The ex-Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili’s call on President Bola Tinubu’s Government to stop what she described as “atrocious injustice” of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has elicited blistering remarks and attacks from some persons and groups.
In a statement shared on her verified X handle on Tuesday, Mrs Ezekwesili stated ‘‘The incredulous arraignment of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan before the FCT High Court by the Federal Government for ‘criminal defamation’ of those she accused of sexual harassment and threat to her life has made the society a laughing stock in other countries.’’
Reacting to the message, Dr. Sandra C. Duru, a renowned reform advocate and public policy strategist wrote ‘[‘The unfolding legal and political saga surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has continued to provoke strong reactions, as leading civic voices and public affairs commentators demand that the embattled Kogi Central lawmaker face justice rather than incite public emotion with sensationalist narratives.
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In a statement on her social media pages, Duru accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of orchestrating a deceitful public relations campaign to avoid submitting evidence before a competent court of law.
In a strongly worded rebuttal, Duru made it clear that she does not operate “on the same academic, intellectual, spiritual, or moral wavelength” as those she described as media charlatans and misinformed activists rallying behind Natasha. She accused Ezekwesili and others of trying to emotionally blackmail the public and derail judicial due process.
“Tell Natasha to bring her evidence. Period,” Duru said. “I do not bark back at noise; I cage it with dignity, strategy, and law. I do not operate in the mud of propaganda.”
She continued, “What we’re witnessing here is not courage. It is media cosplay and attention-seeking dressed in the borrowed robes of advocacy. It’s time to separate justice from drama.”
“No Background in Governance, No Business in the Senate”.
Duru queried the legitimacy of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political rise, describing her as “a product of seduction, sensationalism, and social manipulation,” with no formal background in public administration or legislative affairs.
“The Senate is a place for institutional wisdom. Natasha entered the chamber with noise, but no knowledge. She has weaponized seduction and emotional blackmail into a political career — from seduction to erection to destruction.”
Turning her attention to Dr. Ezekwesili, Duru accused the former minister of trying to hijack a legal matter for personal ends, warning that such behavior fuels public distrust in institutions.
“Oby Ezekwesili should be quiet and allow Natasha to present her evidence — which she obviously doesn’t have. What we’re witnessing is an attempt to shield someone from justice by framing her as a victim instead of letting the facts speak in court,” Duru added.
She warned that no amount of hashtags, protest letters, or emotional posturing can substitute for hard evidence before the law.
“If you allege sexual harassment, human organ harvesting, and threat to life — you must prove it. Not cry wolf on TV and then disappear when called to court.”
Duru concluded her statement with a resounding affirmation that she is ready to present her own verifiable evidence against the Senator in due course.
This episode marks a turning point in public perception of the Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan saga. What began months ago as an emotional plea for justice has increasingly come to be seen — in the absence of evidence and the presence of numerous unsubstantiated allegations, courtroom absences — as a calculated attempt to weaponize sympathy and derail accountability.
For many Nigerians, this is now a defining moment — not just for one senator, but for the credibility of Nigeria’s judicial system and the principle that no individual, regardless of gender or office, is above the law. Justice must be done — not through hashtags, but in court.
In a similar development, the Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has launched a blistering attack on former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, for what it describes as her “shameless and irresponsible” defense of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Musa, NEYGA condemned Ezekwesili’s interference as not only misguided but dangerously enabling a culture of baseless accusations in Nigeria’s political landscape.
NEYGA’s statement comes in the wake of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate, following her public allegations against several high-ranking officials, which she has failed to substantiate.
The group emphasized that such behavior undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s political system and sets a dangerous precedent for accountability.
“A Senator Who Peddles Lies Must Face the Consequences”
NEYGA minced no words in slamming Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct, accusing her of recklessly hurling allegations without a shred of credible evidence.
“She cannot wake up one day, point fingers at high-ranking officials, and expect to walk away unscathed when challenged to prove her claims,” Dan-Musa declared.
The group emphasized the sacred legal doctrine: “He who alleges must prove”—a cornerstone of justice that Akpoti-Uduaghan has blatantly disregarded.
“If she is so confident in her wild accusations, why hasn’t she stepped into a courtroom to present her evidence?” NEYGA demanded.
“The burden of proof is on her, not on those she has defamed. Nigeria’s legal system will not be manipulated by cheap theatrics.”
The group further criticized Ezekwesili for defending Akpoti-Uduaghan, suggesting that her actions reveal a troubling hypocrisy, particularly given her previous advocacy for accountability and transparency in governance.
Contrary to the narrative being pushed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sympathizers, NEYGA clarified that the Senate President acted within the bounds of the law by filing a petition through the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
“Instead of resorting to jungle justice, he chose the path of due process—a decision that should be commended, not condemned,” Dan-Musa stated.
“Those crying foul today are the same people who would scream ‘cover-up’ if he had remained silent.”
In this context, NEYGA underscored the importance of adhering to legal protocols, arguing that the rule of law must prevail over emotional outbursts and public sentiment. They called for a collective commitment to uphold justice, irrespective of personal affiliations or political loyalties.
NEYGA highlighted that the world is watching as Nigeria’s institutions handle this high-stakes case.
“From the United Nations to Fox News, the international community is observing whether Nigeria will tolerate unsubstantiated defamation or uphold the rule of law,” Dan-Musa said.
He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of dragging Nigeria’s name through the mud by airing her unproven allegations on global platforms.
“She has not only put her own credibility on the line but also jeopardized Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage,” Dan-Musa continued.
“This is not just about one senator; it’s about the integrity of our nation. The reckless behavior of individuals like Akpoti-Uduaghan can have far-reaching implications, and we must not allow such actions to go unchecked.”
“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s days of playing the victim are over. If she cannot substantiate her allegations, she will soon find herself abandoned—even by those pretending to stand with her today.”
NEYGA vowed to ensure that Nigeria’s legal and political systems hold Akpoti-Uduaghan accountable, sending a clear signal that no one is above the law—not even a senator with a penchant for drama.
“The court will decide her fate. Let her prove her case or face the music. The time for empty accusations is over; the time for accountability is now.”
