Akpoti-Uduaghan: Organization Demands Independent Investigation

The Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW) has urged the Senate Ethics Committee to conduct an impartial investigation into Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In a statement, VIEW emphasized that such serious accusations cannot be ignored or dismissed, as they raise concerns about ethical standards and accountability within the nation’s highest legislative body.

The group also stressed the importance of an independent and transparent investigation, calling on the Senate President to step aside to allow due process to take its course.

The statement, signed by prominent advocates including Asma’u Joda, Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Fatima Akilu, Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Amina Salihu, Mairo Mandara, and Kadaria Ahmed, highlighted persistent gender inequities and systemic bias against female senators in the 10th Senate.

“We, the undersigned, express deep concern over the ongoing marginalization and intimidation of women within the Senate, particularly in light of recent events involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President,” the statement read. “The Senate must uphold justice and fairness, ensuring no individual—regardless of rank—exerts unchecked power to silence or intimidate colleagues, particularly female senators who remain underrepresented and vulnerable to systemic bias.”

VIEW also called for a comprehensive review of Senate rules, particularly those granting excessive authority to the Senate President, which could enable abuses of power. The group criticized procedural gaps such as arbitrary seat reassignments, advocating for reforms that promote fairness, protect female senators from marginalization, and uphold democratic values.

Furthermore, VIEW urged all senators, aides, and legislative staff—regardless of party affiliation—to support justice and ensure Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan receives a fair and impartial hearing.

“Upholding due process and fostering accountability within the Senate is not just the duty of elected officials, but a shared responsibility of everyone within the institution,” the statement added. “Recent dismissive comments by some senators and aides that trivialize or invalidate concerns about abuse of power only reinforce the systemic barriers women face in political leadership. Ignoring these issues perpetuates a culture of misogyny and intimidation within the Senate.”