From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The United Nations (UN) has promised to take note of a petition filed by supporters of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, demanding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha to provide evidence of sexual harassment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate for flouting the rules of the Red Chambers, had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Representative of the UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, Adwoa Kufuor, gave the assurance when supporters of the former Akwa Ibom State governor stormed the UN building on Friday, in Abuja.
Kufuor said: “Thank you for bringing to us this petition. We will take note of it.”
Earlier, Coordinator of Women For Change Vanguard, Irene Imoh who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said the motive of the protest was for Akpoti-Uduaghan to present evidence of sexual harassment, adding that it was not enough for her to allege.
According to Imoh, if the embattled lawmaker could present concrete evidence, it would help more women to speak up and be taken seriously whenever they raise the alarm of molestation or sexual harassment. Imoh said: “We gather here today at the esteemed UN House to express our support for His Excellency, the President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Obong Akpabio.
“Over the past few weeks, he has faced significant reputational damage due to unsubstantiated allegations of sexual harassment made by his colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“As we stand at a critical juncture in our fight against sexual harassment, the issue of accountability in discussions surrounding sexual misconduct, the allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senator Akpabio raise serious concerns that necessitate thorough scrutiny.
“We call on Senator Natasha to provide concrete evidence of her claims against Senator Godswill Akpabio. Should credible evidence be presented, we will stand our commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
“Our peaceful protest today is not merely about demanding justice; it is also about holding both parties accountable. Senator Akpabio must have the opportunity to clear his name, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must provide evidence that she was sexually abused.”