PROTEST ROCKS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AS CIVIL SERVANTS CLASH WITH MINISTER IMAAN SULAIMAN-IBRAHIM

A dramatic protest unfolded at the National Assembly in Abuja on Friday, September 12, 2025, as scores of demonstrators marched to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The protesters, comprising human rights activists, civil society organisations and concerned citizens, condemned the actions of staff at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs who had locked out Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim on September 10.

The ministry workers had blocked gates, chanting solidarity songs and demanding Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s removal, citing alleged neglect and poor welfare conditions. Emmanuel Lawal, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Centre for Accountability and Public Engagement, described the workers’ action as “an affront to constituted authority”. Lawal alleged the protest was politically motivated, stating, “We are not unaware of sinister plots both from her Nasarawa home state and at the centre, where she serves as a minister”.

Lawal highlighted Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s achievements as Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and Minister of State for Police Affairs, saying her record was being undermined. He called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning attempts to “castigate and tarnish” her reputation were unacceptable.

The protest reflects growing tensions between civil servants and political appointees under Tinubu’s administration, amid pressure over welfare demands and government accountability. Workers cited issues like unpaid allowances, lack of working tools and excessive aides for the minister, with some alleging over 25 special assistants.