Amnesty International demands investigation of Akpabiogate, “to show that there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment – no matter who is involved”
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“The weight and scale of the allegations of sexual harassment are one more pressing reason for establishing an independent, resourceful and impartial investigation.
“The National Assembly must not continue to look away while the allegations remain and are being bizarrely trivialized, unaddressed and ignored.
“Blatant failure of the authorities to investigate the allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will have wider devastating consequences, that include perpetuating a system that makes it increasingly difficult for survivors of sexual harassment to get justice, while allowing perpetrators to get away with gross human rights violations.
“This is one case that the Nigerian authorities can use to show that there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment – no matter who is involved” – Amnesty International
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Amnesty International has urged the authorities to investigate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Godswill Akpabio, as former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili accuses the Senate President of bribing Natasha’s constituents to recall her in order to expel finally her from the Chamber.
“Amnesty International calls on the Nigerian authorities to immediately institute an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio,” Isa Sanusi, Director Amnesty International Nigeria, said in a statement.
“The weight and scale of the allegations of sexual harassment are one more pressing reason for establishing an independent, resourceful and impartial investigation.
“The National Assembly must not continue to look away while the allegations remain and are being bizarrely trivialized, unaddressed and ignored.
“Blatant failure of the authorities to investigate the allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will have wider devastating consequences, that include perpetuating a system that makes it increasingly difficult for survivors of sexual harassment to get justice, while allowing perpetrators to get away with gross human rights violations.
“This is one case that the Nigerian authorities can use to show that there is zero tolerance for sexual harassment – no matter who is involved.
“The fear of not being believed, or even being blamed, is already creating a dangerous culture of silence that prevents women who faced sexual harassment from seeking justice. The tide of sexual impunity against women and girls must be turned now.”
Ezekwesili accuses Akpabio of bribing Natasha’s constituents to recall her from Senate
Earlier in the week, The Economist published a story on the Akpabiogate, concluding that Nigerian politics is a nasty place for women.
In reaction to the story, Ezekwesili described Nigerian lawmakers as “a bunch of nation-destroyers” acting with impunity, and reiterated that Senators brought shame upon Nigeria and Nigerians by their refusal to provide an opportunity for an independent investigation into Natasha’s allegations against Akpabio.
She accused the Senate and Akpabio of embarking on a smear campaign against her.
“Here’s @TheEconomist in yet another post on the shame brought upon Nigeria and Nigerians by @Senator_Akpabio @NGRSenate by their brazen refusal to provide an opportunity for an independent investigation and open/transparent public hearing by a Specially Constituted Committee of the Nigerian Senate,” Ezekwesili wrote on X.
“No one wants another Kangaroo process of injustice like they did to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti with their so-called ‘Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions’ ‘investigation’ when she was referred to that tainted committee following the heated argument between her and the Senate President over seating arrangements.
“The committee recommended a six-month suspension and other egregious punishment, which were in violation of the Constitution and yet were approved by the Senate.
“Rather than reverse that illegality and focus on her petition for sexual harassment, the Senate and Senate President have instead embarked on a smear campaign against Senator @NatashaAkpoti.
“They are currently conspiring to execute a sham Recall by bribing her constituents who thankfully have largely rejected their offer of filthy lucre.
“What a bunch of nation-destroyers we have as ‘Lawmakers’. They behave with impunity because [they] have taken a chokehold on our democracy.
“Well, it is time for all reasonable Citizens to stand up to them and all the way before they totally destroy whatever is left of Nigeria.”
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