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Natasha Alleges Plot By Akpabio, Bello To Kill Her

April 1, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged a plot by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to kill her.

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District alleged that both Akpabio and Bello, have been saddled with the responsibility to orchestrate her murder by any means necessary.

She alleged that the plot to assassinate her is intended to make it appear as though the crime was committed by individuals from her home State.

The Kogi born Lawmaker claimed that the Senate President directed Bello to initiate her recall process, following a failed bid to persuade Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who maintained that the Female Senator’s removal was impossible due to her overwhelming popularity among the people.

Akpoti-Uduagan, who made this accusation during a public gathering in her hometown, Okehi, on Tuesday, after defying security restriction imposed by the government, stated that she had evidence to back up her claims.

According to the Senator, she had deliberately chosen to keep this sensitive information private, opting not to disclose it to the public, but had formally notified the relevant law enforcement agencies, in case action was required.

She said: “On the 14th of March at 10:30 pm, mind you, two days before that which is on the 12th, Apkabio had called Governor Ododo on the phone, and said that he should commence my recall but Ododo told him that it is impossible because the masses are with here, this was what ododo said on the 12th

“But he was not satisfied. He then called Yahaya Bello, and it was Senator Asuquo that drove Yahaya from Hilton hotel. When I got to know, the meeting was in two folds, he told him to commence my recall and that he was going to fund it, of course money changed hands that night”

“The second thing was that to try and kill me. I didn’t make this public but i wrote to the IG of Police and Akpabio told Yahaya that he should make sure that killing me does not happen at Abuja, that he should make sure it is done here so that it will seem as if its the people that did it. I didn’t make that public but we did notify the security agencies on that”.

PDP Trying To Incite More Violence and Killings In Edo, APC Alleges

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 1, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has accused its rival, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of working assiduously to cause anarchy and chaos in the State.

At a Media Briefing on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the party, Hon Jarret Tenebe, alleged that the grand design is to have a state of emergency declared in the State.

According to him, there is a grave conspiracy against the peace of the state from the PDP and its cohorts with the aim of forcing the President to declare emergency rule.

Hon Tenebe noted that the PDP, as a party through its leadership, has continued to devise what he described as “some reckless and dangerous plots to instigate crisis and make Edo state ungovernable.”

His allegations are coming on the heels of the announcement same Tuesday by the Edo State Elections Petition Tribunal of its readiness to deliver judgment on the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Chief Asue Ighodalo, against the victory of APC’s Governor Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday April 2, 2025.

The PDP and its flag bearer had challenged the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to declare APC and its candidate winners of the September 21, 2024, off-circle Gubernatorial contest.

Since the commencement of the trial, and now that the verdict is about to be delivered, the two rival parties have engaged in bitter political brickbats.

The APC expressed regret and shock that the PDP has since the coming on board of Governor Okpebholo, been working very hard to compromise the peace and stability of the State.

“Their sinister objective is clear – they want to force President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo State because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal.

In their desperation, they have resorted to acts of sabotage, hoping to manipulate public perception and judicial sentiment in their favour.

As part of their plan, they have enlisted disbanded members of the Edo State Security Network to orchestrate acts of violence ,as seen in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

The aim is to falsely implicate the Edo State Government in these disruptions, create a narrative that fosters chaos and sympathy for their failed cause” Tenebe alleged.

The APC Chairman insisted that the vehement opposition by the PDP and its followers to the recent visit of Governor Okpebholo to the families of the victims of the Uromi killings in Kano, is an eloquent testimony to the involvement of the party in the unfortunate incident.

To this end ,the APC Chairman called on Security Agencies in the State to urgently arrest the leadership of the PDP in the State to nip in the bud their diabolical intentions.

“Furthermore, as a political party, we are going to formally write to foreign missions, embassies and other international bodies to extradict these fellows who keep inciting the public to commit acts of terrorism.

“They must be repatriated to Nigeria in order to face terrorism. charges .

“The People of Edo State have spoken, and their mandate will not be stolen through underhand tactics”, the APC Chairman noted .

