The protesters

By Jethro Ibileke 

Hundreds of members of coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Women Groups and Concerned Citizens of Edo State on Wednesday embarked on a solidarity protest to condemn the alleged sexual harassment and suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and the six months suspension slammed on her by the 10th National Assembly.

They protested peacefully to the Edo state House of Assembly, Government House and the secretariat of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Grace Ese Obakina who read from a petition addressed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the State Governor and the NUJ, said the group viewed the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on account of violating the house rules without even considering the claim of being sexually harassed was an affront to workplace safety, justice, fairness, and equity.

She said: “We, the above named group, as advocate and champions of the voices of the masses stands firmly on the side of the law and equity and as such condemns the perceived misogynistic behavior of the 10th National Assembly and the alleged case of sexual harassment against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her subsequent suspension from the Nigerian Senate.

“Reports indicate that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition accusing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and misogyny.

“Instead of addressing these serious allegations fairly and transparently, the Senate unexpectedly suspended her for six months for alleged breach of Senate rules and ethics.

“This action appears to be a blatant attempt to silence and dismiss the allegations of sexual harassment without due process.

“We implore you to consider our petition demanding justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. An independent investigation must be conducted into her allegations.

“Sexual harassment and misogyny must never be tolerated, and those who come forward with such claims deserve to be heard, protected and allowed to prove their claim.

“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on account of violating the House rules without even considering the claim of being sexually harassed is an affront to workplace safety, justice, fairness, and equity. They should look into her claims and put an end to the culture of silence, intimidation, and victim shaming.

“Yours sincerely, we urge you to lend your voice in demanding a swift and impartial investigation,

Receiving the group at the government house on behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Pius Alile, assured them that the governor, being a gender friendly governor, understands their pains and, as such, would look into their petition on the issues raised.

Also receiving the angry protesters at the State House of Assembly, the media aide to the Speaker, Ivy Adodo-Ebojiele, said their petition would receive a favourable response from the Speaker.

She emphasized that the Speaker is a gentle and friendly person who loves the course of women.

“The issue of Natasha is one issue too many. The issue of Natasha will not be swept under the carpet. The Speaker and the eight assembly will do justice to the matter, and they will speak and talk about it.”