The Trefoil Guild Nigeria, under the leadership of our esteemed Country Chair, Dr. Christie Toby, strongly condemns all forms of sexual harassment, intimidation, and gender-based violence in any sector of society, including the highest levels of governance.
We express our deep concern regarding the recent developments involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President. The allegations of sexual assault and subsequent suspension raise serious questions about the protection of women’s rights and dignity in our nation. The six-months duration period of suspension and other penalties meted on Senator Natasha, including the inability of the Senate to listen to the nature of the sexual allegations case against the senate President raises questions on fair hearing on the matter.
As an organization committed to the empowerment, protection, and advocacy for women and girls, we stand firmly with Senator Natasha and all women who suffer in silence due to societal pressures and systemic injustices. Our guiding principles and objectives emphasize courage, integrity, and the promotion of a safe and just society for all.
We call on the relevant authorities to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. We call for a review of the suspension of Senator Natasha, and hearing of the sexual allegations issues she has brought to the senate, which should be televised live by the media, so as to give credibility and fairness on the hearing of case. She should be given a chance to prove her case.
We urge all women, civil society organizations, and concerned Nigerians to continue speaking up against gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination in all its forms, they should never succumb to any form of intimidation when it comes to speaking out against sexual harassment. We must break the culture of silence and speak out.
The Trefoil Guild Nigeria remains unwavering in its commitment to creating a society where women can live, work, and lead without fear. We stand together, and we stand strong.
