A coalition of women’s groups under the auspices of Womanifesto has expressed deep concern over recent developments in the National Assembly, particularly the alleged derogatory remarks made by the Senate President against female Senators.
Co-convener of Womanifesto, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, stated that allegations of sexual harassment against the third highest-ranking official in the country must not be ignored. The coalition is demanding that Senate President Godswill Akpabio step down immediately to allow for an independent and unbiased investigation.
The group further called on the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to elevate its inquiry to a public hearing, emphasizing that all related court proceedings must follow due legal process to ensure justice.
Highlighting the low representation of women in governance, Womanifesto noted that Nigerian women occupy only 3.67% of Senate seats and 3.9% of House of Representatives seats, reinforcing concerns about systemic marginalization.
With rising cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across Nigeria, the coalition insists that a transparent response to these allegations is critical to upholding the credibility of the National Assembly and protecting the rights of women and girls.
Womanifesto, a network of over 360 women’s rights groups, advocates, and activists, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability and justice in this case.
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