…As group petitions UN, asks Natasha to provide evidence

By Nnamdi Ojiego & Gift ChapiOdekina

Senator Ireti Kingibe has broken ranks with her colleagues in the Senate on the defence of Senator Godswill Akpabio over the sexual harassment allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and called on the Senate President to subject himself to an open investigative hearing.

The allegations, which have sparked significant public debate, have been met with a demand for accountability from various quarters.

Kingibe’s pullback follows her relentless dragging on social media after she initially appeared to be dismissive of the allegations.

Affirming her new stance and explaining that she would never support the harassment of women or even men, she said: “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.

Notwithstanding, I remain steadfast in the fight against all forms of violence against girls and women.
“As a sitting Senator, I will always defend the truth and fight to right all wrongs. Over the years, sexual harassment and assault have become commonplace in our homes and workplaces. Every Nigerian, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or religion, should be committed to the struggle to end it as it affects all genders.

“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.




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/natasha-kingibe-breaks-ranks-demands-open-probe-of-sexual-harassment-claim-against-akpabio/