Natasha-Akpabio Saga: Nigerian Women’s Group Issues 4 Key Demands

Womanifesto, a coalition of over 350 women’s rights activists, practitioners, and advocates, has expressed grave concern over the recent developments in the National Assembly regarding allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In response to the controversy, the group has made four demands: the immediate resignation of Akpabio as Senate President; a swift investigation into the sexual harassment allegations; a public hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to ensure transparency and accountability; and that all ongoing legal proceedings related to the matter be allowed to follow due process.

The group voiced their concerns about the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political landscape and the alarming rate of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) across the country. They stressed that the Natasha-Akpabio saga must not be ignored or brushed aside.

Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, co-convener of Womanifesto, stated, “The past few days have tested Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the integrity of our constitution, particularly that of the National Assembly. Nigerians have been closely watching the escalating tension within the Senate, especially the repeated derogatory remarks made by the Senate President towards his colleagues, particularly female Senators. It is crucial to emphasize that lawmakers represent their constituents and must be treated with dignity and respect. The Senate President is a first among equals, and we expect the highest standards of excellence from him and all lawmakers.”

Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi also referred to similar allegations made in 2020 by Joy Nunieh, the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), against Akpabio when he served as Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

While the initial conflict between Senators Akpoti and Akpabio over seat allocations and legal privileges had already warranted an investigation, the new sexual harassment allegations have further underscored the need for urgent action.

The group criticized the Senate’s initial response, deeming it insufficient and expressing concern about the Senate’s credibility. “The Senate must act swiftly and transparently. This issue has severe implications for the integrity of Nigeria’s highest lawmaking body,” Akiyode-Afolabi continued.

On the issue of women’s representation, Womanifesto pointed out that Nigeria ranks poorly in Africa in terms of the percentage of women in its national parliament, with only 4 women out of 109 Senators (3.67%) and 14 women out of 360 members in the House of Representatives (3.9%).

Alongside poor representation, the group raised alarm over the rising incidence of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria, where statistics show that one in three women have experienced violence in their lifetime. As women’s rights advocates, they emphasized that sexual harassment allegations against a high-ranking official like the Senate President cannot be overlooked.

Womanifesto, therefore, called for Akpabio’s immediate resignation to allow for an impartial investigation into the allegations. They also insisted that the Senate Ethics Committee conduct an independent investigation, followed by a public hearing to ensure transparency.

The group added that the National Assembly itself is under scrutiny, questioning whether Nigeria’s public institutions are truly protecting women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence.

“We demand justice. We demand accountability. We demand the protection of Nigerian women and girls. This is a core learning moment for Nigerians, and it is in the public’s best interest that the Senate meets our demands,” Womanifesto concluded.