Oluremi Tinubu defends Senate amid allegations, calls for respect, women empowerment

Abdullateef Fowewe

First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has described the Nigerian Senate as a “matured” institution deserving of respect, amidst growing controversy surrounding allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking at the State House in Abuja, Oluremi emphasised the importance of maintaining the Senate’s integrity, noting her own 12-year experience as a senator.

Addressing journalists ahead of International Women’s Day, Tinubu dismissed concerns over the chamber’s handling of sensitive issues, asserting that lawmakers are “doing what is needful.”

This was made known in a statement on Thursday, by the SSA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Busola Kukoyi.

She also urged women to assert themselves in leadership roles, saying, “Women, raise yourself; don’t be in a position that men will talk to you anyhow.”

She added, “I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking a position? I believe that Senate is doing what is needful, because that’s what it is. Is an inside place and it’s a matured chamber. It’s a matured chamber, and it should be treated with respect. It’s an honour for you to be in that place alone.

“I was there for 12 years, even in my younger days, and I’m still trying to look young, but people compliment you all the time, only that, women raise yourself, don’t be in a position that men will be talking to you anyhow.”

The First Lady thereby celebrated the achievements of Nigerian women and highlighted figures like Zuriel Oduwole as examples of progress.

Nevertheless, she encouraged women and youths to continue striving for excellence while fostering respect and dignity within society.