JUST IN: Pro-Akpabio Protesters, Kinsmen Occupy Abuja UN Building, Condemn Sexual Allegation
Protesters under the aegis of Women for Change Vanguard and Godswill Akpabio’s kinsmen from Akwa Ibom State on Friday occupied the Abuja office of United Nations to defend the Senate President against allegation of sexual harassment from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi-Central).
The protesters mostly from Akwa Ibom State where Akpabio is from chanted solidarity songs where they displayed several banners that read ‘We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment, not people who weaponise it’ and ‘The burden of proof lies with the accuser’.
They challenged Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide evidence of the alleged sexual harassment she accused Akpabio of.
THE WHISTLER reports that Senator Natasha had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment a few weeks ago recalling graphic details of what she went through in Akwa Ibom and Abuja.
She said her refusal to accept sexual advances has earned her denial of her privileges. She was suspended the following week for making the sexual harassment claim on Arise TV.
The Senate however said her suspension was not due to the sexual harassment claim but her disorderliness at the chamber during plenary when her seat was changed.
The Kogi senator a few days ago took the case to the Inter-Parliamentary Union calling for intervention. She has also filed a contempt charge against Akpabio and others for ignoring court orders.
Since her suspension, there have been pro and anti-Akpabio protests, the latest being one at the UN office in Abuja where they submitted a letter.
Addressing the representatives of the United Nations in Abuja, the leader of the protesters, Irene Umoh from Akwa Ibom State explained that the women’s group decided to petition the UN on Friday following the manner in which Akpoti-Uduaghan has been trying to play the victim on the international stage.
Umoh also charged the global organisation to ask the suspended legislator to provide the world with credible evidence of the alleged sexual harassment.
“This is not the first time Senator Natasha has made serious allegations against a prominent figure.
“Such actions risk becoming a weapon she wields against men in power, undermining the core principles of our fight against sexual violence.
“As mothers and members of the Women for Change Vanguard, we are acutely aware of the implications of false accusations. Such claims not only harm the accused but also diminish the experiences of genuine survivors.
“We call on Senator Natasha to provide concrete evidence of her claims against Senator Godswill Akpabio. Should credible evidence be presented, we will stand firm in our commitment to ensuring that justice is served.”
She stressed that if every allegation of sexual harassment against the opposite gender is allowed to stand without credible evidence, many women will start weaponising it against innocent men.
“Our peaceful protest today is not merely about demanding justice, it is also about holding both parties accountable.
“Senator Akpabio must have the opportunity to clear his name, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must evidence that she was sexually abused.
“As women, we must not be perceived as weak. Instead, we must embody strength and resilience, particularly in the workplace and beyond,” she stated.
Receiving the petition from the protesting women, the UN Senior Human Rights Advisor, Adwoa Kufuor promised to channel their grievances to the right quarters in the organisation.
JUST IN: Pro-Akpabio Protesters, Kinsmen Occupy Abuja UN Building, Condemn Sexual Allegation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
