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Natasha: Atiku Lashes Senate, Condemns Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Atiku Abubakar

By Akinwale Kasali 

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, has lashed the Senate and Nigerian leaders for failing to create an enabling environment that enables women to thrive and contribute to the country’s development. 

He, also, condemned the Senate for the disciplinary actions taken against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for revealing her alleged ordeal in the hands of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The Senator had alleged that Akpabio is mistreating her because she allegedly snubbed his inappropriate advances towards her. That earned her a six-month suspension for, among other things, talking back on the floor of the Senate to Akpabio, and refusing to go to the seat allocated to her, even after she had been asked to do that, before raising her hands to speak.

But reacting on Friday through his Media Adviser,     Paul Ibe, following the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kogi Central,

Atiku described the Senate’s decision as an attack on affirmative action.

Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio
Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio

“Has there been an investigation? No. So, Atiku’s position hasn’t changed. Whichever way you look at this, there is a concern. Any society that does not optimally use the assets available to it, particularly by giving women the opportunity to thrive, is failing,” he said.

 “About half of our population is women, and if we don’t deliberately create an environment conducive to promoting women’s interests—whether in politics, business, or any other human endeavour—we are underutilising our potential.

“We’re not providing half of our population the opportunities to thrive and add value to society. With International Women’s Day coming up on March 8, it raises serious concerns. The Senate’s action of suspending Natasha for six months without conducting an investigation is an attack on affirmative action.”

Also, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who spoke through his ex-media aide and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, also frowned on the development.

“The situation is quite disappointing,” he lamented.

Nigeria Declares Simon Ekpa, Others, Terrorism Financiers, Freezes Assets

By
The Source
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Simon Ekpa

Nigeria, on Wednesday, March 6, 2025, officially designated Simon Ekpa Njoku, and 15 other individuals as Terrorism financiers. 

Ekpa who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and Finland, is currently held in Finnis jail over  alleged atrocious activities in his South-east region of Nigeria, ironically, carried out on his orders. He is being held on charges bordering on Terrorism and other sundry  issues.

In the same position with Ekpa are 15 other persons and organisations. Leading the pack is the Lakurawa Sect  a terrorist organization and  terrorism financier.

They were so designated after the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC), an independent body, headed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi,  SAN, recommended their designation.

Fagbemi thereafter directed the inclusion of Ekpa, as well and others on  Nigeria Sanctions List.

This designations, said the FG, was made in line with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to the provision provision, “all financial institutions and certain businesses are now required to immediately freeze, without prior notice, all funds and assets linked to the designated individuals and entities. They must also report any such frozen assets to the Secretariat of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee.

Additionally, any financial transactions involving these individuals must be flagged and reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The law mandates strict compliance, warning that failure to adhere to these measures could result in both criminal and civil penalties, as well as reputational risks for financial institutions and businesses.”

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had earlier disclosed that Nigeria has requested  from the government of Finland, the extradition of Ekpa. It is not known if Nigeria and Finland has such relationship, but not a few think it will be a herculean task, seeing that Ekpa is a Finnis citizen, and had also, allegedly, served in its military.

His address was listed as Kauppakatu 6 B, Zip: 15140, Lahti, Finland, with international passport number FP2927082. His known contact numbers include +35803555858 and 08063892983.

*Based on intelligence reports which linked them to the funding of terrorist groups, some others were listed too. They include:

*Godstime Promise Iyare, born on May 20, 1996. He is alleged to be deeply involved in raising funds for terrorism activities. His   United Bank for Africa (UBA) account, 2212655102, which was allegedly used to collect funds from supporters in Nigeria, gave him away.

It was also discovered by Security Agencies that his mobile phone number is linked to the National Identity Numbers (NIN) of two others —Chukwuekwu Iyare and Helen Ugbomor Lovelyn Iyare.

*There is, also, Francis Chukwuedo Mmadubuchi, born on September 27, 1987. His Moniepoint account, 8196060258, received donations from members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Others are:

*”John Anayo Onwumere, born on March 5, 1987, identified for using a Sterling Bank account, 0026224269, to receive funds from IPOB supporters.

*”Chikwuka Godwin Eze, born on May 5, 1975,  named for operating an Access Bank account, 0108595489, which serves for the  collection of contributions from members of a group identified as ‘Odumegu State Defacto and Urhobo Isoko State Defacto’.

*”Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo, born on May 27, 1983 His Flutterwave account, 9461730261,  allegedly used for collection of funds for alleged terrorist activities.

