Pro-Akpabio protesters storm UN office, challenge Natasha’s claims

Protesters under the Women for Change Vanguard took their grievances to the United Nations office in Abuja on Friday, demanding that Kogi lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan provide proof of her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.  

Chanting solidarity songs and holding banners with messages such as “We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment, not people who weaponize it” and “The burden of proof lies with the accuser”, the demonstrators expressed their support for Akpabio.

The protest comes just a day after Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt charge against Akpabio and others over her six-month suspension without pay from the Senate.

The senator, who was suspended on March 6 following a dispute over seating arrangements, had taken her case to the United Nations’ International Parliamentary Union, alleging political victimization.

Tensions escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan, during a national television interview, accused Akpabio of orchestrating her suspension as retaliation for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.

The controversy continues to fuel debates on political power dynamics and accountability in Nigeria’s legislative chambers.

Addressing the representatives of the United Nations in Abuja, the leader of the protesters, Irene Umoh, explained that the women’s group decided to petition the UN on Friday following the manner in which Akpoti-Uduaghan has been trying to play the victim on the international stage.

Umoh also charged the global organisation to ask the suspended legislator to provide the world with credible evidence of the alleged sexual harassment.

She said, “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.”

According to her, if every allegation of sexual harassment against the opposite gender is allowed to stand without credible evidence, many women will start weaponising it against innocent men.

“Our peaceful protest today is not merely about demanding justice, and it is also about holding both parties accountable. Senator Akpabio must have the opportunity to clear his name, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must provide 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,” she stated.

Receiving the petition from the protesting women, the UN Senior Human Rights Advisor, Adwoa Kufuor, promised to channel their grievances to the right quarters in the organization.