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Akpoti-Uduaghan Formally Reports Akpabio To Senate Over Alleged Sexual Harassment

By
Ayodele Oni
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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio
Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Ayodele Oni

Resuming from a week long recess, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan [PDP, Kogi Central]  formally presented a petition to the red chamber, documenting her allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

She invoked order 40 of the Senate Standing Rules to consummate the official presentation of her allegation immediately after Akpabio’s opening remarks at Wednesday’s plenary.

Akpabio had earlier denied allegations of sexual harassment levelled against him by Natasha, stating that he had never harassed any woman in his life and times.

Akpabio too addressed the allegations during Wednesday’s Senate plenary session.

He dismissed the claims, emphasizing his respect for women and highlighting his past recognition as Nigeria’s most gender-friendly governor.

“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women.”

He also urged Nigerians, the media, and social media users to allow due process to take its course rather than making premature conclusions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had, after Akpabio’s remark, invoked Senate Order 40.

Recognised by Akpabio, she formally accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

She requested permission to lay her petition to those effects before the Senate.

There were instant reactions by some senators, but she could not be stopped from exercising her rights and privileges.

The Senate subsequently referred her petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for a detailed review.

The committee has been directed to investigate the matter thoroughly and report its findings.

The controversy stems from a heated confrontation in February over a seat rearrangement in the Senate chamber.

The incident, which initially appeared to be a minor dispute, has since escalated into a serious issue, heightening tensions in the Senate.

I Have Not Resigned, I’m Solidly Behind My Boss – Rivers Dep Gov, Odu

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Ngozi Odu - Rivers State Deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Amidst political row in Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu, has confirmed that she has not resigned.

In a viral video circulating on social media, it was alleged that the deputy governor stepped down due to intense pressure.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the press secretary, Owupele Benebo, Prof Odu clarified that, contrary to the claims made in the video, she remains committed to her responsibilities.

“The Office of the Deputy Governor of Rivers State categorically denies the false and misleading reports circulating online suggesting that Her Excellency, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, DSSRS, has resigned.

“Contrary to these baseless allegations, Her Excellency is fully committed to her duties as Deputy Governor, a role she was duly elected to fulfill alongside His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the Executive Governor of Rivers State.

“As a seasoned public servant and academic, Prof. Odu is devoted to assisting the Governor in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.

“Her exemplary leadership and expertise have been invaluable to the administration, and she remains unwavering in her commitment to supporting His Excellency, Sir Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS.”

The statement urged the public to disregard “the unfounded reports, which are clearly the result of malicious speculation.”

Finally, Akpabio Denies Harassing Natasha Sexually, Says His Mother Raised Him Well

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio
Natasha Akpoti and Senator Godswill Akpabio

Following a long silence on his part on the allegation of sexual harassment allegation against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has finally spoken.

Akpabio reacted to the allegation during Wednesday Plenary at the Red Chamber. He denied the allegation, saying, he as a responsible gentleman, could not have done what the Kogi senator accused him of.

The Senate President wife, had earlier denied the allegation against Akpabio, accusing Natasha of trying to blackmail her husband. She had sued Natasha for a whopping N250 billion, apart from praying the court to compel her to apologise to the Senate President and her family on a national daily.

The issue has generated serious reactions from not a few Nigerians, particularly women groups who are calling for a probe.

Responding to the allegation, Akpabio said today that he had never harassed any woman sexually, describing himself to be very gender friendly.

“At no time did I ever harass any woman. I was raised very well by my late single mother and I have always upheld respect for women. I was even awarded the most gender-friendly governor in Nigeria,’ Akpabio said.

The Natasha/Akpabio clash started few days ago after the Kogi lawmaker protested after she was bared from speaking during Senate plenary by Akpabio who also ordered her to be ‘taken out’ of the chamber, for failing to sit on the place allocated to her.

Natasha would later  accused the Senate President of harassing her because she refused to give in to his sexual advances, citing some instance where Akpabio wooed her, including in the Senate President’s home in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, with her husband not too far away.

The lawmaker has also sued Akpabio for N150 billion after the Senate set up an investigation panel on the matter.

