Home Blog Page 832

Senate’s Sexual Harassment Scandal: Kogi Stakeholders Scold Natasha, Threaten To Recall Her

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio
Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan’s quest to get justice for an sexual harassment allegedly by Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio appears not to have the support of some people from her state, Kogi.

Following her allegation against Akpabio, the senaotr from Kogi has received strong support from not a few Nigerians, particularly women groups who are now calling for a thorough investigations to get to the bottom of the allegation.

On Tuesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was dealt a big blow after the Senate rejected her petition, because according to the lawmakers, the submission did not follow the rules.

Recall that she had already instituted a N150 billion suit against Akpabio and one of his aides over a social media post, she claimed defamed her.

As she grapples with the set back, a group, Kogi Central Stakeholders has threatened to commence the process of recalling her from the Nigerian Senate, describing her allegation against Akpabio to be inappropriate, accusing her of failing to fully represent her people due to the distraction caused by allegation of sexual harassment.

AbdulRaheem Adeku, Convener of the Kogi  Stakeholders, said in a statement that  the senator must retrace her steps failure which they will commence a process of recalling her from the hallowed chamber, saying her decision to engage in a public brawl with the Senate President will not serve the interest of her people.

Part of the statement reads: “We, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, have observed with utmost dismay the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and our senator, Natasha Akpoti. We wish to firmly dissociate ourselves from these unfolding events, which have become a national concern.

“As a revered institution of government, it is essential to acknowledge that the National Assembly has established rules that must be adhered to in order to maintain order. Regrettably, we note that what should have been a simple compliance issue has devolved into a vitriolic exchange.

“It is alarming to witness the numerous allegations and counter-allegations circulating in both social and conventional media since the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, subjecting the peaceful people of Kogi Central to unwarranted public scrutiny.

“We urge Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to recognise her position as an equal among her peers in the red chamber, to act as a distinguished member, and to concentrate on the mandate entrusted to her by her constituents. She must refrain from distracting others with events that yield no common good.

“This behaviour is not in line with our character; thus, we, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, may be compelled to initiate the recall process if the current public abuse of her privilege of representation continues.”

Meanwhile, a former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has assured Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of her unflinching support on the ongoing battle against the Senate President.

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan @NatashaAkpoti. You. Will. Never. Walk. Alone,” the outspoken Ezekwesili wrote on her verified X handle on Tuesday.

Police Zone 13 HQs In Trouble Over Land Matters● PSC Petitioned ●To Deal With Officers 

By
The Source
-
0
DIG Hashimu Argungu - PSC Chairman

The Police Service Commission has warned that it will no longer tolerate the prevailing notoriety in the conduct of Officers and Men of the Zone 13 Police Headquarters in Ukpo, Anambra state.

The Commission, in a statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations, Wednesday, March 5,  is disturbed that the Zone has continued to engage in Police misconduct even in the face of several warnings that Police Officers should stay away from civil matters such as land, marital and rent disputes.

The Commission is in receipt of a petition addressed to its Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, captioned “Complaints of Disregard  to Judicial  Process: Abuse of Power; Intimidation  and Harrasment against Inspector  James of Zone13, Nigeria Police Force, Ukpo Command by the Members  of Umu Ukwueze Family, Umudikwu, Ihe Nsukka from from Agbo & Agbo & Associates and signed by C.S Agbo Esq of Divine Chambers .

The Petitioner said one Mr. Jude Onah broke into a part of their family land and started erecting a perimeter fence using brick  layers and other labourers. He noted that all efforts  to get the said intruder to hands off the land proved abortive but surprisingly his clients and owners of the property were whisked away  to Zone 13 Ukpo without the knowledge of family members.

“When our clients saw the handwriting  on the wall, they instructed us to challenge their arrest in the first place as it became clear to them that the whole game  is meant to persecute  them”  “We then filed motion for the enforcement  of the fundamental rights of our clients….the said motion was promptly served on the respondents. The lawyer in the Petition said despite the service of the motion for fundamental  rights on Inspector James and subsequent arrest of Mr. Amaechi Ezeugwu, the said Inspector continued with threats on our clients for more arrests. ” We filed a motion for injunction to restrain the Police for further harassing  our clients pending the hearing and determination of the main motion.”

