The Obidient Movement on Monday call for an immediate constitution of an “impartial and transparent investigation of this grievous allegations” of sexual harassment levelled against Senate President, Godswill AKpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement by Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications and Media, the Obidient Movement also said that the committee to investigate the “grievous” allegations, must handle the assignment “so thoroughly so that in the end, justice will be not only done but manifestly be seen to have been done.”
The full statement by Kazaure reads: “The Obidient Movement has watched with utter dismay, the recent turn of events in the Senate, where Senator Natasha Akpoti (representing Kogi Central Senatorial District), accused the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator to Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a pervasive issue that undermines the dignity, safety and well-being of employees. It is a form of discrimination that creates a hostile work environment, impedes career growth, and inflicts emotional and psychological harm on its victims.
“The impact of sexual harassment extends beyond the individual, affecting team dynamics, productivity, and the overall reputation of the organization. In a Senate with only four female senators, we are perturbed to have this kind of accusation leveled against the leader of this institution, which should lead the way in creating laws and the right atmosphere for the promotion of gender inclusivity.
“One of the primary reasons sexual harassment persists in the workplace is the culture of silence and fear. Victims often hesitate to report incidents due to fear of retaliation, stigma, disbelief or damage to their careers.
“Therefore, we commend Senator Natasha Akpoti for speaking up, not only for herself but on behalf of all Nigerian women. That she has spoken up does not necessarily make Senator Akpabio automatically guilty.
“We recognize this and urge all well-meaning Nigerians to stand with us in our call for an impartial and transparent investigation of this grievous allegations, made more so by the fact that they are leveled against the leader of a hallowed institution as the Senate.
“The Obidient Movement has zero-tolerance for any form of sexual discrimination and gender bias. We stress that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ought to be leading the charge to foster a culture of respect and equality in our society particularly in gender relations.”
We also insist that the committee set up to investigate the allegations, do so thoroughly so that in the end, justice will be not only done but manifestly be seen to have been done.
