Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged her support for an investigation into the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances toward her during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom. This came after a dispute over her seating arrangement in the Senate.

Initially, Kingibe had dismissed concerns over the seat rearrangement, stating that other senators were also affected. However, in a statement on her X page on Friday, she clarified that she was unaware of the sexual harassment claims at the time.

“I am aware of the narrative going around, and to set the record straight, my actions were not to undermine her claims, but to emphasize that I was not aware in the first place of any such happenings,” Kingibe said.

She reaffirmed her commitment to combating gender-based violence, stating that sexual harassment in workplaces and homes must be taken seriously.

“Once an accusation of sexual harassment is formally tabled before the Senate, it must be investigated thoroughly by the appropriate mechanisms within the institution,” she added.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Kingibe assured that her office remains a pillar of justice and equity for Nigerian women. She called for an “open, transparent, and fair investigation” into the allegations.

She also highlighted her advocacy for gender inclusion in governance, noting that the Gender Equity Bill 2025 (SB 743), which seeks to increase women’s political representation, has passed its first reading in the Senate.

“Justice, fairness, and equity must be provided for everyone regardless of gender, position, or social class. I remain resolute in fostering a democracy where justice prevails,” she stated.