IWD: First Lady, Govt Wives Under Fire for ‘Making Mockery’ of Women’s Day Amid Rights Concerns
IWD: First Lady, Govt Wives Under Fire for ‘Making Mockery’ of Women’s Day Amid Rights Concerns
By Naomi Onome
Nigeria’s celebration of International Women’s Day has been marred by controversy, with critics accusing the first lady, Remi Tinubu, and wives of government officials of hypocrisy and silence in the face of women’s rights abuses and injustices in the country.
Comrade Prince Saviour Iche’s criticism stems from the ongoing case of a woman from Ebonyi State, Tracy Nicolas Ohiri, who has been seeking justice for over 12 years, allegedly facing intimidation and infringements from Dave Umahi, the former governor of Ebonyi State and currently the minister of works. The woman’s case has sparked outrage, with many questioning the silence of the First Lady and other prominent women in government.
“They are making a mockery of themselves,” said a statement from a human rights advocate, Comrade Prince Saviour Iche. “They have no moral right to celebrate Women’s Day when the voices of women in Nigeria are being silenced.”
Critic Iche calls on Remi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and other government officials’ wives to take action in the case and ensure justice is served.
Iche also questioned the minister of women’s affairs, asking what has been done to support women in Nigeria, particularly in light of recent cases of violence and molestation.
He cited the example of Sen Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and what has become of her plights with the Senate President of Nigeria, Sen Godswill Akpabio.
Iche said,
“Nigeria’s celebration of International Women’s Day is overshadowed by concerns that the country’s most influential women, including those in power and the Ministry of Women Affairs, have fallen short in upholding women’s rights, making their participation in the celebration seem incongruous.”
The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in Nigeria and raises questions about the government’s commitment to protecting their rights.”
