- Safiu Kehinde
Nigerian First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has broken silence over the ongoing sexual harassment scandal between Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu, who served as Senator for 12 years, held that the Senate remains a “matured” institution that must be treated with respect.
The first lady, according to a statement issued on Thursday by her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, made the remark while speaking ahead of the International Women’s Day at the State House, Abuja.
She dismissed concerns over the Senate’s handling of issues, stressing that the lawmakers are “doing what is needful.”
Reflecting on her time at the Senate, the First Lady said the chamber should be a place of honour, not controversy.
She, however, urged Nigerian women to assert themselves in leadership.
“I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking a position?
“I believe that Senate is doing what is needful, because that’s what it is. Is an inside place and it’s a matured chamber. It’s a matured chamber, and it should be treated with respect. It’s an honour for you to be in that place alone.
“I was there for 12 years, even in my younger days, and I’m still trying to look young, but people compliment you all the time, only that, women raise yourself, don’t be in a position that men will be talking to you anyhow” she said.
Ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 8th, the First Lady celebrated the achievements of women all over the world but in Nigeria in particular.
She acknowledged the significant progress women have made over the decades, from the matriarchs of old to contemporary figures like Zuriel Oduwole, who champions peace.
Tinubu also emphasised that Nigerian youths are equipped with what it takes to excel, urging women to continue lifting their heads high and doing their best.