Sexual Harassment in the Senate!
By Madi Jobarteh
As we just celebrated March 8, International Women’s Day, down in Abuja a travesty is unfolding against women by men in power. A lady Senator Natasha Akpoti has accused the Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, and the issue is not causing any ripples even in Nigeria much less across West Africa and the entire continent given the importance Nigeria as a nation in Africa.
This is unfolding issue in Nigeria that all human rights defenders especially women human rights defenders must follow with keen interest. Immediately, the allegation against the Senate President was made, him and his allies responded with unconstitutional and illegal sanctions against the lady while taking other severe measures to discredit her. They have imposed a 6-month suspension on her with severe penalties. The Nigerian Constitution only allows for suspension of a Senator for 14 days!
I urge all to watch this video to see the blatant abuse of power by the Nigerian Senate president and allies.
This story is very important for our society because it goes to the heart of the misgovernance, abuse of power and the above all the perennial violence being meted out to girls and women especially by men in power.
If this could happen in the Nigerian Senate and pass through, then it further reinforces SGBV by rewarding perpetrators while scaring victims from even coughing much more report cases. It will render all efforts, resources, instruments and programs created for the promotion of women’s empowerment and gender equality totally useless and meaningless. It will a protection and celebration of patriarchy and the continued marginalization and violence against girls and women across society.
Our leaders and institutions should be better than this. Adherence to the rule of law and ethical standards should be their guide at all times. In this story, indeed the Nigerian Senate as the highest republican institution has failed its duty to its citizens ad Africa.
Please Watch.
