Former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over the allegation of sexual harassment made against her by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
During an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her on December 8, 2023, when she and her husband visited Mr Akpabio’s residence in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
She alleged that the senate president held her hand, led her around his house, and then made inappropriate advances towards her, even in her husband’s presence.
But reacting to the allegation, Atiku, on Friday, in a statement he personally issued called for a thorough investigation into the case.
Describing the allegations against the Senate President as grave, Atiku also charged “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.”
He said the handling of the matter would send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
Atiku added that as the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, Akpabio had 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.
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The statement reads in full:
“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.
“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.”
