I will champion Natasha Akpoti’s sexual harassment case, says Ireti Kingibe

Ireti Kingibe, the senator representing the federal capital territory (FCT), says she will champion the sexual harassment case involving Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi central lawmaker.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom state.

The allegation was preceded by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s outburst against Akpabio over the seating arrangement in the senate.

Before now, Kingibe had said that Akpoti-Uduaghan should not have made a big deal out of the seating rearrangement controversy.

Kingibe faulted Akpoti-Uduaghan for not following senate rules, adding that she was not the only lawmaker whose seat was moved.

However, in a statement issued on Friday on her X page, Kingibe dismissed claims that her earlier actions were intended to undermine Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations.

The lawmaker clarified that she was initially unaware of the sexual allegations’ incident.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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 assault 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.

“Once an accusation of sexual harassment is formally tabled before the Senate, it would be incumbent on the body to note that this weighty issue must be investigated thoroughly by the appropriate mechanisms within the institution of the Senate.

“The office of the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, which I chair, stands as a pillar of hope and a watershed for equality, equity, inclusivity, and opportunity.

“It offers Nigerian women recourse, refuge, and the right to dignity and social 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 affirm my commitment to protecting the rights of girls and women across Nigeria.

“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% Gender Inclusion Bill and the establishment of special seats for women to ensure greater participation of women in governance.

“The Gender Equity Bill 2025, SB 743, which I am pushing has passed the first reading and is now awaiting the second reading. I remain resolute in my service to the Nigerian people, undeterred by falsehoods, and committed to fostering a democracy where justice, fairness, and equity prevails.”