*”Chiwendu Joy Owoh, born on February 10, 1982.  Accused of helping to organize financial contributions in Nigeria using a Moniepoint account, 6474876289.

*”Ginika Jane Orji, born on October 5, 1995. Her Opay account, 8039231985, was reportedly used to collect funds from IPOB members in local chapters across Nigeria.

*”Awo Uchechukwu, born on December 11, 1978. He is designated a terrorist financier and identified as a commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“He is alleged to have  received direct funding from Simon Ekpa to finance the group’s activities. His First Bank account, 3060144916, is said to be  a major financial conduit.

“Others listed include Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali, Ohagwu Nneka Juliana, Eze Chibuike Okpoto, and Nwaobi Henry. Intelligence reports linked their bank accounts in Access Bank, UBA, and other financial institutions to transactions supporting terrorist organizations.

“The Federal government clarified that the asset-freezing mechanism is a preventive tool designed to disrupt terrorist activities by cutting off financial support. Financial institutions and businesses have been warned that failure to comply with these sanctions could lead to legal consequences.

Authorities have instructed banks and other financial service providers to identify and freeze all assets owned, controlled, or associated with the designated individuals and groups. This includes funds in accounts owned jointly or indirectly by them, as well as those managed on their behalf by third parties.

Additionally, businesses and institutions must continue to monitor transactions for any links to the sanctioned individuals and report any findings to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee at [email protected].

“The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorism and has vowed to take strict action against individuals or entities found supporting terrorist groups through financial means.”

Senator Natasha’s Suspension And The Systematic Erasure Of Women In Politics

By
The Source
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Mabel Adinya Ade

By Mabel Adinya Ade

The Nigerian Senate, in a stunning display of patriarchal impunity, has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, demanding an apology from her for daring to speak out. Her crime? Alleging sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio a man previously publicly accused of similar misconduct. This suspension is a travesty of justice, an assault on democracy, and a dangerous precedent that threatens the very foundation of gender equality and political freedom in Nigeria.

The Weaponization of Power Against Women in Politics

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is not just about one woman it is about the institutional silencing of women in Nigerian governance. The National Assembly, which should be a bastion of democracy, has instead become a hostile battlefield where women who challenge entrenched systems of patriarchy are systematically bullied, humiliated, and cast aside.

How does a democratically elected senator, representing thousands of citizens, get stripped of her constitutional role for exposing sexual harassment a fundamental issue that the Nigerian government has vowed to combat? The message is chilling: speak out, and you will be punished. Stand for justice, and you will be erased. Demand accountability, and you will be silenced.

This is not the first time an elected senator has been arbitrarily suspended. The courts have ruled against such actions in the past, yet the Senate, in flagrant disregard for the rule of law, has once again wielded suspension as a weapon of intimidation. If an outspoken, accomplished, and politically strategic woman like Senator Natasha can be targeted, what hope is there for ordinary women who aspire to leadership?

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A Pattern of Political Violence Against Women

The attack on Senator Natasha is part of a larger, more insidious war against women in Nigerian politics. Nigeria already ranks among the lowest in the world for women’s representation in governance, and this latest act of political suppression will only widen the gender gap. Women who might have considered public office will now think twice, knowing that:

  1. Their voices will be met with hostility rather than respect.
  1. Their integrity will be questioned if they expose wrongdoing.
  1. Their positions will be precarious, subject to the whims of male-dominated political structures that can erase them overnight.

It is no coincidence that this suspension comes just as Senator Natasha was making groundbreaking contributions to legislation, infrastructure, education, and economic development in her state. Her work threatened the status quo, and the system responded with brutality.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Suspended by the Senate for six months.

The Dangerous Future We Are Creating

If this trend of political misogyny continues, Nigeria will cement its status as a hostile nation for women in governance. This will have profound consequences:

Reduced development:

Countries with higher gender parity in politics experience greater economic growth and social stability. By stifling women’s leadership, Nigeria is sabotaging its own progress.

Global condemnation:

The world is watching, and this blatant abuse of power undermines Nigeria’s international standing. How can Nigeria claim commitment to gender equality in global forums while publicly persecuting its most prominent female politicians?

Disenfranchisement of half the population: Women make up nearly 50% of Nigeria’s population, yet their voices are being systematically erased from governance. A democracy that excludes half its citizens is no democracy at all.

