The recent allegation of sexual misconduct leveled against three Nigerian lawmakers by the United States authorities has attracted the attention of the Nation’s Civil Society, now demanding answers!
By Alltimepos.com
BENIN CITY – Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has demanded sufficient evidence from American authorities on the allegation of sexual misconduct leveled against three Nigerian lawmakers, Hons. Samuel Ikon, Mohammed Gololo, and Mark Gbillah.
The three members of the National Assembly have been accused of engaging in the “act of soliciting for prostitutes, misconduct and attempted rape,” while attending the International Leadership Program on good governance recently in Cleveland Ohio, United States of America.
The allegation was contained in a letter recently submitted to the leadership of the House of Representatives by the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwisle.
In a reaction to the controversy generated by the letter, the Environment Officer and Rape Watch Coordinator of ANEEJ, Miss Sandra Eguagie said in Benin on Tuesday that the need for evidence from the law makers’ accusers was to enable Civil Society, working on rape issues in Nigeria to engage the legislators on the weighty allegations.
“The allegation casts a black image on the country and for National Assembly especially when the Prohibition Against Sexual Harassment Bill in the House of Senate has passed the second reading. It is most worrisome coming at a time when the campaign against sexual harassment and sexual molestation is very high in Nigeria, and this issue should be taken seriously and not be swept under the carpet” Eguagie Sandra said.
“Rape Watch Campaign uses this opportunity to commend Mr. Speaker for taking the bold step to set up a panel to investigate the allegation. Although the lawmakers have denied the allegation and we respect their right to defend themselves in such situation but we strongly request for a public hearing on the issue.
“We, however, condemn rape in any form and anywhere, we call on the National Assembly to deal with this case expeditiously and give the accused opportunity to defend them,” Eguagie demanded.
Oalei Airenakho liked this on Facebook.
I quite agree ! Let the U.S Ambassador produce evidence for the Nigerian public rather than making unsubstantiated statements.