Protest Erupts at National Assembly as Civil Servants Clash with Minister
Protest Erupts at National Assembly as Civil Servants Clash with Minister
On Friday, a large group of demonstrators marched from the National Assembly to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja to protest what they described as the harassment of the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The protesters, including human rights activists, civil society groups, and concerned citizens, carried placards and banners condemning last Wednesday’s events, insisting that “no civil servant has the right to challenge a minister.”
The protest followed an incident on September 10, when staff of the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs locked out Sulaiman-Ibrahim in objection to prolonged neglect and poor welfare conditions. Hundreds of workers blocked the ministry’s gates, sang solidarity songs, and called for her removal.
Addressing journalists during Friday’s protest, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Centre for Accountability and Public Engagement, Emmanuel Lawal, described the workers’ action as an affront to constituted authority.
He said, “We are not unaware of sinister plots both from her Nasarawa home state and even at the centre where she currently serves as a Minister of the Federal Republic.
“We note with regret that some persons have now allowed themselves to be used, inciting workers, indeed civil servants, instigating protests and causing embarrassment to the government of Nigeria.”
While rallying support for the minister, Lawal highlighted her achievements, noting her distinguished service as Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and her tenure as Minister of State (Police Affairs).
He, however, lamented that certain individuals are being sponsored to undermine her accomplishments.
“We are aware of the orchestrated attempts to discredit you, tarnish your reputation, and erase your unblemished record of service,” he said. “We therefore call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, address the issue, and hold the culprits accountable. No civil servant has the right to challenge a minister, and it is clear that this attack was politically motivated.”
The protest highlights mounting tensions between civil servants and political appointees, particularly as the Tinubu administration faces ongoing demands for improved welfare and accountability across ministries and agencies.
