Former Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, a former presidential adviser, has dismissed the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that women in the Senate are beyond such harassment once they hold the position.
During a recent live television appearance, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of obstructing her attempts to raise motions on the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State and demanding sexual favors in exchange for her speaking rights.
Responding to the claims on Arise TV on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Ita-Giwa, who represented the Cross River South Senatorial District, argued that it was inappropriate for female senators to claim sexual harassment after achieving such a prominent political position.
She described such allegations as a sign of weakness, suggesting that women in the Senate should feel empowered and confident enough to avoid such situations.
She said, “By the time you contest elections and get to Senate, you have passed that stage of your life of being sexually harassed. You go there to serve, and you are all equal in that place. And again, it shows weakness; you don’t allow it. It (sexual harassment) can not happen in the Senate.
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“I am not saying the lady is lying, but when you get to the Senate, you’re there as a person. You’re not there as a woman.
“At that stage in politics, if you come out and say someone is sexually harassing you, it is a weakness.”
When questioned whether female lawmakers should remain silent if they are sexually harassed by colleagues, Ita-Giwa firmly stated that accusing fellow lawmakers of making advances is a sign of weakness for female senators.
“I do not agree with Senator Akpoti on this issue. It is the worst sign of weakness for a woman to come forward and accuse a man of making advances at that level,” she said.
Ita-Giwa emphasised that female senators should view themselves as equals to their male counterparts, noting that securing a senatorial seat is no easy feat for anyone, regardless of gender.
