Nigeria: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Nigeria's Politics of Denying Women, By Toyin Falola

Since 2023, multiple expressions of indignity have pervaded Nigeria's legislative chambers. These conducts are beyond the simple attribute of being a rubber stamp; they are symbols of a deep-rooted disregard for responsible, accountable leadership. Yet, I have not penned this to decry every indiscretion of the Nigerian Senate. I am writing to decry a particular one -- the raw mistreatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Far from being an isolated case of abuse of office against a single person, the conduct of the Senate has deep reflections on the perception of women in leadership. Given the sensitivity of this topic, particularly for the male folks, I know without a doubt that many contest or even dismiss this without thought.So, here's a case in point -- Senator Onyekachi's Nwaebonyi's altercation with Mrs Oby Ezekwesili. That dismal show was enacted in the wrong setting. It was more befitting of streetside shouting matches, where such often occurs, than the chambers of a Senate...