Some protesters stormed the national assembly on Friday over the alleged harassment of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, minister of women affairs, by staff of her ministry.
The ministry workers had earlier staged a demonstration against the minister, accusing her of neglect, arrogance and poor leadership.
They also reportedly locked Sulaiman-Ibrahim out of her office, alleging that they were denied basic tools, welfare packages, training opportunities and reimbursement for official trips.
THE PROTEST
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Protesters converged around the national assembly before marching to the office of the head of the civil service of the federation, saying the ministry workers have “no right to challenge a minister.”
Speaking with journalists, Emmanuel Lawal, director of public enlightenment at the Centre for Accountability and Public Engagement, who led the protest, said the workers have ulterior motives.
“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,” Lawal said.
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“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.”
“We are not unmindful of the grand plot to castigate you [Sulaiman-Ibrahim], tarnish you before the public, and destroy your hard-earned reputation and unblemished record of service.
“No civil servant has the right to challenge a minister. And of course, we know the attack on the minister was politically motivated.”
Lawal asked President Bola Tinubu to intervene to restore calm in the ministry.
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