We at Document Women are deeply concerned about the handling of the sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
In addition to the case being dismissed for “procedural flaws”, the petitioner, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been suspended for six months without pay and is required to write an apology letter for the Senate to consider lifting or reducing her suspension. Alarmingly, this judgment was delivered by the individual accused in a case he also presided over.
This situation represents an assault on justice, and it poses a risk of a similar miscarriage of justice for every Nigerian woman. We believe that it is unconstitutional to scapegoat women for speaking out against harassment. No legal technicality should overshadow the seriousness of the allegations, which merit a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation. This misuse of legalities reflects an institution that frequently silences women and raises concerns about its integrity in ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of gender, are treated with dignity and respect.
While we applaud Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for resubmitting the sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, this should never have happened in the first place.
We are therefore calling for Senate President Akpabio to step down to allow for an independent investigation. Our legislative processes should not be used as tools to silence those seeking justice. We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and all women who bravely come forward with similar allegations.
We urge the Senate and relevant authorities to ensure a fair and transparent investigation, free from procedural obstacles, in order to uphold the principles of ethical governance, accountability, justice, and equality for all.
Signed,
Document Women.
