By NewsMata
Against her initial stance of trivialising the plight of her fellow female lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udughan representing Kogi Central, Ireti Kingibe, chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, has backtracked, and is demanding “an open, transparent and fair investigation” into the allegations of sexual harassment made by the latter against Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who had dismissed as an inanity the dust raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan over the change in seating arrangement which relocated her position, has now vowed to champion the sexual harassment allegations made by her colleague.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, following a heated argument with the Senate President over the change in her seat, had on live television on February 28, accused him of inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom State ahead of his 61st birthday. She was later slammed with a six-month suspension after she had resubmitted her petition against Akpabio complaining of sexual harassment.
Newsmata.com.ng recalls that Senator Kingibe had argued that the controversy was needles as it was not only her seat that was moved on the fateful day. Defending Natasha’s allegation of silence by the other three female lawmakers in the matter, Kingibe had stated on Arise Television that “The Senate is not a place where we are supposed to fight over trivialities like seating arrangements,” adding they would not want to be seen fighting over “inanities”.
However, in a statement posted on her X (formerly Twitter) page on Friday, Kingibe clarified her position, dismissing claims that her earlier stance was intended to undermine Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations. She claimed not to have been aware of the sexual harassment allegations at the time.
She said, “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”.
Affirming her commitment to fighting all forms of violence against women and girls, Senator Kingibe underscored the importance of addressing sexual harassment and assault in Nigerian society.
According to her, “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.”
She further stated that “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.”
Senator Kingibe also seized the opportunity to advocate for greater female representation in governance, citing her efforts to push for the 35% Gender Inclusion Bill and the establishment of special seats for women in government.
“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.”