Leading Nollywood actress and celebrated film producer cum author, Lilian Amah-Aluko has added her powerful and prominent voice to those calling for justice for suspended Kogi Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Find below her full statement:

“Women need to wake up! We need to do battle with the powerful forces that want women to keep being silent in the face of provocation and abuse.”

These compelling words from Erelu Bisi Fayemi resonate deeply with me and compel me to address the ongoing controversy surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Senate.

Erelu Bisi Fayemi is right: we are missing the bigger picture. The attempts to silence Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan are absolutely unacceptable. The validity of her allegations cannot be accurately evaluated without a comprehensive and objective public investigation. Shaming and attempting to silence her only serve to reinforce a disturbing trend we see when a woman bravely speaks out against unfair treatment or harassment. It is even more concerning when other women lead the charge to silence her.

I acknowledge that false accusations of sexual harassment should attract serious consequences for the accuser. Still, we must ensure everyone has a safe space to speak up and share their experiences if they have been harassed.

To my fellow women: if you lack the courage to speak out or choose to remain silent, do not shame or silence those who do. If you cannot offer support, at the very least, refrain from embarrassing or humiliating those who take a stand. I commend Erelu Fayemi for recognizing the stakes and her courage to speak out. Let us all rise up in solidarity and support one another when the need arises.”