Nigeria’s judiciary on trial: Ezekwesili slams govt over intimidation of Senator Natasha

DDM News

Prominent Nigerian public policy advocate and former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, has raised serious concerns over the current state of Nigeria’s judiciary.

She warned that the judiciary, once held in high esteem, now faces a dangerous crisis of public confidence.

Her remarks were directed at the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Supreme Court Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

In a statement shared on social media, Ezekwesili questioned the silence of the judiciary amid what she described as coordinated intimidation against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

She called out the Executive arm of the Nigerian government for allegedly abusing state power to shield influential figures from accountability.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the controversy began after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.

Instead of investigating her claims, Ezekwesili alleged that the government filed a criminal defamation case against the senator.

According to Ezekwesili, this legal move is not only an attempt to silence Akpoti-Uduaghan but also a direct attack on the right of citizens to seek justice.

She said the action taken by the Executive and Legislative branches amounts to collusion against a woman who has demanded a fair hearing.

Ezekwesili stated that it is both shameful and alarming that instead of protecting the vulnerable, the government is choosing to punish a whistleblower.

She condemned the defamation charge, saying it was filed in favor of those accused of harassment and threats.

The former minister described the situation as a continuation of a pattern of intimidation Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has faced since she made her allegations.

Ezekwesili argued that this is not just about one senator but about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

She asked whether the judiciary would rise to defend the oppressed or allow itself to be used as a political weapon.

The activist reminded the NJC and Justice Kekere-Ekun that the country is watching to see where justice will stand.

She emphasized that the independence of the judiciary is a non-negotiable pillar of democracy.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political journey has not been without hurdles.

She won her seat in the Nigerian Senate after a tough legal battle that saw multiple attempts to invalidate her victory.

The Court of Appeal ultimately affirmed her election as the representative of Kogi Central.

Her current confrontation with the Senate President adds another layer to her turbulent political career.

Ezekwesili’s intervention highlights growing fears that justice in Nigeria may be compromised by political interests.

Observers say her warning should not be dismissed, as it reflects broader anxieties within civil society.

There are calls for the judiciary to assert its independence now more than ever.

The defamation charge has triggered widespread outrage among activists and gender rights groups.

Many argue that the government’s action will discourage victims of abuse from speaking out.

The unfolding events have brought renewed attention to the tension between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches in Nigeria.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how future whistleblowers are treated in the country.

It also raises fundamental questions about the limits of free speech and the right to petition public officials.

Ezekwesili concluded her statement by urging the judiciary to choose integrity over complicity.

Her message was clear: the soul of Nigeria’s democracy is on the line.

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