Osun LGAs Crisis: APC Accuses Gov Adeleke Of Begging Ex-APC Chairman, Akande To Intervene

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bisi Akande

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun state has chided Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state for ‘begging’ a former Acting Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande after allegedly instigating the bloody violence in the state, over the control of Local Government Areas, LGAs.

Governor Adeleke visited the APC chieftain and a former governor of the state, in his Ibadan home amid suggestions that he’s seeking his support in the current LGAs crisis.   

The crisis has led to the death of at least six  persons, including a former Chairman of  Irewole Local Government, Remi Abass, a member of the APC. who was shot on his way to the council secretariat recently.

The magazine reported that the APC and PDP have clashed over who should be in control of the 24 LGAs in the state, as the parties brandish court judgment in support of their positions.

Amidst the crisis, the ruling APC claimed that Governor Adeleke visited Akande in search of a soft landing, and for him to prevail on APC LGAs chairmen, who have taken over the LGAs secretariat to back down.

According to a statement signed by the state APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the governor must take responsibility for the killings that took place rather than trying to beg Akande to gain his support.

The party said there’s nothing Adeleke could do to buy Akande , who is a democrat into his side, asking whether the governor wanted the APC chieftain to approve the killings that took place in the state, for which it said Adeleke must be held responsible.

Part of the statement read, “It was strange that Governor Adeleke and his cohorts could find a way to Pa Akande’s residence after the Peoples Democratic Party’s thugs, acting on the governor’s body language, had killed one of the reinstated local government council chairmen of Chief Akande’s party, Hon Remi Abass, in Ikire and other members of the opposition party in the other parts of the state a few days ago.

“We want to impress it on Governor Adeleke and his co-travellers that Pa Akande is a democrat and no amount of under-the-table arrangement would make the former governor of the state work against the interest of his party. Does Governor Adeleke want Pa Akande to praise him for being instrumental in the killing of the chieftain and members of his party?

“We want to believe that there are knowledgeable political lieutenants of Governor Adeleke who should guide him aright that the proper place for him to go if at all he has any case for redress after the Akure verdict of 10th of February, 2025, is the Supreme Court.”

The magazine reports that following the bloody clash among the supporters of the two parties, Governor Adeleke directed elected PDP chairmen to stay away from the 30 council secretariats to avert further bloodshed. 

Crisis Looms Again In Lagos Assembly, As Obasa, Lawmakers Disagree Over Onafeko As Clerk

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa and Olalekan Onafeko

By Akinwale Kasali

There is a brewing crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly between the reinstated Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the Lawmakers over plans by Obasa to reinstate suspended Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko.

Onafeko was suspended on January 13th, 2025, by the then Speaker of House, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, and was replaced by Ottun Babatunde.

Following the reinstatement of Obasa, he is pushing for the reinstatement of Onafeko, which the Lawmakers vehemently reject.

Onafeko has dragged Babatunde and the Assembly to the National Industrial Court to seek redress.

However, on Monday when Obasa was reelected, Ottun acted as Clerk at the Monday plenary.

Onafeko had earlier stated that he was still standing by the Court’s decision and added that he was also open to political resolution and the decision of the House.

He said, “Sometimes, you mange the situation. That doesn’t mean you don’t know what you’re doing, but for the sake of peace and the integrity of the institution itself, and I want to defer to the members of the House. I know that they will do the right thing. So, let’s take it one step at a time.

“It’s not something that you can only sort out by the law. The political and human aspects will also be looked into. The most important thing is what is good for the institution and and the state itself,” he said.

With the refusal of the Lawmakers to approve his reinstatement, there may be another crisis in the Assembly, as Obasa is eager and bent on reinstating Onafeko.

President Tinubu Salutes Obasanjo @ 88, Says “He’s Extraordinary Leader”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

In a special birthday tribute, President Bola Tinubu has described a former Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo as “an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development.”

The president pointed out that “sometimes controversial,” Obasanjo’s contributions have assisted in reshaping policies and act as guide to rulers.

This was contained in a tribute by President Tinubu to the former military head of state and civilian president on hi 88th birthday.

The statement reads “Today, as former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo turns 88, I pay a special tribute to an extraordinary leader and statesman who has made enormous contributions to Nigeria’s development and whose life for the past six decades is woven deeply into the fabric of Nigeria’s history.

