“Nigeria Has Become a Global Laughing Stock” — Ezekwesili Slams Tinubu Government Over Senator Natasha’s Trial

Former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has strongly criticised the Nigerian government over what she calls the politicised and unjust trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In a public statement posted to her verified X handle on Tuesday, Ezekwesili accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of using state power to persecute Akpoti-Uduaghan, allegedly in defence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Ezekwesili described the charges of criminal defamation brought against the senator as “atrocious” and claimed they have turned Nigeria into a “laughing stock” internationally. She said the charges, which stem from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public allegations of sexual harassment and threats to her life by powerful political figures, represent a dangerous abuse of judicial processes.

The former minister expressed disbelief over the way the legal proceedings were conducted, revealing that one of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers only discovered the existence of the charges while the hearing was already underway on June 16. She also highlighted that a similar case had been filed without notifying the senator, suggesting it was done deliberately and in secret.

According to Ezekwesili, the move by the Federal Government to initiate these proceedings — particularly on a day dedicated to honouring fatherhood — underscores a troubling pattern of state-sanctioned intimidation. “It is atrocious that the Federal Government stealthily filed the same matter again without her knowledge at the Federal High Court,” she said.

Ezekwesili argued that the entire episode is not only unjust but also sets a dangerous precedent. She criticised the state’s decision to involve itself in what she described as “a shameless saga,” where the Senate President is accused of evading an independent investigation into sexual harassment claims.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stands accused of making defamatory statements during a television appearance, where she alleged that Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello were plotting to kill her. These allegations have triggered public outcry, particularly among women’s rights advocates who view the case as an attempt to silence victims and suppress dissent.

Ezekwesili warned that the government’s actions are a direct assault on justice and democracy, calling on Nigerians to resist what she sees as an abuse of power. “Arrest Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan? Unbelievable,” she said. “The government was set to arrest a woman crying for fair hearing, justice, and safety.”

Declaring solidarity with the embattled senator, Ezekwesili concluded her statement by saying: “Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will not walk alone. This saga is now #BeyondSenatorNatasha. The criminal cases filed against her should now be considered as the Federal Government of Nigeria led by Tinubu versus the Nigerian people. Bring it on.”