Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has publicly pledged her unwavering support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This commitment, expressed through a statement titled “My Unwavering Stance for Justice, and Women’s Rights,” signals a significant development in the ongoing controversy. Senator Kingibe, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, emphasized her dedication to ensuring a thorough investigation into the matter within the Senate. This strong stance comes just weeks after a public disagreement between the two senators regarding seating arrangements within the Senate chamber, raising questions about the complexities of their relationship and the potential impact on the investigation. However, Senator Kingibe’s statement unequivocally underscores her commitment to justice and women’s rights, suggesting that she intends to prioritize these principles above any personal differences or political considerations.
The senator’s statement directly addresses the perceived conflict between her previous comments on the seating arrangement dispute and her current support for the sexual harassment investigation. She clarifies that her earlier remarks were not intended to undermine Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims but rather reflected her initial lack of awareness regarding the allegations. This clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions about her position and reaffirm her dedication to combating all forms of violence against women. Kingibe emphasizes that her role as a senator compels her to defend the truth and rectify injustices, highlighting the importance of addressing sexual harassment allegations, regardless of the individuals involved. She characterizes sexual harassment and assault as pervasive issues affecting both homes and workplaces, urging a collective effort across gender, ethnic, and religious lines to eradicate these societal ills.
Upon formal presentation of the sexual harassment accusation to the Senate, Senator Kingibe asserts her duty to advocate for a comprehensive investigation, employing the appropriate mechanisms available within the Senate’s institutional framework. She insists on an open, transparent, and impartial process to ensure justice, fairness, and equity for all parties involved, regardless of gender, position, or social standing. This commitment to due process reinforces the seriousness with which she approaches the allegations and her determination to uphold ethical standards within the Senate. Furthermore, it signifies a broader dedication to combating gender-based discrimination and violence within Nigerian society.
Senator Kingibe’s advocacy extends beyond the immediate investigation to encompass broader issues of gender equity and political representation. She aligns herself with global efforts to promote increased female participation in politics and across all sectors of society. Specifically, she champions the 35 per cent Gender Inclusion Bill and the establishment of designated seats for women in government, emphasizing the vital role of women in leadership positions. This commitment to legislative action demonstrates her dedication to systemic change and creating opportunities for women to influence decision-making processes. It reflects a broader understanding that achieving gender equality requires not only addressing individual cases of harassment but also tackling the underlying structural inequalities that perpetuate gender disparities.
In her statement, Senator Kingibe addresses concerns about her political affiliations and any potential conflict of interest. She assures Nigerians, particularly women, her “Obidient” political family, and her FCT constituents, that her focus remains on effective governance and the pursuit of a better Nigeria, even amid significant challenges. The “Obidient” reference signifies her association with the political movement that supported Peter Obi’s presidential candidacy, a movement widely seen as advocating for good governance and accountability. By explicitly mentioning this affiliation, she seeks to reassure those who share her political values that her commitment to justice in this case transcends partisan politics. She also directly refutes any suggestions that she condones sexual harassment, emphasizing that such disinformation should be disregarded.
By unequivocally supporting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations and calling for a thorough investigation, Senator Kingibe positions herself as a champion for women’s rights and ethical conduct within the Senate. Her statement underlines the importance of due process, transparency, and accountability, particularly in cases involving sensitive issues like sexual harassment. Her commitment to broader legislative efforts promoting gender equity further reinforces her stance as an advocate for systemic change. By addressing potential concerns about her political allegiances, she aims to solidify her commitment to justice and fairness, emphasizing that this issue transcends partisan politics and personal relationships. This public declaration sets the stage for a closely watched investigation and potentially significant implications for the Senate’s handling of such allegations in the future.
