The screening of Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu for the position of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs should have been a dignified assessment of her credentials and preparedness for public office. However, what ensued in the Senate instead was a spectacle of senators lavishing attention on her physical appearance rather than her professional merits. Comments from lawmakers, punctuated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s light-hearted interjections to focus on her resume, reflected a smoking lack of seriousness that discredits the solemnity of the institution.

Senators Victor Umeh and Osita Ngwu, among others, chose to emphasize Bianca’s ravishing beauty, introducing a patronizing layer to what should have been an objective evaluation of her fitness for public service. These remarks, albeit intended in good humour, tended to belittle her accomplishments and underscored a seeming tendency of some members of the hallowed chambers of the Senate to focus on trivialities rather than matters of substance. This kind of conduct undermines the dignity of both the nominee and the Senate itself, reducing a seasoned diplomat and public servant to her physical appearance at the expense of her impressive record.

Senate President Akpabio’s interruptions, urging his colleagues to focus on the nominee’s professional qualifications, highlight the Senate’s awareness of the potential backlash. Yet, his warnings were couched in jest, allowing senators to continue their diversion from the serious purpose of the screening. As public representatives, the senators have a duty to maintain a standard of professionalism that not only upholds the chamber’s integrity but respects the intelligence and aspirations of the Nigerian people. They must remember that the Senate is a “hallowed chamber,” not a stage for casual admiration or a comedy club for jesting at nominees’ expense.

While the senators likely intended these comments as compliments, gender equity advocates would argue that such remarks reinforce sexist narratives and may border on objectification, a behavior that undermines the dignity of professional women, even in the nation’s highest legislative chamber. This behaviour is indicative of a broader issue, that is, the prevalence of gender biases in professional evaluations. These remarks can be seen as a linguistic marker of ingrained biases that reduce professional women to their appearance, regardless of their qualifications. To some, these comments may appear innocuous or even humorous. However, they have a deeper implication. They normalize a culture where women are viewed through a lens of physicality, limiting their roles in public life. When elected officials, individuals tasked with upholding the values of the nation, engage in such banter, it trivializes the serious business of governance and disrespects the professional contributions of accomplished women.

Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu until her eventual ratification as Minister, was a nominee with a track record and qualifications that clearly support her appointment. Commenting on her appearance instead of probing her policies or priorities reflects an old-fashioned, misplaced perspective in which female competence is often overshadowed by superficial remarks. This has no place in today’s Nigeria, particularly in the country’s highest legislative body. This raises a critical question: if any of the male nominees had been particularly handsome, would he have received the same patronizing commentary from the senators? The answer seems clear, highlighting a persistent double standard in how women are viewed in professional spheres, especially in positions of power. Had a male nominee, for instance, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, entered the chamber as “ravishingly handsome,” it is doubtful that his physical appearance would have become a point of focus. Senators likely would have restrained themselves, adhering to norms that dictate respect and professionalism in such settings. This disparity points to a gendered lens through which female professionals are often viewed, reducing them to their physical attributes while male counterparts receive attention solely for their credentials.

In a progressive society, it is vital to address and dismantle these subtle yet pervasive forms of sexism. The Senate is an institution expected to reflect the best of Nigerian ideals and to set standards for professional conduct. Respectful and unbiased treatment of female nominees, devoid of references to appearance, would not only honour their achievements but would also signal the nation’s commitment to gender equality and respect for women’s contributions. Moving forward, the Senate must treat all nominees, regardless of gender, with the respect and seriousness befitting the institution. Senators are elected to debate and address critical national issues, not to indulge in flattery or flirtation that diminishes the quality of discourse. By prioritizing professionalism, they can focus on more pressing matters and foster a culture that respects and values qualifications over appearances. In doing so, the Senate can regain its stature as a chamber worthy of the public’s trust and respect.

If we are to progress as a society, our leaders must hold themselves to higher standards. Female professionals deserve to be acknowledged solely for their achievements, expertise, and contributions to national development. Anything less is not just an affront to those women but a setback for the values of equality and professionalism that Nigeria seeks to uphold. It is high time the Senate championed a culture that recognizes all nominees for their abilities, putting an end to the double standards that degrade public office and hinder progress toward a more equitable nation.

AJUKOMAIKE OMEHEE

Public affairs analyst writes from Enugu