- Women acting like fools does not prevent abuse – Reps Member tells minister
Following the latest counsel of the Minister for Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, that women should always keep quiet whenever an argument comes up with their husbands at home, Radio & TV Broadcaster, Ireti Ireti Bakare-Yusuf has announced that the minister is a threat to Nigerian women.
Previously, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye, Akin Rotimi, Jr. in a reply to the minister’s statement remarked that “women acting like fools does not prevent abuse.”
Taking to her X handle, Bakare-Yusuf, hostess of BORDERLINES @listedlagosian and @danfoconversations announced that Kennedy-Ohaneye is unfit to occupy the office of Women Affairs Minister.
Moreover, Bakare-Yusuf in a chat added: “And herein lies the dangers of that Uju Kennedy’s thoughtless and brainless utterance. Many more men will not only imbibe her words, they will act on it, and the women who have been empowered and strengthened by the decades of EXCELLENT work that has been done and still ongoing for decades, will end up as punching bags as a DIRECT RESULT OF UJU KENNEDY!
“What is being laughed about by many today whether it is more out of derision or otherwise will lead to the rate of DV increase significantly. Again, I repeat, it is time for the removal of Uju Kennedy from that important office!
“What is even more chilling is that, given the vast uncapturable structure of the Nigerian landscape. It is unlikely that we would be able to track the impact of her bile against the progress of women in Nigeria.
“The government should treat this issue called Uju Kennedy with the immediacy that it demands and deserves. Again, with her still remaining in office despite her many past goofs including where she was captured on audio threatening survivors of UniCal’s Professor Ndifon’s alleged predatory sexual attacks, one gets a sense of the value the appointing officers place on that office. That office should be occupied by someone who commands respect; someone has empathy for victims and survivours; someone who understands what the fight against gender based violence is all about.
“Frankly, its another sad day because Uju Kennedy is still in office doing damage to Nigerian women. It is even more shocking that she made this damaging statement at a ROLAC event and nobody stopped her. Groups like ROLAC and other agencies/partners in the struggle to emancipate Nigerian women must stand up to prevent this aberration.
“We must MUST put Nigerian women FIRST! This is about all the millions of abused women, and in the case of Dorothy Njemanze, gets harrassed, physically assaulted or even arrested and detained by the police for standing up for abused women!
“This is about the faceless women who we will never meet, never know. The time to ACT IS NOW! Nigerian women are in danger. This time, the danger is being caused by a female minister by the name of Uju Kennedy!
“UjuKennedyMustGo!”
In a statement which was a direct response to the Minister’s statement, Representative Akin Rotimi, Jr. said:
The recent statements attributed to the Minister for Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, during an engagement with State Commissioners for Women Affairs, are deeply concerning, especially in light of the prevalence of gender-based violence in our society.
While promoting peace in the home is important, the suggestion that women should avoid confrontation with their spouses as a means to prevent violence, overlooks the complexity of the issue.
Advising women to “keep your mouth shut” and “act like a fool” in response to potential abuse does not address the root causes of violence and can further perpetuate damaging stereotypes. It is important to address gender-based violence by promoting respect, equality and mutual understanding in relationships.
Many victims of gender-based violence have been known to be submissive and quiet spouses, yet ended up being beaten up and even killed. This underscores the fact that violence is often a result of the abuser’s behavior and not the fault of the victim.
It is important to highlight that Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and domestic violence have been on the increase, and we must never support a narrative that a survivor of gender-based violence must have caused it. Such narratives only serve to blame the victim and further perpetuate harmful prejudices.
I hold conservative views shaped by my Christian faith and culture as a Yoruba man about gender roles. It is, however, important to note that the Bible, taken in context, never provided for the subjugation nor abuse of women, nor does our culture undermine the place of honour and value of women in our society. Again, the importance of mutual respect and understanding in a marriage cannot be over-emphasised. It must however, not be used as an excuse for violence or abuse.
I urge the Minister and all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and action to address gender-based violence, encourage victims to speak out, and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
In this regard, I welcome other suggestions of the Minister, especially on the need to expedite the administration of justice in cases of GBV, and democratizing access to legal aid and support.
NOTE: This statement is made in my capacity as a Member of the House of Representatives, in line with a pact with my people to promote gender equality as well as the protection of women and girls.
It is not on behalf of the Tenth House of Representatives, for which I serve as Spokesman.
Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.
Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye)
February 29, 2024
