Natasha: Publisher knocks Senate for ‘dismissing women’s rights’

Pastor Olumide Akinrinlola, Publisher of Starnews NG Online Newspaper, has voiced his concerns regarding the troubling state of the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria.

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Akinrinlola lamented the assembly’s failure to respect the female gender and its intolerance toward dissenting voices, particularly in light of the recent sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

He stated, “It is sad that the 10th National Assembly of Nigeria does not respect the female gender and is intolerant of dissenting voices.” Akinrinlola emphasised that this situation not only highlights the challenges faced by women in leadership positions but also raises concerns about the assembly’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all its members.

“It is imperative that the Senate fosters an environment where such allegations are taken seriously and addressed appropriately, rather than silencing those who dare to speak out,” he added.

The Canadian based Journalist also slammed the Nigeria government over the alarming rate of intolerance against dissenting voices in the country, saying, “The situation in Nigeria has deteriorated to the point where governments at all levels are no longer tolerant of criticism”, expressing concern that hunger and economic hardship have driven civil society, opposition parties, and most dissenting voices—excluding a few into the shadows of oblivion.

He highlighted the lack of critical discourse, asserting, “No one is asking questions, and there is a glaring absence of critique regarding government policies.” He lamented that it seems “everyone has aligned themselves with the APC, driven by fear of arrest and the desperate need to survive.”

Akinrinlola concluded with a poignant question for Nigerians: “How did we, as a nation, find ourselves in this troubling predicament?”

His statement serves as a clarion call for accountability and respect for women’s rights within Nigeria’s political framework, urging leaders to prioritize the voices and dignity of all citizens.