|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary
The lawmaker representing the federal capital and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs Senator Ireti Kingibe, has publicly backed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and called for an investigation regarding her sexual harassment petition against the Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This was after a public backlash for not supporting women’s rights, voting for the suspension against her colleague Senator Natasha, and victim-blaming her on national television.
In an ongoing discourse regarding sexual harassment reported by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the lawmaker representing the federal capital territory, Senator Ireti Kingibe, has publicly called for an investigation regarding the matter.
The press statement, where she declared her unwavering stance for justice and women’s rights, read in part,
“I would like to assure Nigerians that I will be at the forefront to champion the Sexual harassment case involving my colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan when the investigation comes to the red chamber. 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.”
She added that she aligns with the global community in advocating for increased gender equity in politics and would focus on advancing the 35% Gender Inclusion Bill and establishing special seats for women to ensure greater participation of women in governance.
Meanwhile, Senator Ireti-Kingbe was the only woman who signed in support of Senator Natasha’s suspension. The restriction placed on the latter includes no access to her security details and her not being recognised as a senator for half a year. She also appeared on AriseTV, where she constantly referred to Senator Natasha as a “child” and stated that she had no knowledge she was being harassed, among other undermining comments.
However, following the backlash of not supporting women’s rights, especially as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, and threats of not being voted in as a senator in subsequent years, the lawmaker released the press statement where she also states,
“I would like to assure Nigerians, especially Nigerian women, my obedient political family, and my FCT constituents, that I remain focused on delivering good governance even amid daunting challenges and that a new Nigeria may prevail.”
