Human rights activist and political commentator Aisha Yesufu has strongly condemned what she calls a misuse of judicial time and public resources, following today’s hearing in the high-profile case between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking after the court session at the Federal High Court, Yesufu described the ongoing legal drama as “a tool of oppression being disguised as justice,” adding that the Nigerian judiciary must resist being dragged into political vendettas.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a lawsuit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over alleged defamatory and damaging statements made against her during a Senate plenary in March 2024.
Akpabio reportedly accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of links to terrorism and violence in Kogi Central, referencing events from the 2023 election period. Akpoti-Uduaghan denied all allegations and described Akpabio’s comments as “false, malicious, and an attack on her integrity.”
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The lawsuit seeks a retraction, an apology, and substantial damages for reputational harm. The case has drawn national attention, with many Nigerians viewing it as a test of whether the Senate leadership can be held accountable under the law.
Aisha Yesufu, never one to mince words, called on the judiciary to “wake up and stop allowing itself to be used as a playground for political fights.” She questioned the wisdom of courts prioritizing cases she believes are rooted more in ego and political rivalry than genuine public interest.
“This is a clear example of political intimidation being masked as legal action,” she said.
“Two politicians have a personal issue, and suddenly, it becomes a national courtroom drama? Meanwhile, the masses are crying out for justice they may never get.”
She acknowledged that the court acted fairly by allowing the matter to proceed under normal legal process but maintained that Nigeria has far more pressing issues to address.
“People are dying, children are out of school, and hunger is ravaging communities. But here we are, in court, over comments made by one senator to another. What exactly are we doing with our time as a nation?”
Yesufu concluded by calling on the federal government and judiciary to focus on issues of national importance and resist being used by politicians to settle personal scores.
“It’s time for the courts to protect the real victims in society—everyday Nigerians, not powerful elites with bruised egos. Let justice serve the people, not political ambition,” she said.
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