Pro-Akpabio protesters

On Friday, protesters backed by the Women for Change Vanguard marched to the United Nations office in Abuja to protest the ongoing feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi legislator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The protesters challenged Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide evidence of the alleged sexual harassment she accused Akpabio of, chanting solidarity and waving banners that read ‘We believe in actual victims of sexual harassment, not people who weaponise it’ and ‘The burden of proof lies with the accuser.”

The protest comes just 24 hours after the Kogi Central senator filed a contempt charge against Akpabio and others for her six-month suspension without pay from the Senate.

Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan exacerbated her conflict with Akpabio by presenting her case at a United Nations conference, the International Parliamentary Union, alleging political victimisation.

After a heated argument with Senate leadership on March 6 over a new seating arrangement that she claimed was intended to undermine her, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of punishing her for refusing his alleged sexual advances on national television.

Speaking to the UN representatives in Abuja, the protesters’ leader, Irene Umoh, explained that the women’s group decided to petition the UN on Friday because of the way Akpoti-Uduaghan has been trying to play the victim on the international scene.

Umoh also charged the international organisation with asking the suspended legislator to provide the world with credible evidence of the alleged sexual harassment.

Senator Natasha’s recent allegations against a prominent figure risk being used as a weapon against men in power, undermining the fight against sexual violence. As mothers and members of the Women for Change Vanguard, we recognise the harm caused by false accusations, which also diminish the experiences of survivors.

She said, “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.”

According to her, if every complaint of sexual harassment against the other gender is allowed to stand without substantial evidence, many women will start weaponising it against innocent males.

“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,” she stated. {Punch}