Kogi Govt Says Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Visit An Attempt To Stir Trouble

Ayodele Oni

April 1, 2025

Natasha Storms Constituency In Helicopter

By Ayodele Oni

The Kogi State Government has reacted to the homecoming Sallah celebration by the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha, the Senator representing Kogi Central, despite a last-minute ban imposed on public gatherings in the State.

The State Governor, Usman Ododo, had, on Monday, announced a ban on rallies citing security reports less than 24 hours to the embattled Senator’s homecoming rally to which she was billed to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr festival with her constituents.

The Senator, however, rejected the ban, saying she would proceed with the event.

While the roads were blocked with heavily armed Police Operatives and Soldiers alongside men of the Civil Defence Corps, the female Senator left many amazed when she flew into her Ihima countryhome, in Adavi Local Government Area of the State in a helicopter.

Following the development, a statement condemning her action issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described Natasha as manipulative.

The statement referenced an early morning social media post by Senator Natasha warning that if anything happened during the event, the trio of Governor Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and the Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio should be held responsible.

The Government said her posturing was “yet another desperate and calculated attempt by an incurable liar and serial manipulator to mislead the public, incite unrest, and present herself as a victim after deliberately violating the ban on political gatherings imposed by the State Government to maintain law and order.

“Her statement exposed her plans to use her visit to stir trouble and violence in Kogi Central Senatorial District.

“We will not allow any part of the State to go up in flames nor permit killing of innocent souls by the actions of the suspended Senator.

The statement stressed that “Ododo absolutely has no interest in the political theatrics of the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Her baseless allegations are nothing but a feeble attempt to stir unnecessary controversy and cover up her blatant disregard for the law. She has once again proven that she has no respect for rules and the laws.

“Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has consistently demonstrated a pattern of lawlessness, using lies and deceit as her tools of political engagement.

“The recent disturbances in Kogi State, orchestrated by her defiance of the State’s security directives, have further confirmed her status as a security threat to the people of the State.”

Natasha Storms Constituency In Helicopter

Adesina Soyooye

April 1, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The Senator representing Kogi Central District, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, overcame all obstacles thrown her way to be with he Constituents.

Both the State Government and the Police, to stop her from visiting her Constuency to celebrate Sallah with them, placed a ban on the movement of people on Tuesday. No convoy, no assembly of any kind, the State Government ordered. The Police also advised the Senator to cancel her visit. Both cited fear of violence if she arrives her Constuency to celebrate Sallah with her people. And so did the Chairman of her Local Government who ordered a curfew in the LGA.

But a defiant Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived her Ihima Community in a white Helicopter to a rousing welcome from the crowd which had gathered as early as 8.00am to await her.

It turned out a big celebration as her jubilant and excited supporters were entertained by a number of local musicians and other entertainers.

They went into a frenzy as soon as she came out from the Helicopter.

Addressing them, the embattled Senator said:

“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed; that roads will be blocked; and convoys leading into the State will not be allowed. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said this is not political season this is not campaign time.

“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”

Earlier Tuesday, she had issued a statement to the effect that nobody could stop her from visiting her Constuency. She asked Nigerians to hold Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, and the immediate past Governor of the State, Yahaya Bello responsible if violence breaks out during her visit.

Edo Killings: “We Will Monitor, Ensure Victims Get Justice” – NHRC

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 1, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Human Rights Commission NHRC, on Tuesday April 1, 2025, commended the Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo for his efforts, so far, in dousing tensions, and calming frayed nerves in the face of the Uromi killings.

The Source reports that about 16 Northern travelers were on Thursday March 26, brutally murdered by a mob who mistook the traditional hunters from Kano as part of the kidnappers that have been terrorizing some parts of the State of recent.

The Edo State Governor, since the unfortunate incident which has drawn widespread condemnation, has been engaging in a series of trouble-shooting efforts.

On Monday, the Governor paid a sympathy visit to the Kano state Government and the families of the victims where he promised to assist them.

Before then, he had visited the Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, a scion of Kano State ,and other relevant stakeholders in Abuja in a bid to calm down tension.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, particularly, expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin a retired Commissioner of Police, and the banning of illegal vigilante groups within the State .