There Is Still Hope: The Fight for Justice Is Not Just for Women

Amid this travesty, there is a glimmer of hope. There are men young and old, within and outside the Senate who are knowledgeable about human rights and democracy, who stand for justice, and who are willing to join right-thinking and progressive Nigerians in supporting Senator Natasha in this fight for justice.

This is not just a women’s issue; it is a national crisis that concerns every Nigerian who believes in fairness, equity, and democracy. The struggle for gender justice must be fought by all who envision a Nigeria where competence, character, and contribution—not gender—determine leadership.

We Must Resist

Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF) vehemently condemns the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the shameful political bullying orchestrated against her. We call on all Nigerians especially women and progressive men to resist this injustice.

The Senate must immediately reverse this suspension and respect the rule of law.

Human rights organizations must intervene to protect Senator Natasha’s rights.

Men who believe in justice must speak up silence is complicity.

Women must mobilize and reject political structures that continue to diminish their place in governance.

The Senate may have succeeded in silencing one woman for six months, but they cannot silence the voices of millions of women and men who refuse to accept a future where gender discrimination dictates political destiny.

Senator Natasha’s fight is the fight of every Nigerian who believes in justice, fairness, and a truly democratic future. And we will not be silenced.

Ade is the Founder and Executive Director, Adinya Arise Foundation (AAF)

Nigerian Airforce Says Men Who Attacked IKEDC Office Will Be Punished

By
James Orji
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Chief of air Staff Abubakar

Unruly men of the Nigerian Air force who invaded the premises of  the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, IKEDC, in Lagos on Thursday will be sanctioned, according to their Commander, Adeniran Ademuwagun .

Ademuwagun, the Officer Commanding the Logistic Command of the Sam Ethnam Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos state gave the assurance following the outrage that has greeted the officers behavior.

The video of the Airforce men attack on the IKEDC went viral yesterday with not a few Nigerians calling for  a probe and disciplinary action taken against those involved in the shameful act.

The rampaging military men left the destruction of property belonging to the Disco and its employees in the wake of the attack.

Reacting during a press briefing yesterday, Ademuwagun apologised for the company and Nigerians, saying invetsigations have commenecd on how to bring those involved to book.

According to him, the military has also been in a dialogue with IKEDC with the aim of ascertaining the level of damage done during the attack, noting that the Air Force takes ‘the safety of citizens very seriously’ vowing to ensure that our “our men remain under positive control,” at all times.

“The dialogue with Ikeja Electric has been fruitful, and we will continue to work on ensuring our men remain under positive control,” Ademuwagun said.

NNPCL, Marketers Import Petrol, Diesel Worth N6tn In 4 months; Kyari Lied

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Mele Kyari - NNPC GMD
Mele Kyari

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and other petroleum marketers imported N6 trillion worth of fuel, including petrol and diesel into the country within four months.

The Punch, citing an advertorial in the newspaper on Wednesday quoting tanker vessels’ movement into Nigerian ports, reports that over five billion litres of petrol and 1.37 billion litres of diesel were imported by the marketers between October 2024 and November 2025.

Apart from the NNPCL other marketers  include BOVAS, Eternal Oil, AA Rano, Fatgbems, Matrix Energy, Ibeto, Swift, Raj, T-Time, Wosbab Energy, NorthWest, Sobaz, TS Logistics, Shorelink, Stockgap, MEJ, Nepal, Rainoil, AYM Shafa, among others

Recall that the Mele-Kyari-led NNPCL had claimed that it has stopped importing petrol and diesel into the country, particularly after announcing last year that its two refineries in Port Harcourt, Rivers state and Warri, Delta state have started producing petrol.

The recent development however comes amidt concerns  among Nigerians that the importation of PMS and AGO is gulping a large chunk of the nation’s scarce foreign exchange, considering that the petroleum marketers spent a whooping N6 trillion to import petrol and diesel within four months, according to checks.

With an average price of N900 per litre, importers may have spent N4.51tn on PMS import and N1.51tn on diesel, using an average price of N1,100/litre. This indicates a cumulative amount of N6.02 trillion,

The six-page advert analysing the importation of PMS and AGO further disclosed that the imported products arrived through four seaports, with the Apapa and Tin Can seaports in Lagos receiving the highest amount of 3.86 billion litres of fuel.

This was followed by Port-Harcourt port receiving the second highest of 5.63 billion fuel. 1.39 billion litres of fuel berthed at the Calabar port, while the Warri received the lowest import of 389.52 million litres of fuel.

