Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the minister for women’s affairs, issued an apology on Sunday for remarks attributed to her in a widely circulated video about the sexual harassment crisis at the University of Calabar, UNICAL, stating she was dedicated to the pursuit of justice.
In addition, she reaffirmed her dedication to defending and advancing the rights and wellbeing of Nigerian women, particularly the pursuit of justice if such rights are infringed upon.
Her response came 24 hours after a coalition of more than 500 gender rights activists sought a public apology and retraction under the auspices of Womanifesto.
These activists were brought together by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, executive director of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre.
Her comments regarding the UNICAL sexual harassment case and their implications for the interests and safety of weak women and children in Nigeria reportedly caused the organisation great alarm.
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In the video, the minister allegedly implied that the students were being controlled and utilised by some individuals in order to remove Ndifon from office so they could take his position.
According to reports, she was shown in a viral video threatening UNICAL students with severe punishment, including imprisonment, if they persisted in bringing a claim of sexual harassment against Prof.
Cyril Ndifon, the suspended dean of the faculty of law. The minister said in the video that while the female students stated they had not been sexually assaulted, they were guilty.
The minister in a statement sent on Sunday in Abuja emphasised her “unwavering dedication to upholding due diligence and the rule of law, recognising that justice and fairness are the fundamental principles upon which equitable societies are built.”
She said, “This declaration comes in response to recent public discussions 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, and sexual harassment allegations levelled against him.
“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 actualise the dream of a country where women’s rights are respected and protected, and where our daughters feel safe in institutions of learning.”
