Step Aside to Clear Your Name – Drafting Your Wife to Fight Natasha Is Disingenuous,” Mrs. Akeredolu Tells Akpabio

Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, wife of the late former Governor of Ondo State, has criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his handling of the controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In a statement shared on social media, she condemned Akpabio’s decision to involve his wife in the dispute, describing it as an attempt to avoid personal accountability. She argued that in more civilized societies, Akpabio would have stepped down from office to clear his name rather than using his wife as a shield. According to her, drafting his wife into the conflict was not only disingenuous but also a way of throwing her under the bus.

Mrs. Akeredolu also addressed the core issue that sparked the dispute, which was the reassignment of Senate seats. She stated that changing a senator’s seat without prior knowledge is wrong, disrespectful, and an infringement on their rights. She pointed out that while similar actions may have been ignored in the past, Senator Natasha took a stand and refused to accept it. According to her, Natasha’s decision to challenge the process was a courageous act that deserved recognition. She dismissed arguments that Natasha was being overly emotional, stating that such criticism only serves to undermine the struggles of women in leadership.

She further highlighted the broader issue of female underrepresentation in Nigerian politics, lamenting that the country has only four female senators out of 107. She described this as a shameful reality that must change. In her view, Natasha’s boldness in confronting unfair practices is exactly what Nigerian women need in leadership. She urged women to support Natasha and others like her who are willing to challenge the status quo. Drawing a comparison to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, she emphasized that Natasha’s actions could pave the way for history-making changes in the country’s political landscape.

Mrs. Akeredolu concluded by encouraging more women to step forward and demand their rightful place in governance. Quoting Kenyan legislator Millie Odhiambo, she reminded Nigerian women that “good girls don’t get corner offices.”