ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has strongly condemned the criminal charges brought against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the federal government, describing it as an abuse of state power. The organization, through its Country Director, Mr. Andrew Maedu, expressed alarm over the government's decision to file criminal defamation charges against a sitting senator based on public allegations concerning her personal safety and political interference.

Maedu stated that it is a gross misuse of state power for the federal government to expend financial and institutional resources on criminally prosecuting a citizen who has made serious allegations against prominent political figures already embroiled in controversy. He argued that instead of investigating the claims and ensuring justice, the government is choosing to silence dissent, raising concerns about its priorities, especially given the economic hardship, insecurity, and shrinking civic space in Nigeria.

ActionAid Nigeria criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's silence on the matter, deeming it an abdication of moral and constitutional responsibility. The organization further highlighted the concerning use of criminal defamation laws, which are increasingly discredited globally and challenged within Nigeria, to shield powerful individuals from scrutiny. This, they argue, marks a dangerous regression for Nigeria's democracy.

The statement emphasized the particularly disturbing nature of the case, as it undermines years of advocacy for women's representation in politics. AAN pointed out the contradiction of singling out a female lawmaker for criminal prosecution while figures like Yahaya Bello, who faces serious allegations of criminal breach of trust and money laundering, are positioned as key witnesses in the government's case. This, according to AAN, undermines the credibility of both the federal government and the EFCC, exposing a selective approach to justice that erodes public trust.

ActionAid Nigeria insisted that the federal government should not be involved in what it considers a matter for civil redress. If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's claims are deemed defamatory, Yahaya Bello and Senate President Akpabio should pursue legal action in their individual capacities. The organization views the government's interference as a dangerous misuse of state power to protect political interests rather than uphold justice.

In conclusion, ActionAid Nigeria demanded an immediate halt to the criminal defamation proceedings against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, an independent and transparent investigation into her public allegations, and a public statement from President Tinubu reaffirming the government's commitment to democratic accountability and the protection of dissenting voices. It called on the media and independent voices within the judiciary to resist what it perceives as an abuse of power.