Prominent human rights lawyer and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has requested clarification from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over the sexual harassment allegation she leveled against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking at a press briefing at his law office in Apapa, Lagos, Agbakoba, who is currently the lawyer representing Senator Akpabio, stated that gender-based harassment has no place in any institution within Nigeria and that all such allegations must be treated with utmost seriousness.
He acknowledged the global sensitivity surrounding sexual harassment and reiterated his support for a society where individuals feel secure enough to speak out against abuse.
Agbakoba also stated the importance of upholding the principles of justice, which requires that accusations be supported by concrete evidence and assessed with fairness and objectivity.
“Allegations, however serious, must be scrutinised with diligence and care to avoid situations where they are weaponised for vendetta,” he said.
The senior advocate revealed that the sexual harassment allegation made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has gained international attention, largely due to media interviews she has granted.
In response, Agbakoba and his legal team have thoroughly reviewed the allegations and identified discrepancies they believe require clarification.