Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to launch an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria in a statement, criticised the lack of action on the allegations, stressing the need for accountability.
“Amnesty International calls on the Nigerian authorities to immediately institute an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio,” Sanusi said.
“The weight and scale of the allegations of sexual harassment are one more pressing reason for establishing an independent, resourceful and impartial investigation.”
The rights group warned that ignoring the allegations would have far-reaching consequences, reinforcing a system that silences survivors and allows perpetrators to escape justice.
“Blatant failure of the authorities to investigate the allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will have wider devastating consequences, that include perpetuating a system that makes it increasingly difficult for survivors of sexual harassment to get justice, while allowing perpetrators to get away with gross human rights violations,” Sanusi added.
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Amnesty International also expressed concern over the culture of silence surrounding sexual harassment in Nigeria, calling for urgent action to address impunity.
“The fear of not being believed, or even being blamed, is already creating a dangerous culture of silence that prevents women who faced sexual harassment from seeking justice,” the organisation stated.
“The tide of sexual impunity against women and girls must be turned now.”
The National Assembly has yet to respond to the call for an investigation into the allegations against Akpabio.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following a dispute with the Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she argued was designed to sideline her.
The controversy escalated when she appeared on national television, accusing Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.