Renowned human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has issued a strong warning to Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the alleged harassment and unjust treatment of female senators, particularly Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
Adeyanju’s reaction follows a viral video showing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan being ordered out of the Senate chamber by Akpabio. The lawyer condemned the act, describing it as part of a growing pattern of discrimination against female senators under Akpabio’s leadership.
“It is absolutely unacceptable and condemnable that, under the Senate President’s watch, female senators are treated as second-class representatives in a body meant to uphold the rights and dignity of all its members,” Adeyanju stated.
He also pointed out that Senator Ireti Kingibe had previously faced similar treatment, raising concerns about a systemic pattern of harassment targeted at women in the Senate.
“One cannot help but question why Senator Akpabio consistently targets women while sparing his male counterparts from similar treatment. This glaring double standard undermines the integrity of the Senate and sends a disheartening message about the role of women in our political landscape,” he added.
Adeyanju reaffirmed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to be in the Senate, stating that she was duly elected just like Akpabio and other lawmakers. He emphasized the need for a political environment where women can serve without fear of intimidation or discrimination.
“If this pattern of behavior continues, we will have no choice but to petition various embassies to consider placing visa bans on Akpabio and his immediate family. Those in power must be held accountable to ensure the dignity of all senators is respected,” Adeyanju warned.
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He called for an equitable and just Senate, urging Akpabio to put an immediate end to what he described as an ongoing campaign of harassment against female lawmakers.
