The President, Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC), Ms Patience Ndidi Key, has called for a fair investigation into Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.
Key has also called on the Senate to lift Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and establish an independent panel to investigate the sexual harassment allegations thoroughly and impartially.
Key, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, called for the immediate reinstatement of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate, adding that the suspension raised fundamental concerns about justice, gender equity, due process, and the abuse of power in democracy.
Recall that the Senate Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee had on March 6, recommended six months suspension for Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The sole female candidate in Edo State Governorship election 2024, said the unfolding drama in the Senate surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations once again exposed the dysfunction, self-serving agenda, and lack of integrity within legislative arm of government.
She said that at the heart of the controversy were two key issues; the handling of a sexual harassment Allegation, and weaponisation of senate rules to silence opposition.
Key said though senate’s standing orders specify that senators must speak from their assigned seats, however, the use of technicalities to suspend Uduaghan while ignoring more severe violations by other senators was a display of a selective justice.
She said: “This development raises serious concerns about the future of women in Nigerian politics—if a sitting senator can be suspended and silenced for speaking up, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerian women who suffer harassment and intimidation daily?
“Sexual harassment is a serious crime, and it must never be trivialized, ignored, or used as a political tool. However, timing matters.
“Victims of harassment must speak up immediately and follow due process to ensure that the law takes its course.
“Delayed allegations weaken the credibility of the claim and give room for political manipulation.
“Silence empowers abusers. If any Nigerian—male or female—is subjected to harassment, they must report it immediately, demand justice, and ensure accountability.”
Key said that as democratic institution the Nigeria Senate should not be seeing using procedural technicalities to suppress opposition, silence dissenting voices, and maintain their grip on power.
She said: “This entire episode proves that Nigeria’s political system needs a radical transformation.”
Key, a Presidential Aspirant in 2023 and former Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas, USA, also called for immediate review of Senate Disciplinary Procedures
“The current disciplinary mechanisms must be reviewed to prevent abuse of power and ensure equal treatment of all members, regardless of their gender or political stance.
“I also call for serious Commitment to Gender Equity in Politics. Nigeria needs more women in governance.
“The silencing of female voices in leadership must end. Women in politics must be protected, empowered, and given the respect they deserve.
“The Senate must redirect its focus toward serving the Nigerian people by passing laws that solve real problems, not engaging in personal vendettas.
Key also advised Nigerians to hold their senators accountable, demand transparency, justice and leadership, while urging victims of harassment to speak up.
She said that the strength of Nigeria’s democracy lies in the citizens’ commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law.
“The current situation involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan serves as a critical test of these principles.
“It is incumbent upon the Senate to act justly, ensuring that all members are protected from harassment and that due process is upheld without bias.
“Only through such actions can we build a legislative body that truly represents and serves the interests of all Nigerians.
“The world is watching. The Nigerian people are watching. Let history remember that we demanded better, and we refused to settle for less,” she said.