‘Distinguished’ should be removed when addressing senators like Onyekachi Nwaebonyi representing Ebonyi State—Iche
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‘Distinguished’ should be removed when addressing senators like Onyekachi Nwaebonyi representing Ebonyi State—Iche
By Naomi Onome
The recent fallout between Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi State, and Obiageli Kathryn Ezekwesili, an economic policy expert and former Minister of Solid Minerals of Nigeria, during a public hearing on the sexual harassment allegation made by Natasha Akpoti against Senator Godswill Akpabio has been described as horrific and completely unacceptable by Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, a human rights advocate and founder of Ambassadors of Peace and Enlightenment Foundation ‘AMPEF,’ The Voice of the Voiceless.
Iche said it is commendable that Oby Ezekwesili expressed herself clearly by exposing the antics and gimmicks of the lawbreakers Nigerians regard as lawmakers. It is clear that the hostility exhibited by Sen. Nwaebonyi corroborates with the lived experiences of women in leadership roles, which is a call for concern, he said.
Speaking further, Iche stated that
“Sen. Nwaebonyi and Oby Ezekwesili’s scenario highlights the extent to which women are marginalized, denigrated, and bullied; therefore, women must step up to prevent these circumstances from becoming the norm in their individual workplaces. The senator’s demeanor already conveys how he manages his household as a husband and parent; I feel sorry for his wife, who may suffer as a result of his haughtiness and disregard for women.”
“That senator’s speech to Oby was completely inappropriate. It is wrong to use disparaging and disrespectful language to silence a woman who is a mother, a well-respected member of society, and most likely a grandmother in front of millions of Nigerians worldwide by name-calling. Nigeria is being ridiculed by the world because of our insensitive leaders.”
“The Ministry of Women’s Affairs has been silent on the intimidation of women in leadership positions, despite the fact that our women are being mistreated and stomped underfoot much too frequently these days. The fact that women in leadership positions have virtually no influence over economic issues and have been so severely undercut that they are essentially unimportant is not new information but must be addressed.”
“In order to stop the excesses that are quickly taking over the leadership space, the Ministry of Women Affairs should step in and take action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi. This will serve as a deterrent to others who may have plans to treat female colleagues in leadership in the same patronizing manner.”
“Nigerians, particularly women, should not be harassed or dehumanized in any way for demanding accountability, which is fundamentally necessary in making decisions. Those in positions of power must remember that our children are watching and learning from their actions.”
Iche added that, in order to prevent adding lunatic appointees such as Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi to the already precarious administration, it is crucial to conduct a mental evaluation of political representatives before selecting them for offices.
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