A legal expert and founder of The Surge Youth Advocacy Group, Boma Lillian Braide, has shared insights on the legal implications of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan’s allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President carries significant legal implications. If proven, the Senate President could face penalties under Nigeria’s laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, which prohibits sexual harassment and stipulates penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Legal Options Available to Senator Akpoti Uduaghan
To formally pursue the allegation, Senator Akpoti Uduaghan has several legal options, including:
- Filing a formal complaint: She can file a complaint with the National Assembly’s Ethics Committee or the Nigerian Police Force, providing detailed evidence of the alleged harassment. However, she must first prove her claims against the Senate President, as the burden of proof lies on the accuser.
- Seeking a court order: She can seek legal protection, compensation, or both under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act or other relevant laws.
- Pursuing a defamation claim: She may file a defamation lawsuit against the Senate President for any allegedly defamatory statements made against her.
Senator Akpoti Uduaghan has already taken a significant step by filing a ₦100 billion lawsuit against the Senate President, alleging sexual harassment, defamation, and targeted intimidation. The next step is for her to provide evidence backing up her claims.
Legal Protections for Women in Public Office
Nigerian law protects women in public office from sexual harassment and intimidation through various statutes, including:
- The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015: This law prohibits sexual harassment, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
- The Nigerian Constitution: The Constitution guarantees equal rights for women and prohibits discrimination based on sex or gender.
Challenges She Might Face in Seeking Justice
Given the high-profile nature of this case, Senator Akpoti Uduaghan may encounter significant challenges in seeking justice, such as:
- Power dynamics: The Senate President’s position of authority could create obstacles for her in pursuing her allegations.
- Social stigma: She may face backlash or victim-blaming for speaking out against a powerful figure. This has already been seen as Senator Ireti Kingibe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, accused Senator Akpoti Uduaghan of lying about her claims. Other female senators have also demanded evidence from her instead of supporting her.
- Public perception: Many Nigerians have dismissed her allegations, calling her a “content creator” and perpetuating a culture of misogyny.
- Institutional barriers: The National Assembly’s internal processes for addressing harassment allegations may be inadequate or biased, making it difficult for her to receive a fair hearing.
Possible Precedent for Nigeria’s Political Space
This case could set a significant precedent for handling sexual harassment allegations in Nigeria’s political space by:
- Raising awareness: Highlighting the prevalence of sexual harassment in politics and the need for stronger policies.
- Empowering women: Encouraging more women to speak out against harassment and seek justice without fear of reprisal.
- Promoting accountability: Ensuring that individuals in positions of power who engage in harassment or intimidation are held accountable under the law.
As this legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this case will lead to systemic change or follow the long history of sexual harassment allegations being swept under the rug in Nigeria.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
