- Safiu Kehinde
Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded transparent probe on Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over the alleged sexual harrasment and intimidation filed against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
NPO reported that Natasha had made the allegations during an interview on Arise TV’s Good Morning Show on Friday.
Following her shocking outburst over seat arrangement at the Red Chamber’s plenary session last week Thursday, Natasha alleged that her troubles with the Senate President started since her refusal to accept his sexual advances.
Reacting in a post on his X handle, Atiku expressed concern over the allegation, describing it as grave and deserving a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.
Atiku noted that sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement, stressing that the Senate is expected uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.
“The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people. Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.” Atiku wrote.
He stressed further that Akpabio, as the chief presiding officer of the Senate, is expected to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation and not to be the subject of sexual harrasment allegations.
The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Presidential candidate harped on the need for the Senate and President Bola Tinubu to handle the allegations judiciously, warning that its handling will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles.
“The handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect.” He added