Oby Ezekwesili, the former Minister of Education, has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi to withdraw the criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
The federal government filed a lawsuit against Akpoti-Uduaghan, alleging that she made defamatory remarks during a live television broadcast. The case, identified as CR/297/25, was initiated on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, with Akpoti-Uduaghan as the sole defendant.
The government claims that the senator made statements that could harm another individual’s reputation, citing Section 391 of the Penal Code, which carries penalties under Section 392.
In a tweet on Saturday, Ezekwesili condemned the charges as an “act of gross irresponsibility, illegality, and irrationality.” She accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to collude with Akpabio to silence the senator for political purposes.
Ezekwesili stated, “Specifically instruct the Attorney General to withdraw those wrongheaded, frivolous, and dangerous criminal charges on June 3. Your government must stop making a mockery of our democracy in the eyes of the world.”
She also urged President Tinubu to direct the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the twelve petitions filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding threats to her life over the past three months. “After due investigations, the police must take appropriate actions impartially,” she added.
Additionally, Ezekwesili called for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s security personnel, which she claims were withdrawn by the Senate President as an act of retaliation and intimidation following the senator’s allegations of sexual harassment.
This ongoing situation highlights the tension surrounding political discourse and the protection of individuals who speak out against alleged misconduct.