He said the most worrisome aspect “is that about three days ago the  same Inspector James started calling the lawyer  we sent to secure our clients bail asking him to ensure that our clients come to his office……threatening  to come down to Nsukka  and carryout massive arrest ”

The lawyer complained that during this period his clients had been extorted to the tune of N200,000 and N150,000 respectively.”

The Commission finds this development shameful and notes that all the Officers involved in this serious act of misconduct would face the Commission’s disciplinary action.

The Chairman of the Commission,  DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, said he would not rest until he purges the South East of human rights abuses especially in the illegal handling of civil matters especially land disputes.

He warned that the Police should stay away from this and allow the courts to do their job.

Rivers House of Assembly Strips Fubara Of Commissioners, Demands Their Sack, New Nominees Within 48 hours

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Siminalayi Fubara and Martin Chike Amaewhule

By Adesina Soyooye

“Dark cloud which could break into a huge storm is circling Rivers State”

The Rivers State House of Assembly, is going for the broke. Still basking in the euphoria of the Supreme Court judgement of February 28 which handed them the running of the House of Assembly, members, led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, are bent on bringing Governor Siminalayi Fubara to his knees.

Since Monday when they officially reconvened, they have not given Fubara a breathing space. And they have not hidden where their possible final destination is – humiliate Fubara, strip him of all powers, and finally, perhaps, impeach him.

For instance, same Monday they resumed, they gave the Governor an ultimatum to re-present the 2025 Budget which he had presented to the five members loyal to him since January. The re-presentation of the Budget was one of the directives of the Supreme Court.

This immediate ultimatum was given to the Governor without any communication to him or with him. It expired on Wednesday and the Governor has so responded that “there is no letter before him from the House”.

They, also, same day, countered the Governor’s  order that the Administrative Heads of Local Governments take over from the elected Local Government Chairmen, whose election, in  October 2024, the Supreme Court annulled, pending a fresh election.

Next, they summoned the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, Honourable Justice Adolphus Enebeli, rtd, to appear before them within 48 hours to brief them on the October 2024 Local Government Election which the Supreme Court already annulled. If he fails to appear, they threatened, he will be slammed with a warrant of arrest.

Before that could sink in, the Lawmakers  who seem in love with “a-48 hour ultimatum”, demanded of the Governor the sack of his Commissioners and, to present before them, new set of nominees within 48 hours.

They, also, demanded the sack of other appointees not screened by the Lawmakers.

The letter sent to the Governor reads:

“At the 131st Legislative day of the Second Session of the Tenth (10th) Rivers State House of Assembly which held on Wednesday the 5th day of March 2025, the House amongst other matters once again deliberated on your numerous appointments of persons into positions that require screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House Assembly and resolved as follows:

“That your attention should once again be drawn to your illegal appointments of persons to serve in various offices without first forwarding their names for screening and confirmation as required by the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws.

“That your attention should specifically be drawn to your failure to forward the name of a nominee for appointment as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation but chose to parade one Mr. Dagogo Iboroma as a member of the State Executive Council in this regard, thereby contravening Section 192(2) & (6) as well as Section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

That we should remind you of another infraction of the Constitution in which you illegally swore in several other persons who are parading themselves as Commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council on Tuesday 21st May 2024, namely- Prince Charles O. Beke; Collins Onunwo; Solomon Eke; Peter Medee; Elloka Tasie-Amadi; Basoene Joshua Benibo; Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinedum Chukwuma without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly in full compliance with Section 192(2) & (6) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Others who were sworn in on Tuesday 13th August 2024 are Illamu Arug; Rowland Obed Whyte; Samuel Anyan; Stanley Eke and Austin Emeka Nnadozie while Israel Ngbelu; Evans Bipi; Otarinij Ngubo and Benibo Alabraba were sworn in on Monday 7th October 2024. Emmanuel Frank-Fubara was sworn in on 8th July 2024, amounting to a total number of 19 persons parading themselves and misleading Rivers people that they are Commissioners.

