Home Blog Page 829

 Jonathan Mourns Former Presidential Spokesman, Doyin Okupe

By
The Source
-
0
Goodluck Jonathan and Doyin Okupe

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of ex-presidential spokesperson, Dr. Doyin Okupe, describing him as a courageous and dedicated public servant.

In a letter of condolence to the Okupe family, Dr. Jonathan noted that the late politician made considerable contributions to the growth and development of the country.

He stated: “It is with a heavy heart that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Dr. Doyin Okupe, who has passed on. Dr. Okupe,  who served in our administration as a Senior Special Assistant on public affairs, was not just a dedicated public servant but also a loyal and passionate advocate for the progress and development of our great nation.

The former President also affirmed that during the time that Okupeworked with him, the former presidential aide demonstrated unwavering commitment, exceptional diligence, and a profound sense of duty.

He stated further: “His contributions to our administration and his relentless efforts in defending our policies and advancing the cause of good governance will always be remembered. He was a man of conviction, courage, and wisdom, whose impact transcended his immediate roles and touched the lives of many.

“Dr. Okupe’s passing is a great loss to our nation, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. As we mourn his departure, we take solace in the fact that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy of service and dedication.”

 

Ikechukwu Eze

S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

 

Obasa Continues Legal Battle, Challenges Removal Allegation In Court

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mudashiru Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali 

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, reinstated Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is continuing his legal battle at the Ikeja High Court. He is contesting the allegations that led to his Impeachment by 35 Lawmakers on January 13, 2025.

At the hearing Friday before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, the Court adjourned proceedings to Monday, March 10, 2025, to consider all applications, including Obasa’s originating summons.

Following Obasa’s reinstatement, many had thought he would have withdrawn the case against the 35 Lawmakers, but his Counsel, Afolabi Fasanu, SAN, argued that despite his reinstatement, the case remains relevant, as he seeks to challenge allegations of fraud, high-handedness, abuse of office, and gross misconduct.

He also contends that he was removed without a fair hearing.

The Counsel representing the 34 Lawmakers listed as defendants, Romeo Michael, stated that their counter-claim remains valid even if Obasa withdraws his suit.

The lawmakers seek a court declaration affirming that his removal was constitutional under Section 92 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, rather than being dictated solely by Lagos Assembly rules.

FG Reaches Out To Senate Over Suspension Of Akpoti-Uduaghan

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Ayodele Oni

The last may not have been heard on the suspension for six months Kogi senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by Senate as the Federal Government  revealed that it is engaging the leadership of the National Assembly on the issue for a peaceful resolution.

The development comes just a day after the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, for Flouting some rules of the red chamber.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this on Friday  while speaking with journalists at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

She stated that the government “is engaging with the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure a fair settlement. We’re engaging all the stakeholders to ensure that they temper justice with mercy.”

Suleiman-Ibrahim described the situation as unfortunate and stressed the need to protect women’s representation in politics.

“It’s an unfortunate incident that should not happen. In the last assembly, we had nine senators that were women.

“We don’t want to be losing any woman member in the Senate or decrease in the numbers.

“We’re going to be brokering peace. We’ll engage all the stakeholders to ensure that they temper justice with mercy.”

She also emphasized that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed willingness to resolve the matter through dialogue.

“I was at the National Assembly yesterday, at the Senate where we marked the International Women’s Day.The last thing the Senate president said was that ‘we’re open to broker peace.’

“So we’re going to be the intermediary between the two parties to see that we broker peace; for peace to reign, and then we’ll continue to sensitise everyone so that we learn to work better together as women and men.”

Gov Aiyedatiwa Constitutes Visitation Panel, For Ondo University, Appoints New VC

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Prof Ebuoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor and the Visitor to the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo (UNIMED), Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has constituted a Visitation Panel for the institution.

The Panel will be chaired by Prof. Gbenga Olumekun. Other members are Elder Idowu Benjamin, Mr. Olumide Ogidan, Mr. Anthony Akala and Mr. Richard Adeyinka Arifalo (Secretary).

This is just as the Governor approved the appointment of Prof. Ebuoluwa Aderonke Adejuyigbe as the new Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university.

A statement on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the terms of references of the Panel include to examine the state of compliance of the University statutes and approved  programmes of study.

It will examine the financial management of the University, including the subvention, grants, loans, and Internally Generated Revenues (IGRS), and determine their compliance with appropriate regulations as well as adequacy of staff and staff development programmes of the University.

