Kenny Okulugbo: Strengthening Internal Democracy Will Boost Women’s Representation In the Senate

Consultant, Communications and Strategy at the Office of the Senate President, Kenny Okulugbo, has emphasised that women will secure more political seats in Nigeria’s senate when internal democracy is strengthened within political parties.  

During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Okulugbo highlighted the poor current representation of women in the Nigeria’s senate, stating, “There are only four female senators out of 109. Senator Ireti Kingibe heads the Women Affairs Committee, and all four female senators are members of the ECOWAS parliament.”

He added that internal democracy is crucial for fair representation and observed that “Senator Natasha Akpoti, after struggling to secure a ticket, eventually succeeded by joining the PDP.”

On the recent controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti, Okulugbo described the Senate President’s apology as a “welcome development.”

He explained, “The apology acknowledges that people were uncomfortable with the choice of words used, and Akpabio would not have disparaged Natasha.”

He noted that Akpabio intended to apologise in person but could not due to attending the burial of former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s mother.

“The Senate President said he would have visited Natasha’s house personally if he wasn’t attending the burial,” Okulugbo added.

Regarding the relationship between Ali Ndume and Senate President Akpabio, Okulugbo affirmed, “The relationship between Ndume and Akpabio is cordial. Ndume’s removal as Chief Whip was a decision made by the party, not Akpabio.”

Addressing concerns about the upcoming protest on 1 August, Okulugbo expressed caution about potential violence, stating, “We hope for a peaceful protest but are wary of past events where hoodlums hijacked demonstrations.”

On the matter of the 6.2 trillion naira allocation to the Senate and House of Representatives, Okulugbo explained that the funds were reviewed by the Appropriation Committee after a breakdown by the executive.

Finally, Okulugbo mentioned that Akpabio has not yet decided whether to pursue legal action against the Gist Lover blog.

“The Senate President’s apology was not influenced by the blog’s actions,” he concluded.

NNEOMA UDENSI

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