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Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, has reassured Nigerians of her commitment to justice and women’s rights following public concerns over a recent sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Addressing the matter, she emphasised that she will actively support a thorough and transparent investigation into the case involving her colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, once it is officially brought before the Senate.
“I would like to assure Nigerians that I will be at the forefront to champion the Sexual harassment case involving my colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, when the investigation comes to the red chamber,” she said.
She clarified that her previous remarks were not meant to downplay the allegations but to state that she had no prior knowledge of the incident.
Kingibe reaffirmed her dedication to fighting all forms of abuse against women and girls, stressing that sexual harassment has become far too common in workplaces and homes.
“I am aware of the narrative that has been going around, and to set the record straight, my actions were not to undermine her claims, but to buttress that I was not aware in the first place of any such happenings. Notwithstanding, I remain steadfast in the fight against all forms of violence against girls and women,” she said.
She stated that the Senate must handle the accusation responsibly, ensuring that due process is followed and justice is served without bias.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, she reiterated her role in promoting fairness and equality, calling for an open and impartial investigation.
“Every Nigerian, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or religion, should be committed to the struggle to end it as it affects all genders,” she said.
“Once an accusation of sexual harassment is formally tabled before the Senate, it would be incumbent on the body to note that this weighty issue must be investigated thoroughly by the appropriate mechanisms within the institution of the Senate,” she added.
She also reaffirmed her push for greater female representation in governance through the Gender Equity Bill 2025, which has passed its first reading in the Senate.
“I align with the global community in advocating for increased gender equity in political representation and across all sectors of our society. To this end, I am focused on advancing the 35% Gender Inclusion Bill and the establishment of special seats for women to ensure greater participation of women in governance.
“The Gender Equity Bill 2025, SB 743, which I am pushing has passed the first reading and is now awaiting the second reading,” she said.
