on one individual. it is an attack on justice, fairness, and the democratic principles that should govern the Senate.
Allowing such intimidation to stand sets a dangerous precedent that undermines accountability and reinforces a culture where power is wielded to suppress rather than to uphold the rights of all lawmakers, particularly women who are already underrepresented.
The Nigerian Senate must rise to this moment, not with empty rhetoric but with decisive action. It must prove that it stands for justice and gender equity by ensuring a fair and transparent process, free from bias and political maneuvering.
The integrity of the nation’s highest legislative body is at stake.
We are committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic practices so that more women, including our daughters and sisters, can feel safe enough to participate in developing and b uilding our nation. The era of impunity must end. The time for action is now.
