Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared her commitment to ensuring a transparent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by her colleague, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.
Kingibe’s stance marks a significant shift from her earlier comments on the dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio over Senate seating arrangements, where she initially downplayed the controversy.
In a statement posted on her X page on Friday, Kingibe clarified that her earlier remarks were not meant to undermine Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims. She stated that she was unaware of the alleged sexual harassment incident at the time and is now committed to ensuring the matter is handled with the seriousness it deserves.
Kingibe emphasized the need for a fair and thorough investigation into the allegations, calling for accountability regardless of gender, position, or social status.
“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 clarify that I was not aware in the first place of any such happenings,” she stated.
“Notwithstanding, I remain steadfast in the fight against all forms of violence against girls and women. As a sitting senator, I will always defend the truth and fight to right all wrongs.”
She acknowledged the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in Nigerian society, stressing that every citizen, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion, should be committed to combating it.
Kingibe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, said her office would serve as a pillar of hope and justice for Nigerian women. She vowed to ensure that any formal accusation of sexual harassment within the Senate would be investigated thoroughly through appropriate institutional channels.
“It’s in this capacity that I am demanding an open, transparent, and fair investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment,” she said. “Justice, fairness, and equity must be provided for everyone regardless of gender, position, or social class.”
Beyond the immediate case, Kingibe reaffirmed her commitment to gender equity in governance, highlighting her ongoing efforts to advance women’s political representation.
She revealed that the Gender Equity Bill 2025 (SB 743), which seeks to establish special seats for women in governance, has passed its first reading and is awaiting a second.
“I align with the global community in advocating for increased gender equity in political representation and across all sectors of our society,” she noted.
“I remain resolute in my service to the Nigerian people, undeterred by falsehoods, and committed to fostering a democracy where justice, fairness, and equity prevail.”
