Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that the other three female senators have remained silent over her allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking in a television interview, Ireti defended her decision to remain silent on the matter, stating that “Silence is golden, especially when one of us is not following the rules”
“I didn’t want to say anything negative about Natasha publicly, hoping the situation would resolve itself over time.”
Responding to Natasha’s complaint about being moved from her seat, Ireti explained that she herself has been relocated four times.
She added that another female Senator Ipalibo Harry from Rivers State has been moved twice, while Senator Adebule Idiat, a former deputy governor of Lagos, has also been relocated multiple times.
She emphasized that there is hardly anything done to female senators that is not done to the male senators.
She stated that as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs women must follow the rules of the institution they choose to join.
She also insists that Natasha has received more privileges than any of the four female senators in the current Senate.
Regarding Natasha’s accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, Ireti suggested that Natasha and Akpabio had a personal relationship before they both entered the Senate.
She recounted an instance where she picked up documents for Natasha in the Senate and delivered them to her house.
According to Ireti, Natasha mentioned during their conversation that she was meeting Akpabio in a hotel to discuss an issue.
Ireti said she advised Natasha that such meetings should take place at Akpabio’s home or office instead.
Speaking on behalf of herself and the other two female senators, Ireti said
None of them have been sexually harassed, and Natasha has never discussed any such issue with the three of them
Ireti also claimed that Natasha has not spoken to any of the female senators about her grievances.
Recalling the day of the Senate seat dispute, Ireti stated that she was not in the chamber but called Natasha to know what had happened.
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However, Natasha could barely explain before saying she would call back something she never did.
Ireti said she later tried to reach out again but got no response, prompting her to contact Natasha’s husband instead to offer advice on handling the matter.
She acknowledged that the Senate has not always been gender-friendly but believes it has improved over time, with the Senate President willing to correct issues when they are brought to his attention
Ireti criticized the ongoing controversy, arguing that the Senate should be focused on legislative matters that impact Nigerians rather than trivial disputes over seating arrangements.
She further argued that the real struggle for women in politics should be the fight for 35% inclusion in government positions, rather than personal conflicts that could undermine the credibility of female lawmakers.
Addressing Natasha’s concerns about her removal as chair Senate Committee on Local Content, Ireti said she had already planned to take up the issue with Akpabio and rejected the notion that Natasha was alone in her fight.
( Editor : Paul Akhagbemhe )
