– By Ndidi Anike Val-Okeoma, Esq.
What has happened to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not an isolated incident; it is a reflection of a broader, more insidious reality—the way women undermine one another, particularly within Nigerian society.
The Pull-Her-Down (PHD) Syndrome has remained one of the most potent weapons used by women against their fellow women. Sadly, this destructive cycle is one that the male gender has consistently exploited to diminish, undermine, and disrespect us.
Are we surprised?
If you are, then my surprise is surprised at your surprise!
Evil thrives where it is enabled. And make no mistake—patriarchy is one of those evils. But here’s the harsh truth: women are the greatest enablers of patriarchy!
Yes, you heard me right. Women sustain it, nourish it, and reinforce it—not just in the larger political and social structures but even in our immediate environments, be it within families, workplaces, religious institutions, or small community groups. Everywhere you turn, women are at war with their fellow women, making the job of oppressors all too easy. We have become masters of internalized misogyny, unwittingly strengthening the very chains that bind us.
Are we still surprised?
If you are, I urge you to wake up from your dream and face reality. This is not an abstract theory—it is happening before our very eyes.
Did we not hear what the First Lady of Nigeria had to say on this matter? If that is the stance of the supposed “Mother of the Nation,” should we then expect better from the President himself? Chineke Nna ekwekwala ihe ojo!!! (God forbid bad things!)
Let us be clear: the biggest culprits in this betrayal are not the Senate President nor the male senators. The biggest culprits are WOMEN!
As a female politician, I can tell you without hesitation that the most resistance, the most vicious attacks, and the strongest opposition I faced during my campaigns came from my fellow women. Not the men—WOMEN!
We are not ready yet. When we are, we will begin by genuinely supporting one another rather than paying lip service to feminism and equality. We will show love and solidarity through actions, not just words. We will walk the talk.
Our people say, “A na-eshi n’ulo mara mma puta na ama” (Charity begins at home).
Before you rush to condemn those female senators for what they did to Natasha, pause and ask yourself: Are they doing anything different from what you have done or are doing to your own female colleagues, subordinates, or friends? Are you truly any better than them?
Enough with the hypocrisy!
Suddenly, everyone is shouting about discrimination and injustice, even those who habitually spread gossip, tell lies, and sabotage their fellow women just to gain favor from men. Now, they are playing the victim? Odiegwu!
But let’s be honest—it is not yet Uhuru (freedom). The drums of betrayal and self-sabotage are still beating, and as a society, we are all about to dance the macabre dance in the village square. This is just the beginning. More is coming. Mark my words.
The only remedy? “LET THE GOSPEL BEGIN IN JERUSALEM!”
We must cleanse our own house before seeking justice elsewhere. Until we do, we will remain trapped in the cycle of self-inflicted oppression.
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