First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has weighed in on the ongoing controversy in the Senate, stating that the chamber should be a place of honour, not scandal.
Through her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, Tinubu made the remarks in response to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Speaking ahead of International Women’s Day, she urged Nigerian women to assert themselves in leadership and maintain their dignity.
“I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may ask why I am not taking a position. I believe the Senate is handling matters as needed,” she said. “The chamber should be treated with respect. It’s an honour to be there.”
Drawing from her 12 years of experience in the Senate, Tinubu advised women to stand firm and not allow themselves to be disrespected. “Women, raise yourselves. Don’t put yourself in a position where men will talk to you anyhow. Shut them down before they start,” she added.
She also acknowledged the strides women have made in leadership and encouraged Nigerian youths to keep excelling.
The controversy stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims that her troubles in the Senate began after rejecting Akpabio’s alleged advances. While she submitted a formal petition, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed it on procedural grounds.