Sen. Ireti Kingibe, Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory promised on Friday to ensure the investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Kogi Central legislator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Kingibe made the commitment in a statement titled ‘My Unwavering Stance for Justice and Women’s Rights,’ which she uploaded to her official X Twitter on Friday.
Her statement comes two weeks after she chastised Akpoti-Uduaghan for her outburst over the Senate’s seating reassignment.
While appearing on Arise TV, Kingibe chastised Akpoti-Uduaghan for not following Senate regulations, emphasising that she should not have made a big issue out of the seating rearranging problem.
However, the FCT senator reversed her position on Friday, stating she was first uninformed of the sexual accusation incident.
She said, “First, I would like to assure Nigerians that I will be at the forefront to champion 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 assaults 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.”
According to Kingibe, once a complaint of sexual harassment is properly presented to the Senate, it should be considered a duty to request a full inquiry through the right processes within the Senate.
The politician further stated that she will always be on the side of truth and 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 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 percent Gender Inclusion Bill and the establishment of special seats for women to ensure greater participation of women in governance.
“I would like, therefore, to assure Nigerians, especially women, my Obidient political family, and my FCT constituents that I remain focused on delivering good governance even amid daunting challenges, 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,” Kingibe stated.
