Dear Distinguished Members of the Nigerian Senate,
The Katutu Civil Rights Center write to express our profound dismay and unequivocal condemnation of the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her six-month suspension, following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represents a grave miscarriage of justice and a blatant affront to the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to come forward with allegations of such a serious nature required immense courage. In any democratic society, claims of this magnitude warrant a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation to ascertain the truth and uphold justice. Regrettably, instead of facilitating such an inquiry, the Senate chose to suspend the whistleblower, thereby sending a chilling message to victims of harassment and undermining the integrity of our legislative institution.
We urgently call for the following actions:
- Immediate Reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan: Her suspension should be revoked without delay, ensuring she can continue to serve her constituents and participate fully in legislative duties.
- Establishment of an Independent Investigative Commission: An impartial body, free from political influence, must be constituted to investigate the allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This commission should operate with transparency, ensuring that its findings are credible and accepted by the public.
- Temporary Recusal of Senate President Akpabio: To preserve the integrity of the investigative process, Senate President Akpabio should step down from his position pending the outcome of the investigation. Such a measure is standard practice in situations where leadership figures face serious allegations, ensuring that the investigation proceeds without hindrance or bias.
Furthermore, we wish to remind the Nigerian Senate of the nation’s commitments under international law. Nigeria is a signatory to the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, commonly known as the Maputo Protocol. Adopted in 2003 and ratified by Nigeria in 2004, this protocol mandates state parties to combat all forms of discrimination and violence against women and to ensure their right to dignity and protection from abuse. The current actions of the Senate stand in stark contradiction to these obligations, particularly concerning the protection and promotion of women’s rights within political and public spheres.
The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan not only violates her individual rights but also sets a dangerous precedent that may deter other victims from coming forward. It is imperative that the Nigerian Senate upholds the principles of justice, equality, and accountability. We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and all individuals who courageously confront injustice, and we demand that the Senate rectifies this grievous misstep promptly.
Respectfully,
Farida Bemba Nabourema
Executive Director
Katutu Civil Rights Center