Abuja Nigeria– Human rights lawyer and activist, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, has criticised the ongoing political feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a needless distraction from the severe economic challenges facing Nigerians.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Adeyanju accused the Senate of prioritising personal conflicts over urgent national issues. He pointed out that key lawmakers, including Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan, have remained silent on crucial debates concerning policies that have worsened the cost-of-living crisis.
According to him, both senators supported the Tinubu administration’s controversial policies without offering substantial opposition. He also condemned the broader Senate for failing to resist policies that negatively impact ordinary citizens, noting that even opposition parties have been ineffective in holding the government accountable.
Adeyanju referenced the recent suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate Ethics Committee, arguing that internal disputes have overshadowed more pressing concerns.
“The ongoing feud is a distraction,” he stated. “While Nigerians struggle with skyrocketing electricity tariffs, increased taxes, and the removal of fuel subsidies, the Senate is busy with personal grievances instead of addressing these urgent issues.”
He criticised lawmakers for their silence when electricity tariffs were raised by over 300% and fuel subsidies were removed, leaving Nigerians to bear the economic burden without any resistance from their representatives.
“The Senate’s focus on personal conflicts diverts attention from critical matters, such as the tax reform bill and the economic hardships faced by businesses and citizens,” Adeyanju added. “At a time when Nigerians desperately need leadership, such negligence is unacceptable.”
The activist also questioned why senators failed to speak up during discussions on policies that have deepened inflation and reduced citizens’ purchasing power. He called for transparency and accountability, urging Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide credible evidence if she has genuine allegations of harassment.
“If she has been wronged, she must present evidence. But we must not lose sight of the bigger picture—Nigerians are suffering, and the Senate should be focused on addressing their needs,” he stressed.
Beyond the economic crisis, Adeyanju pointed 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 far more attention than political infighting.
“There are far more urgent issues, like the case of a young man facing execution. These are the issues that should be at the forefront of national discourse,” he said.
Adeyanju also took aim at the government’s taxation policies, warning that increasing taxes on struggling businesses would further damage the economy. Instead, he called for tax breaks to support enterprises and drive economic growth.
“Taxation alone won’t solve our economic problems,” he asserted. “The government should be giving businesses tax relief, not burdening them with more financial constraints.”
