Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has finally broken her silence regarding the sexual harassment allegations leveled by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, calling for dignity and respect within the legislative chambers while expressing confidence in the Senate’s handling of the matter.
Speaking at an event ahead of International Women’s Day, Mrs. Tinubu addressed the controversy that has dominated Nigeria’s political discourse since February 20, when a heated exchange over seating arrangements in the upper legislative chamber sparked what would become a major political scandal.
I know with what is going on in the senate, you may say, why am I not taking a position? I believe that senate is doing what is needful, because that’s what it is,” the First Lady stated, carefully balancing her response without directly supporting either party in the dispute. “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.”
The controversy began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, alleged that her troubles with Senate leadership commenced after she rejected what she characterized as inappropriate advances from Senate President Akpabio. This allegation came following a public disagreement between the two lawmakers over seating arrangements within the chamber.
The situation escalated when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally filed a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio with the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges. However, in a development that sparked further controversy, the committee dismissed her complaint, citing procedural deficiencies and legal limitations.
Drawing from her own extensive legislative experience, Mrs. Tinubu reflected on her twelve-year tenure as a senator, offering pointed advice to women in politics. 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. 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.”
Her comments have sparked diverse reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. Gender equality advocates have expressed disappointment that the First Lady did not take a stronger stance in support of Akpoti-Uduaghan, while others commend her for respecting the Senate’s institutional processes rather than bypassing established procedures.
Political analyst Dr. Amina Ibrahim notes, “The First Lady is navigating a delicate balance between her role as a woman leader and as the spouse of the President. Her comments suggest she believes in empowering women to assert themselves while also respecting institutional mechanisms for addressing complaints.
The dismissal of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition by the ethics committee was followed by a further deterioration in relations, culminating in her suspension from the Senate. Critics have questioned whether this suspension represents legitimate disciplinary action or retribution for her allegations against the Senate President.
Mrs. Tinubu’s decision to address the controversy comes at a significant moment, just before International Women’s Day celebrations. In her remarks, she acknowledged the progress women have made over the years, from historical female leaders to contemporary figures like Zuriel Oduwole, a young Nigerian-American who advocates for peace and girls’ education.
Nigerian youth have what it takes to excel,” the First Lady affirmed, encouraging women to “hold their heads high” and continue their pursuits despite challenges they may face.
The timing of her comments has particular resonance given ongoing debates about women’s representation and treatment in Nigerian politics. Despite constituting approximately half of the population, women hold less than 10% of elected positions in Nigeria’s legislative bodies.
Gender rights activist Hauwa Mohammed observes, “The First Lady’s comments highlight a persistent dilemma for women in politics: how to balance assertiveness with the reality of working within male-dominated institutions. Her suggestion that women should ‘raise themselves’ places responsibility on women but doesn’t fully address systemic barriers.
Mrs. Tinubu’s own political career provides context for her perspective. As a three-term senator representing Lagos Central from 2011 to 2023, she navigated the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape before assuming her current role as First Lady following her husband Bola Tinubu’s election as President in 2023.
Legal expert Barrister Foluke Adewale explains that sexual harassment complaints within legislative bodies present particular challenges. Legislative bodies often have internal mechanisms for handling misconduct allegations that may differ from standard legal processes. This creates a gray area where political considerations sometimes overshadow procedural fairness.
The broader implications of this controversy extend beyond the individuals involved. Political scientists suggest it highlights ongoing tensions regarding gender relations in Nigerian politics and raises questions about the adequacy of existing mechanisms for addressing misconduct allegations within political institutions.
Dr. Emmanuel Okonkwo, professor of political science at the University of Nigeria, notes, “This case exposes gaps in how legislative bodies handle sensitive allegations. The dismissal of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on procedural grounds, followed by her suspension, creates the perception that the system protects power rather than addressing misconduct.
As Nigeria celebrates International Women’s Day, the First Lady’s message emphasizes both progress and continuing challenges. Her recognition of women’s achievements and encouragement for their advancement stands somewhat in tension with her apparent endorsement of the Senate’s handling of a sexual harassment complaint.
For many observers, the case represents a missed opportunity to establish clear precedents regarding how allegations of this nature should be addressed within Nigeria’s highest legislative body. Whether the controversy will lead to meaningful reforms in how such complaints are handled remains to be seen.
As the situation continues to evolve, Mrs. Tinubu’s comments will likely be scrutinized for what they reveal about her approach to gender issues during her tenure as First Lady. Her emphasis on dignity and respect in legislative chambers articulates an ideal that many Nigerians hope will be realized through concrete actions and institutional reforms rather than remaining aspirational rhetoric.
