By Joyce Babayeju
The Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, has reaffirmed her commitment to safeguarding and advancing the rights and welfare of Nigerian women, including the pursuit of justice when these rights are violated.
The Honourable Minister who stated this recently in a chat with senior journalists in her office emphasize her unwavering dedication to upholding due diligence and the rule of law, noting that justice and fairness are the fundamental principles upon which equitable societies are built.
She was speaking against the background
and reactions by concerned Nigerians regarding the unfolding situation at the University of Calabar, involving the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof Cyril Ndifon, who is facing allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him by students of the institution.
She recalled her recent interview with a with a broadcast station noting that her intervention was borne out of concern and sincerity : “I wish to express my sincere apologies to those who were offended by my comments and actions regarding the sexual harassment scandal at the University of Calabar. This is extremely regrettable as my intentions were sincere and aligned with my consistent advocacy for the welfare of Nigerian women and the pursuit of justice. I stand for all Nigerian women and I stand for justice; and it is my hope that we can work together to actualize the dream of a country where women’s rights are respected and protected, and where our daughters feel safe in our institutions of learning.”
It would be recalled that during a recent appearance on AIT, the Honourable Minister was unequivocal in her condemnation of sexual harassment and related offences. She also expressed deep concern over the escalating cases of sexual harassment across campuses and emphasized the need for decisive action, assuring that her Ministry would actively seek justice for victims of sexual harassment.
