The United Nations (UN) has acknowledged receipt of a petition from supporters of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who are demanding that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan provide concrete evidence to substantiate her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
The petition was delivered to the UN office in Abuja on Friday, with the UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator’s Representative, Adwoa Kufuor, assuring the protesters that their concerns had been noted.
“Thank you for bringing to us this petition. We will take note of it,” Kufuor said.
Protesters Demand Accountability in Allegations
The protest was organized by the Women for Change Vanguard, a group advocating for fairness and accountability in discussions surrounding sexual harassment claims.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Irene Imoh, the group’s coordinator, emphasized the importance of providing tangible proof in cases of sexual misconduct allegations.
“We are here at the esteemed UN House to express our support for His Excellency, the President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Obong Akpabio,” Imoh stated.
She highlighted that Akpabio had suffered significant reputational damage due to what she described as “unsubstantiated allegations” from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Concerns Over Misuse of Sexual Harassment Claims
The group also raised concerns about the potential misuse of sexual harassment allegations, stressing that accountability must apply to both accusers and the accused.
“It is crucial to uphold accountability in discussions surrounding sexual misconduct. If Senator Natasha claims to have been harassed, we urge her to provide credible evidence. Serious accusations demand serious proof,” Imoh said.
The Women for Change Vanguard expressed particular concern about what they called a growing trend of misusing the #BelieveAllWomen movement to target men in positions of power.
“This is not the first time Senator Natasha has made allegations against a prominent figure. If such actions become a pattern, they risk undermining the genuine fight against sexual violence,” she added.
Call for Fair Investigation and Justice
The group stressed that false allegations not only harm the accused but also diminish the credibility of genuine survivors of sexual violence. They reiterated their call for an impartial investigation, urging that if concrete evidence emerges, justice should be served accordingly.
“Our protest is not just about defending Akpabio—it’s about ensuring that justice is applied fairly. If Senator Natasha provides proof, we will support due process. If not, then reputational damage based on unproven claims must not be tolerated,” the statement read.
The protest and petition come as the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) prepares to hear testimony from both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan on the matter. With tensions high, the case is expected to test the Senate’s approach to handling sexual harassment claims and the broader discourse on gender rights and accountability in Nigeria.