The Commission, however, cautioned that, a lot still needs to be done in terms of ensuring justice for the victims and preventing a repeat of the ugly scenario in future.

“We Commend the Edo State Governor for his swift action in suspending the Commander of the Edo state Security Corps CP Friday Ibadin rtd, and banning of illegal vigilante groups in the state.

“However, more need to be done to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such tragedies in the future”, Ojukwu stated.

The Commission’s boss also warned against the resort to self help and jungle justice by Nigerians, noting that the right to life is well captured in both the country’s Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Similarly, he underscored the victims’ rights to freedom of movement as equally enshrined in the Nigerian and International human rights laws and their sanctity.

To this end, the NHRC urged all relevant authorities to take all legal steps towards arresting and prosecuting those found culpable in the dastardly act.

“The Commission demands that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice.

“We call on the Government to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

“There is no justification for mob action anywhere in the world”, the Commission’s Executive Secretary noted.

He described the killing of the travelers as horrific, and a gross violation of the right to life.

He assured that the Commission will continue to monitor the situation as well as engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice is served .

Ekiti Airport Commences Round The Clock Operation

Ayodele Oni

April 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has revealed that efforts are in place to ensure the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport runs 24-hour operation, in a bid to make the route competitive.

The Governor also expressed delight that the economy of the state has recorded significant improvement in the past two-and-a-half years, promising to do more in order to ensure a more sustainable development of the state and better living standard for the people.

The Governor, who spoke on Monday night during the March edition of his monthly media chat, “Meet Your Governor”, said his government intends to make the Ekiti Airport a major hub, as well as a major driver of the economy, attracting more investors to the state and boosting the economic capacities of the citizens.

He explained that his administration has entered into discussions with three major airlines in the country to commence commercial flights at the airport, facilitate air travel, tourism development, more investment and transportation of cargoes and export of farm produce to local and international destinations.

While expressing optimism that at least two of the airlines would operate flights to and from the airport, Oyebanji said his administration also hopes to make the route competitive by working hard to install Instrument Landing System (ILS) that will enable the operation of 24-hour flights in the airport.

“The issue is to make the route profitable and competitive for airlines and if the route is profitable, they will bring their planes. Part of what we are doing is to make it an airport of choice and by next year, they will be able to run Hajj and (Christian) pilgrimage.

“To make it an airport of choice, we must put a structure that guarantees 24-hour landing. There is what we call Instrument Landing System (ILS) which enables night operations and also enables planes to land in extreme weather. ILS as at today will cost close to N4.6 billion but we are determined to get it done.

“We are determined that before the end of this year, we will install ILS at the Ado Airport. If we are able to do that, it will be the second airport in Southwest after Lagos Airport that has such a facility so that aircraft can land at night.

“We are also talking to a vendor that will provide a hangar for airport services, so it’s a whole gamut of transaction that is going on.”

The Governor also disclosed that a cargo shed is being constructed at the airport to serve as storage facility for farm produce and cash crops.

The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport was given approval for non-scheduled flight operation for six months last December.

Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism that the airport would be one of the most competitive by the time it commences commercial operations.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji identified some indices of economic growth witnessed under his administration to include springing up of more businesses in the state made possible by an enabling environment for them to flourish, improved internally generated revenue and receipts from the Federation Account, as well as adequate protection of lives and property.

The Governor who disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) have moved from about N600 million monthly to over N2 billion monthly, attributed the feat partly to the fact that more residents are now encouraged to pay their taxes, having seen evidence of the government’s effective utilization of proceeds of the taxes in every part of the state.

Diphtheria Outbreak: LASG Confirms 10 Cases, Urges Lagosians To Be Vigilant

Akinwale Kasali

April 1, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has announced 10 confirmed cases of Diphtheria between January 1 and March 27, 2025.

It stated that Health Authorities are intensifying efforts to curb the outbreak.

Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, stated that suspected cases have fluctuated over the period, with some days recording as many as 15 cases and others as few as one.

