Senators Natasha-Akpabio saga should have been resolved privately – Rev. Mrs Emeribe

Rev. Mrs Ijeoma Emeribe is the President and Founder of Women Africa International and has won award for humanitarian services. She is also the General Overseer of the Presbyterian Church International, and speaking with journalists over Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio saga, she opined that the matter should have been resolved privately.

She said their family ties was such that the matter could have been resolved instead of escalating it in a manner it happened. She feared the development would threaten greater women inclusivity in governance.

Answer: I am the President and Founder of Women Africa International and also the General Overseer of the Presbyterian Church International.

Question: What is your take on the controversy in the National Assembly regarding women’s inclusion in governance?

Answer: Rev. Mrs. Ijeoma Emeribe: Thank you for seeking my opinion on this matter. We are currently experiencing progress in recognizing women’s roles in governance in Nigeria. However, this controversy threatens to undermine our efforts and opportunities for greater inclusion.

The issue between Senator Natasha and Senator Akpabio should have been resolved privately, given their existing family relationship. Our culture generally does not frown upon friendly gestures between men and women, especially among family friends. It is unfortunate that this matter has escalated publicly, creating a spectacle rather than being addressed constructively.

If there was a genuine case of sexual harassment, it should have been handled in a structured manner—either through internal dialogue, legal channels, or with proper warnings before escalating to the National Assembly. The public nature of this dispute paints a negative picture of our institutions and distracts from the real work of governance.

Question: There are two major issues here—sexual harassment and the alleged breach of Senate rules by Senator Natasha. With only four women in the National Assembly, what do you think of the implications for women in politics?

Answer: I am deeply concerned about the message this sends to women aspiring to enter politics. Women in leadership positions must demonstrate resilience and adhere to established protocols, as they are representing not just themselves but the confidence of the people who elected them.

When the Senate President, Senator Akpabio, entered, Senator Natasha remained seated. This was a breach of Senate decorum. Regardless of personal grievances, respect for the institution should have been upheld. Actions like this may discourage women from entering politics or give opponents an excuse to question their ability to navigate political challenges.

Question: Senator Natasha has taken the matter to the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Do you think this will impact on Nigeria’s democratic reputation?

Answer:: While international scrutiny is inevitable, Africa has its own governance structures. No external body can impose values that do not align with our legal and cultural framework. Both sides of the dispute must be heard before any conclusions are drawn.

As a woman advocating for women’s empowerment, I emphasize that respect is earned through how we handle ourselves and our challenges. Women in power must navigate situations with tact, ensuring they maintain their credibility while advocating for justice. Apologies, where necessary, do not indicate weakness but rather maturity and a commitment to progress.

Question: What is your advice to women in leadership?

Question: Women in leadership must uphold professionalism at all times. Every woman, no matter how influential, will face challenges. The key is how she handles them. Personal grievances should not overshadow the bigger picture of service and representation.

Additionally, men in leadership should maintain professionalism. Giving pet names to female colleagues, as seen in this case, is unwise and can be misinterpreted. In some cultures, such teasing is normal, but in a professional setting, it is inappropriate and can lead to unnecessary controversies.

Ultimately, women must rise above distractions, focus on their goals, and contribute meaningfully to governance. We must set examples that encourage more women to step into leadership roles with confidence and dignity.