Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the ongoing political clash between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a distraction from the severe economic hardships faced by everyday Nigerians.
In a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, Adeyanju criticized the Senate for focusing on personal disputes instead of addressing urgent national issues.
He pointed out that key senators, including Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, had remained silent during important debates on policies that have worsened the cost-of-living crisis.
According to Adeyanju, both lawmakers backed controversial decisions made by the Tinubu administration without providing meaningful opposition.
The activist further called attention to the Senate’s failure to offer a unified response to policies harming the public, lamenting that even opposition parties have failed to challenge the government.
He also referenced the recent suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate Ethics Committee as an example of how internal conflicts are overshadowing national concerns.
“The feud between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan is a mere distraction,” Adeyanju stated. “While Nigerians are struggling with skyrocketing electricity tariffs, higher taxes, and the removal of fuel subsidies, the Senate is caught up in personal grievances.”
He noted that when electricity tariffs were raised by over 300% and fuel subsidies were removed, both senators chose to remain silent, offering no opposition while Nigerians suffered under these policies.
“The Senate’s preoccupation with personal disputes has diverted attention from critical issues, such as the tax reform bill and the economic challenges faced by businesses and citizens,” Adeyanju said. “This is unacceptable at a time when Nigerians need leadership more than ever.”
Adeyanju also questioned why senators remained quiet during discussions on policies that have aggravated inflation and reduced the purchasing power of Nigerians. He called for transparency and accountability, urging Senator Akpoti-Udughan to provide evidence for her claims of harassment.
“If Senator Akpoti-Udughan believes she has been wronged, she must present proof,” he stated. “However, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture—Nigerians are suffering, and the Senate must prioritize addressing their concerns.”
In addition to the economic crisis, Adeyanju drew attention to other pressing issues, such as the case of Sunday Jackson, a young man in Adamawa facing a death sentence. He argued that such matters deserve more focus than the current political infighting.
“There are more urgent issues at hand, like the case of Sunday Jackson. These are the matters that should dominate our national discourse,” he said.
Adeyanju also criticized the government’s approach to taxation, arguing that increasing taxes on struggling businesses would worsen the economy. He called for tax breaks to support businesses and stimulate economic growth.
“Taxation is not the solution to our economic problems,” Adeyanju said. “The government should be offering tax breaks to businesses, not burdening them with additional taxes.”
