Senator Ireti Kingibe has pledged to lead efforts to support transparent investigation into the accusation of sexual harassment raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the president of the Senate, Godwill Akpabio.
Tribune online He informs that Senator Natasha accused the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, of making sexual advances towards her in her office and residence in the state of Akwa Ibom.
He added that Akpabio frustrated his attempts to increase the motions about Ajaokuta Steel Company in the state of Kogi because he rejected his advances.
Reacting to development previously, Kingibe minimized the incident, saying that the senator should not have worried about the problem.
His initial position on the matter attracted the criticism of some Nigerians, including the former first lady of the state of Ekiti, Bisi Fayemi, who criticized Kingibe and two former senators, Florence Ita-Giwa and Biodun Olujimi, for his comments on the controversy that involved Senator Natasha.
However, in a statement On Friday, Kingibe, who represents the territory of the Federal Capital (FCT) in the tenth Senate and presides over the Senate Women's Affairs Committee, declared that its previous position was misunderstood and did not intend to rule out the seriousness of the problem.
Kingibe reiterated his commitment to women's rights and social justice, added that the Senate Women's Affairs Committee would play a main role to ensure that any accusation of harassment is adequately addressed through institutional channels.
He also reaffirmed his support for legislative efforts aimed at increasing gender representation, including the gender capital bill currently before the Senate.
Kingibe said his office remains a platform to promote dignity, equity and protection for women throughout the country.
According to her, she would remain firmly in support of her colleague and help to promote a fair and exhaustive investigation.
The statement says: “As the senator who represents the territory of the Federal Capital, FCT in the tenth Senate, and the president of the Senate Women's Affairs Committee, I would like to indicate to all Nigerians who know the public dismay, and I would like to address some things officially.
“First, I would like to assure the Nigerians who will be at the forefront to defend the case of sexual harassment that involves my colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, when the investigation reaches the red chamber. I am aware of the narration that has been spinning, and to leave the record, my actions were not to undermine their statements, but to support that I was not aware in the first place of such events. However, I remain firm in the fight against all forms of violence against girls and women.
“As senator sitting, I will always defend the truth and fight to correct all the mistakes. Over the years, sexual harassment and assault have become a common place in our homes and workplaces. Each Nigerian, regardless of its gender, ethnicity or religion, must commit to the struggle to finish it, since it affects all genres.
“Once an accusation of sexual harassment is formally presented before the Senate, it would correspond to the body to take into account that this weight problem must be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate mechanisms within the Senate institution.
Also read: Harassment Saga: Natasha did not allow us to look at his request before rushing to IPU – Akpabio
“The Office of the President of the Senate Women's Affairs Committee, which presides, stands as a pillar of hope and a basin for equality, equity, inclusion and opportunity. It offers resources from Nigerian women, refuge and the right to dignity and social justice. It is in this capacity that I am demanding an open, transparent and fair investigation into the accusations of sexual harassment. Justice, equity and equity for all must be provided, regardless of their gender, position or social class.
“I affirm my commitment to protect the rights of girls and women in Nigeria.
“I am alinite with the global community in advocating an increase in gender equity in political representation and in all sectors of our society. To this end, I am focused on advancing in the gender inclusion bill of 35% and the establishment of special seats for women to ensure greater participation of women in governance.
“The 2025 gender equity bill, SB 743, which I am pressing has approved the first reading and is now waiting for the second reading.
“I remain determined at my service to the Nigerian people, without flinching for falsehoods, and committed to promoting a democracy where justice, equity and equity prevail.
“Therefore, I would like to assure Nigerians, especially Nigerian women, my obedient political family and my FCT components, which I stay focused on offering good governance even in the midst of discouraging challenges, which a new Nigeria can prevail.
“Any misinformation that tries to pretend that I sympathize with the sexual harassment of any kind, either in the Senate or elsewhere, must be ignored.
“As a leader and senator, I will never do anything to undermine his valuable trust.”
“Finally, I like to reaffirm my firm commitment to protect the rights of girls and women in Nigeria.
“I still resolved in my service to the Nigerian people and I pledged to promote a democracy where justice, justice and equality are primary.”
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