Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has weighed in on the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The controversy erupted on February 20, following a heated exchange between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber. Akpoti-Uduaghan later alleged that her troubles with Akpabio stemmed from her refusal to entertain his sexual advances.
Despite her formal petition on the matter, the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges dismissed the complaint, citing procedural and legal constraints.
Reacting to the issue, Mrs. Tinubu stated that she trusts the Senate to handle the situation appropriately.
“I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may ask why I have not taken a position. I believe the Senate is doing what is needful because that’s what it is,” she said.
She emphasized that the Senate, as a legislative institution, should be treated with dignity and respect.
“We shouldn’t be hearing things like that. It’s a mature chamber, and it should be treated with respect. It’s an honor for you to be in that place alone,” she added.
Drawing from her own experience as a former senator for 12 years, Mrs. Tinubu advised women to carry themselves with dignity and establish firm boundaries in professional spaces.
“Women, raise yourself. Don’t be in a position where men will be talking to you anyhow. You can always shut them down before they start,” she advised.
She further encouraged Nigerian youths and women to remain resilient, acknowledging the progress women have made in leadership and urging them to continue striving for excellence.