Former Senator Shehu Sani has offered insight into why Senator Ireti Kingibe, one of only four female senators, may have chosen to remain silent on the matter. In a thoughtful Facebook post addressing public criticism of Kingibe’s lack of vocal support for her female colleague, Sani highlighted the complex political situation Kingibe currently faces.
“Some people are attacking Senator Ireti for not standing up to fight in the Senate. She is already being fought at home by the FCT Minister,” Sani explained.
“If she now picks another battle in the Senate, she will be at war both front and back. What will be left of her in that situation?”
Sani urged critics to consider Kingibe’s difficult position, noting, “You have to put yourself in her shoes to understand her predicament. There are moments you have to choose the battles to fight and the ones to defer.”
The former senator further elaborated on the practical political considerations at play, suggesting that while taking a stand might earn Kingibe popularity on social media, it could alienate her constituents.
“If Ireti fights on both sides, she will be loved by social media but her constituents will revolt against her that ‘We didn’t send you to fight, we send you to bring something to us and help us,'” Sani wrote, concluding with the observation that “Politics is intriguing.”
The comments come amid growing criticism from some Nigerians who have expressed disappointment in Senator Kingibe for not publicly defending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as the Senate investigates her allegations against Akpabio.
