By Ifesinachi Iwunna
A coalition of women association has concluded all arrangements to storm the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in.orotest against what it perceived sexual harassment by the Senate President Godswi Akpabio’s against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Senatorial District. The threat to storm Abuja is coming on the heels of allusion to sexual harassment by Senate President against the female Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan whose husband reportedly confirmed having been hinted oftbe act. Speaking to newsmen on the development, the founder of Women of Substance for Skills Development and Employment Initiative, Karen Chinyere James disclosed that the public outcry by the female Senator should not be swept under the carpet, as according to her, the husband has even confirmed such development. .James argued the alleged sexual hardassment, whether verbal, non-verbally or physically is an offences under the rape act punishable by law. She arged that it is tantamount to rape, verbal sexual advances once the move or even attempt is against the wish of the senator.
The women’s empowerment advocates called on Senator Akpabio to resign or step aside to enable a high-powered Panel to probe the allegations of sexual threats within one week, counting with effect from Tuesday, 5th March 2025. According to her, if the Senate President refuses to throw in the towel, the women coalition group will storm the National Assembly headquarters in protest against such an act of impunity and abuse womanhood and motherhood and in solidarity with the victimized female legislator.
James also threatened to go to court if by two weeks of the expiration of the ultimatum which begins to count effective from Tuesday, 5th March 2025 to drag Sen.Akpabio to National Industrial Court and Federal High Court over unwholesome sexual harrassment and attempted rape. The spokesperson of the coalition criticized Sen. Akpabio’s wife for alleged acts of aiding and abetting by way of her tacit support to her husband seeming ugly act instead of condemning it. According to her, the wife of Senate President’s comments on the alleged sexual harrassment involving her husband. questions Mrs. Akpabio’s wisdom and communication skills in addressing the controversy surrounding her husband and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. She suggested that Mrs. Akpabio should have exercised caution rather than rushing to defend her husband, noting that men like Akpabio often act in certain ways when in positions of power.
According to James, the allegations that Akpabio harassed Senator Natasha should not be dismissed outright, as such behavior is not uncommon. She further described Senator Natasha as an intelligent and beautiful woman, adding that many young women in Nigeria look up to her as a role model.
Ambassador The human rights activist also criticized Mrs. Akpabio for allegedly attacking Senator Natasha instead of holding her husband accountable, pointing out that as a wife, Mrs. Akpabio is not always present when her husband is traveling or working, and therefore, she should not be quick to dismiss the claims.
Furthermore, James accused Mrs. Akpabio of making derogatory remarks about Senator Natasha, labeling her a “content creator” seeking attention. She argued that instead of trying to discredit another woman, Mrs. Akpabio should focus on correcting her husband’s actions and ensuring he respects women in general. For making derogatory remarks and supporting her husband in what seems an unholy alliance, James said the women coalition will drag both the Senate President to the National Industrial court and Federal high to seek for redress.
