“We maintain the integrity of our institution by ensuring that the due process is strictly followed, and it is our duty to ensure that fair and transparent solutions are achieved on behalf of the people.
Kafilat Ogbara, Nigerian representative of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Conference, urged the National Assembly to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President God Will Akpabio.
Mrs. Ogbara, who chairs the House Committee on Women’s Issues and Social Development, sought protection of human rights and protection from intimidation by all parties involved in the allegations.
She called at a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday.
“I called for the following actions: a thorough and impartial investigation. We will ensure that all claims and defenses are considered fairly and transparently. We will protect all parties involved. We will protect the rights of all individuals and prevent any forms of intimidation, retaliation, accountability and transparency,” she said.
Mrs. Ogbara’s statement responds to a complaint filed by Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpotiugan during IPU meeting Tuesday.
During the meeting, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan reported allegations of six months of suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment against Mr Akpabio, where she called for international intervention.
She described the suspension from the Senate as illegal, as it was a deliberate attempt to silence her by speaking out against alleged misconduct in the Upper Legislative Office in Nigeria.
Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan directly linked her suspension to her petition against Mr Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment.
She urged the IPU to intervene, noting that her fight is the case for other Nigerian women facing similar challenges.
In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson said that the global parliamentary organisation will take necessary steps on issues reported by Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan, but would also provide an opportunity for Nigerian senators to present a side of the story before taking action.
Please seek fairness
Mrs. Ogbara, who represents the Kosofe federal constituency in the House, urged members of the Parliament to ensure that the allegations and responses are considered quite a bit.
She argued for the need to maintain the integrity of the system and prevent forms of intimidation or retaliation that could arise during the course of the investigation of the allegations.
“We maintain the integrity of our institution by ensuring that the due process is strictly followed. It is our duty to ensure that fair and transparent solutions are achieved on behalf of the people. Most importantly, we ensure that we judge justice, fairness and descendants correctly,” she said.
Nigerian commitment to justice
Mrs. Ogbara reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to justice and fundamental human rights.
She ensured that Parliament will continue to commit to maintaining women’s rights and addressing gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks and institutional reforms.
“I would like to reaffirm that Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the principles of justice cannot be emphasized on the legitimate process and the protection of our fundamental human rights. As a nation, we recognize the severity of sexual harassment and acknowledge the need to address such allegations with all responsibility.
“Such claims require thorough, fair and transparent investigations, while at the same time, it must support fairness for all individuals involved and ensure that justice is neither pre-determined nor unilateral.
Lawmakers highlighted ongoing legislative efforts to improve women’s representation and rights, and cited the reserve seat bill and other proposed constitutional amendments bills before the Parliament.
“Our Congress and the judiciary continue to reform to strengthen these efforts, and ongoing legislative initiatives seek to address the historical imbalances of women’s representation in our Congress, including legislation bills for reserves and other important proposed constitutional amendments aimed at the key proposed constitutional amendments.
Global and domestic reactions
The allegations made by Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan during the IPU meeting have attracted attention both within Nigeria and internationally.
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Mrs. Ogbara acknowledged the importance of these claims, but emphasized the importance of listening to all perspectives before judging the issue.
“The allegations against the Nigerian Senate and the Senate President Godzil Akpabio, which were raised at the IPU meeting yesterday, have attracted a lot of attention within Nigeria and internationally.
“Senator Natasha has expressed concern about her perceived as unfair treatment following the presentation of these serious claims, but it is equally important to acknowledge that the Senate president strongly denies these allegations in his official capacity.
Senate’s position on the suspension of Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan
Mrs. Ogbara also read a letter from Senate leader Opeemi Bamidele. Mrs. Akpoti-uduaghan’s suspension is not due to allegations of sexual harassment against Mr Akpabio, but due to violations of the Senator and the Senator.
The Premium Times reported the suspension minutes after filing the sexual harassment allegations. However, the controversial halt was due to previous lawsuits that were deemed fraud under Senate rules.
