•Senate President tenders apology
Northern women have tackled Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for his alleged disrespectful remarks directed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during last week’s plenary.
In a statement by the 20-member Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), Tuesday, the women condemned Akpabio’s actions as a blatant display of disrespect and gender bias.
Titled “Restoring Integrity: The Imperative of Respecting Female Senators in Nigeria’s Democracy,” the group stated that, “Akpabio’s remarks go beyond an isolated insult, symbolising the maintenance of gender hierarchies and the silencing of female voices in critical political spaces.”
They noted that this is not the first instance of such behaviour from Akpabio, stating that he recently silenced Senator Ireti Kingibe in a similarly dismissive manner, underscoring what they describe as a troubling pattern.
The statement reads: “Comparing a female senator’s parliamentary conduct to nightclub behaviour is both sexist and an explicit attempt to bully and trivialise her contributions, diminishing her standing as a legitimate political actor. Such comments from the Senate President undermine the integrity of the Senate and contribute to a culture where women are undervalued and disrespected.”
Among the notable signatories include CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode. Others are Executive Director of the Neem Foundation and former Special Adviser on National Security, Fatima Akilu; leading gender activist and adviser Ene Ede; former Special Adviser on Social Investments to President Muhammadu Buhari, Maryam Uwais; journalist and CEO, Radio Now; Kadaria Ahmed, and co-founder of Revive Nigeria Group and former candidate for House of Representatives from Borno State, Aisha Waziri.
Prominent activists and leaders such as Zainab Salihijo; Asmau Joda; Ene Orgah; Larai Ocheja Amusan; Mairo Mandara and Maryam Lemu were also part of the group.
The body emphasised that their members were drawn from North Central, North East and North West, and is a coalition committed to fostering equitable, inclusive and just societies for women across the federation.
The women observed that in a functioning democracy, especially a nascent one like Nigeria’s, every voice must be respected, regardless of gender, stating: “Dismissing female leaders with misogynistic comments undermines robust debate and diverse perspectives, which are crucial for effective policy making.
“Such attitudes reinforce harmful stereotypes, discourage women’s political participation, and perpetuate a male-dominated landscape. This is particularly detrimental for regions like Northern Nigeria, where women face even more significant barriers to public office.”
MEANWHILE, the two-term former governor of Akwa Ibom governor has tendered a public apology.Last Thursday, at the hallow chamber of the Senate during plenary, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, had risen to speak on an issue.
In response, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, publicly reprimanded her, instructing her to seek permission before addressing the chamber, asserting that the Senate floor is not a “night club.”
The choice of words and manner in which Akpabio addressed Natasha have been met with significant backlash from both traditional and social media circles. Many have criticised the Senate President’s remarks as vulgar, irresponsible and demeaning, particularly considering his role as the third-highest-ranking official in the country.Tendering the apology yesterday, Akpabio said it was never his intention to denigrate Natasha and women in general.