The latest development came despite the fact that Nigeria currently has a combined domestic refining capacity of 985,000 barrels per day, a figure enough to meet daily consumption of 50 million litres per day, according to the Nigerian Mid-stream and Downstream Regulatory Authority.

On November 26, 2024, the government announced that petrol production had commenced at the Port Harcourt refinery after a long period of rehabilitation. During the unveiling of the refinery, NNPC officials conducted stakeholders around the facility where they took samples of petrol, diesel, and kerosene.

It said truck loading began immediately. The Port Harcourt refinery comprises two units, with the old plant having a refining capacity of 60,000 barrels per day and the new plant 150,000bpd, both summing up to 210,000bpd.

Within the space of a month, the NNPCL also announced that the Warri refinery had commenced operation after a long period of inactivity.

“WRPC will focus on producing and storing critical products, including Straight Run Kerosene, Automotive Gas Oil, and heavy and light Naphtha,” a statement from the presidency stated.

Earlier in the year, the 650,000 bpd Dangote Petroleum Refinery commenced operations. The commencement of refinery operations prompted Nigerians and stakeholders to call for a halt in the importation of petroleum products.

However, major oil marketers have continued the importation of fuel to bridge the domestic shortfall.

An analysis of the document detailing the amount of fuel imported into the country showed that aside from the  NNPC, oil marketers listed as importers during the period include BOVAS, Eternal Oil, AA Rano, Fatgbems, Matrix Energy, Ibeto, Swift, Raj, T-Time, Wosbab Energy, NorthWest, Sobaz, TS Logistics, Shorelink, Stockgap, MEJ, Nepal, Rainoil, AYM Shafa, among others.

Last month, the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, said the company hadn’t imported a single litre of fuel in 2025 and has depended on local sources to supply its customers.

Further analysis revealed that in October, a total of 1,034,446 metric tonnes of PMS representing 1.39bn litres, was imported, with Lagos ports getting the highest share of 580,122 mt (777.94m litres), Calabar received 64,000mt (85.8m litres), Port-Harcourt port received 94,224mt (126.35m litres) and Warri with 296,100mt (397.1m litres).

For diesel, 285,519mt was imported, representing 335.77m litres.

In November, a total of 1,065,925 metric tonnes of petrol, indicating 1.43bn litres, was imported, while 258,000 of AGO was imported, representing 303.41m litres.

This figure reduced to 746,127 metric tonnes of petrol and 248,100 of diesel in December 2024. Applying standard conversion factors (1,341 litres per metric tonne for PMS and 1,176 litres per metric tonne for AGO), the total volume of imported fuel amounted to 1m litres of petrol and 291.77m litres of AGO.

By January 2025, the amount was further reduced to 367,199 metric tonnes for petrol and 146,866mt for AGO. This means 492.4m litres of petrol and 172.71m litres of AGO were imported.

Similarly, the recent import data for February 2025 indicates that Nigeria imported 523,300 metric tonnes of PMS and 226,086.11 metric tonnes of diesel. The total volume of imported fuel amounted to 701.75m litres of PMS and 265.88m litres of diesel.

The amount imported for petrol confirms the 50m daily shortfall data announced by the NMDPRA last month. A summation for 28 days indicated that 700m was needed for the month.

Punch

Senate Sexual Harassment Scandal: Akpabio Clashes With Predecessor, Lawan Over Withdrawal Of Natasha’s Security

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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1
Ahmed Lawan and Godswill Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clashed with his predecessor, Senator Ahmad Lawan over the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The duo clashed on Thursday after the suspension of  the Senator representing Kogi Central in the Senate, for alleged infractions of the Chamber’s rules.

Senator Lawan, who vacated the position in 2023 for Akpabio had contended during yesterday’s Plenary, when Senator Akpot-Uduaghan suspension was being debated, contended that it was wrong for the senate to withdraw her security due to her suspension.

According to Lawan, the Senate had no powers to order the withdrawal of the embattled senator’s security, saying she remains a member of the Senate despite her suspension, but Akpabio countered him insisting that she cannot enjoy the benefit of being a Senator when she is under suspension .

The magazine reported that the embattled lawmaker was suspended for six months, on Thursday,  following the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges which investigated allegation of misconduct against her.

Announcing her suspension yesterday, Akpabio said Akpoti- Uduaghan’s salary has been suspended for the period of the suspension, apart from ordering her  to stop parading herself as a senator of the Federal republic.

