Senator Kingibe Demands Natasha Sexual Harassment Probe

I affirm my commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women across Nigeria

Senator Ireti Kingibe has diverged from her  Senate colleagues over the defense of Senator Godswill Akpabio in light of the sexual harassment claims presented by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

She has also requested that the Senate President be subjected to an open investigation hearing. The charges, which have caused a large amount of public debate, have been addressed with a demand for accountability from various different sectors.

After first giving the impression that she was dismissive of the charges, Kingibe has now retracted her position, which follows her persistent dragging on social media.

She clarified it that she has changed her mind and would never condone harassment of any kind, whether it be women or males.

Senator Kingibe stated, “As the Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in the 10th Senate, and the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, I would like to state to all Nigerians that I am aware of the public dismay and I would like to address a few things officially.

“First, I would like to assure Nigerians that I will be at the forefront to champion the sexual harassment case involving my colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, when the investigation comes to the red chamber.

“I am aware of the narrative that has been going around, and to set the record straight, my actions were not to undermine her claims, but to buttress that I was not aware in the first place of any such happenings.

“Once an accusation of sexual harassment is formally tabled before the Senate, it would be incumbent on the body to note that this weighty issue must be investigated thoroughly by the appropriate mechanisms within the institution of the Senate.

“The office of the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, which I chair, stands as a pillar of hope and a watershed for equality, equity, inclusivity, and opportunity. It offers Nigerian women recourse, refuge, and the right to dignity and social justice.

“It’s in this capacity that I am demanding an open, transparent and fair investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment. Justice, fairness and equity must be provided for everyone regardless of gender, position or social class.

“I affirm my commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women across Nigeria.

“I align with the global community in advocating for increased gender equity in political representation and across all sectors of our society. To this end, I am focused on advancing the 35% Gender Inclusion Bill and the establishment of special seats for women to ensure greater participation of women in governance.

“The Gender Equity Bill 2025, SB 743, which I am pushing has passed the first reading and is now awaiting the second reading. I remain resolute in my service to the Nigerian people, undeterred by falsehoods, and committed to fostering a democracy where justice, fairness, and equity prevail.”

IREPORT247NEW  reports on Friday, that  protesters affiliated with Women for Change Vanguard went to the United Nations office in Abuja to address the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was challenged by the protesters to provide evidence of the alleged sexual harassment she accused Akpabio of, as they chanted solidarity songs and displayed several banners that read “We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment, not people who weaponise it” and “The burden of proof lies with the accuser.”

In response to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s charges of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the organization is urging Nigerian women to come together in support of the Senate President and to demand evidence from Senator Akpoti-Udughan.

Arc (Mrs.) Margaret Adesuwa Ehilebo, the organization’s spokesperson, made a statement in which she stressed the significance of accountability in the context of conversations around sexual harassment.

Not only do false allegations cause damage to reputations, but they also undermine the credibility of legitimate cases, according to the group, which issued a warning about the potential implications of false claims.

The group emphasized that the burden of proof for allegations of misbehavior rests with the individual making the accusation.

Adesuwa Ehilebo stated, “We stand at a critical juncture in our fight against sexual harassment and misconduct. The recent claims made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senator Akpabio raise serious concerns that warrant scrutiny.

“If Senator Natasha claims to have been a victim of sexual harassment, we urge her to come forward with credible evidence. The gravity of such claims necessitates accountability.

“This is not the first time Senator Natasha has made serious allegations against a prominent figure. Such actions risk becoming a weapon against men in power, ultimately undermining the fight against sexual violence.

“We call on Senator Natasha to present concrete evidence against Senator Godswill Akpabio. Should such evidence be provided, we will stand firm in ensuring justice is served.

“Senator Akpabio must clear his name, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must present substantial evidence regarding her allegations. We must not be perceived as weak. Instead, we must embody strength and resilience, particularly in the workplace and beyond.”