“1: That another infraction of the law is the swearing in of Lawrence Oko-Jaja as Chairman; Earnest Ibekwe Ekwe; Mina Ogbanag; Iseleye Amachree and Adokiye Oyagiri as members of the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement on Friday 30th of August 2024 without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly as stipulated in Section 4(a) of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008. Others are Gift Alex-Hart; Grace Osaronu and Selinah Amonieah as members.

“2: That the swearing-in of Goodlife Ben as Chairman; Emmanuel Jaja; Betty Warmate; Jerome Chimemen; Prince Ohochukwu; Philip Okparaji and Christian Amadi as members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without screening and confirmation, contrary to Section 44(3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018, is another infraction.

“3: That these appointments by you that are highlighted and other appointments made but not mentioned here for want of space that are not in consonance with extant laws are not only infractions but are seriously threatening our nascent democracy, so should and shall be remedied.

“4: That the House requests you to submit a list of nominees for appointment as Commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council as well as a list of nominees for appointment to fill vacancies in all the offices mentioned above that those listed but require screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly within 48 hours.

“We, therefore, urge you to act fast and do the needful by complying with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws, in the best interest of the good people of Rivers State.

Kindly accept the assurances of our high regards.

“Sincerely,

(Signed)
Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, DSSRS Speaker”

Not a few people think that dark clouds are circling in Rivers State and likely to break into a huge storm.

Uzodimma: “We’ll continue To Support Christians, Muslims on Holy Pilgrimage”

By
The Source
-
0
Hope Uzodimma to Support Holy Pilgrimage

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has sued for understanding and tolerance among people of diverse cultures and creed in order to ensure peaceful co-existence in the State and the Nation at large.

The Governor brought this to bear when he received the Chairman and Commissioners of National Hajj Commission in his office on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

He related that his administration places premium on promoting religious harmony in the State, pointing out that the tenet of every religion revolves around love for God and mankind and as such, “must be the guiding principles for Muslim and Christian faithful alike.”

The Governor pointed out that the visit of the National Hajj Commission was significant, as Muslims and Christians, especially Catholics all over the world, are observing their holy period.

“it is today you chose to visit the Governor of Imo State. It is a thing of joy because as a Governor, part of my interest is to encourage religious harmony where Christians and Muslims live as brothers and sisters, and  to put the interest of our country first irrespective of religious or political affiliations. It is a wonderful coincidence created by God. Today is Ash Wednesday, Christians (Catholics) all over the world resumed their fasting; Muslims all over the world are also fasting,” he observed.

He promised that both Christians and Muslims will break their fast in Government House to showcase and encourage religious harmony.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman National Hajj Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman said that they were in Imo State to brief the Governor on the preparation for the 2025 Amir Hajj.

He related that the Hajj Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has concluded preparations to receive over 700,000 participants for the 2025 Hajj in Mecca.

Prof. Usman commended Governor Uzodimma for the sustained peace among religious groups and tribes resident in Imo as well as the humongous infrastructural development in the State.

Subsequently,  Governor Uzodimma inaugurated Chairman and members of Imo State Muslim Hajj Board and the 2025 Amir Hajj and members, at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers Government House.

During the inauguration, he enjoined them to be honest in the discharge of their duties and hold the positions entrusted to them with the fear of God.

His words: “If you are a religious leader lead by example whether Christian or Muslim. Don’t be fraudulent in your activities. Ensure that the sponsored Hajj slots get to those deserving them, especially the less privilege.”

Uzodimma recalled that since his assumption of office in 2020 the uppermost in his agenda has been  to promote harmonious coexistence in Imo State where everybody will see himself/herself as brothers and sisters irrespective of religious, tribal or political affiliations.

He noted that despite the initial challenges, the State has been able to record huge success in enthroning peace and harmony among residents.

Responding on behalf of the Board/2025 Amir Hajj, the Chairman of the 2025 Hajj, HRH Alhaji Auwal Suleiman expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for the honour done them and for carrying the Muslim community along in the scheme of things of his administration.

He noted that the Governor, since inception of his administration, has sponsored Muslims to participate in Hajj exercises and in 2025 approved 200 slots to put smiles on the faces of faithful Muslims who could not afford the holy pilgrimage.

He assured that the Board members will ensure fairness in allocating the slots to those it is meant for.

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, members of the Imo State expanded executive Council, among others witnessed both events.

