A Civil Society Organisation, Women for Change Vanguard, on Friday, led a protest march to the United Nations office in Abuja demanding that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan provide evidence of the sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards with inscriptions: “We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment not people who weaponise it’, ‘The burden of proof lies with the accuser”, the demonstrators noted that the allegations made by Natasha against Akpabio raise serious concerns that necessitate thorough scrutiny.
The protesters who submitted a petition to the international organisation were received by the UN Senior Human Rights Advisor, Adwoa Kufuor, who promised to channel their grievances to senior UN officials.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Irene Umoh, said they were at the UN as Natasha had also taken her battle against Akpabio to the international stage.
On 6 March, the Senate voted to suspend Senator Natasha for six months following recommendations by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions
The decision was based on the ethics committee’s report which indicted her for alleged misconduct during a plenary session on 20 February and her refusal to adhere to the chamber’s sitting arrangement.
Natasha also accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a visit to his residence in December 2023.
Following these allegations, the ethics committee 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includes additional penalties: her Senate office will be locked, salaries and allowances withheld, security details withdrawn, prohibition from official representation, and restriction from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension.
Umoh argued that in any allegation of misconduct, the burden of proof lies with the accuser.
According to her, if Senator Natasha claims to have been a victim of sexual harassment, she should come forth with credible evidence to support her accusations, adding that the gravity of such claims demands accountability.
She said: “We are particularly troubled by the growing trend of misusing the #BelieveAll Women mantra, which can inadvertently shield unfounded accusations against men.
“This is not the first time Senator Natasha has made serious allegations against a prominent figure. Such actions risk becoming a weapon she wields against men in power, undermining the core principles of our fight against sexual violence.
“As mothers and members of the Women for Change Vanguard, we are acutely aware of the implications of false accusations. Such claims not only harm the accused but also diminish the experiences of genuine survivors.
“We call on Senator Natasha to provide concrete evidence of her claims against Senator Godswill Akpabio. Should credible evidence be presented, we will stand firm in our commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
“Our peaceful protest today is not merely about demanding justice, it is also about holding both parties accountable. Senator Akpabio must have the opportunity to clear his name, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must evidence that she was sexually abused.
“As women, we must not be perceived as weak. Instead, we must embody strength and resilience, particularly in the workplace and beyond.”
THE GUARDIAN
