Natasha’s Allegations: First Lady Allays Fears About How Issues Are Handled

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reacted to the controversy trailing the Nigerian Senate, saying the red chamber of the National Assembly remains a “matured” institution that must be treated with respect.

Her remarks came against the backdrop of allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power against the president of the Senate, Goodwill Akpabio, by first time Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.


Speaking to newsmen on Thursday ahead of  the International Women’s Day (IWD), the first lady dismissed concerns over the Senate’s handling of issues, insisting lawmakers are “doing what is needful”.

Mrs Tinubu, who served in the Senate for 12 years from 2011 to 2023, said the upper legislative chamber should be a place of honour, not controversy.


She also urged Nigerian women to assert themselves in leadership and not be sidelined.

Her words: “I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking oppositions? 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. We shouldn’t be hearing things like that. 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. You can always shut them down before they start.”

Details later…