First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said the senate is taking necessary steps to address the sexual harassment allegations levied against Senate president Godswill Akpabio by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central.
Akpabio and Natasha on February 20, engaged in a heated debate on the floor of the house over a change in seating arrangements.
Natasha during an interview on Friday, alleged that her ordeal with the Senate president began after she rejected his s*xual advances.
Subsequently, on Wednesday, February 28, she tendered a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio on the floor of the house.
The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges however rejected the petition, citing breaches of due process and legal limitations.
Remi while speaking to journalists ahead of International Women’s Day, said the senate chamber should be a place of honour, not controversy.
The First Lady urged Nigerian women to assert themselves in leadership and not be sidelined.
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 matured 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.”
Remi acknowledged the significant progress women have made over the decades, from the matriarchs of old to contemporary figures like Zuriel Oduwole, who champions peace.
She said Nigerian youths are equipped with what it takes to excel, and urged women to continue lifting their heads high and doing their best.
