Adeyanju Warns Akpabio: End Harassment of Female Lawmakers or Face Visa Ban Advocacy
Prominent rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has issued a stern warning to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over alleged harassment of female lawmakers, threatening to petition foreign embassies to impose visa restrictions on him and his immediate family if the conduct persists.
WATCH OUR LATEST VIDEO FOR MORE INSIGHT
Adeyanju’s statement follows recent incidents on the Senate floor, where female senators, including Senator Natasha Akpoti and Senator Ireti Kingibe, were reportedly subjected to unfair treatment under Akpabio’s leadership. The activist condemned the pattern of behavior, describing it as a direct affront to democratic principles and gender equality in governance.
“The same democratic process that brought Akpabio into the Senate is what granted Senator Akpoti her seat. It is imperative to uphold the dignity and rights of all lawmakers, irrespective of gender,” Adeyanju stated.
He further criticized what he called a deliberate and sustained pattern of discrimination against female senators. “Under Akpabio’s leadership, female lawmakers are being treated as second-class representatives. The Senate, as a democratic institution, should be a place where women feel safe, respected, and empowered to contribute without fear of intimidation.”
The activist questioned why Akpabio appears to single out female lawmakers while his male counterparts escape similar scrutiny. “This glaring double standard undermines the integrity of the Senate and sends a damaging message about the role of women in politics,” he remarked.
Adeyanju called for an end to the harassment, warning of diplomatic consequences should the Senate President continue on this path. “If this pattern of behavior persists, we will be left with no choice but to escalate the matter by petitioning various embassies to consider visa bans on him and his immediate family.”
He also condemned Akpabio’s alleged dismissal of Senator Akpoti from the chamber, stating that such an act was an abuse of power and a violation of the senator’s democratic rights. “As an elected representative of Kogi Central, Senator Akpoti has the same right as any other lawmaker to fully participate in Senate proceedings.”
Adeyanju’s call for accountability highlights growing concerns over the treatment of female politicians in Nigeria, as advocacy groups continue to push for greater representation and respect for women in public office.
The controversy raises broader questions about the Senate’s commitment to inclusivity and fair representation, placing Akpabio under increasing scrutiny. Whether the Senate President will address these concerns or continue his current approach remains to be seen.
Reference
Adeyanju Warns Akpabio: End Harassment of Female Lawmakers or Face Visa Ban Advocacy