Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju is asking the Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to substantiate her claims of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, by providing evidence.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on national matters, the activist noted that although the timing of the allegation was wrong, the suspended lawmaker could nonetheless get a chance with rights organisations if she justifies her position with proof.
According to Adeyanju, without verifiable proof, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims would remain mere accusations.
Akpoti-Uduaghan recently accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a visit to his residence in December 2023.
Following these allegations, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions reviewed her conduct and recommended a six-month suspension, which the Senate approved.
The suspension includes additional penalties: her Senate office will be locked, salaries and allowances withheld, security details withdrawn, prohibition from official representation, and restriction from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension.
He believes the issue should be taken to court for proper resolution, allowing Nigerians to focus on more pressing concerns, such as the Tax Reform Bill and its potential negative impact on low- and middle-income earners.
The lawyer further pointed out that there was no public outcry when lawmakers shared cars, money, and budgetary allocations in the National Assembly.
He said, “The matter has been overflogged. I believe that parties should go to court and resolve their matters. And we should focus on Nigeria’s tax reform bill and see how we can galvanize and stop the tax reform bill from being passed is more important than this international issue.”
He questioned why the same senators now engaging in this dispute did not oppose anti-people policies of the current administration.
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Adeyanju said, “The question I have asked is: when all these anti-people policies of the Tinubu government were taking place, why didn’t these senators who are now fighting over the allegation of sexual harassment, the allegation of “oh, she’s embarrassing the Senate,” the culture of silence, and everything oppose the anti-people policies?
“All the time that they’ve shared cars in the National Assembly, we did not hear any fight. The time they’ve shared money and budgetary allocations, we did not hear any fight. Now, we are hearing a fight.
“I also sincerely feel that Senator Natasha has made these allegations that the Senate President tried to sexually harass her. I also think that Senator Natasha should, as a matter of necessity, since they have refused to give her a fair hearing in the Senate, make public credible evidence to back up the claim.
“It’s very easy. The man has said it is a lie. “I did not do anything to her.” So if there are messages — maybe “oh, please come over, so so so”— please reveal them, expose the man. After all, he who alleges must prove. Why are you protecting the man?”
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
