Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has weighed in on the ongoing controversy between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, expressing confidence in the Senate’s handling of the sexual harassment allegations while calling for the upper chamber to maintain its dignity.
The dispute erupted on February 20 following a disagreement over seating arrangements that escalated into a heated exchange. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan later claimed her troubles stemmed from rejecting Akpabio’s advances and filed a formal sexual harassment complaint, which the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges subsequently dismissed, citing procedural limitations.
Speaking at an event ahead of International Women’s Day, Mrs. Tinubu addressed the situation without taking sides.
“I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may ask why I’m not taking a position. I believe the Senate is doing what is needful because that’s what it is,” she stated.
The First Lady emphasized that such controversies risk undermining the Senate’s reputation.
“We shouldn’t be hearing things like this. 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 remarked.
Drawing from her twelve years of experience as a senator, Mrs. Tinubu offered advice to women in positions of authority: “Women, raise yourself. Don’t be in a position where men will talk to you anyhow. You can always shut them down before they start.”
