NGO gives Senator 3 days ultimatum to apologise to Tinubu's wife

Senator

In a report by Daily Trust, the Coordinator of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, described Senator Melaye's alleged attack on Senator Tinubu as a condemnable act that shouldn't go unsolved.

Akiyode-Afolabi said the altercation between the wife of the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator Melaye "is another case to buttress the lackluster attitude to the issue of women’s human rights protection and gender equality in Nigeria."

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The statement further noted that at a time when women's participation in politics is at its lowest ebb, it is saddening that that the Senate leadership and members of the 8th Senate have kept silent over the alleged attack and verbal abuse.

"Unfortunately, despite the public outcry against the security threat to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the senate and the APC have not yet responded to the matter. The silence on the matter by the Senate and other members of the National Assembly vividly explains a tacit support from the hallowed Chamber on violence against women.

"Failure of Senator Dino Melaye to take this appropriate step will lead to OCCUPY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY by well meaning Nigerians.

"Verbal abuse, assault and battery of women is becoming a pattern in our democratic dispensation and it is a reflection of the numerous abuses that women face on a daily basis in the society

"According to National Demographic and Health Survey Report (2013), 28 percent of women age 15-49 have experienced physical violence at least once and 7 percent have experienced sexual violence in Nigeria and it is believed these figures are not representative of the magnitude of the problem.

"Between 2003 till date, notable women lawmakers have experienced physical and verbal abuse from men who are supposed to protect their rights. Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, was slapped by another Lawmaker at the National Assembly while another female lawmaker from Edo state was battered by an aide to an Immigration Oficer at the Assembly Complex earlier this year. Honourable Funmi Tejuoso was also physically assaulted at the Lagos State House of Assembly sometimes ago then this gender insecurity against Senator Oluremi Tinubu,' the statement read.