Akpabio vs Natasha: Group Demands Public Hearing on Sexual Harassment Allegations

By Iyojo Ameh

A coalition of over 350 women’s rights groups under the umbrella of WOMANIFESTO has called for an urgent public hearing on the ongoing crisis within the Nigerian Senate, particularly concerning allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Co-Convener of Womanifesto, the coalition expressed deep concern over the recent developments in the National Assembly, stating that the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative body is at stake. The group specifically condemned derogatory remarks allegedly made by the Senate President against his colleagues, including three female senators, and emphasized the need for decorum and mutual respect within the Senate.

The controversy escalated after Senator Natasha Akpoti accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment. The group recalled that a similar allegation was made in 2020 by Joy Nunieh, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who worked under Akpabio when he was Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs.

The dispute, which initially centered around the reallocation of Senate seats and alleged denial of legal privileges, has now taken a more serious turn, prompting renewed calls for an independent investigation. While the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions has been assigned to review the conflict, Womanifesto insists that the response is insufficient and demands a transparent and public hearing.

The coalition also raised concerns about the marginalization of women in Nigerian politics, highlighting that only four women out of 109 Senators (3.67%) and 14 women out of 360 members (3.9%) serve in the National Assembly.

Furthermore, the group decried the high prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria, with statistics indicating that one in three women experiences violence in her lifetime. Given this alarming reality, they argue that any allegation of sexual harassment, especially against a high-ranking public official, must be thoroughly and transparently investigated.

The coalition has made the following four key demands:

1. Immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio to allow for an impartial investigation.

2. A thorough and independent investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.

3. A public hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to ensure transparency and accountability.

4. Due legal process for all other related matters already in court.

Womanifesto insists that the credibility of the National Assembly is on trial, urging lawmakers to demonstrate their commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of women’s rights.

“The Senate must recognize that this is a defining moment for Nigeria. Do our institutions protect Nigerian women and girls, or do they silence them?” the statement concluded.