After Fighting Dirty During Her Time as Senator, Remi Tinubu Backs Senate on Senator Natasha’s Suspension

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has contradicted her call for women to speak up against oppression and intimidation by defending the Nigerian Senate amidst ongoing allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and abuse of power by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Addressing journalists ahead of International Women’s Day, Mrs Tinubu described the Senate as a “mature chamber” that should be treated respectfully. She dismissed growing concerns over the chamber’s handling of the scandal, stating that lawmakers were “doing what is needful.”

“I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, ‘Why am I not taking a position?’ I believe the Senate is doing what is needed because that’s what it is. It is an enclosed place, a mature chamber,” she said.

First Lady Tinubu, who served in the Senate for 12 years, encouraged women to assert themselves in leadership positions and not tolerate disrespect from men. “Don’t be in a position where men will talk to you anyhow. You can always shut them down before they start,” she added.

However, her comments have sparked criticism from Nigerians, with many accusing her of hypocrisy. Videos resurfaced online allegedly showing the First Lady in heated exchanges with fellow lawmakers during her time in the Senate, including almost physical combat with Senator Dino Melaye and other disruptions during plenary sessions.

Critics argue that her defence of the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who accused Akpabio of high-handedness and sexual misconduct, contradicts her call for women to speak up.

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