Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim harassment prompts Abuja protesters to condemn ministry staff’s actions and call for President Tinubu’s intervention

Marching from the National Assembly to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the protesters insisted that “no civil servant has the right to challenge a minister.”

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Their demonstration followed an incident on 10 September when ministry staff locked Sulaiman-Ibrahim out of her office in protest over alleged neglect and poor welfare conditions.

Hundreds of workers had blocked the ministry gates, chanted solidarity songs, and called for her removal, prompting the rally in her support.

Speaking at the protest, Emmanuel Lawal, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Centre for Accountability and Public Engagement, described the staff action as an affront to constituted authority.

“We note with regret that some persons have allowed themselves to be used, inciting civil servants, instigating protests and embarrassing the government of Nigeria,” he said.

Lawal highlighted Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s record of public service, citing her achievements 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, and her current role as Minister of State (Police Affairs).

He further urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, asserting that the attack on the minister was politically motivated. “We therefore call on President Tinubu to look into the issue and call them to order. No civil servant has the right to challenge a minister,” Lawal added.

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The Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim Harassment protest underscores ongoing tensions within the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs, with supporters stressing the need to protect ministerial authority and uphold professionalism in public service.