By Simeon OSAJIE
The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, Women Groups and Concerned Citizens of Edo State today protested over alleged case of sexual harassment against senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her subsequent suspension from the Nigerian Senate.
The protesters with different placards with inscription “Nigerian Women Rise Against Patriarchy, We Are All Natasha”, “The Injustice Will Not Be Sustained”, “Visibility Matters”, “HONWIP Wants Gender” etc, converged at the Museum Ground, Kings Square, Ring Road, Benin, enroute Edo State government to registered their displeasure over alleged case of sexual harassment and subsequent suspension of Senator Natasha.
The Coordinator of NILOV, Grace Ese Obakina who read the protest letter titled: PETITION FROM COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS, WOMEN GROUPS AND CONCERNED CITIZENS OF EDO STATE to Edo State government through the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Pius Alele noted that reports indicate that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition accusing the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and misogyny.
According to them, “Instead of addressing these serious allegations fairly and transparently, the Senate unexpectedly suspended her for six months for alleged breach of Senate rules and ethics. This action appears to be a blatant attempt to silence and dismiss the allegations of sexual harassment without due process.”
Going further, the groups added that “Sexual harassment and misogyny must never be tolerated, and those who come forward with such claims deserve to be heard, protected and given the opportunity to prove their claim “.
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on account of violating the house rules without even considering the claim of being sexually harassed is an affront to workplace safety, justice, fairness, and equity.
The group urged Governor Okpebnholo to lend his voice in demanding a swift and impartial investigation into the claims and emphasized that their petition was demanding justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Assuring them that the governor being a gender friendly governor understands their pains assured that he will invite them for talks on the issues raised.
Earlier, the protesters were at the Edo State House of Assembly to register their displeasure over the alleged sexual harassment and subsequent suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by the senate.
They were received by Mrs. Ivy Ebojiele, Media Aid to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
Speaking on behalf of the speaker, Mrs. Ivy Ebojiele emphasized that the speaker is a gentle friendly speaker who loves the course of women
“The issue of Natasha is one issue too many. The issue of Natasha will not be swept under the carpet , the speaker and the eight assembly will do justice to the matter and they will speak and talk about it.”
Speaking to the protesters at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Chairman of the union, Comrade Festus Alenkhe commended them for the peaceful process of the protest and assured the group that the media would help to report their grievances to the entire Nigeria and the world at large.