LIVE UPDATES
First Lady Remi Tinubu stated that the Nigerian Senate is responding appropriately to the sexual harassment claim made by Kogi lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Oduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, emphasizing that women should avoid putting themselves in situations where they could be harassed by men.
In a statement released on Thursday by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Tinubu called the Senate a mature institution deserving of respect. “I understand that regarding the current situation in the Senate, one might question why I am not taking a stance,”
Tinubu remarked, alluding to Mrs. Akpoti-Oduaghan's accusation. “I trust that the Senate is taking the necessary steps, as it should. This is an internal matter, and it is vital to treat this mature chamber with the respect it deserves. Being part of this institution is an honor,” she continued.
As a former senator, Tinubu advised that women in the Senate need to conduct themselves in a way that commands respect and discourages inappropriate remarks from men.
“During my 12 years in the Senate, even when I was younger, I often received compliments, but women must elevate themselves and avoid situations where men might speak to them disrespectfully,”Tinubu commented.
Her remarks come in the wake of Mrs. Akpoti-Oduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, who denied the claims during Thursday's plenary session. The Senate subsequently suspended the Kogi lawmaker, citing violations of house rules and claiming her actions brought dishonor to the Senate.
This suspension has led to widespread criticism among Nigerians, many of whom accuse the Senate of disregarding the substance of her allegations to protect Akpabio.
