Rights Activist Deji Adeyanju Warns Senate President Akpabio Against Harassment Of Female Lawmakers.
Prominent rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has issued a stern warning to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging him to cease the alleged harassment of female senators or face potential visa ban advocacy. Adeyanju’s statement comes in response to recent incidents within the Senate that have raised concerns about the treatment of female lawmakers.
During a Senate session on Thursday, tensions escalated when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan protested a change in her seating arrangement without prior notice. The situation intensified as she voiced her objections, leading to a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio. This incident follows a previous altercation in July 2024, where Akpabio made a controversial remark comparing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct to “nightclub” behaviour, a comment for which he later apologised.
Adeyanju expressed deep regret over these events, highlighting a pattern of behaviour that he believes undermines the rights and dignity of female senators. He stated, “The manner in which Akpabio entered the Senate as a representative is the same way Akpoti holds her position. It is imperative that we protect the rights and dignity of women in our political institutions.”
He further emphasised the necessity of fostering a political environment where women feel safe and respected, noting that the harassment of female senators is a violation of their rights and an affront to democratic principles. Adeyanju cautioned that if such behaviour persists, he would be compelled to petition various embassies to consider imposing visa bans on Akpabio and his immediate family.
This sentiment is echoed by Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), a coalition of women’s groups, which has criticised Akpabio’s conduct towards female senators. In a statement, VIEW described Akpabio’s remarks as “a blatant display of disrespect and gender bias,” and called for immediate redress to uphold the integrity of the Senate and ensure that all members are treated with respect and fairness.
The ongoing discourse underscores the pressing need for equitable treatment of all lawmakers, irrespective of gender, within Nigeria’s political institutions.
