You would think that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will receive support from all female politicians, but criticism of her has come from an unlikely but powerful voice – Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu.
Mrs Tinubu, weighing in on the sexual harassment scandal rocking Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, pulled her weight behind the senators for their decision to suspend the female senator.
Tinubu expressed her belief that the Senate is taking the necessary steps in addressing the allegations.
She said: “I know with what is going on in the senate, you may say, why am I not taking a position? I believe that senate is doing what is needful, because that’s what it is.”
“We shouldn’t be hearing things like that. It’s a mature chamber, and it should be treated with respect. It’s an honour for you to be in that place alone.
“I was there for 12 years, even in my younger days, and I’m still trying to look young, but people compliment you all the time. Women, raise yourself, don’t be in a position that men will be talking to you anyhow. You can always shut them down before they start,” she added.
Mrs Tinubu, who was also a senator before leaving to serve as Nigeria’s first lady, added that Nigerian youths are equipped with what it takes to excel, urging women to continue lifting their heads high and doing their best.
She acknowledged the progress women have made and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.
The controversy began on February 20, when Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a heated debate over seating arrangements during plenary Akpoti-Uduaghan later alleged that her troubles started after she rejected Akpabio’s sexual advances.
She then submitted a harassment petition against Akpabio, but the senate committee on ethics and privileges rejected it, citing due process and legal limitations.
She has, since Thursday, March 6, been suspended from the Senate for six months.
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