Kingibe: Nigerian Politics Remains Hostile to Women

Ireti Kingibe, a senator from the Federal Capital Territory, expressed concerns regarding the oppressive nature of Nigerian society towards women, particularly in politics. During discussions about the Senate's decision to reduce special seats for women from 12 to 6, she argued that this change does not fundamentally address the issue of women's representation.

Kingibe pointed out that the Senate remains predominantly male-dominated and that the reduction of special seats does not solve the underlying problem of gender imbalance. She noted that women often face hostility in political discussions and that their voices are frequently suppressed.

Kingibe criticized the cultural and religious attitudes in Nigeria that hinder women's participation in politics, comparing the situation unfavorably to other Muslim-majority countries. She emphasized the need for legislative changes to ensure gender inclusivity and warned that without significant reforms, the political landscape will remain unchanged.