Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has warned that Nigeria is rapidly descending into a “Banana Republic” under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ezekwesili made the remark in a post on her X handle on Thursday, while reacting to the arraignment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is facing a three-count charge of criminal defamation filed by the Federal Government on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Describing the development as a gross abuse of power, Ezekwesili said the case was a calculated attempt to silence a sitting senator who had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and called for an independent investigation.
“In a case of gross abuse of power, the Senate President and his allies have co-opted the Nigerian government to turn the tables on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Ezekwesili wrote.
“She is now being prosecuted for criminal defamation simply for demanding fair hearing and accountability. This is a wicked diversion from the real issue and a warning to citizens that they will be oppressed and silenced if they dare to speak up.”
She criticized the Federal Government’s attempt to have Akpoti-Uduaghan denied bail and remanded in prison, calling it “the height of irony.”
“This is classic tyranny in a Nigeria fast becoming a Banana Republic under President Tinubu and his political cronies,” she said.
Justice Orji, however, rejected the FG’s request and granted the senator bail, which she fulfilled by the end of the court session. Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen leaving the court with her husband to the warm cheers of her supporters.
Ezekwesili praised the senator’s courage and resilience, recalling her defiant statement when the case first emerged: “This injustice shall not be sustained.”
“She’s not backing down,” Ezekwesili said. “Her petition on sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio remains the core issue — and no amount of intimidation or legal theatrics will erase it.”
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