“It’s Regrettable That We Have A Senator Like Ireti Kingibe. It’s Disheartening That She Bears My Name,” – Ireti Bakare

Ireti Bakare, the illustrious founder of the Purple Women Foundation, has fervently criticized Senator Ireti Kingibe for allegedly undermining Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s valiant struggle against gender bias in Nigerian politics.

In a recent discourse on Arise TV, Bakare articulated her profound disappointment regarding the paucity of female representation within Nigeria’s legislative chambers. She lamented that despite four women occupying seats in the Senate, their presence remains largely unnoticed. “It is not merely about occupying seats; it is about making a significant impact,” she remarked. Bakare expressed her dismay over Senator Kingibe’s performance, stating, “It is regrettable that someone like Senator Ireti Kingibe, who even shares my name, lacks clarity in her discourse and fails to comprehend the importance of visibility as a woman in politics.”

She underscored the stark contrast between Kingibe and Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has surmounted numerous hurdles throughout her political journey. “Senator Natasha endured over a decade of relentless struggles, including public attacks and political intimidation in Kogi State. The former governor, Yahaya Bello, even went so far as to have roads leading to her constituency destroyed. Her life was perpetually at risk, yet she steadfastly refused to capitulate,” Bakare noted.

Lauding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resilience, Bakare extolled her unwavering determination. “She remained focused, never wavered, and battled against all odds until she secured her rightful position.”

Bakare also took exception to what she perceived as Kingibe’s dismissive tone. “It is disheartening that someone like Senator Kingibe, who only recently secured her seat, fails to appreciate the sacrifices made by her fellow female senator.”

Furthermore, she condemned Kingibe’s remarks during her recent address to Akpoti-Uduaghan. “What is even more troubling is the condescending manner in which she spoke. She repeatedly referred to Senator Natasha as ‘my daughter.’ That is inappropriate—Senator Natasha is not her child; she is her colleague. Both are elected representatives and should be addressed as such,” Bakare asserted.

Hear her speak: “The only four women that you have in the Senate, we don’t see them. It’s not just a case of seats, it’s about visibility. And it’s unfortunate that we have a Senator such as Ireti Kingibe, it’s sad she bears my name. Not only was she incoherent yesterday but she doesn’t understand the critical importance of being seen as a woman.”