At the IPU meeting, Kafilat Ogbara urged for a transparent investigation of sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling for fairness and protection for all involved. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan sought international intervention following her suspension, which she claimed was linked to her accusations against Akpabio. Ogbara reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to justice and the rights of women amid ongoing legislative efforts to enhance women’s representation in Parliament.
At the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting, Kafilat Ogbara, a Nigerian delegate and chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, called for a transparent investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She emphasized the importance of protecting human rights for all individuals involved and ensuring no intimidation occurs during the investigation.
Mrs. Ogbara made her remarks at a press briefing held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, highlighting the need for an unbiased examination of the allegations and defenses to ensure justice is served while preserving institutional integrity. Her calls for fairness follow Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaints about her six-month suspension and accusations against Mr. Akpabio during the IPU meeting.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as unlawful, linking it to her allegations against Mr. Akpabio and advocating for international intervention on behalf of women facing similar issues in Nigeria. IPU President Tulia Ackson acknowledged the concerns raised but stated that the Nigerian Senate would be allowed to present its position before any decisions are made.
Mrs. Ogbara reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to justice and fundamental human rights, asserting the National Assembly’s responsibility in addressing gender-based violence and women’s rights. She underscored ongoing legislative efforts, such as the Reserve Seats Bill amendment, aimed at improving women’s representation within the Parliament.
The allegations against Mr. Akpabio have garnered significant attention, prompting a reminder from Mrs. Ogbara about the importance of considering all sides of the situation. She also conveyed the Senate leadership’s stance, stating that Ms. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to alleged misconduct, not directly linked to her serious claims against the Senate President.
Ultimately, Mrs. Ogbara’s statements reflect a call for transparency, fairness, and the urgent need for thorough investigations into serious allegations within Nigeria’s political landscape, emphasizing that the principles of justice must prevail.
In summary, Kafilat Ogbara’s appeal for a transparent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against Godswill Akpabio highlights significant issues of gender-based violence and the safeguarding of human rights within Nigeria. The ongoing discourse emphasizes the necessity of ensuring fairness and impartiality in handling such allegations, upholdings the integrity of institutions, and actively promoting women’s rights through legislative reforms.
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