IWD: First Lady Remi Tinubu Reacts To Sexual Harassment In The Senate
Celebrates women’s resilience
First Lady of Nigeria Oluremi Tinubu has broken her silence on the controversy trailing the Nigerian Senate, saying the chamber remains a “matured” institution that must be treated with respect.
Her remarks come amid allegations of sexual harassment against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and abuse of power by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Speaking to journalists ahead of International Women’s Day, she dismissed concerns over the Senate’s handling of issues, insisting lawmakers are “doing what is needful”. Tinubu, who served in the Senate for 12 years, said the chamber should be a place of honour, not controversy.
She said: “I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking oppositions? I believe that Senate is doing what is needful, because that’s what it is. Is an inside place and it’s a matured chambers. 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 only that, 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.”
Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Mrs Tinubu celebrated the achievements. She acknowledged the significant progress women have made over the decades, from the matriarchs of old to contemporary figures like Zuriel Oduwole, who champions peace. The First Lady emphasised that Nigerian youths are equipped with what it takes to excel, urging women to continue lifting their heads high and doing their best.
