Betty Akeredolu Takes A Stand: Women Senators Can Face Sexual Harassment Too

Betty Akeredolu Calls Out Ita-Giwa Over Controversial Remarks on Women Senators

Naija News brings you the latest twist in the ongoing debate about sexual harassment in high places. Former first lady of Ondo State, Betty Akeredolu, has stepped into the spotlight to challenge the recent comments made by ex-senator Florence Ita-Giwa. Ita-Giwa sparked controversy when she suggested that women who achieve the status of senator are immune to sexual harassment. Her remarks came in response to the allegations leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central. This issue has ignited a heated conversation about the realities of sexual misconduct, even in the corridors of power.

Ita-Giwa's Bold Claim: Senators Are Above Harassment?

Let’s break this down. During her defense of Senate President Akpabio, Ita-Giwa confidently stated, “By the time you contest elections and get to the Senate, you have passed that stage of your life of being sexually harassed.” Now, this statement has drawn criticism from many quarters, with Betty Akeredolu being one of the loudest voices speaking out against it. The former first lady took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disbelief and share a powerful video that counters Ita-Giwa's claim.

The Meta Connection: Sara Wynn-Williams' Story

In her post, Betty Akeredolu highlighted the case of Sara Wynn-Williams, a former employee at Meta (formerly Facebook). Wynn-Williams made headlines when she accused the tech giant of workplace misconduct, including allegations of sexual harassment. Her story is a stark reminder that harassment knows no boundaries, whether it's in the halls of Silicon Valley or the chambers of the Nigerian Senate. Akeredolu pointedly asked, “Where is Florence Ita-Giwa? She needs to watch this video. She’s claiming that women senators can’t be sexually harassed. Are you serious, madam former senator?”

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Akeredolu's Message: Harassment Happens Everywhere

Betty Akeredolu didn’t stop there. She went on to emphasize that sexual harassment isn’t limited to any specific profession or position. Her message was clear: just because a woman becomes a senator doesn’t mean she’s suddenly immune to harassment. She stated, “That for the mere fact of contesting and winning the election to become a senator, she is almost like a man. Are you serious now, madam former senator? Fellow Nigerians, this video has exposed the flawed logic of Florence Ita-Giwa’s assumptions. Women at the top can and do experience sexual harassment—BIG TIME!”

Meta's Drama: Careless People and the Truth

Akeredolu also referenced Sara Wynn-Williams’ best-selling memoir, “Careless People,” which dives deep into the culture of Meta and sheds light on the retaliation she faced after making her allegations. The book has caused a stir, with Meta reportedly trying to suppress its promotion. Akeredolu drew a parallel between the corporate world and the Nigerian Senate, reminding everyone that harassment can happen in both low and high places. She concluded by saying, “The lesson here is that sexual harassment happens everywhere, and the Nigerian Senate is no exception.”

In a world where power dynamics often blur the lines of respect and dignity, Betty Akeredolu’s words serve as a wake-up call. Her message is simple yet powerful: no matter your position, no one is above accountability. As the conversation continues, it’s crucial for all institutions to take a hard look at their practices and ensure that they provide a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved.