•Ireti and Natasha
Senator Ireti Kingibe has pledged to lead efforts in supporting a transparent investigation into the sexual harassment allegation raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godwill Akpabio.
Senator Natasha accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of making sexual advances towards her in his office and residence in Akwa Ibom State, reports Saturday Tribune.
She added that Akpabio frustrated her attempts to raise motions about Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State because she rejected his advances.
Reacting to the development earlier, Kingibe downplayed the incident, saying the senator should not have made a fuss about the issue.
Her initial stance on the matter attracted criticism from some Nigerians, including former First Lady of Ekiti State, Bisi Fayemi, who criticised Ireti Kingibe and two former senators, Florence Ita-Giwa and Biodun Olujimi, over their comments on the ongoing controversy involving Senator Natasha.
However, in a statement on yesterday, Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 10th Senate and chairs the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, stated that her previous stance was misunderstood and not intended to dismiss the gravity of the issue.
Kingibe reiterated her commitment to women’s rights and social justice, adding that the Senate Committee on Women Affairs would play a leading role in ensuring that any allegations of harassment are properly addressed through institutional channels.
She also reaffirmed her support for legislative efforts aimed at increasing gender representation, including the Gender Equity Bill currently before the Senate.
Kingibe maintained that her office remains a platform for promoting dignity, fairness, and protection for women across the country.
According to her, she would stand firmly in support of her colleague and help drive a fair and thorough investigation.
The statement reads, “As the Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT in the 10th Senate, and the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, I would like to state to all Nigerians that I am aware of the public dismay, and I would like to address a few things officially.
“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 assault 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.
“Once an accusation of sexual harassment is formally tabled before the Senate, it would be incumbent on the body to note that this weighty issue must be investigated thoroughly by the appropriate mechanisms within the institution of the Senate.
“The office of the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, which I chair, stands as a pillar of hope and a watershed for equality, equity, inclusivity, and opportunity. It offers Nigerian women recourse, refuge, and the right to dignity and social justice. 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 affirm my commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women across Nigeria.
“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% Gender Inclusion Bill and the establishment of special seats for women to ensure greater participation of women in governance.
“The Gender Equity Bill 2025, SB 743, which I am pushing has passed the first reading and is now awaiting the second reading.
“I remain resolute in my service to the Nigerian people, undeterred by falsehoods, and committed to fostering a democracy where justice, fairness, and equity prevails.
“I would like, therefore, 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, 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.
“As a leader and Senator, I will never do anything to undermine your valuable trust”.
“Finally, I like to reaffirm my steadfast commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women across Nigeria.
“I remain resolute in my service to the Nigerian people and committed to fostering a democracy where justice, fairness, and equality are paramount.”
