A group, Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW) has issued a statement calling for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step aside pending an independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The group noted that there is a need for the Senate to uphold justice and fairness, ensuring that no individual, regardless of their position, can intimidate or suppress female senators.
The allegations surfaced on February 28 when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom.
This has sparked widespread reactions, including a lawsuit by Akpabio’s wife, Ekaette, against Akpoti-Uduaghan, and calls for a thorough investigation from various quarters.
The controversy began with a heated argument between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan on February 20 over seating arrangements in the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan disrupted the plenary by rejecting her assigned seat and defying Akpabio’s orders, leading to her referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review.
VIEW’s statement, signed by prominent women leaders, stressed that the Senate must take a firm stance against such allegations to ensure accountability and protect the dignity of female senators.
They warned that failing to act decisively could deepen public distrust in legislative institutions and entrench a culture of impunity.
Part of the statement read: “Given 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 statement reads.
“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.
“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.”
