Northern women group tackles Akpabio over ‘nightclub comment’ against Natasha

Women from the North of Nigeria, under the aegis of Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), have expressed strong disapproval towards the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his alleged disrespectful remarks directed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during last week’s plenary.

The women group, in a statement titled: “Restoring Integrity: The Imperative of Respecting Female Senators in Nigeria’s Democracy,” and co-signed by Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF); Nguyan Shaku Feese, Senior Strategic Adviser for the DFID Funded, Teacher Development Programme (TDP) and Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi, Secretary General of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), among others, copy of which was made available to newsmen condemned Akpabio’s actions as a blatant display of disrespect and gender bias.

Other prominent figures include: Amina Salihu, Deputy Director Nigeria, MacArthur Foundation and Jonathan-Ichaver, Co-Founder of Sesor Empowerment Foundation; Fatima Akilu, Executive Director of the Neem Foundation and former special advisor on national security; Ene Ede, a leading gender activist and advisor; Maryam Uwais, former special advisor on social investments to President Muhammadu Buhari; Kadaria Ahmed, Nigerian journalist and CEO Radio Now, and Aisha Waziri, co-founder of Revive Nigeria Group and former candidate for House of Representatives from Borno State.

The rest are: Zainab Salihijo, Asmau Joda, Ene Orgah, Larai Ocheja Amusan, Mairo Mandara, Maryam Lemu, Rekiya Abaji, Sa’ida Sa’ad, Ummahani Amina, and Zaynab Musa.

The notable women, while condemning Akpabio’s outburst, noted that this was not the first instance of such behavior from Senator Akpabio, recalling that the Senate president recently silenced Senator Ireti Kingibe in a similarly dismissive manner, underscoring what they described as a troubling pattern.

“Such comments from the Senate president undermine the integrity of the Senate and contribute to a culture where women are undervalued and disrespected,” they said.

The group, while emphasizing it’s commitment to fostering equitable, inclusive, and just societies for women across the nation, noted that in a functioning democracy, especially a nascent one like Nigeria’s, every voice must be respected, regardless of gender.

According to the women group, whose membership was drawn from North Central, North East, and North West of the country, dismissing female leaders with misogynistic comments undermines robust debate and diverse perspectives, which are crucial for effective policy making.

“Such attitudes reinforce harmful stereotypes, discourage women’s political participation, and perpetuate a male-dominated landscape. This is particularly detrimental for regions like Northern Nigeria, where women face even more significant barriers to public office,” it said.

The group, however, noted that further reactions on the matter, which would be geared towards ensuring redress and a culture of ethical behavior in public life would be welcomed.