The visitation panel will, also, find out industrial relations amongst management, staff, and students and recommend ways to achieving lasting peace and harmony, the state of landed properties and other assets of the University.

It will further determine the level of compliance with recommendations of prior Visitation Panel Government’s White Paper and recommend measures and actions to reposition the University for optimal performance.

All these are expected to be carried out within six weeks and submit its report to government.

Prof Adejuyigbe’s appointment, follows the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Adesegun Fatusi as the Vice Chancellor of the University.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s appointment  followed the recommendation of the Governing Council of the institution.

A Professor of Paediatrics, Adejuyigbe, who hails from Akoko North East local government area of the State, is the current Executive Director of the Central Office of Research of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife and a Consultant Paediatician at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital.

She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Medicine, former Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, OAU and is the Vice-President of the African Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Co-Chair of the National Child Health Technical Working Committee.

Prof. Adejuyigbe will assume office as the VC after the submission of the report of the Visitation Panel.

In the mean time, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Clinical Services, Prof. Adolphus Odogun Loto, is to take charge as the Acting Vice Chancellor pending the assumption of office of the newly appointed VC.

Threat To Oil Installation: “Arrest Dokubo, Others Now”  – Rivers Group Urges …As Police Vows To “Crush” Trouble Makers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Asari Dokubo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A coalition of concerned Rivers State stakeholders, has called on security agencies to initiate steps that would lead to the arrests of those threatening the peace of the State .

Under the aegis of Rivers   Restoration Movement, RRM, the group described as unacceptable and totally reckless the series of incendiary and inflammatory statements being made by some persons, on the heels of recent Supreme Court judgment on the Rivers State festering political crisis.

This comes as the State Police Command vowed to deal with any individuals and groups that pose a threat to the peace and stability of Rivers state.

The Source reports that ,the Ijaw National Congress INC, Ijaw Youth Council IYC, and the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, NDRM, in the last few days, warned of dire consequences should there be any impeachment moves against  Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the House of Assembly Lawmakers.

Following the recognition of the 27 pro-Wike law makers as authentic members of the Rivers state House of Assembly by the country’s Apex Court on Friday February, 28th and the subsequent barrage of ultimatums being churned out by them, there have been  growing  concerns that Governor Fubara’s seat may after all not be safe.

The unfriendly posture of the Speaker Martins Amaewfule-led legislative body towards  Governor Fubara, coupled with the aspect of the Supreme Court verdict that temporarily halted the remittance of Federal Allocations to both the  and State, forced some Ijaw based groups and individuals  to threaten both the peace of the state ,and oil exploration activities.

However, in a statement issued on Friday, March 7, 2025, by its Director-General Johnson Georgewill, the RRM pointedly accused  former militant leade ,now a Traditional Ruler, Asari Dokubo, and the INC President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, of being the progenitors of the threats of violence in the State.

The RRM demanded the immediate arrest of Dokubo, Prof Okaba, Anabs Sara-Igbe, the spokesperson for PANDEF, and all other leaders of such nebulous groups threatening Rivers State, Niger Delta Region, and the Country at large .

“The statements attributed to all these figures are reckless, thoughtless, and provocative, posing a significant threat to National Security and peaceful co-existence.

“Therefore, we call on security agencies to arrest Asari Dokubo, Prof Benjamin Okaba ,and Sara-Igbe ,as well as any other individuals, or groups that that threatened the Nigerian State ,its economy, or its people.

“Nigeria operates a constitutional democracy governed by rule of law. The Supreme Court ,being the highest Court in the land has already given its ruling, and Governor Fubara is bound to comply with its decision.”

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, on Friday, noted the Command is fully alert to the various threatening messages pouring in.

“We are addressing the situation step by step; no one has a monopoly of violence. The Command is handling the situation, and is prepared for any developments”

How Can Governors Who Hold PhDs, Close Down Schools During Ramadan?, PRP Queries

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Ramadan

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, on Friday March 7, 2025, strongly condemned the decision of some Northern Nigerian states to shut down educational institutions during the Ramadan period.

The party questioned the real motives behind what it described as a retrogressive policy by otherwise educated leaders .

The Source reports that Kano ,Kebbi, Katsina ,and Bauchi, all closed both public and private schools in their States owing to the ongoing Islamic Holy month of Ramadan.