The suspension which has attracted criticisms from not a few Nigerians, also included the immediate suspension of the embattled senator’s security, who has been ordered to stay away from the precinct of the National Assembly during the period.

The suspension, the magazine reports followed the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges which probed her for alleged misconduct during plenary by violating the Senate Standing Orders.

The Senator Neda Imasuen-led committee had made a seven -point recommendation ot eh Senate after sittig for two days, even though Senator Akpoti-uduaghan refused to attend their sitting.

The seven-point Senate recommendation read by Imasuen included,  “One, that the Senate does suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of Senate standing rules, bringing the presiding officer and the entire Senate to public opprobrium.

“Two, that for the Senate to consider lifting or reducing the duration of the suspension, Senator Natasha Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before reconsideration.

“Three, that the Senate suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect from March 6, 2025, from all legislative activities.

“Four, that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and that she hands over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

“Five, that for the duration of her suspension, she must not be seen within the vicinity of the Senate or the National Assembly, including her staff.

“Six, that her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended, and that all security details assigned to her be withdrawn for the period of her suspension.

“Seven, that during her suspension, she be barred from representing herself locally and internationally as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the embattled senator has headed to the court to challenge her suspension by the red Chamber, according to checks by the magazine.

Recall that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier instituted a N150 billion suit against  the Senate President and one of his aides, for alleged defamation of character on the same issue.

Abia Loses Commissioner

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Sunny Nwanganga Onwuma is dead

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Sunny Nwanganga  Onwuma, is dead.

A statement issued late  Thursday March 6, 2025, by the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, informed that Onwuma ,died on Monday March 3, 2025, after a brief illness.

The Abia State Government described the late Commissioner Onwuma who hailed from Ugwunagbo Local Council of the State as a leader of immense value in his community.

According to the official statement, Onwuma aged 61, is survived by his wife, and four children.

The  State Government prays for the repose of his soul, as well as fortitude for his family to bear the loss.

His burial arrangements ,will be unveiled later by his family and Government.

The Source reports that  late Comrade Onwuma was a known organized labour leader in Abia State until his death

He was appointed the pioneer Commissioner for Labour and Productivity in the last quarter of 2024.

His coming on board was a direct consequence of the decision of Governor Alex Otti to create a Ministry for Labour for the purpose of a seamless interface and synergy with the State’s Organized Labour.

The creation of the Ministry,was similarly a product of a communication gap between the Government and Organized Labour in Abia which led to series of avoidable  disagreements and open confrontations particularly in the wake of  negotiations for the implementation of the N 35,000 wage award and N 70,000 minimum wage.

Fmr Presidential Spokesman, Okupe Dies

By
Ayodele Oni
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Doyin Okupe

By Ayodele Oni

Former Nigerian presidential spokesperson, Doyin Okupe has passed away. His death was confirmed on Friday.

Sources hinted that the 72-year-old politician  may have passed away late Thursday night or early Friday morning.

Details surrounding the alleged cause of death are yet to be substantiated, with speculation ranging from natural causes to health complications.

Dr. Okupe, a medical doctor by training, had been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s public sphere, known for his fiery rhetoric and strategic political maneuvers.

Okupe had a long and distinguished career in politics, serving as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign, although he was forced to step down after being convicted of money laundering .

After the 2023 general election, Okupe resigned from the Labour Party and surprisingly became a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Prior to this, he had served as a senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Okupe’s career was marked by both achievements and controversies. He was a medical doctor by training and had also worked as a publisher and politician. Okupe had been open about his personal struggles, including his battles with cancer, which he had overcome twice .

Throughout his career, Okupe held various roles, including serving as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was also a governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State.

Akpabio vs Natasha: Senator Kingibe Under Fire For Backing Embattled Kogi Senator’s Suspension

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Senator Ireti Kingibe
Senator Ireti Kingibe

Senator Ireti Kingibe representing the Federal Capital Territory has come under serious fire from not a few Nigerians, for supporting the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate.

The FCT senator is the Senate Committee Chairman on Women Affairs, and among the senators who signed the suspension order of the Red Chamber which suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday, according to the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who, while speaking on the suspension yesterday said the action taken against the senator has nothing to do with her gender as being portrayed by critics of the Nigerian legislature.

