The “Womanifesto” coalition, a network of women’s rights organizations, has raised concerns over recent incidents in the National Assembly, particularly claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made disparaging comments about female senators.
The group’s Co-convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi emphasized that allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President must not be dismissed.
“As women’s rights advocates, we believe that an allegation of sexual harassment against the third citizen of the country cannot be swept under the carpet,” she stressed.
The coalition has demanded that Senator Akpabio step down immediately to allow for an impartial investigation into the claims.
Womanifesto also urged the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to elevate its inquiry to a public hearing, emphasizing that all related legal proceedings must follow due process to ensure justice.
The group highlighted the low representation of women in governance, noting that Nigerian women occupy only 3.67% of Senate seats and 3.9% of seats in the House of Representatives.
It described “this underrepresentation”, alongside rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), as a key factor driving their call for accountability.
Womanifesto, a network of more than 360 women’s rights organisations, advocates and activists, stressed that the credibility of the National Assembly and the protection of Nigerian women and girls depended on a transparent and just resolution of the matter.
RN