“Providence has constantly thrust General Obasanjo to the forefront at critical junctures in Nigeria’s story.

“He served the country meritoriously in the Nigerian Army. As a Colonel, fate beckoned on him while commanding the Third Marine Division to receive the instrument of surrender from Col. Philip Effiong, the Biafran Army Commander, signalling the end of Nigeria’s 30-month civil war.

“General Obasanjo also made history as the military leader who took over the reins of power following General Murtala Mohammed’s death in 1976.

“He completed the administration’s transition programme and successfully handed power to a civilian regime in 1979.

“Twenty years later, in 1999, he emerged as civilian president, freed from prison a year earlier, to herald the rebirth of another democratic dispensation, which recently clocked 25 years and still counting.

“During the two eras, General Obasanjo implemented critical policies and reforms and made important decisions that profoundly impacted the lives of many Nigerians.

“As the head of state, he consistently demonstrated a selfless commitment to national unity, peace, and progress.

“Out of office, only a few will deny that the former president continues to wield considerable influence among the political elite at home and is well-regarded abroad, where he is an ambassador of global peace and a troubleshooter.

“His tireless efforts in conflict resolution, advocacy for good governance, and dedication to Pan-Africanism through institutions like the African Union and the United Nations are testaments to his statesmanship.

“Sometimes controversial, former President Obasanjo’s regular interventions in national affairs have helped shape public policies and acted as a check on leadership.

“I thank General Obasanjo for his onerous contributions to Nigeria. I commend him for his statesmanship and leadership.

“At 88, the former president is still gaining strength. I pray that God Almighty will grant him the grace and strength to live for more years so the nation and Africa can continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I extend heartfelt congratulations to this great patriot. Happy 88th Birthday, President Obasanjo!”

Jandor: “Why I Left PDP” … Reveals Bode George Worked Against Party In 2023

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Olajide Adediran - Jandor

By Akinwale Kasali

“Jandor is an undignified fellow” – Bode George

When Olajide Adediran, popular as Jandor, announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he failed to give reasons why.

But the former Governorship Candidate of the PDP in the 2023 Gubernatorial Election in Lagos State has now finally said why.  He accused the Party of failing to uphold its constitution and of taking actions that undermine internal discipline.

The Convener of Lagos4Lagos Movement also cited internal crisis within the fold as another reason for quitting the Party.

He accused some PDP leaders including a former Deputy National chairman of the party, Olabode George of allegedly working against the party during the 2023 elections.

Adediran said: “I stand before you today with a heavy heart but a clear conscience. We have dedicated ourselves to the ideals of democracy, good governance, and the pursuit of a better Lagos.

Bode George
Chief Bode George: Jandor is an undignified fellow.

“However, it has become evident that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, both at the state and national levels, has failed to uphold these principles.

“The persistent anti-party activities, internal sabotage, and lack of discipline within the party have severely undermined our collective efforts and made it impossible for genuine progress to be achieved.

“As the governorship candidate in the 2023 election, we ran a campaign based on transformation, development, and the desire for positive change but unfortunately, the internal betrayals and lack of commitment from the party leadership hindered our chances and left many of our supporters bewildered and disillusioned.

“A few days to the election, the supposed leader of the party in Lagos State, Olabode George, who had earlier publicly campaigned against the presidential candidate of the PDP, openly declared support for the gubernatorial candidate of another party in a press conference and also advised Lagosians not to vote for the party he claimed to be leading as a member of the Board of Trustees.

“After the election, we officially complained to the party at the national level believing and expecting that the appropriate sanctions would be applied to all those that committed these anti-party offences by the provisions of the party constitution, but to our utmost chagrin, the party at the centre appointed George as Vice Chairman of a disciplinary committee.

“We have waited this long, to see if there will be some sort of respite, but what we see, even at the top is that the same set of leaders that campaigned and worked openly against the party are the ones holding the aces today.

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, political associates, and supporters, we have made the difficult decision to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party”.

Reacting to his departure from the PDP, George described Adediran as an undignified fellow.

Rivers Crisis: Fubara Won’t Present 2025 Until Served With Supreme Court Judgment- SSG

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State
Governor Similanayi Fubara

The Siminalaye Fubara Rivers State administration says it has not received the resolution of the House of Assembly for the submission of the 2025 Budget.

