“You’re Oppressing Your Own People” — Aisha Yesufu Blasts Police Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Incident
Human rights advocate and #BringBackOurGirls co-founder, Aisha Yesufu, didn’t mince words when she confronted officers of the Nigerian Police Force outside the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The activist, who joined suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in her bid to re-enter the National Assembly after her controversial six-month suspension, called out the police for blocking both citizens and lawmakers from accessing the complex.
Clearly frustrated, Yesufu labeled the officers as “shameless tools of oppression,” challenging them on their role in stifling civic rights.
“You’re standing here stopping Nigerians from entering their own National Assembly,” she said during the standoff. “Tomorrow, when you retire, you’ll be the ones begging these same people to fight for your rights.”
She continued, “Is this what you want for your children? To grow up in a country where justice is denied, and the system protects the powerful instead of the people?”
Yesufu also pointed out that none of the officers could say who gave the order to block the entrance. “You’re doing this, and you can’t even say who sent you? Does that not bother you?” she asked.
The protest was sparked by Senator Natasha’s unsuccessful attempt to resume plenary, despite a court ruling declaring her suspension unconstitutional. Supporters, including Yesufu, had gathered to stand with her—but were stopped at the gates.
“This building belongs to all Nigerians,” Yesufu reminded the officers. “We’re not here to break the law, but we won’t be silenced either.”
