Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, says she regrets the comment attributed to her in a viral video about the sexual harassment crisis at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) in Cross River.
The proclamation follows recent public conversations and comments by concerned Nigerians regarding the unfolding crisis at the university, which involves Prof. Cyril Ndifon, Dean of the Faculty of Law, and sexual harassment claims leveled against him.
Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized her commitment to justice, defending and improving the rights and welfare of Nigerian women, especially the pursuit of justice whenever their rights were abused, in a statement delivered to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
She emphasized her steadfast commitment to preserving due diligence and the rule of law, acknowledging that justice and fairness were basic foundations on which egalitarian societies were created.
“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,” she said.
It should be noted that the minister was clear in her condemnation of sexual harassment and associated offenses during a recent visit on AIT.
She also voiced profound worry about the growing number of incidences of sexual harassment on college campuses and emphasized the importance of swift action, saying that her ministry would actively seek justice for those impacted.