CSO condemns Natasha, Ezekwesili over alleged financial inducement

A coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations, the Committee for the Defence of Justice and Equity, has strongly condemned Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili over allegations of financial inducement and malicious falsehoods.

The group made this known in a press release signed by Comrade Peter Nwokolo, National Coordinator.

According to the group, Senator Akpoti Uduaghan has engaged in a “relentless campaign of baseless allegations” that have sparked national controversy. Dr. Sandra Duru, a US-based activist, has accused Akpoti Uduaghan of offering her N200 million to falsely implicate a high-ranking official in organ harvesting.

“Nigerian security agencies must conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into Dr. Sandra Duru’s allegations,” said Comrade Peter Nwokolo.

“The alleged actions of these individuals—offering and accepting financial inducements to propagate falsehoods—represent a profound betrayal of their mandates and legacies.”

The committee demands that Akpoti Uduaghan and Ezekwesili be summoned to provide detailed responses to these allegations and issue public statements clarifying their roles.

They also call for international oversight to ensure transparency and accountability.

Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education and prominent activist, has been accused of accepting N200 million to lend credibility to Akpoti Uduaghan’s accusations and disrupt Senate proceedings. Ezekwesili’s alleged involvement has raised questions about her legacy as a champion of transparency and accountability.

“The spectacle of alleged bribery and malicious falsehoods must end, and those responsible must face the consequences of their actions,” the committee stated.

“Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment, striving for economic and social progress amid global scrutiny.”

The committee further stated that Senator Akpoti Uduaghan’s allegations, which lack credible evidence, have been widely criticized as divisive, transforming a procedural Senate matter into a national embarrassment.

“The people of Kogi Central elected Senator Akpoti Uduaghan to advance their interests through meaningful legislation and representation, not to engage in divisive theatrics that distract from governance,” the committee noted.

Comrade Nwokolo emphasized that the committee cannot overstate the urgency of resolving this controversy to safeguard the nation’s democratic institutions and restore public confidence.

“We call on all Nigerians and the international community to join us in demanding accountability from Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and Dr. Oby Ezekwesili,” he said.

The group’s demands include a thorough investigation by Nigerian security agencies, summoning of Akpoti Uduaghan and Ezekwesili, public clarification, and international oversight. They believe that these measures are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability.