A gender advocacy group, Women for Equality and Empowerment (WEE), has publicly condemned Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s recent derogatory comments about Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, wife of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The group also called for immediate sanctions from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigerian Senate on the senator.
In a statement issued on Sunday, WEE denounced Oshiomhole’s remarks as a “disgraceful display of insensitivity and disrespect.”
The group expressed alarm over the former governor’s comments, particularly those targeting Mrs. Obaseki’s personal life.
“It is appalling and unacceptable for a public figure of Senator Oshiomhole’s stature to engage in such disparaging comments about Mrs. Betsy Obaseki,” Dr. Ngozi Afolabi, Chairperson of Women for Equality and Empowerment said.
“His statements are not only a personal affront but also a setback for the progress we’ve made in promoting gender respect and equality in Nigeria,” she added.
The group called on the APC to take decisive action against Oshiomhole, asserting that the party must demonstrate its commitment to gender equality by addressing his behaviour.
“The APC must act swiftly to distance itself from Senator Oshiomhole’s comments.
“The party needs to make a strong statement that it upholds values of respect and dignity, and does not tolerate misogynistic behaviour from its members, ” Dr. Afolabi further stated.
In addition to calling for action from the APC, WEE also urged the Nigerian Senate to take a stand against Oshiomhole’s remarks.
The group stated that the Senate should impose its sanctions, stressing that the integrity of legislative bodies should reflect respect for all individuals, regardless of gender.
“The Nigerian Senate must hold Senator Oshiomhole accountable for his unacceptable remarks.
“It is imperative that the Senate sends a clear message that such behaviour is not acceptable and that it stands firmly against discrimination and disrespect,” the group said.
WEE warned that allowing such comments to go unchecked could have serious implications for gender equality in Nigeria.
“Failure to address this issue effectively could embolden others to engage in similar behaviour, undermining efforts to achieve gender equality and respect in our society.
“It is vital that we confront such behaviour head-on and uphold the principles of respect and equality,” the group warned.
