Protesters stormed the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding justice over sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The demonstration, led by women’s rights activists and civil society groups, called for accountability and urged authorities to investigate the accusations without delay.
Chanting slogans and holding signs reading “Respect Women’s Rights” and “No to Sexual Harassment,” protesters demanded Akpabio’s resignation and immediate legal action.
The demonstration escalated when police fired teargas to prevent protesters from entering the National Assembly, leaving several people injured and in need of medical attention.
“Police dispersed us with teargas canisters, and many people sustained injuries, but we have moved to Unity Fountain to continue,” protester Bimbo Ajayi told Anadolu.
The allegations surfaced last Friday when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a December 8, 2023, visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
She further claimed that the Senate president suggested she should “take care of him” in exchange for favorable consideration of her motions in the Senate.
In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a lawsuit against Akpabio, seeking 100 billion naira ($67 million) in damages for emotional distress and reputational harm.
This is not the first time Akpabio has faced similar allegations, as former Niger Delta Development Commission Managing Director Joy Nunieh accused him of harassment in 2020.
Public outrage continues to mount, with human rights advocates and political analysts calling the allegations a stain on Nigeria’s legislative body.
While the National Assembly remains silent, sources suggest an internal investigation may soon be launched to address the growing controversy.