Former YPP Vice Presidential hopeful Umma Gesto shared her take on sexual misconduct claims rocking Nigerian politics. Speaking Monday on Channels Television, Gesto stated she never experienced any unwanted advances throughout her entire political career. Her comments came after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of inappropriate behavior, sparking major controversy.
Gesto suggested certain behaviors might invite harassment, saying women need to "present themselves well" to earn respect. She expressed concern about how these accusations might affect other female politicians, arguing that men may become reluctant to let their wives pursue political careers. Gesto worried these allegations could lead people to question whether successful women earned their positions through hard work rather than inappropriate relationships.
The former candidate called for justice but hinted some women worldwide make false claims for personal benefit. She mentioned knowing many respected female politicians who achieved success through merit and dedication rather than taking shortcuts. When directly asked if she had ever faced harassment herself, Gesto firmly answered she never experienced such treatment from any man during her political journey.
The controversy began when Senator Natasha rejected a new seat assignment from the APC-dominated Senate leadership. She later appeared on television accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, which he denied. The Senate subsequently suspended Natasha for six months, citing rule violations after she submitted an official complaint against Akpabio. According to the Senate decision, both she and her staff will not receive salaries during her suspension.
Gesto suggested certain behaviors might invite harassment, saying women need to "present themselves well" to earn respect. She expressed concern about how these accusations might affect other female politicians, arguing that men may become reluctant to let their wives pursue political careers. Gesto worried these allegations could lead people to question whether successful women earned their positions through hard work rather than inappropriate relationships.
The former candidate called for justice but hinted some women worldwide make false claims for personal benefit. She mentioned knowing many respected female politicians who achieved success through merit and dedication rather than taking shortcuts. When directly asked if she had ever faced harassment herself, Gesto firmly answered she never experienced such treatment from any man during her political journey.
The controversy began when Senator Natasha rejected a new seat assignment from the APC-dominated Senate leadership. She later appeared on television accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, which he denied. The Senate subsequently suspended Natasha for six months, citing rule violations after she submitted an official complaint against Akpabio. According to the Senate decision, both she and her staff will not receive salaries during her suspension.