The state government also stated that it has yet to be served the last week’s Supreme Court’s judgment which confirmed the Martin Amaewhule-led House leadership.

The state government position was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government, SSG,  Tammy Dagogo on Wednesday.

Recall that the nation’s apex court had on February 28, in a judgment, directed the Amaewhule-faction of the House to resume sitting immediately, it also ordered the state government to present the 2025 Budget to the Assembly for approval.

Folowing the judgment, the Assembly leadership said it gave Governor Fubara 48 to present this year’s budget for approval.

Reacting, Dagogo said the state government will only act on the issues when it’s duly communicated with, saying the governor is prepared to comply immediately.

The government scribe said a letter purportedly written to the Assembly was a social media thing that cannot be acted upon.

Dagogo said, “I hereby refer to a letter dated 3rd March 2025 on the above subject, which we came across on social media and notify you that, as at the close of work on Tuesday 4th March, 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter. Neither the office of the Governor, nor the Deputy Governor’s office, nor the office of the Accountant-General of the State has received the said letter.

“We have since been in contact with our lawyers who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgments of the Supreme Court, and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as His Excellency receives the judgments, he will strive to implement same timeously in the best interest of our
people.”

On December 31, Governor Fubara presented the state’s N1.188 trillion Budget to a three-man Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, the faction supported by the governor.

The Amaewhule-led faction is backed by the Minister of the FCT and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.

Former Akwa Ibom Governor, Emmanuel Udom Arrested

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Emmanuel Udom

By Akinwale Kasali

Emmanuel Udom, Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N700 billion fraud.

Udom governed Akwa Ibom for two terms. He succeeded Senate President, Godswill Akpabio from 2015 till 2023.

Udom arrived at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday afternoon following an invitation from the anti-graft agency.

Sources informed the Magazine that Udom was arrested after honoring the EFCC’s invitation to answer allegations of money laundering, diversion of funds, and stealing.

The Source said, “We have arrested the former Governor of Akwa Ibom over an alleged N700 billion fraud.

“A civil society organisation called the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking petitioned the EFCC, prompting our investigation.

“The petitioner alleged that Udom received N3 Trillion from the Federation Account over eight years but left behind a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion.

He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700 Billion.

The source further revealed that investigations uncovered the withdrawal of N31 billion in cash from a single account named “Office of the Governor.”

He added: “Other investigations have uncovered the withdrawal of N31bn in cash in one single account. The name of the account is Office of the Governor. The money was withdrawn in cash progressively between 2019 and 2023.”

EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, is yet to comment on this development.

How Fmr. Immigration CG Died In A-N22,000 Per Night  Hotel – Police

By
Adesina Soyooye
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former Comptroller General of Immigration Services - David Parradang

By Adesina Soyooye 

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command, has debunked  the story which made the rounds earlier Tuesday that a former Comptroller General of Immigration Services, David Parradang, was abducted in Abuja Monday morning and later killed by his abductors after they robbed him of his money.

Setting the record straight in a tragedy that has been now described both as a shame and a scandal, the FCT Police Command said the former NIS topmost boss, died in a N22,000 per night Hotel in Abuja after he checked in, and lodged  with a female guest.

In a statement on Tuesday, Josephine Adeh the FCT Police Spokesperson revealed that; 

“On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12.00pm, Mr Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. He checked into the Hotel, paying N22,000 for one night’s stay.

“Shortly, thereafter, he directed the Hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room. This Lady left the hotel premises at about 4.00pm  of the same day.

“Mr Parradang did not exit his room after the Lady left. Around 4.00am of 04, March 2025, a friend who is a Military Officer, concerned for his well being, traced him to the hotel. Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair.

Said Adeh; the Durumi Police Station was contacted immediately. When the Police arrived, the secured the scene, took photographs and collected evidence.

“The body has been transferred to the National Hospital Abuja for necessary procedures and hotel staff are currently cooperating with Police investigations.

“We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unconfirmed information, including claims of kidnapping that may incite fear or panic.

“The FCT Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances  surrounding Mr Parradang’s death. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure justice is done.”

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