International

Amnesty International Pressures Senate to Probe Akpabio Over Harassment Claims

Published

3 days ago

Mar 23, 2025.

Amnesty International’s Call: The organization urges an independent investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Allegations and Suspension: Akpoti-Uduaghan claims Akpabio denied her the right to speak in the Senate after rejecting his alleged advances; she was later suspended for six months for “unruly conduct.”
Demand for Accountability: Amnesty warns that ignoring these claims will discourage victims from speaking out and calls on authorities to demonstrate zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Amnesty International has called for a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused Akpabio of denying her the right to represent her people after she rejected his alleged sexual advances.

She claimed that Akpabio has been preventing her from speaking during debates and raising issues affecting her constituents.

Akpabio, Natasha

Despite these allegations and growing calls for an investigation, Akpabio has continued his duties. Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months for what the Senate described as “unruly conduct.”

In a statement, Isa Sanusi, the director of Amnesty International Nigeria, urged the Nigerian government to launch an independent and impartial investigation into the accusations.

“The seriousness of these allegations makes it essential to establish a fair and thorough investigation,” Sanusi said. He added that the National Assembly should not ignore or downplay the claims.

Amnesty International warned that failing to investigate the allegations would discourage victims of sexual harassment from seeking justice while allowing offenders to escape punishment. The organization also emphasized that the authorities must show they have zero tolerance for sexual harassment, regardless of who is involved.

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Sanusi further stated that many women fear speaking out due to the risk of being disbelieved or blamed. He stressed that this culture of silence must end, and the government must take steps to address and prevent sexual harassment.

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