Nigerian delegate Kafilat Ogbara has called for a transparent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The demand follows claims made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding her suspension and harassment. Ogbara emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring fairness during the investigation, highlighting legislative efforts to improve women’s rights in Nigeria.
Kafilat Ogbara, a delegate from Nigeria at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting, has called for a transparent investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. As the chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, she emphasized the need for safeguarding human rights and preventing intimidation for all parties involved. Ogbara made her statement during a press briefing at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
During the IPU meeting, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reported her suspension from the Senate over allegations against Mr. Akpabio. She described her suspension as unlawful and an attempt to silence her. Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and called for international attention to protect the rights of Nigerian women facing similar issues.
In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson stated that the organization would review the issue and allow the Nigerian Senate to offer its perspective before taking any action. Ogbara also stressed that institutional integrity must be upheld and that all allegations and responses should be examined with fairness.
Ogbara reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to justice and human rights, stating that the country acknowledges the severity of sexual harassment allegations and that a thorough investigation is necessary. She emphasized the importance of ensuring fairness for all involved, avoiding preconceived judgments.
Furthermore, Ogbara highlighted legislative efforts aimed at improving women’s representation and rights in Nigeria, notably the Reserve Seats Bill and proposed constitutional amendments. These legislative initiatives aim to create a more equitable political landscape for women.
The allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked considerable attention both within Nigeria and internationally. Ogbara underscored the importance of considering all viewpoints and highlighted that Senate President Akpabio has denied the accusations. She also referenced a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, which stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to alleged misconduct, not directly linked to sexual harassment claims.
The statements made by Kafilat Ogbara and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during the IPU meeting highlight significant concerns regarding sexual harassment and the treatment of women within the Nigerian political sphere. The call for a transparent and fair investigation into the allegations against Senate President Akpabio underscores a larger commitment to justice and the protection of human rights in Nigeria. Legislative efforts to enhance women’s representation further reflect a pursuit of equity in governance, crucial for addressing gender-based violence.
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