The protesters submitted a petition to the international organization, which was received by the UN Senior Human Rights Advisor, Adwoa Kufuor
Alleged Sexual Harassment: Group of Women Protest at UN Building in Abuja, Demand Evidence from Natasha
On Friday, the Civil Society Organization Women for Change Vanguard led a protest march to the United Nations office in Abuja. The protesters demanded that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan provide evidence to support her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with messages such as “We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment, not those who weaponize it” and “The burden of proof lies with the accuser,” the demonstrators expressed their concerns about the serious nature of Natasha’s accusations against Akpabio, which they believe warrant thorough scrutiny.
The protesters submitted a petition to the international organization, which was received by the UN Senior Human Rights Advisor, Adwoa Kufuor. Kufuor promised to relay their concerns to senior UN officials.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Irene Umoh stated that they felt it was necessary to address the UN because Natasha had taken her conflict with Akpabio to the international level.
On March 6, the Senate voted to suspend Senator Natasha for six months, following recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. This decision was based on the committee’s report, which found her guilty of alleged misconduct during a plenary session on February 20 and her refusal to follow the chamber’s seating arrangement.
Natasha had previously accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a visit to his residence in December 2023. In response to her allegations, the ethics committee reviewed her conduct and recommended a six-month suspension, which the Senate subsequently approved.
As part of the suspension, additional penalties were imposed: her Senate office will be locked, her salaries and allowances withheld, her security details withdrawn, and she will be prohibited from official representation and from entering the National Assembly premises during the suspension.
Umoh emphasized that in any allegation of misconduct, the burden of proof lies with the accuser. She stated that if Senator Natasha claims to be a victim of sexual harassment, she must provide credible evidence to support her accusations, noting that the seriousness of such claims necessitates accountability.
She said: “We are particularly troubled by the growing trend of misusing the #BelieveAll Women mantra, which can inadvertently shield unfounded accusations against men.
“This is not the first time Senator Natasha has made serious allegations against a prominent figure. Such actions risk becoming a weapon she wields against men in power, undermining the core principles of our fight against sexual violence.
“As mothers and members of the Women for Change Vanguard, we are acutely aware of the implications of false accusations. Such claims not only harm the accused but also diminish the experiences of genuine survivors.
“We call on Senator Natasha to provide concrete evidence of her claims against Senator Godswill Akpabio. Should credible evidence be presented, we will stand firm in our commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
“Our peaceful protest today is not merely about demanding justice, it is also about holding both parties accountable. Senator Akpabio must have the opportunity to clear his name, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must evidence that she was sexually abused.
“As women, we must not be perceived as weak. Instead, we must embody strength and resilience, particularly in the workplace and beyond.” Read More
