A group of women under the aegis of Women for Change Vanguard took their protest to the United Nations (UN) office in Abuja on Friday, demanding that Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, present concrete evidence to support her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The protesters, chanting solidarity songs and holding banners with messages such as “We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment, not people who weaponise it” and “The burden of proof lies with the accuser”, expressed concerns over what they described as the politicisation of serious allegations.
The demonstration took place barely 24 hours after Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt charge against Akpabio and others over her six-month suspension from the Senate without pay. The lawmaker, who had earlier taken her case to the International Parliamentary Union at a United Nations forum, alleged that her suspension stemmed from political victimisation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following a dispute with the Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she claimed was designed to sideline her.
The controversy escalated further when she accused Akpabio, during a national television appearance, of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
Addressing UN representatives in Abuja, Women for Change Vanguard leader, Irene Umoh, criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, stating that unfounded allegations could undermine the broader fight against sexual violence.
“This is not the first time Senator Natasha has made serious claims against a prominent figure,” Umoh said. “Such actions, if unsubstantiated, risk being used as a tool against men in power and could weaken the credibility of real victims of sexual harassment.”
The group urged the United Nations to ask Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide substantial evidence to support her allegations.
“If every claim of sexual harassment is accepted without credible proof, it could set a dangerous precedent where such accusations are weaponised against innocent individuals,” Umoh added.
The protesters maintained that their demonstration was not just about seeking justice but also about ensuring accountability on both sides adding, “Senator Akpabio must have the opportunity to clear his name, just as Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must provide proof of her claims,” Umoh stated. “As women, we must stand for truth, strength, and resilience, both in the workplace and beyond.”
Receiving the petition on behalf of the UN, Senior Human Rights Advisor Adwoa Kufuor assured the protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
