Gender Harassment: Deputy Senate President’s Aide, Harasses HoR Member

An aide to the Deputy Senate President, Jide Babalola has been detained by men of the Nigeria Police Force for harassing a House of Representatives member, Hon. Tolu Akande-Sadipe at the premises of the National Assembly, Abuja today.

This followed an eyewitness’ account of what transpired between the Deputy Senate President’s aide and the lawmaker in an elevator.

The eyewitness testified that Jide Babalola made advances towards the House of Representatives member, who politely cautioned him not to bump into her in the legislative house’s elevator.

An eyewitness said Mr Jide Babalola, who is fond of harassing people at the National Assembly’s premises because of his portfolio, came into the elevator while Hon. Tolulope Akande Sadipe was in the Elevator.
All she said was, “Please don’t step back because you would bump into me”.

“Reacting rudely, Mr. Jide who felt he is superior to a woman and could intimidate a woman rather than replying politely or adjusting his pose, responded in a demeaning manner.

He said demeaning words like “why would you talk to me like that”; “do you know who I am” using provocative insults, and laying claims to being 55 years old and as such could do whatever he wishes to her.

Reacting, the House of Rep member, who also Chairs Committee on Diaspora Affairs, described the incident as unfortunate.

She noted that, as a Representative in Abuja, she had never been this embarrassed before, as Mr. Babalola made a scene from what should have been mutually ironed out by two matured minds.

“We need to speak up against the discrimination of women and harassment women face in Nigeria”, she said.