Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged to support an investigation into the sexual harassment allegation made by Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Kingibe made her stance clear in a statement shared on her official X handle on Friday. The statement, titled “My Unwavering Stance for Justice, and Women’s Rights,” comes two weeks after she previously criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan over a controversy regarding seating arrangements in the Senate.
During an earlier interview on Arise TV, Kingibe had expressed disapproval of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction to her seat being reassigned, stating that her colleague should have followed Senate rules. However, in her latest statement, she clarified that she had not been aware of the sexual harassment allegation at the time of her previous comments.
She said, “First, 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.
“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. 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 assaults 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.”
“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 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 per cent Gender Inclusion Bill and the establishment of special seats for women to ensure greater participation of women in governance.
“I would like, therefore, to assure Nigerians, especially women, my Obidient political family and my FCT Constituents that I remain focused on delivering good governance even amid daunting challenges, that a new Nigeria may prevail.
“Any disinformation trying to purport that I am sympathetic to sexual harassment of any kind, whether in the Senate or elsewhere, should be disregarded,” she stated.
