Political Impunity and Public Fund Abuse in Nigeria

A shocking legal offensive was launched by the federal Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who filed a criminal suit before the Federal High Court against Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The senator was accused by Fagbemi of making false allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

In a brazen move, Fagbemi demanded that Akpoti-Uduaghan be criminally convicted, using the name and resources of all Nigerians.

What has ignited outrage is that no consultation was made with the public before the nation’s chief law officer decided to squander national patrimony to pay lawyers defending Akpabio and Bello.

Akpabio, a former governor enjoying a hefty pension from Akwa Ibom State, has been endowed with more than enough personal wealth to hire top-tier lawyers to pursue his own legal battles.

Meanwhile, Bello, still wielding unchecked influence over Kogi State through a handpicked successor, should be equally capable of defending himself without draining public coffers.

The injuries allegedly suffered by Akpabio and Bello from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims have been weaponized by Fagbemi to justify this outrageous misuse of public funds.

Nigerians are insulted as their identities and resources are exploited to bolster the reputations of these two political figures.

This scandalous act reeks of privilege and entitlement, exposing a grotesque abuse of power.

Akpabio’s derision of Nigerians during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024 was a cruel mockery, dismissed by Amnesty International as reckless and insensitive.

While Nigerians endured what the BBC labeled the “worst economic crisis in a generation,” Akpabio feasted and sneered, showing contempt for the suffering masses.

His political ascent abruptly withdrawing from presidential primaries only to become Senate President through judicial manipulation and political godfathers reveals a man who owes nothing to the people he scorns.

Similarly, Yahaya Bello’s tenure as Kogi governor was marked by neglect and self-indulgence, prioritizing proximity to power at Aso Rock over his responsibilities to his state.

Despite multiple anti-corruption investigations, he remains untouchable, his immunity effectively shielded by political machinations.

His failed attempt to join the National Assembly after the controversial recall of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan only deepened suspicions of a rigged political system.

Fagbemi’s decision to waste public funds defending Akpabio and Bello is a blatant insult to Nigerian democracy.

If these men truly believe Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations are false, they have every right to pursue justice through the Supreme Court at their own expense.

Using national resources to shield them from accountability demeans the collective dignity of Nigerians.

The constitution no longer grants them immunity; they are ordinary citizens who must answer for their actions in court.

Moreover, the personal dimension cannot be ignored: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, married to a Deltan, embodies the respect and protection accorded to women in Delta State.

She has not defamed or insulted her husband’s people; instead, she commands pride and admiration.

The attempt to silence her through a frivolous, publicly funded lawsuit is not only unjust but also deeply offensive to the values of justice and fairness.

The fraudulent use of public money to defend Akpabio and Bello must be condemned.

As a Nigerian and a member of this republic, I vehemently reject this abuse of power and demand accountability.

The national cake should not be consumed by political oddities masquerading as democratic leaders.

This scandal exposes a rotten core at the heart of Nigeria’s governance, demanding urgent redress.