Florence Ita-Giwa Declares: Female Senators Are Beyond Sexual Harassment Claims

Power, Politics, and Gender in Nigeria’s Senate

The Nigerian Senate, a chamber of power and legislation, has recently become the stage for a compelling debate on gender, influence, and harassment. Former Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, a respected political figure, has made a bold assertion—once women ascend to the Senate, they are beyond the reach of sexual harassment.

Her statement follows allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, claiming he obstructed her legislative efforts due to her refusal to accept his alleged advances.

This revelation has ignited a national conversation, pitting the notions of power, vulnerability, and equality against each other.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, recently made headlines by accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of intentionally stalling her efforts to address issues related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio’s actions were not rooted in policy differences but in personal retribution—stemming from her refusal to comply with what she described as sexual advances.

Her allegations have reopened discussions about the silent battles women in politics face, particularly the use of harassment as a tool to suppress their influence.

The Nigerian political landscape is no stranger to such accusations. However, what makes this case unique is the response it has elicited from another prominent female politician—Florence Ita-Giwa.

Florence Ita-Giwa, a seasoned political strategist and former Senator for Cross River South, has taken a starkly different stance. In her view, once a woman reaches the Senate, she transcends the vulnerability of sexual harassment.

“By the time you contest and win elections to become a senator, you have surpassed the stage of being sexually harassed,” she asserted.

To Ita-Giwa, acknowledging harassment at such a high level of governance signals weakness. She argues that senators—male or female—are equals in power, and to suggest otherwise is to undermine the authority that comes with the role.

Her perspective suggests that female senators should be perceived as untouchable and formidable, rather than vulnerable to harassment.

However, this stance has sparked mixed reactions. Some argue that it dismisses the very real challenges women continue to face in male-dominated spaces, while others see it as a call for women in politics to adopt an uncompromising posture of strength.

This debate has revealed a critical divide in how gender dynamics in Nigerian politics are perceived.

1. The Akpoti-Uduaghan Perspective – Her allegations highlight the continued risk of harassment that female politicians face, even at the highest levels of government. It suggests that the corridors of power are not immune to gender-based discrimination.

2. The Ita-Giwa Perspective – Her argument frames female senators as powerful figures who should not entertain the notion of harassment. By doing so, she suggests they can command the same respect and influence as their male counterparts.

Both viewpoints raise essential questions:

• Does the presence of women in powerful positions automatically shield them from harassment?
• Can female politicians maintain both vulnerability and strength, or must they suppress one for the other?
• Is acknowledging harassment a sign of weakness, or is it the first step toward eliminating it?

The allegations and counterarguments within this debate are more than just political drama—they reflect the evolving role of women in Nigerian governance.

For female politicians, the message is clear: strength is necessary, but so is acknowledging the systemic challenges they face.

If Ita-Giwa’s vision is to be realized, it will require more than just resilience; it will demand a cultural shift in how female power is perceived. If Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations are to be taken seriously, then policies and protective measures must be reinforced to ensure that no senator, regardless of gender, faces professional obstruction due to personal coercion.

Either way, this conversation has exposed the fault lines in Nigeria’s power structure. As women continue to rise in leadership, the question remains: will they be granted true equality, or will they be forced to fight for it at every turn?