Not a few Nigerians have however condemned Senator Kingibe’s  action because, as they contend she’s a supposed to be defending the interest of women by virtue of her position in the National assembly, and considering that when she faced a similar problem in the senate, many Nigerians rallied round her.

Kingibe and other women lawmakers should have rallied round the embattled Senator Akpoti- Uduaghan when it mattered the most, in a show of solidarity with one of their own according to those who are not happy with the role played by the FCT senator and  what transpired at the senate yesterday.

The magazine reported that Senator Kingibe had earlier criticised Senator Akpoti-uduaghan over her clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, last month, saying as someone old enough to be the embattled senators  ‘mother’ she did not approve of her attack against Akpabio.

Reacting to the controversy, Fatteh Hamid, MON @OgbeniAyoola said “Senator Opeyemi Bamidele noted that Senate Chair on Women Affairs, Ireti Kinigbe, was part of those who recommended Natasha Akpoti’s suspension.

Both Ireti Kinigbe and all other female senators in the current assembly should cover their face in shame.”

On his part, Trix @Trixtian_ described what transpired at the Senate as “A very big shame. I’m just speechless at the spectacle.”

According to Njikah Àgbèlọba Chivoroke (The Snail Seller). @CoCoPaPiOfPH, Nigerians are waiting for Senator Kingibe in the next election to teach her a bitter lesson for not rising up to the occasion, to defend Natasha when it mattered the most.

“She’ll have a torrid campaign, no one will support her, wike doesn’t like her either and wants her seat for the APC guy so to hell with her even,” she said.

Fatteh Hamid, MON @OgbeniAyoola, in her reaction said “It’s shameful!” for Senator Kingibe to join other senators in punishing a women like her when she’s supposed to defend her.

The Akpabio-led Senate, on Thursday, suspended the Kogi Central Senator for a period of six months, in line with the recommendation of Senate Committee on Ethics and Privilege which investigated Senator Akpoti- Uduaghan for alleged misconduct on the Senate floor on February 25, 2025.

Among other punishments for her alleged infraction against the Senate,  her security details have been withdrawn while her salary has been suspended for the period of her suspension.

The Red Chamber has also ordered her to stop parading herself as a Senator of the Federal Republic  forthwith.

Trouble started for Senator Akpoti-Udughan on February 25 after she was relocated to another seat from her former seat in the Senate, leading to her angry protest and clash with Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President.

The Kogi senator would later alleged that Akpabio demanded sexual favour from her, which she turned down, that her alleged harassment was borne out of her refusal to give in to the sexual harassment from the Senate President.

Akpabio, has however, denied the allegation that he demanded sexual favour from Natasha.

“Come Back To PDP And Defeat Tinubu”, Bode George Tells Peter Obi, Writes Off Atiku

By
The Source
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0
Bode George and Peter Obi

By Gideon Njoku

A former National  Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Bode George, has an advice for Peter Obi, a former Anambra State Governor, and the Presidential Candidate of the crisis- infested Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 Elections.

Given the benefit of hindsight, the retired Naval Officer said, Obi could win in 2027, but only if he contests under the PDP. He advised Obi that he would never win the Presidency under the LP, but would have a comfortable sail under the PDP platform.

He, therefore, asked Obi to come back to the PDP, a Party Obi dumped in 2022 for the LP over the many suffocating intrigues which surrounded its 2023 Presidential Primaries.

While wooing Obi for a comeback to the PDP in order to clinch the Presidential ticket and, finally, seat, George wrote off the Party’s Presidential Candidate in 2019 and 2023, Atiku Abubakar. The easiest way to handover the Presidential seat to President Bola Tinubu on a platter of gold, George said is to field Atiku again. He predicted that Atiku would be beaten woefully.

George said these in an interview with The Guardian.

His words: ” I have nothing against Obi. He is from the South. But the truth is: the former Anambra State Governor can only realise his Presidential ambition on the platform of the PDP and not the fragmented LP that lacks structure across the 36 States.

“There is no way the present LP can withstand the strength of President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027. The only Party that has such a taproot, structure and support is the PDP. I, also, do not believe that Tinubu’s election will be as easy as people assume. He can only be ousted by the PDP  in 2027, if only the Leaders of that party do the right thing and are seen to toe the part of fairness, justice and equity.

He called on Nigerians to join hands with the PDP to defeat the APC and Tinubu in 2027. “Nigeria under the PDP was not as bad as it is at present. The administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan which was blackmailed by the APC, was not as bad as what we are going through now”, Chief George noted.

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