The recent outcry by Nigerians following the “nightclub” comment made by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has necessitated his gentlemanly apology. We commend his disposition, respect for citizens’ voices, and the regret of his unwitty comments to a female colleague on the floor of the Senate. His public apology shows civility, maturity and respect for women. This is worthy of emulation
The lack of equitable representation in the Nigerian Legislature makes women seem like soft targets for sexist comments. While we agree that members, male or female should be cautioned when out of line, denigration of any sort, should not be an option. We commend Senator Akpabio for recognizing this and taking the right steps to correct his mistake. This shows strength and exemplary leadership.
Female members of the Senate as well as the men are inter pares, which makes all of them as elected members, equal. A leader is only chosen as primus inter pares (first among equals) to ensure that the needed orderliness among members of the Senate is maintained. Nevertheless, there should be mutual respect across board. It is clear that because women form a chronic minority in the Senate their voice seem to drown in the midst of their male colleagues. We therefore renew our call for the Bill to create special seats for women to be given priority and passed into law, to accommodate more women in the Senate as well as the House of Representatives.
We hope that the 4 (four) female Senators – Senator Adebule Idiat Oluranti, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, Senator Banigo Ipalibo Harry, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and other females in the National Assembly will not receive any more sexist or bullying comments from their colleagues or any other public servant in future exchanges. The Nigeria we want is one that recognizes and protects the rights of everyone, irrespective of their gender.
Brenda Anugwom,
Chief Executive Officer
Nigerian Women Trust Fund