Providing an update on the outbreak, the health Commissioner revealed that laboratory tests conducted on 76 samples confirmed 10 positive cases, while 63 samples returned negative results.

“Another three samples collected on March 26 are still pending results”, he said.

He further disclosed that the outbreak has been reported in multiple Local Government Areas, LGAs, with Eti-Osa being the most affected, recording 44 suspected cases.

According to him, other impacted LGAs include Alimosho, Badagry, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Ojo, Mushin, and Lagos Island, where various numbers of suspected and confirmed cases have been identified.

He emphasised that in the interest of public safety, all confirmed cases are mandated to remain on admission for treatment. He urged the public to cooperate with health authorities, noting that this measure is essential to prevent further transmission of the disease.

“As part of the State’s response, 21 individuals have received Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT) treatment, with King’s College, Eti-Osa, accounting for the highest number of recipients – 14. Other beneficiaries were from Lagos State Model School, Meiran, and various locations in Alimosho, Kosofe, and Badagry”, the Commissioner said.

Abayomi stated that data analysis from the outbreak report shows that the outbreak peaked in the third, fourth, and tenth weeks of 2025, with four cases confirmed each week. He, however, noted that a decline in the number of cases in recent weeks indicates that containment measures may be yielding positive results.

“The state government has intensified contact tracing efforts, with 118 individuals identified as potential contacts of infected persons. Out of these, follow-up has been completed for 100 individuals, while 18 are still pending. Additionally, 36 individuals across affected LGAs have received prophylaxis to prevent further spread”, he said.

Prof. Abayomi averred that confirmed cases have been linked to locations such as King’s College in Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State Model School, Meran in Alimosho LGA, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Mushin, De-Emmaculate School, Mile 12 in Kosofe LGA, and Gbara Junior Secondary School in Eti-Osa LGA. “These areas remain focal points for intensified interventions, including targeted vaccination campaigns and public awareness efforts”, he added.

The Commissioner reiterated that vaccination efforts targeting close contacts of index cases, suspected patients, and frontline health workers remain ongoing. He disclosed that a total of 36,310 individuals have been vaccinated so far. This, according to him, includes 7,473 individuals aged 9 to 17 years and 28,837 individuals aged 18 years and above, among whom 13,633 are healthcare workers. He further disclosed that risk communication and public health sensitization efforts, which commenced at the onset of the outbreak, have been reinforced through community-based social mobilization and media campaigns.

He added that Lagos residents are presently celebrating the Eid-al-Fitr, that the Easter celebrations is forthcoming, just as Schools will be going for Second-Term, Abayomi urged strict adherence to precautionary measures.

He advised the public to maintain high levels of hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitisers, and avoid crowded places.

He emphasised the need for prompt reporting of symptoms such as cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, red eyes, neck swelling, and thick grey or white patches on the throat. “Reporting these symptoms immediately can save lives and prevent further transmission of diphtheria,” he stressed, adding that treatment for suspected cases is available free of charge at designated government health facilities.

Prof. Abayomi commended the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his swift and strategic intervention in containing the outbreak. He also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF in providing technical assistance and resources to combat the disease.

He assured Lagosians that the state government, through the Ministry of Health and its partners, is intensifying surveillance, treatment, and prevention efforts. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates. Residents are advised to stay informed and adhere to all public health advisories,” he said.

The Commissioner further reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, urging them to cooperate with health authorities to mitigate the outbreak and prevent future occurrences.

Tribunal Delivers Judgement In Edo Gov Election Dispute Amidst Viral Leakage

Ayodele Oni

April 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

A viral report on social media has leaked the judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal handling the last year’s Governorship election in Edo State.

This is just as the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Fixes Wednesday, to deliver judgement in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, against the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.

The PDP and Ighodalo are challenging the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election.

They alleged that the election was marred by irregularities.

The three-member Tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had, on March 3, reserved judgement in the petition after parties adopted their final written addresses.

The tribunal will deliver judgement in the three petitions marked: EPT/ED/GOV/01/2024, EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024 and EPT/ED/GOV/03/2024.

