Senator Natasha Suspension: Edo CSOs, Women Groups, Others Protest Against Akpabio, NASS

By Towncriernews

Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSO, Women Groups and Concerned Citizens of Edo State on Wednesday embarked on a solidarity protest to condemn the alleged sexual harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,

by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the six months suspension slammed on her by the 10th National Assembly.

The protesters took their peaceful protest to the Edo State House of Assembly, Government Jouse and the secretariat of the state council of the Nigeria Union of journalists, NUJ.

Grace Ese Obakina who read from a petition addressed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the state governor and the NUJ, on behalf of the group said, the group viewed the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on account of violating the house rules without even considering the claim of being sexually harassed was an affront to workplace safety, justice, fairness, and equity. 

According to her, “We, the above named group, as advocate and champions of the voices of the masses stands firmly on the side of the law and equity and as such condemns the perceived misogynistic behavior of the 10th National Assembly and the alleged 

case of sexual harassment against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her subsequent suspension from the Nigerian Senate. 

“Reports indicate that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition accusing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and misogyny. 

“Instead of addressing these serious allegations fairly and transparently, the Senate unexpectedly suspended her for six months for alleged breach of Senate rules and ethics.

“This action appears to be a blatant attempt to silence and dismiss the allegations of sexual harassment without due process. 

“We implore you to consider our petition demanding justice for Senator Akpoti Uduaghan. It is imperative that an independent investigation be conducted into her allegations. ; 

“Sexual harassment and misogyny must never be tolerated, and those who come forward with such claims deserve to be heard, protected and given the opportunity to prove their claim.

“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on account of violating the house rules without even considering the claim of being sexually harassed is an affront to workplace safety, justice, fairness, and equity. Into her claims and an end to the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim-shaming. 

“Yours sincerely, we urge you to lend your voice in demanding a swift and impartial investigation, 

Receiving the group at the government house on behalf of the governor, the deputy chief of staff, Dr. Pius Alile assured them that the governor being a gender friendly governor understands their pains and as such would look into their petition on the issues raised.

Also receiving the angry protesters at the state house of assembly, the media aide to the speaker, Ivy Adodo Ebojiele said their petition would receive a favourable response from the speaker, who she described as a gender friendly person that loves the course of women 

“The issue of Natasha is one issue too many. The issue of Natasha will not be swept under the carpet, the  speaker and the eight assembly will do justice to the matter and they will speak and talk about it.”

Speaking to the protesters at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Chairman of the union, Comrade Festus Alenkhe commended them for the peaceful process of the protest and assured the group that the media would  help to report their grievances to the entire Nigeria and the world at large.