Pro-Akpabio supporters, under the banner of Women for Change Vanguard, marched to the United Nations office in Abuja on Friday, expressing outrage over the ongoing conflict between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Chanting solidarity songs and holding banners with messages like “We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment, not those who weaponize it” and “The burden of proof lies with the accuser,” the protesters demanded that Akpoti-Uduaghan substantiate her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
Protest Follows Contempt Charge Filed by Akpoti
The protest comes just 24 hours after Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt charge against Akpabio and others, following her six-month suspension without pay from the Senate. The senator escalated the dispute by bringing her case to the United Nations’ International Parliamentary Union, accusing Akpabio of political victimization.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension on March 6 followed a heated clash over a Senate seating arrangement, which she claimed was designed to sideline her. Tensions intensified when she publicly alleged that Akpabio retaliated against her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
Protest Leaders Demand Evidence from Akpoti
Irene Umoh, leader of Women for Change Vanguard, addressed UN representatives, urging the global body to challenge Akpoti-Uduaghan to present credible evidence supporting her harassment claims.
Umoh stated, “Senator Natasha has made serious allegations against prominent figures before. This pattern risks undermining the fight against sexual violence by weaponizing such claims. False accusations harm the accused and discredit genuine survivors.”
Call for Accountability: Both Parties Must Provide Evidence
Umoh stressed the need for accountability on both sides: “We urge Senator Akpoti to present concrete evidence. If credible proof is provided, we will support justice. However, allowing unverified claims risks turning harassment allegations into tools for personal vendettas against innocent men.”
She added, “Senator Akpabio deserves the chance to clear his name, and Senator Akpoti must prove her allegations. Women must stand strong and resilient, both in the workplace and beyond.”
UN Assures Protesters of Action
UN Senior Human Rights Advisor in Abuja, Adwoa Kufuor, received the protesters’ petition and assured them that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate channels within the organization.
