Former First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has commented on the recent Senate scandal involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a strongly worded statement, Fayemi condemned the handling of the situation, describing it as a reflection of the broader challenges faced by women in leadership positions in Nigeria.
The issue began when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was denied recognition to speak on the Senate floor due to a seating change. Feeling disrespected, she refused to move, an action that escalated tensions.
Fayemi criticized the response of some female senators, including Senator Ireti Kingibe, former Senator Abiodun Olujimi, and former Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, for not rallying behind Akpoti-Uduaghan or at least calling for a fair hearing.
She expressed disappointment that none of them used the opportunity to highlight the systemic intimidation and challenges women in leadership face.
Drawing from past incidents, Fayemi recalled how in 2016, Senator Dino Melaye threatened to assault and impregnate his female colleague, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, now Nigeria’s First Lady.
That incident, she noted, was a clear example of the culture of disrespect towards women in Nigerian politics.
She also condemned Senator Peter Nwebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip, for attempting to discredit Senator Natasha by making unverified claims about her personal life, a tactic she described as classic misogyny.
Fayemi emphasized that this issue extends beyond Senator Natasha—it is about the broader fight for respect and fairness for women in leadership.
She argued that Nigerian politics remains hostile to women, especially those who refuse to conform to traditional expectations of silence and submission.
She also expressed dismay over the Senate’s hasty decision to suspend Senator Natasha for six months, despite court rulings that limit such suspensions.
She described this move as a deliberate attempt to punish and humiliate her, rather than a fair application of Senate rules.
She warned that the systemic silencing of women in politics is not just about one senator but a reflection of the deep-seated barriers against women in power.
“This is not about Senator Natasha. This is about all the women who venture into leadership positions, who have to contend with hostile working environments, who have to live through their private lives being picked apart, and who have to struggle to balance all their professional and personal obligations,” Fayemi wrote.