By our reporter
Human rights lawyer and legal counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating a political campaign against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ejiofor alleged that government institutions are being used to target the senator because of her positions on issues such as accountability, governance, and gender representation. He described the situation as a misuse of public power.
He stated that while the country is facing economic challenges, insecurity, and high unemployment, the government appears focused on suppressing one lawmaker. According to him, this raises concerns about priorities and governance.
Senator Natasha recently accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making inappropriate sexual remarks and advances. She submitted a petition to the Senate, which was later dismissed by the Ethics and Privileges Committee due to a technical issue with her signature.
Following the dismissal, Senator Natasha was suspended from the Senate for six months. Her office was sealed, her salary withheld, and her security withdrawn. Critics argue that these actions were retaliatory and politically motivated.
She is also facing criminal defamation charges at a Federal High Court. Observers and legal analysts have questioned the basis of the case and suggested that it may be aimed at discrediting her and silencing dissent.
Ejiofor stated that the case against the senator is part of a broader pattern where opposition voices are confronted with institutional pressure. He also mentioned that gender may play a role in how the senator is being treated by political actors in Kogi State and within the Senate.
He said that using legal or administrative actions to isolate or punish elected officials weakens public trust in democratic processes. He added that such developments may discourage participation in politics, especially among women.
Ejiofor’s position is consistent with calls from groups like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili. These groups have urged President Tinubu and the Attorney General to discontinue the legal action against the senator.
The case continues to draw national attention as questions grow about political fairness, legal overreach, and the treatment of elected officials. Analysts believe the outcome could affect future discourse around gender, political expression, and institutional conduct in Nigeria.
Ejiofor called on Nigerians to follow the developments closely. He said the way this case is handled may influence how future political disagreements are addressed in the country.
