Vanguard for Transparency, a non-governmental organisation, has condemned misinforming reports in a section of the media which alleged that Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee fled the United States of America over an alleged professional misconduct.
A statement on Thursday by the National Coordinator of the group, Isaac Omogboghen, said the reports against Senator Imasuen exemplifies how narratives can be framed in ways that may not fully reflect the context of a matter.
The statement said that the report is driven by sensationalism rather than substance, as it added that “it is unsurprising to witness yet another calculated media attack on a public figure.”
Omogboghen pointed out that contrary to the reports, “the matter in question arose due to the mishandling and disposal of closed legal files by a third party who had access to his former law office.”
He disclosed that the “issue was not about financial misconduct but rather a failure to properly handle old legal documents—an administrative lapse that, while unfortunate, does not amount to fraud or corruption.”
The Head, Vanguard for Transparency, expressed worry at the timing of the reports, pointing out that they raise serious questions about the motivations behind them.
He further added that the reports seek to revive a decade-old legal matter from a foreign jurisdiction and juxtapose it against his current leadership role in Nigeria. However, such attempts fail to acknowledge a critical reality: This issue was never about fraud nor about being barred from entering the United States.
The statement reads in part, “The Nigerian Senate’s Ethics Committee, under Senator Imasuen’s leadership, has been at the forefront of reinforcing legislative discipline, ensuring accountability, and maintaining the integrity of parliamentary processes.
“His role requires impartiality and decisiveness—qualities he has consistently demonstrated. However, his firm stance on ethical governance has now made him a target for those who wish to discredit him through selective scrutiny.
“The controversy conveniently emerged shortly after the Ethics Committee recommended disciplinary action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Regardless of differing opinions on that decision, the attempt to draw links between an unrelated past event and his leadership in Nigeria raises concerns about whether the intention is to foster a genuine debate on ethics or to weaken his position through negative press coverage.
“If a foreign disbarment from over a decade ago is now being considered grounds for questioning his leadership, then one must also consider the many global and national figures who have encountered legal or professional hurdles yet went on to make significant contributions to governance.
The selective attention being paid to this issue suggests that it is being amplified for reasons beyond a neutral concern for ethics.”
The group further criticised a video aired by Arise TV which attempted to depict a road in Senator Imasuen’s constituency as dilapidated and impassable.
“We gather that the video was shot by a skit maker. And was obtained and used by Arise TV without verification,” Omogboghen explained.
According to him, “While journalism plays an essential role in holding leaders accountable, fairness and balance are the hallmarks of credible reporting.
“Unfortunately, in this instance, Arise TV aired the skit without first reaching out to Senator Imasuen for clarification or response. This is a departure from the professional standards that guide balanced journalism, where all sides of a story are considered before conclusions are drawn.
While the media remains a key pillar of democracy, it is also important that due diligence is exercised when presenting narratives that could impact reputations and public perception.”
This is as he called on the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and other regulatory bodies to engage media organizations on the importance of ensuring accuracy and balance in reporting to avoid the unintended consequence of misrepresentation.
“That said, it is important to highlight that even if a road near his residence were in poor condition, this does not negate his commitment to infrastructure development.
“A more holistic view of his track record in road construction and rehabilitation across his district provides a more accurate reflection of his service. Rather than isolating a single location for scrutiny, a broader assessment of his infrastructural contributions would provide a fairer evaluation of his efforts.
“These examples demonstrate that professional or legal challenges, whether in foreign or local jurisdictions, do not define a leader’s ability to serve effectively.
“What matters most is how a leader rises beyond past obstacles, contributes to governance, and remains accountable to the people.
“Senator Neda Imasuen’s past legal issues, which have no relevance under Nigerian law, should not be weaponized to undermine his leadership. Instead, his tenure should be assessed based on his performance, policies, and commitment to ethical governance—just as history has judged many before him.
“The recent media reports should prompt Nigerians to ask: Who benefits from this controversy? Why now? And why only Senator Imasuen? The answers to these questions would shed light on whether this discussion is truly about governance or something else entirely.
“History has shown that great leaders often encounter adversity. What defines them is not the controversies they face but how they rise above them and continue to serve. If global figures like Churchill, Mandela, Trump, and Tinubu—leaders who faced legal, professional, or political challenges—were given the space to prove their leadership through service, then surely, Senator Neda Imasuen deserves the same fair assessment.
“His commitment to public service, legislative discipline, and ethical governance speaks louder than any single controversy. The Nigerian people should judge him not by isolated narratives but by his tangible contributions to national progress.
As for the media, its role in shaping public discourse is undeniably important. However, balance and fairness remain essential pillars of credibility. It is hoped that future reporting on Senator Imasuen, or any public figure, will uphold these values to ensure that the public is not only informed but also empowered with full and accurate information,” he stressed.
