FLEADERS Nigeria, a female leadership project of Emerge Women Development Initiative, has demanded an unreserved apology from Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over what it called his sexist comments towards the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the Senate, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Senator Akpabio had come under fire for rebuking Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan – a female lawmaker – and telling her that the Senate chamber was not a nightclub, therefore, she must be recognised before speaking during plenary.
Responding to the development, FLEADERS Nigeria described the remark as not only condescending and disrespectful but also perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes.
The organisation lamented that the female legislator was subjected to unjustified bullying and total disregard, stressing that this ‘affects all Nigerian women’.
In a statement by the Chairwoman, FLEADERS Nigeria, Bridget Obi, and Executive Director, Nana Kazaure, they demanded an unreserved apology from the Senate President, describing the remark as reckless, derogatory and unacceptable.
“As a leader, Akpabio’s words have a profound impact on Nigerian women and girls. FLEADERS will not tolerate attempts to silence or diminish women’s voices in leadership and governance. We demand an immediate and unreserved apology from the Senate President, not only to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but also to the women and girls of Nigeria whom he has offended.
“Unfortunately, this is not the first time Akpabio has displayed disrespect towards female senators. We recall his previous condescending remarks towards Senator Ireti Kingibe during her disagreement with the FCT Minister, Wike. This behavior is unacceptable and perpetuates a culture of sexism and intimidation.
“We acknowledge the Senate President’s role in maintaining order on the Senate floor and correcting members when necessary. However, such corrections should be made respectfully and professionally, devoid of personal attacks or gender-based stereotyping.
“Akpabio’s actions contradict the spirit of the gender-related bills that FLEADERS submitted to the Constitution Review Committee, aimed at promoting gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes. We urge him to support these bills and foster a safe and inclusive environment for women in politics,” the statement read.
The group tasked the Senate President to lead by example by respecting the rights of all women, especially those in politics.