Yemi Olakitan 
A group of Northern women, Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), has strongly denounced Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s remarks aimed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan during last week’s plenary.
The women’s organization, comprising 20 members on Tuesday issued the statement decrying Akpabio’s “behaviour as a blatant display of gender bias and disrespect.”
The statement, titled, “Restoring Integrity: The Imperative of Respecting Female Senators in Nigeria’s Democracy,” emphasized that Akpabio’s remarks perpetuate harmful gender hierarchies and silence female voices in critical political spaces.
“The group noted that this is not an isolated incident, as Akpabio has a history of similar behavior, including recently silencing female senators.
The women urged Akpabio to embrace the true spirit of his name, “God’s Will,” and treat female senators with dignity and respect.
“They emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy requires equal participation and respect for all voices, regardless of gender.
In the statement the women made a call to action, urging politicians to recognize and challenge gender bias in Nigeria’s political sphere and called for a more inclusive and equitable political environment.”
Comparing a female senator’s parliamentary conduct to nightclub behavior is both sexist and an explicit attempt to bully and trivialize her contributions, diminishing her standing as a legitimate political actor. Such comments from the Senate President undermine the integrity of the Senate and contribute to a culture where women are undervalued and disrespected.”
Among the notable signatories were Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF); Nguyan Shaku Feese; Senior Strategic Adviser for the DFID Funded, Teacher Development Programme (TDP), Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi, Secretary General of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA); Amina Salihu, Deputy Director Nigeria, MacArthur Foundation; Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Co-Founder of Sesor Empowerment Foundation.
Other prominent figures include Fatima Akilu, Executive Director of the Neem Foundation and former special advisor on national security; Ene Ede, a leading gender activist and advisor; Maryam Uwais, former special advisor on social investments to President Muhammadu Buhari; Kadaria Ahmed, Nigerian journalist and CEO Radio Now, and Aisha Waziri, co-founder of Revive Nigeria Group and former candidate for House of Representatives from Borno State.
Prominent activists and leaders such as Zainab Salihijo, Asmau Joda, Ene Orgah, Larai Ocheja Amusan, Mairo Mandara, and Maryam Lemu were also part of the group.
Rekiya Abaji, Sa’ida Sa’ad, Ummahani Amina, and Zaynab Musa further reinforced the collective by signing the release also.
The group emphasized that their members were drawn from North Central, North East, and North West Nigeria and is a coalition committed to fostering equitable, inclusive, and just societies for women across the Nation.
They noted that in a functioning democracy, especially a nascent one like Nigeria’s, every voice must be respected, regardless of gender. Dismissing female leaders with misogynistic comments undermines robust debate and diverse perspectives, which are crucial for effective policy making.
“Such attitudes reinforce harmful stereotypes, discourage women’s political participation, and perpetuate a male-dominated landscape. This is particularly detrimental for regions like northern Nigeria, where women face even more significant barriers to public office.”
The group also noted that further reactions on the matter, which would be geared towards ensuring redress and a culture of ethical behavior in public life would be welcomed.
