Senate President Akpabio Apologizes to Senator Natasha Over “Nightclub” Remark
In a recent development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has issued an apology to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for his controversial “nightclub” comment during a Senate session. The incident, which occurred on July 18, 2024, sparked widespread criticism and accusations of sexism.
During the session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stood up to express her opposition to a bill being rejected by the Senate. In an attempt to correct her, Akpabio said, “In the chamber, you must be recognized before speaking. We are not in a nightclub.”
The comment drew immediate backlash, with many accusing Akpabio of being sexist and dismissive. Senator Rufai Oseni of the Arise Television Morning Show challenged Akpabio to address Senator Ali Ndume in the same manner, labeling his words as derogatory. Award-winning media personality Ayo Mairo-Ese also criticized Akpabio’s remark, demanding an apology for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and women in general.
Akpabio’s apology, issued on July 23, 2024, was accompanied by a statement addressing the allegations of marital infidelity. The Senate President clarified that he has only one wife and is satisfied with her, stating that he did not mean any harm with his comment.
Following the incident, Akpabio’s wife has reportedly received over 2,000 to 3,000 phone calls a day, and his phone has crashed due to the influx of messages.
The apology comes amid ongoing discussions about the representation of women in Nigerian politics. With only four women out of 106 senators, there is a growing demand for increased diversity and respect for female voices in the Senate.
The incident has also shed light on the importance of proper parliamentary procedures and the need for respectful dialogue within the Senate. As Nigeria continues to strive for gender equality and political inclusivity, it is crucial that all members of the Senate, regardless of gender, are treated with respect and given equal opportunities to voice their opinions.
