Atiku Abubakar reacts to Natasha Akpoti’s accusations of sexual harassment

The former Vice President of Nigeria and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has called on the leadership of the Senate to make laws that will promote the course of women instead of sexually harassing them.

Atiku, who reacted after a federal lawmaker from Kogi State, Natasha Akpoti accused Senate President, Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, it does not tell well of the Nigerian upper chamber to be involved in act capable of bringing disrepute to the august body.

He added as the chief presiding officer of the upper chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation and not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles.

Atiku Abubakar on his verified Twitter page on Friday said it was unparliamentary for sexual harassment to occur in the Senate, as it represents the voice of Nigerians.

He said: “Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

“The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people. Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve.

“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.”

Atiku noted that sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress.”