FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe has said it was not her intention to undermine the sexual harassment allegation made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi-Central).
Rather, her position, she said, was borne out of knowing the truth.
The Labour Party senator spoke for the first time after she came under serious attacks from Nigerians, especially women who blamed her for abandoning the only senator who supported her during her repeated attacks from Akpabio and his political ally, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister.
Since she appeared on Arise TV a few weeks ago to distance herself from Senator Natasha’s sexual harassment allegation, Senator Kingibe has come under criticism with her large support base threatening recall and warning her she would not be voted back to the Senate.
This is in sharp contrast to the popularity and support she received before and after being elected into the Senate. Her supporters were quick to remind her that she was supported by them when Akpabio made the Senate unbearable for her.
However, Senator Kingibe extended an olive branch to them, who are largely from the Obedient Movement, that she would stand shoulder to shoulder with Senator Natasha whenever she presented the sexual harassment petition at the Senate for consideration.
She assured that she would fight for women and girls, stressing that as Chairman Senate Committee on Women Affairs, she remains unwavering for justice for women’s rights, a position she said presents a unique opportunity to advance affirmative action.
To Senator Kingibe, nothing could be further from the truth—that she’s not aware of any sexual harassment and could not, for the sake of women’s rights, support falsehood.
Read her full statement below:
My Unwavering Stance for Justice and Women’s Rights
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 of championing 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 prevail.
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 and 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 would 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.
Signed, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory Chairperson, Senate Committee on Women Affairs.
