A coalition of women?s associations working to protect the interest of women has concluded arrangements to storm the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to mobilise for a mass protest against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in a fresh demand on him to step down over the alleged harassment by Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central).

Also, the Coalition of Female Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (FCSOs) demanded the immediate and unconditional resignation of Akpabio over the scandal. They threatened to occupy the National Assembly in protest.

Taking a different stance, Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, rejected the calls on Akpabio to resign.

While the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria called for immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the allegation, the Senate said it would not investigate the matter.

However, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, called for caution against sacrificing the Senate President over unproven allegations.

The founder, Women of Substance for Skills Development and Employment Initiative, Karen James, at a briefing in Awka, Anambra State, also demanded Akpabio?s resignation to allow for a thorough investigation over alleged inappropriate advances towards Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The coalition gave Akpabio one-week ultimatum, from March 4, 2025, to step aside or resign as Senate President within two weeks from the same date for a thorough probe.

James warned that if he fails to step aside or resign within the stipulated time, the coalition would storm the National Assembly in protest. The coalition criticised Akpabio?s wife for allegedly defending her husband instead of condemning his alleged misconduct.

According to the coalition, the Kogi senator deserves justice and that the Senate president must be held accountable if found guilty, reaffirming its commitment to fight against gender-based harassment, violence and abuse of power at all levels of governance.

The FCSOs hinged their call for Akpabio?s resignation on past allegations against him on related cases. A statement by the coalition signed by coordinators of the six geopolitical zones of the country and made available to Journalists in Kaduna on Sunday night.

The statement came amid allegations against the Senate President of sexual assault by a female senator. Members of the Coalition who signed the statement include Amina Usman Zubairu (North West), Falmata Babagana Gire (North East), Oyindamola Ojulari (South West), Chinelo Emeka Augustine (South East), Prisca Planknan Auta (North Central) and Linda Emonefe (South South).

According to them, Akpabio has always had issues with women, noting: ?In 2022, a weighty sexual assault allegation was made against him by former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh. According to her, Akpabio promised to make her NDDC substantive MD. He also talked down on another female colleague, Sen Ireti Kingibe, during plenary and denied her the opportunity to contribute.

?We believe his presence as the Senate president can compromise investigation. Moreover, this is how these kinds of cases are handled, for the accused to step aside until his innocence is proven or otherwise. Akpabio?s case should not be an exception.?

?We reject calls on him to resign based on a mere allegation,? Dakolo stated, yesterday, while contending that the embattled president of the Senate deserved a fair hearing.

Saying the South South stands with Akpabio, the monarch expressed confidence in the presiding officer?s integrity. He said: ?I have confidence in Akpabio. He is a son of the South South, who has lived a life that has projected a commendable legacy thus far. Additionally, he has been pivotal to Nigeria?s political stability for the last two years.? He called for an inquiry to determine the veracity of the allegation.

?The allegation is suspicious. It is extremely suspicious. The South South has given so much to Nigeria over the years. Therefore, it is hoped that Nigeria and Nigerians can provide justice and respect back to a region that has shown total commitment to Nigeria by treating its son with the respect he deserves.?

Chineze Obianyo, described the allegation as ?a matter of national concern that transcends politics,? stressing that it strikes at the heart of justice, gender equality and the integrity of governance.

FIDA warned that failure to address the issue decisively would embolden perpetrators and discourage victims from coming forward.

?Sexual harassment within the corridors of power is not just a personal violation; it is an attack on gender equality, an abuse of authority, and a betrayal of public trust,? FIDA stated.

It also condemned the intimidation and harassment of women in leadership, highlighting how systemic barriers long hindered female participation in politics and governance.

Beyond seeking justice for Akpoti-Uduaghan, FIDA urged the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in governance.

Spokesman for the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, in a chat with newsmen on Sunday evening, said there was no petition before the Senate regarding sexual harassment and as such it would not jump into the matter.

The only matter that will be investigated, he added, is the allegation of breach of the Senate rule by Akpoti-Uduaghan. He said: ?So, we can be hearing so many things from outside, but within the Senate, no allegation against anybody, no complaints from anybody and no case has been presented to us.?

Afenifere, which described Akpabio as a committed patriot, advised that the allegation should be thoroughly examined, particularly since the allegations were made after an act of discipline against the female senator.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused the Senate president of making persistent advances towards her, claiming that her refusal to yield to his demands led to hostility and antagonism from Akpabio.

In a statement, yesterday, signed by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Omololu, Afenifere urged that the allegations should be investigated by a Senate committee.

?Whatever the case, Afenifere, without passing any judgment on the accuser and her accusations, based on his history and credibility, extends the right hand of fellowship to Senator Godswill Akpabio and commends him for being a steady hand during these times of political, economic, and social reforms of the Renewed Hope agenda.? (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)

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