19th July, 2016
The Coalition for Women Advancement in Africa group has expressed its concern over the ongoing feud between Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West Senatorial District and Senator Remi Tinubu representing Lagos Central Senatorial District.
The group stressed that if the crisis is not nipped in the bud, will discourage women’s participation in politics.
In a statement issued by the group’s Executive Vice Chairman, Jummai Samuel in Abuja, the group explained that it was unfortunate that critical issues which were supposed to be discussed at a closed-door session snowballed into crises to the extent that there was a threat of rape, which according to the group has undermined the integrity of womanhood.
The group lamented saying, “We in the coalition believe in gender equality and we want women to be encouraged, but looking at the weight of the alleged threats, it undermines women’s integrity and it is unfortunate that this is happening between two Senators.”
The group while picking holes in Senator Dino’s explanations that he replied to Tinubu’s action during the closed-door session, said that there are dignified ways of seeking redress, instead of resorting to the caveman approach.
The group has urged the National Assembly to step up legislative instruments on Gender Equality, noting that in the 21st century, women could no longer be consigned to back seats.
The group warned male politicians to desist from scoring vendetta against women folk because they are weaker vessels.
“When Nigerian politicians have issues on the field, it has become a trend for those who want to hit at males they have issues with to attack their wives. We find this unacceptable and condemnable. It is a practice that must not be encouraged,” the group warned.