But the order has since drawn flakes from different groups nationally and international bodies, prominent individuals and Civil society Organizations.

Some of the protesting groups and organizations, such as the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN,  have threatened legal actions should the affected States fail to reverse the directives.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammad Ishaq, PRP expressed serious fears that the directives may impact negatively on the future of millions of children across the affected States.

According to the party, the decision represents an unnecessary disruption of the academic calendar, as well as the educational advancement of millions of innocent children.

More worrisome to the Party is the fact that some of the affected states are being led by highly educated people.

Particularly the PRP is miffed that such a retrogressive policy is being championed by Governors Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State and his Kebbi State counterparts who are holders of Doctorate Degrees (PhDs) in Agriculture and Rural Sociology and Education respectively.

The party described the attitude of the two  Governors and their colleagues as smacking of gross hypocrisy and inconsistency.

“The decision disrupts the educational programme of our children and undermines their right to quality education.

“How can states being led by such educated people decide that the best way to move forward is to lock the doors of learning during a time of fasting?

“It is a contradiction that raises concern about their commitment to progress. These are Governors that attended schools during their time, without any disruption due to Ramadan.

“Historically, during their time in secondary school, these leaders experienced uninterrupted learning process during Ramadan .

“So their decision to close down schools during Ramadan is both inconsistent and damaging”, the PRP stated.

According to the party, it is high time Governors and other leaders in the country stopped playing politics with the future our children.

The party, therefore, called on the Governors of the affected states to take immediate steps towards reversing the school closure order.

The PRP advised the Governors and other leaders to always consult with parents and other relevant stakeholders when mulling such far reaching policies.

Furthermore, the party expressed concern that even Islamic countries across the world have never considered such retrogressive measures as an option .

“Many Islamic Nations ,such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates manage to balance educational needs with religious observance during this holy month by adapting school schedules rather than closing them entirely.

“Closing schools during Ramadan only deepens education crisis and threatens the educational advancement of millions of students.

“The Governors must engage constructively with parents, educators ,and civil society organizations to reassess their decision ,and explore options that accommodate the needs of Muslim students, while ensuring that education continues”, the statement party reads .

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension: A Grave Injustice And A Desperate Smear Campaign

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Babafemi Ojudu

By Senator Ojudu Babafemi

The decision of the Nigerian Senate to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for raising allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is deeply troubling and unjustifiable. While I take no position on the veracity of her claim, the fundamental principle of fairness demands that Akpabio should not have presided over a case in which he was personally implicated. It was his duty to step aside and allow his deputy to handle the matter impartially. By failing to do so, he compromised the integrity of the Senate and reinforced the perception of institutional bias against women who dare to speak up.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is not one to be dismissed lightly. I had the opportunity to interact with her in an official capacity while serving in the presidency, and I can attest that she is a woman of immense strength, intelligence, and purpose. She is not frivolous, nor is she someone who can be easily intimidated. Her journey in Kogi State has been marked by monumental struggles and persecution, yet she has remained unwavering in her commitment to her people. Her grassroots connection is undeniable, and her dedication to uplifting her constituency is evident in her relentless advocacy.

Beyond the unjust suspension, what is even more disgraceful is the rash of hired protesters in both Abuja and Akwa Ibom, clearly orchestrated to malign her. These so-called protests are glaringly artificial, a poorly executed charade that insults the intelligence of Nigerians. It is evident to the world that these are not spontaneous expressions of public sentiment but paid theatrics aimed at discrediting a strong woman who refuses to be silenced. The fact that such desperate measures are being deployed only signals that someone has something to hide. This playbook is cheap, nauseating, and frankly, an embarrassment to any society that claims to uphold democratic values.

But history has shown that truth and justice always prevail. This suspension is nothing more than a temporary setback. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will emerge from this even stronger, her resilience further cementing her place as a formidable politician and conscientious public servant. Meanwhile, those orchestrating this smear campaign will find their names recorded in the book of infamy—a stark reminder of those who stood on the wrong side of history.

Nigeria deserves a legislative chamber where justice is not only done but seen to be done. The Senate must correct this grave injustice and ensure that no lawmaker—especially a woman—faces persecution for speaking out.

–Ojudu, a renowned  journalist was a former Political Adviser To President Muhammadu Buhari

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

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
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
-
0
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
-
0
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?

.

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)

1...828829830...3,072Page 829 of 3,072