Court Orders Forfeiture Of N 1.37bn, Allegedly Diverted During El-Rufai’s Govt.

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Mallam Nair El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, ordered the interim forfeiture of N1.37 billion, allegedly, diverted from the Kaduna  State Treasury during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The said money has been traced to the account belonging to one Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria Limited.

The funds are alleged to be part of the money earmarked for the construction of the, now, botched light rail project in Kaduna during the  government of El-Rufai.

The order which was issued on February 28, 2025, was sequel to an ex-parte application filed by the Independent  Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences, ICPC,  seeking  forfeiture, after tracing the funds to the Company’s account.

Ruling on the application, the presiding Judge, Honourable Justice H. Buhari ,also directed the anti-graft Commission to publish in two national newspapers, calling on persons ” whether human, juristic or artificial having interest in the property to show cause in court why the afforesaid movable property should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government”

Earlier, the ICPC  had contended in its application of February 14, 2025, for the money to be forfeited, noting that the light rail project which it was meant for was, afterall, never executed by  El-Rufai’s administration in Kaduna state.

The ICPC further averred that the funds were discovered to have been diverted into the account of Indo Kaduna MRTS JV by some Kaduna State Government officials .

Interested persons are to appear on the next adjourned date of April 8, 2025, to show cause why the funds should not be finally forfeited.

Rivers Announces Date For Fresh Council Polls, As House Summons Chairman Over 2024 Exercise

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Justice Adolphus Enebeli

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Sequel to the nullification of its earlier efforts by the Supreme Court, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC,  on Wednesday March 5, 2025, rolled out a time table for the conduct of fresh Local polls.

This is even as the now combative State House of Assembly issued a 48 hour dateline for the Commission’s Chairman to appear before it over issues relating to the annulled 2024 exercise.

The 27 Pro-Wike State Lawmakers, obviously, still savouring their Supreme Court recognition after nearly two years in the wilderness, at plenary on Wednesday, directed the RSIEC chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, rtd, to appear before them to offer some explanations regarding its  Council Elections in 2024.

The Speaker, Martins Amaewfule, warned that failure to honour the invitation would result in the issuance of a arrest warrant on the Commission’s Chairman.

In a move suggesting of its intentions to dig deeper into the trenches, the legislators also, requested Governor Siminalayi Fubara to, immediately, forward all the names of Commissioners who were appointed without being screened by them.

The Lawmakers had, on Monday, March 3, 2025, given the Governor two days to represent the 2025 budget estimate to the House.

Meanwhile, the electoral umpire has fixed Saturday, August 9, 2025 as the date for the conduct of another Local Council Polls in the State.

The Source reports that the earlier efforts on October. 5, 2024, was one of the casualties of last Friday’s Supreme Court verdict.

At a stakeholders meeting, the Chairman, Justice Enebeli, noted that the decision to hold fresh Council Election was in compliance with the pronouncements of the Apex Court of the land.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission by session 5 of the RSIEC law, no 2 of 2018, and all other enabling provisions, the Commission hereby, provides guidelines for political parties, stipulating rules and procedures for electioneering campaigns.

The Commission, therefore, announces that Local Government Council Election will hold on Saturday, August ,9, 2025, in all the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State”, the Electoral Commission stated.

The Supreme court had, halted the remission of the State’s and Local Council monthly statutory Federal Allocations.

The State’s allocation will be released after the representation of the 2025 appropriation bill to the enlarged House of Assembly led by Speaker Amaewfule ,while that of the Councils will start flowing again after the election of another set of council officials.

Fayemi Rubbishes Any Sexual Harassment Of Senator Natasha

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Kayode Fayemi and Natasha Akpoti

By Adesina Soyooye

An embarrassed and angry immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has denied that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused him of se3ually  harassing her.

Fayemi who reacted to a statement at  Senate Plenary Wednesday, March 5, 2025, made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi that Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Fayemi of such misconduct and that Fayemi would forward a petition to the Senate emphasized that at no time did Akpoti-Uduaghan make such an allegation against Fayemi nor has any other person connected Fayemi’s name to such demeaning conduct.

