KEY POINTS

• Amnesty International calls for an independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Akpabio.
• Akpoti-Uduaghan alleges that Akpabio denied her the right to represent her constituency after she rejected his sexual advances.
• Amnesty International warns of the long-term consequences of failing to address these allegations, calling for an end to impunity in cases of sexual harassment.

Amnesty International has called for a comprehensive and independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized that the Nigerian authorities must act immediately to investigate the serious allegations made by the Kogi Central lawmaker.

“Amnesty International calls on the Nigerian authorities to immediately institute an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio,” said Sanusi in the statement.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused Akpabio of depriving her of her right to represent her constituents after she rejected his sexual advances.

According to Channelstv, the lawmaker claims that Akpabio has consistently blocked her from contributing to Senate debates and discussing matters important to the people of Kogi Central.

“Since rejecting his advances, I have been continuously denied the opportunity to represent the interests of my people in the Senate,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated. She further alleged that Akpabio used his position to obstruct her from raising critical issues affecting her constituency, which she said is an abuse of power.

In a response to the allegations, Akpabio vehemently denied the claims, insisting that he had never harassed Akpoti-Uduaghan or attempted to impede her role as a senator. Despite his denial, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for what it described as “unruly conduct,” which critics argue may have been politically motivated.

Amnesty condemns Nigerian authorities

Amnesty International strongly criticised the Nigerian authorities for failing to address the allegations properly. “The failure to investigate these allegations thoroughly will have wider, devastating consequences, contributing to a culture where sexual harassment is ignored and survivors are denied justice,” warned Sanusi.

The organisation further called for the establishment of a transparent and impartial investigation process, stressing that this case offers an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

“The authorities must act decisively in this case to send a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their position. Failure to do so will perpetuate a culture of impunity that makes it harder for survivors of sexual harassment to seek justice,” Sanusi added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations have sparked a nationwide debate on sexual harassment within Nigeria’s political landscape.

Many women’s rights organisations have expressed concern over the growing culture of silence that discourages victims from speaking out. “The fear of not being believed or blamed is silencing women who face sexual harassment. This needs to end now,” Sanusi concluded.