Professor of Law and ex-UN Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, Joy N. Ezeilo, SAN has commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for tendering an open apology to Kogi Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; adding that the action demonstrates humility, understanding of leadership responsibilities
Tendering his apology during Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio said he would never intentionally denigrate any woman. “I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women. Distinguished Senator Natasha, I want to apologise to you…, he said.
The former Dean Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and 2022 BBC 100 Women of Global Impact who wrote on her X (formerly Twitter) page said:
“The Senate President’s apology to Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan is very welcome and demonstrates humility and understanding of leadership responsibilities. Thank you for being a responsive leader.
“Politicians and other figures in authority need to be mindful of their language and eliminate gender biases and stereotypes against women. We must stop objectifying women and using derogatory language, especially in politics and leadership.
“Unfortunately, there have been instances of mistreatment of female members of the National Assembly, as well as inappropriate questioning of appointees.
“I recall a specific incident during President Obasanjo’s time when a minister was publicly questioned about her child’s paternity during screening. Other women have also been degraded and intimidated by male colleagues. Such behaviour should be condemned, and we should advocate for respect and dignified treatment for everyone.”
Akpabio had told Akpoti-Uduaghan not to speak without him recognizing her to do so and went further to add that the Senate is not a “nightclub.” This was even after the Kogi Senator had apologised for speaking without him giving her the consent to do so.
