A COALITION OF WOMEN’S GROUP UNDER THE AUSPICES OF WOMANIFESTO EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NASS 03-03-25
By Sadiq Aminu. A coalition of women’s group 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.
“As women’s rights advocates, we believe that an allegation of sexual harassment against the 3rd citizen of the country cannot be swept under the carpet,” said Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Co-convener of Womanifesto.
“We therefore demand that the Senate President Godswill Akpabio steps down immediately to allow an unbiased investigation into the allegation of sexual harassment against him. It stated.
The group also called for the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to upgrade its investigation to a public hearing, insisting that all related court matters must follow due legal process to ensure justice.
Highlighting the dire state of women’s representation in governance, Womanifesto pointed out that Nigerian women remain grossly underrepresented in politics, occupying only 3.67% of Senate seats and 3.9% of seats in the House of Representatives.
This systematic marginalization, coupled with alarming rates of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across Nigeria, underpins the coalition’s firm demand for justice in this case. ”
Womanifesto, a network of over 360 women’s rights groups, advocates, and activists, emphasized that the credibility of the National Assembly — and the protection of Nigerian women and girls depends on a transparent response to this case.