Ezekwesili Calls for Akpabio to Step Aside Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to step aside pending an investigation into sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The allegations arose following a heated argument between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangements in the Senate.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ezekwesili demanded that Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin preside over a Senate session to initiate a swift and independent investigation into the matter. She also urged the Senate to reverse the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and retract all punitive measures imposed on her.
“The Senate President should step aside, and the Deputy Senate President should immediately convene a session that rescinds the unconstitutional and illegal suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and reverses all punitive measures imposed on her,” Ezekwesili stated. “She should resume her duties as a duly elected senator representing her Kogi Central constituency and receive a fair hearing within Senate processes.”
Ezekwesili further called for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations, in line with the ICPC Act, which designates sexual harassment as a corrupt practice that can be investigated and prosecuted.
The former minister emphasized the need for the Senate to restructure its Ethics and Privileges Committee to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation. She proposed that the committee, under a new chairperson, should conduct a public hearing on the resubmitted petition by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The committee would also receive recommendations from the ICPC-appointed investigator and gather oral and written testimonies from both parties involved—Senators Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio.
“The Senate in plenary should receive the findings and recommendations of the Ethics Committee, debate the matter, and refer it to the Attorney-General of the Federation for appropriate action,” Ezekwesili added.
Ezekwesili also urged the Senate and the House of Representatives to collaborate with women’s groups, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Nigeria Police to conduct a comprehensive review of laws, regulations, policies, and procedures aimed at preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and protecting women’s rights in public and private spaces. She called for the identification of existing barriers and gaps and the development of a specific action plan to address these issues on a fast-track timeline.
The allegations against Akpabio have sparked widespread debate and raised concerns about the treatment of women in Nigeria’s political sphere. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension following her allegations has further fueled criticism of the Senate’s handling of the matter, with many calling for transparency and accountability.
Ezekwesili’s intervention highlights the need for robust mechanisms to address allegations of sexual harassment and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions. Her call for an independent investigation and the restructuring of the Senate’s Ethics Committee underscores the importance of due process and fairness in resolving such sensitive issues.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring the Senate’s response and the steps taken to address the allegations. The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for the credibility of Nigeria’s legislative institutions and their commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of women in public office.
Ezekwesili’s recommendations provide a roadmap for addressing the allegations and strengthening safeguards against sexual harassment in Nigeria’s political and public spaces. Her call for collaboration with civil society and legal experts reflects the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackling gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.
The Senate’s handling of this case will serve as a litmus test for its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of women’s rights. As pressure mounts for a thorough and impartial investigation, the focus will be on ensuring justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and setting a precedent for addressing similar allegations in the future.
