SENATE IMBROGLIO: Nigerian Women Demand Akpabio’s Resignation… Demands Public Hearing

Oru Leonard

A coalition of over 350 women’s rights advocates, practitioners, and activists, known as WOMANIFESTO, has called for the immediate resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This demand comes amidst allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti.

The group expressed deep concern over the recent developments in the National Assembly, citing the repeated derogatory remarks used by the Senate President against his colleagues, particularly female Senators. WOMANIFESTO emphasized that lawmakers must uphold the highest standards of excellence and character, worthy of emulation.

The allegations against Senator Akpabio are not new. In 2020, the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh, made similar allegations against him. WOMANIFESTO believes that these allegations cannot be dismissed and demand an immediate investigation.

Key Demands:

• Immediate Resignation: Senator Godswill Akpabio must step down as Senate President to allow for an unbiased investigation.
• Public Hearing: The investigation should be assigned to the Ethics Committee, with the condition that the sitting is raised to the status of a public hearing.
• Independent Investigation: An immediate independent investigation should inform the public hearing by the National Assembly’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
• Due Legal Process: All other matters already in court should follow due legal process.

WOMANIFESTO’s demands are not only about seeking justice for the alleged victims but also about promoting accountability and transparency within the National Assembly. The group emphasizes that the actions, structures, and systems of public institutions must protect Nigerian women and girls.