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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has petitioned the United Nations through the Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria on the sexual allegation claim by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, demanding a fair hearing.
The Council’s Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, in a letter dated 18 March 2025, stressed the need for both parties to uphold the sanctity of the hallowed Chamber of the Senate as the symbol of democracy and national sovereignty.
Akinlosotu called for a balanced and objective approach in addressing the matter, explaining that the reasons given by the Senate for suspending Senator Natasha bordered on her unruly behaviour and disregard for ethical standards and not her allegations of sexual assault.
According to him, specific reasons cited for her suspension included refusal to sit in her assigned seat: “The Senate observed that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly declined to occupy her designated seat in the Senate chamber, which was considered a breach of protocol.
“The rearrangement of the seat was necessitated by the recent decampment of some Senators to the majority side (APC). Also she was accused of addressing the Senate without obtaining prior recognition from the presiding officer, hence violating established procedures.
“Her actions were deemed disruptive to Senate proceedings while contributing to the decision for her suspension. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly made derogatory comments directed at the Senate leadership, which was considered inappropriate conduct.
“These actions were found to be in violation of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the 2023 Standing Orders of the Nigerian Senate. The violation was the reason given for her suspension. It is imperative to note that the Senate has maintained that her suspension was solely based on her conduct within the hallowed Red Chamber and not related to her allegations against the Senate President.
“Furthermore, it is obvious that every nation must respect its Senate Chamber because it represents the core of Democratic Governance and Symbol of Democracy in every sense of the word, hence, expresses National Sovereignty.
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“The Senate Chamber is a sacred and revered space where national laws and policies that shape a country’s destiny are deliberated and enacted, and these are applicable and same with the Nigerian Senate.
“We are not unaware that the initial reaction to any sexual harassment accusation typically leans towards sympathy for the accuser and contempt for the accused.
“Again, and unfortunately, much premium has now been placed on the controversies and the sexual harassment allegation over the deliberate violation and flagrant disobedience to the Senate rules to create confusion and distract the Senate. We believe that it is uncharitable to insinuate or suggest that a solidarity march is a calculated attempt to undermine the sexual accusations against the Senate President.
“We believe that their effort will engender social justice, promote the rule of law, and encourage women to participate in democracy. This period in our political history requires that national unity, constructive dialogue, and inclusive governance are paramount; it is important that organizations engage in responsible discourse rather than propagate misinformation that could cause unnecessary tension,” he said.
He described the sexual assault allegations by Sen. Natasha as vague, without specifics or pointed instances of physical or verbal abuses.
“We urge a balanced approach to avoid a situation where such allegations are weaponized for personal or political gains. Hence, we condemn any attempt by any person or group to spread wrong narratives for whatever reasons.
“We firmly believe that sensitive accusations such as Sexual Assaults must be supported by strong, credible evidence before being made public to avoid sensational reportage, especially when they concern individuals who are in positions of authority.
“Senator Natasha’s allegations till date are vague, without specific mention of physical or strong verbal assault. We stand by our commitment to justice, but we also reject any form of unsubstantiated claims aimed at tarnishing the reputations of respected leaders in our country,” he added.
