Scores of demonstrators on Friday marched from the National Assembly to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja, protesting against what they described as the harassment of the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The protesters, comprising human rights activists, civil society organisations and concerned citizens, carried placards and banners condemning last Wednesday’s action, insisting that “no civil servant has the right to challenge a minister.”
Their demonstration followed an incident on September 10, when staff of the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs locked out Sulaiman-Ibrahim in protest over prolonged neglect and poor welfare conditions.
The workers, in their hundreds, blocked the gates of the ministry, chanted 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 said she has proven her mettle while working 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, as well as her role as Minister of State (Police Affairs).
He, however, expressed regret that certain persons are being sponsored to rubbish all her achievements.
“We are not unmindful of the grand plot to castigate you, tarnish you before the public and destroy your hard-earned reputation and unblemished record of service.
“We therefore call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene by looking into the issue and calling them to order. No civil servant has the right to challenge a minister. And of course, we know the attack on the minister was politically motivated,” he noted.
The protest underscores a growing tension between civil servants and political appointees, particularly as the Tinubu administration continues to grapple with demands for improved welfare and accountability in ministries and agencies.
