The Southern Women Empowerment Forum (SWEF), under the leadership of Dr. Helen Taiwo Adebakin, has thrown its full support behind Senator Natasha Akpoti following her recent altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
SWEF praised Akpoti’s courage in standing her ground despite attempts to silence her, emphasizing that her bold statement—“I am not afraid of you”—resonates with women across Nigeria who demand equal representation and respect in governance. The forum decried any attempt to suppress women in politics, stressing that legislative chambers should be spaces for free expression, not intimidation.
SWEF called on Nigeria’s political leaders to ensure that women’s voices are not just heard but valued. The forum urged the Senate leadership to promote inclusivity and decorum in addressing dissenting voices, warning that suppressing female legislators
undermines democracy and sets a
dangerous precedent.
Reaffirming its commitment to women’s empowerment, SWEF vowed to continue advocating for gender equity in leadership and governance, insisting that women must be active participants in shaping Nigeria’s future.