Report reveal that there has been jubilation in Edo APC as the leaked Tribunal Judgement Shows 2-1 majority in favour of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

A storm of excitement swept through Edo APC circles late Sunday evening after what appeared to be a draft copy of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s judgment surfaced in a WhatsApp group populated by senior party stakeholders.

The document, which seems to mirror an official format, complete with judicial language, cited authorities, and even a breakdown of the votes in contention indicates a 2-1 majority ruling affirming the declaration of Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State.

Okpebholo was cited in Abuja on Monday where he had gone to commiserate with prominent Indigenes of Kano over brutal killing of some of the Indigenes by mob attack in Edo.

The Governor was also guest of President Bola Tinubu who commended him for his administration’s stride in the state.

The draft judgment appears to have dismissed the petition filed by PDP’s Asue Ighodalo and his party on grounds of insufficient proof that non-compliance substantially affected the outcome of the election.

Citing cases like Oyetola v. Adeleke and Atiku v. INEC, the judgment stated that while there was some evidence of irregularities, it wasn’t enough to overturn the INEC-declared result.

However, the leaked document also includes a fiery dissenting judgment by one of the Justices, who found in favour of the PDP candidate, stating that substantial non-compliance had indeed occurred across over 500 polling units and that the recalculated votes clearly put Ighodalo ahead.

His minority verdict called for INEC to nullify the current certificate of return and issue a new one to Ighodalo.

Kogi Govt, Police, Restrict Movement, As Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Visits Okenne

Ayodele Oni

April 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Kogi State Police Command has announced ban on all forms of rally and procession in the state.

A statement by the command, issued on Tuesday, ahead of the visit by senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the state and a follow up to the earlier one issued by the state government, restricting unauthorized movement.

The statement by the command, signed by SP William Ovye Aya, Public Relations Officer reads: “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of Rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State.

“The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State.

“The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.

“In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State.

“As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on any one who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.”

The Kogi State Government had issued a restriction on “unauthorized movement” and demanded that any convoy of persons coming into the state must obtain permit from law enforcement agencies.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is scheduled to visit her senatorial district on Tuesday, the first visit since her suspension from the Senate. It is also the first since some constituents initiated her recall.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the government’s decision was based on credible intelligence that required proactive measures be taken to avert a security breach

The government particularly referred to Kogi Central Senatorial District, where the senator hails from, saying there were suspicions of a security breach.

The statement said: “In Kogi Central, intelligence at our disposal point to the fact that some elements are planning to stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations. This is to create a platform for wanton destruction and breakdown of law and order.”

“The Kogi State Government remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents and ensuring that the state remains a haven of peace and security.

“In light of credible intelligence reports, the government has deemed it necessary to take proactive measures to prevent any form of security breach that could destabilize the state.

“It is heartwarming to note that the State witnessed a peaceful Sallah, however, some security threats are threatening the peace of the state. In Kasemiya, Katubo and Umozu Ette all in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi West, fishing activities have resulted in serious crisis, leading to the loss of two lives.

“All fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area are hereby suspended until peace is completely restored. Security operatives have been deployed to the affected areas to restore peace and implement our directive.”

Bobrisky Announces Arrest On Arrival In Nigeria

Ayodele Oni

April 1, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Questions have continued to rage over the purported arrest of Bobrisky shortly after his return to the country.

Bobrisky, a controversial Nigerian socialite announced that he was arrested by immigration officials shortly after returning to Nigeria.

He had left Nigeria for five months to enable him attend to his “sanity and health.” Bobrisky took to Instagram on April 1, 2025, stressing that he was arrested without being told the reason.

“Guys I have just been arrested by immigration in Nigeria, I don’t know what I did o.”

Bobrisky’s arrest comes months after he publicly disclosed that he had left Nigeria to focus on his well-being.

In a previous interview, he shared that constant online backlash and personal struggles had taken a toll on his mental and physical health, prompting him to relocate.

The details surrounding his arrest remain unclear, and authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

However, the news has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some of his supporters expressing concern while others speculate about possible legal issues.

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