By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for respect and decorum in the Senate Chamber, emphasizing that it should be a place of honor, not controversy. Speaking at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, Tinubu expressed her personal views on the ongoing sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Goodwill Akpabio and abuse of power claims against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Tinubu, who served in the Senate for 12 years, maintained that the chamber has come of age and deserves to be treated with respect. Despite concerns over the Senate’s handling of the allegations, the First Lady insisted that lawmakers are “doing what is needful.” Her comments come amid a court-ordered halt on Senate disciplinary proceedings against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
She has weighed in on the recent controversies surrounding the Senate, stating that the chamber is doing what is necessary to address the issues. She expressed her belief that the Senate, as a mature and respected institution, should be treated with dignity and respect.
“I know with what’s going on in the Senate, you’ll wonder why I’m not taking a position,” Tinubu said. “But I believe the Senate is doing what’s needful. It’s an inside place, a matured chamber. We shouldn’t be hearing about controversies; it’s a place of honor that deserves respect.”
Tinubu, who served in the Senate for 12 years, also took the opportunity to advise women to carry themselves with dignity and confidence. “Women should not allow themselves to be in positions where they could be demeaned,” she emphasized. Her comments come as part of her broader advocacy for women’s empowerment and welfare, which she has championed through various initiatives, including the Renewed Hope Initiative.
“Empower yourselves, women, and never settle for being treated with disrespect,” she emphasized. “You have the power to shut down unacceptable behavior before it even starts.”
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, revisiting the pivotal 1995 Beijing Conference on gender equality, the First Lady proudly acknowledged the remarkable progress Nigerian women have made. “We’ve come a long way, building on the legacy of our trailblazing matriarchs. Today, women are achieving phenomenal things, breaking barriers, and shattering glass ceilings,” she noted.
The First Lady cited inspiring examples, such as Zuriel Oduwole, a young Nigerian advocate making a global impact. “Zuriel’s achievements demonstrate that our youths are equipped with the talent, resilience, and determination to succeed. They just need opportunities and support.”
She celebrated the unwavering spirit of Nigerian women, urging them to continue striving for excellence. “Keep pushing boundaries, lifting your heads high, and never give up on your dreams. Happy International Women’s Day!” The First Lady also emphasized the importance of women asserting themselves in leadership positions, refusing to be marginalized or sidelined.
