Bisi Fayemi, Ex-First Lady, Ekiti State and prominent advocate for women’s rights, has publicly expressed her solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District. Fayemi’s statement, which comes after a turbulent weeks in the Nigerian Senate, calls out the mistreatment and misogyny that women in public office continue to face, highlighting the ongoing struggles of women in leadership roles across the country.
For many Nigerians, the past two weeks have been marked by events in the National Assembly that left a bitter taste in the mouth. The confrontation in the Senate began when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was seeking to address the Senate, was denied the opportunity to speak after her seat was moved without her consent. The situation quickly escalated when she publicly accused the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment. The allegation, aired live on national television, sent shockwaves through the political community and ignited a wave of debate.
In her statement, Bisi Fayemi expressed her deep concern over the Senate’s handling of the issue. Fayemi, who has been a staunch advocate for women’s rights, criticized the failure of female senators to support Akpoti-Uduaghan during this crisis, calling their reactions “disappointing.” According to Fayemi, the actions of Senators Ireti Kingibe, Abiodun Olujimi, and Florence Ita-Giwa, who downplayed Natasha’s allegations, were not only a betrayal of Akpoti-Uduaghan but also a missed opportunity to confront the systemic challenges faced by women in Nigerian politics.
“Even if, in their opinion, Senator Natasha was misguided on matters of process and temperament, she was still entitled to have her fears and concerns heard,” Fayemi wrote. She highlighted that the failure to address the serious issues raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan was symptomatic of a larger problem in Nigerian politics—one where women, particularly those in positions of leadership, are constantly undermined, belittled, and dismissed.
Fayemi also pointed out that the treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not an isolated incident. She recalled the infamous 2016 incident in which Senator Dino Melaye publicly threatened to assault and impregnate his colleague, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. Fayemi noted that such acts of misogyny have become disturbingly commonplace in Nigerian politics, with women continually subjected to humiliation and disrespect.
“Women in leadership positions in Nigeria often face an uphill battle,” Fayemi explained. “They are constantly forced to contend with patriarchal forces that seek to silence them, make them feel small, or force them into submission. It’s a constant struggle to be taken seriously, to be heard, and to demand the respect they deserve.”
While the issue of sexual harassment is central to the dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio, Fayemi also highlighted the role that internal politics and power dynamics within the Senate play in the treatment of female politicians. According to Fayemi, the Senate’s response to the allegations has been less about justice and more about silencing those who dare to speak out against injustice.
Fayemi also raised concerns about the apparent rush to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, an action which many view as punitive and aimed at further diminishing her influence. The suspension, which strips her of her privileges as a senator, was imposed despite legal rulings stating that the suspension of legislators for more than 14 days can have detrimental effects on their representational duties. For Fayemi, this is a clear sign of how women in Nigerian politics are treated differently from their male counterparts, with a system that is built to keep women in their place.
While some commentators have dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions as simply a matter of not following the rules, Fayemi argues that the real issue is not about procedure. The heart of the matter, she says, is the wider war on women in public life. Women are not only expected to conform to the established norms but also to do so without question, without raising their voices or challenging the status quo.
“The problem is not about one woman or one senator,” Fayemi asserts. “It’s about all women who dare to step into leadership roles, who have to fight for every inch of respect and recognition they receive. This is about the systemic forces that want women to remain silent, to play by the rules that have been set by men, and to keep their heads down.”
Fayemi’s statement has resonated with many women across the country, who have shared their own experiences of being silenced or dismissed in their professional lives. But it has also sparked criticism, particularly from those who believe that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions were more about personal vendettas and less about advocating for women’s rights.
Despite this backlash, Fayemi remains resolute. She believes that this issue transcends the individual actions of any one senator and is about the wider struggle for gender equality in Nigeria. She points out that women in public life face not just institutional challenges but also personal attacks on their character and their private lives. These challenges, she argues, create an environment in which women must learn to navigate hostile spaces just to survive.
“Women must fight for themselves,” Fayemi insists. “We must fight against those who would rather see us stay quiet, stay small, and stay invisible. We must stand up for each other, support each other, and demand the respect we deserve.”
As the world mark International Women’s Day-March 8th, Fayemi’s words serve as a timely reminder of the ongoing battle women face in politics, business, and every other sphere of life. Her call for solidarity and respect for women in leadership is more urgent than ever, as the nation continues to grapple with the deeply ingrained sexism that permeates its political structures.
“This is not just about Senator Natasha Akpoti,” Fayemi concludes. “It’s about all of us, all Nigerian women who are fighting for a seat at the table, for a voice in the conversation, and for a future where we are treated with the dignity and respect we deserve.”
