The Women for Change Vanguard has announced a planned peaceful protest at the UN House in Abuja on Friday, urging Nigerian women to gather and demand evidence from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Arc (Mrs) Margaret Adesuwa Ehilebo, the group emphasised the importance of accountability in the discourse surrounding sexual harassment.
Ehilebo remarked, “We stand at a critical juncture in our fight against sexual harassment and misconduct. The recent claims made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senator Akpabio raise serious concerns that warrant scrutiny.”
The organisation stressed that in any allegation of misconduct, the burden of proof lies with the accuser. “If Senator Natasha claims to have been a victim of sexual harassment, we urge her to come forward with credible evidence to support her accusations. The gravity of such claims necessitates accountability,” Ehilebo added.
The group expressed concern over what they described as a troubling trend of misusing the #BelieveAllWomen mantra, which they believe can shield unfounded accusations against men.
“This is not the first time Senator Natasha has leveled serious allegations against a prominent figure. Such actions risk becoming a weapon she wields against men in power, undermining the very essence of our fight against sexual violence,” Ehilebo stated.
The Women for Change Vanguard cautioned against the potential consequences of false accusations, stating that such behavior not only harms the accused but also diminishes the experiences of genuine survivors. “We call on Senator Natasha to provide concrete evidence of her claims against Senator Godswill Akpabio. Should we be presented with such evidence, we will stand firm in ensuring that justice is served,” Ehilebo affirmed.
The protest according to the group, aims to demand not only justice but also accountability from both parties involved. “Senator Akpabio must clear his name, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must present substantial evidence regarding her allegations. We must not be perceived as weak. Instead, we must embody strength and resilience, particularly in the workplace and beyond,” Ehilebo concluded.
The Women for Change Vanguard encourages all participants to join in this critical dialogue, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against all forms of injustice.