Fasuyi had at plenary Wednesday, while trying to rubbish the allegations of se3ual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stated that Fayemi had, also, suffered same fate in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s hands, and that the former Governor would forward a petition to the Senate.

But in a strongly worded reaction signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajor, Head Fayemi Media Office said that Senator Fasuyi was, obviously, misrepresenting facts, and advised the Ekiti Senator “exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements, especially, on sensitive matters that could damage reputations.”

Following the full text of the Fayemi statements entitled: Clarification Regarding Allegations Made By Senator Cyril Fasuyi Against Dr Kayode Fayemi

“We have become aware of a statement made by Senator Cyril Fasuyi during today’s plenary session in which he alleged that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously accused Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State of sexual harassment.

“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false. At no time has Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan or anyone else, for that matter, ever accused Dr Fayemi of such misconduct. It appears that the distinguished Senator from Ekiti  inadvertently misrepresented the facts as no such allegation has ever been made against Dr Fayemi.

“Consequently, there is no basis for Senator Fasuyi’s further assertion that Dr. Fayemi would be submitting a petition to the Senate in this regard. We would like to believe that in his enthusiasm to defend the Senate President, Senator Fasuyi inadvertently conflated events, leading to a misrepresentation of facts.

“For the records, the only professional engagement Dr Fayemi ever had with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was during his tenure as the Honourable Minister for Mines and Steel Development when he oversaw matters related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company. While they may have held differing views of the future of the Company at the time, their interactions remained strictly within the realm of policy discussions. At no point did Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan make any allegations of misconduct against Dr Fayemi.

“We urge Senator Fasuyi to exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before making public statements especially on sensitive matters that could damage reputations.

“Dr Fayemi remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in public office, and we reject any attempt to tarnish his name with baseless allegations.”

Sources say that in Akpabio’s defence, a couple of people earlier, allegedly, accused by Akpoti-Uduaghan of harassing her se3ually, are preparing to petition the Senate so as to make nonsense of her current allegation against Akpabio.

On Wednesday, Akpabio, for the first time, denied the allegation on the floor of the Senate, and stated that: “My mother, a single mom, brought me up properly.”

Ebonyi: One Arrested With Human Heads, As Police Burst Criminal Syndicate

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ebonyi State Police Command on Wednesday March 5, 2025, said it is hot on the heels of those remotely, or directly connected with a suspect arrested with  human skulls.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson Joshua Ukandu, SP, informed that one Chigozie Uvuta, was apprehended in Okoffia Community, Ezza South Local Council of the State with two human skulls.

According to Ukandu, the suspect has confessed to being given the human skulls and other vital organs for the purpose of preparing spiritual concoctions for some persons.

Subsequently, the State Police authorities, said they have intensified efforts towards closing in on all those mentioned in relation to the human skulls.

“During further interrogation, Ovuta (arrested suspect) confessed that the human skulls were given to him for the preparation of a spiritual concoction.

The Command is actively pursuing the individuals mentioned in connection with this case”, the Police statement partly reads.

In another development, the Command announced the smashing of a criminal syndicate specializing in altering the colours of stolen tricycles from neighbouring States of the South East region.

“In a separate operation, while tracking a stolen tricycle, Operatives of the Command uncovered a criminal syndicate specializing in altering the colours of stolen tricycles from neighbouring States.

This operation led to the arrest of four males, Nweke Chukwudi, Nwankwo Obinna, John Abba, and Uche Abba.

Three stolen tricycles were recovered from the suspects who admitted to receiving the tricycles from accomplices for colour modifications”,the Police noted .

While reaffirming the commitment of the Command towards adequately policing the State, the Service urged the public to remain vigilant, and report any suspicious movements or activities to Security Agencies.

The Command’s spokesman assured that suspects will be arraigned as soon as  investigations are concluded.

Sexual Harassment Petition: Natasha Suffers Setback

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Ayodele Oni

Following a turbulent session, the Senate seems to have rejected a sexual harassment petition filed against its president, Godswill Akpabio.

 Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had submitted the petition against Akpabio on Wednesday, after opening remarks at plenary.

The Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Munguno, citing Order 40(4), argued that Senate rules must be strictly adhered to, warning that any deviation could lead to “chaos and anarchy.”

