The Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, has called for a fair and transparent investigation into the allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Nigerian Senate and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In her address at the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York, Hon. Ogbara reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to justice, due process, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
She stressed that the gravity of sexual harassment allegations demands a comprehensive and impartial probe, ensuring that all claims and defenses are examined fairly and transparently.
“Such allegations demand a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation. At the same time, we must ensure that fairness is upheld for all individuals involved and justice is never pre-determined or one-sided,” she said.
Moreover, she underscored the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals involved and preventing any form of retaliation against those who come forward with information.
Hon. Ogbara further highlighted the necessity of upholding institutional integrity by rigorously following due process and ensuring transparency throughout the investigation.
By doing so, Nigeria aims to maintain accountability while fostering a more inclusive and equitable political space. She cited ongoing legislative initiatives, such as the Reserve Seats Bill and proposed constitutional amendments, as evidence of the country’s dedication to strengthening legal frameworks and combating gender-based violence.
Acknowledging the official denial of the allegations by the Senate President, Hon. Ogbara stressed the importance of hearing both sides of the matter, as requested by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Rt. Hon. Dr. Tulia Ackson.
She reiterated that justice, fairness, and transparency must prevail in resolving the matter, ensuring that all actions are conducted with integrity and impartiality.