Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of Nigeria’s President, has spoken out on the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The controversy began on February 20, when Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed over seating arrangements in the Senate. Akpoti-Uduaghan later accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her, claiming that the harassment began after she rejected him. She filed a sexual harassment petition, but the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed it, citing procedural and legal limitations.
In response, Mrs. Tinubu expressed confidence that the Senate was handling the matter appropriately. She stated, “I believe the Senate is doing what is necessary, as that’s what it should do.” She emphasized that such issues should not occur in a respected institution like the Senate. She also encouraged women to maintain their dignity and not allow inappropriate behavior from men, urging them to assert themselves when necessary.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Mrs. Tinubu spoke about her 12 years in the Senate, encouraging women to hold their heads high and strive for excellence. She praised the progress women have made and urged them to continue pursuing their goals.