He insisted that the Senate must “stamp its feet in defense of its rules,” emphasizing that no matter pending before a court of law should be deliberated upon by the Senate, as it would be deemed subjudice.

Munguno further pointed out that the house rules prohibit any senator from presenting a petition personally signed stating, “Senator Natasha had signed her own petition, rendering it procedurally invalid.”

In her remarks, Natasha Akpoti  argued that her case before the court was not related to sexual harassment, but rather to malicious comments about her dressing.

In an attempt to restore order, former Senate Leader Abdullahi Adamu noted that since Senate President Akpabio had already ruled on the matter, the petition should proceed to the Ethics Committee for review, stressing that “When the issue gets to the committee, the chairman will uphold all the rules.”

This generated mixed reactions, leading to a flurry of points of order and a brief commotion in the chamber.

Weighing in on the matter, the Leader of the house, Opeyemi Bamidele reaffirmed that no senator can author or sign own petition, adding that the Senate must uphold its rules to avoid setting a dangerous precedent.

He further noted that “the Senate President’s wife had already taken legal action on the matter, reinforcing the argument that the issue was already before the courts and therefore could not be entertained by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.”

Bamidele said, “Mr. President, I sympathize with you as a man being accused of sexual harassment.

“We are guided by three things: The Constitution, the Rule Book, and… Mr. President, we are not guided by emotions. You were being emotional, that was why you took that petition.

We must be guided by our Rule Book.”

Responding to Bamidele’s comment, Akpabio explained that he had allowed the petition because he did not want the public—who may not understand Senate procedures—to believe that he was victimizing Natasha.

The President said, “Senate Leader, I took that petition because I didn’t want the people who do not understand our rule in the Senate to think that I am deliberately silencing her because I am involved.”

Amid rising tensions, the Senate Leader called for a closed-door session, but the Senate President ruled that plenary should continue.

NCDC Records Drop In Measles Cases In Nigeria

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Dr Jide Idris
Director-General, NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris

By Ayodele Oni

There is a sharp drop in measles cases in the country as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed 627 suspected measles cases in 30 states and 213 Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of January 31, 2025.

According to the Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris who disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, said that this marked a significant drop from the 2,157 cases recorded in January 2024.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defined measles as a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

WHO, said that the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for hours, making transmission easy.

The UN health organisation pointed out that the symptoms usually start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body.

It noted that severe complications include pneumonia, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and, in some cases, death—particularly among unvaccinated children and those with weakened immune systems.

According to Idris, the measles situation report for Epidemiological Week 7 (February 10–16, 2025), 112 of the suspected cases, 17.86 per cent, have been laboratory-confirmed, with no deaths recorded.

He stated that this was a notable improvement from the same period in 2024, which saw 23 confirmed measles deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 0.96 per cent.

Idris states that Katsina (102), Jigawa (84), Akwa Ibom (56), Kebbi (52), and Enugu (32) recorded the highest number of suspected cases, accounting for over half of the national total.

He also revealed that 81.3 per cent of confirmed cases involved individuals who had not received any dose of the measles vaccine, underscoring a major gap in immunisation coverage.

The DG pointed out that further analysis showed that nearly half, 46.4 per cent, of confirmed cases occurred in children aged nine to 59 months.

“As of January 31, 38 LGAs across 18 states were experiencing active measles outbreaks, with Katsina leading (7 LGAs).

“Other states with multiple outbreak-affected LGAs include Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Sokoto, each reporting three affected local government areas. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles.

“The measles-containing vaccine, typically administered as part of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, is given in two doses at nine months and 15 months per the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) guidelines.”

He advised that strengthened routine immunisation, particularly in high-risk areas, early detection and rapid response to suspected cases and public health awareness campaigns were critical to encourage vaccination.

Idris stressed the importance of vaccination in preventing measles outbreaks and urged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the recommended doses while the agency was also working to improve surveillance and outbreak response to curb further spread.

As the agency intensifies its immunisation efforts, Idris stressed the need for increased community engagement, better vaccine accessibility, and stronger collaboration between health agencies and local communities to eliminate measles.

He urged Nigerians to stay informed through official health updates and participate in vaccination campaigns.

1...831832833...3,072Page 832 of 3,072