Nigerian Government Urged to Investigate Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Senate President Akpabio

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, claiming the hostility against her resulted from her refusal to comply with his advances. The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria called for an investigation into the allegations, labeling them a national embarrassment. This is not the first time Akpabio faces such accusations, as a previous claim by Joy Nunieh also emerged during his tenure as Minister.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central District, has raised allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She suggested that her refusal to acquiesce to his advances prompted a campaign of animosity against her. The accusation has sparked considerable discourse nationwide, prompting the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria to issue a formal statement regarding the incident.

In a press release issued in Abuja, the Executive Director of the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, Blessing Akinlosotu, characterized the allegation as a “national embarrassment” that significantly distracts from the legislative functions of the National Assembly. Akinlosotu emphasized the need for serious investigation into this matter, given that it undermines governmental integrity.

Akinlosotu expressed grave concern over the recurring issues of sexual misconduct among prominent figures in government, noting that this is the second occasion that such allegations have emerged against Senator Akpabio. Previously, Joy Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment while he served as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, which had generated national outrage and drawn attention to these types of allegations.

The Executive Director urged that such allegations must not continue to be swept aside and called for a thorough reform in corporate governance within Nigeria. The administration of President Tinubu is expected to be at the forefront of fostering this change. He announced that an investigative team of journalists has been formed to delve into the matter, with findings to be published at a world press conference next week.

The allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan underscore a troubling pattern of misconduct among government officials in Nigeria. The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has called for a rigorous investigation, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and reform in governance. As this situation unfolds, national attention remains focused on both the investigation and its implications for leadership integrity.

Original Source: saharareporters.com