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S€xual Harassment: Why Tinubu, Senate, Should  Investigate Natasha’s  Allegation Against Akpabio – Atiku

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

By Adesina Soyooye

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has underscored how serious the se€ual harassment allegation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is, and why it should be thoroughly investigated.

Nigerians woke up Friday morning to watch Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly allege that Akpabio was mistreating her and not according her rights and privileges to her because she had consistently rejected his se€ual overtures.

Reactions to the scandalous allegation have been coming in like claps of thunder including from Akpabio’s wife, Mrs Unoma Ekaette Akpabio, who defended her husband, vouched for him as a disciplined man, and threatened to sue Akpoti-Uduaghan.

But in his own reaction, Atiku, who was the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, urged both President Bola Tinubu and the Senate to take Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation seriously and initiate a thorough investigation.

He emphasized how grave the allegations made by the Female Senator is, its implications on the Nation and the National Assembly, and reminded Nigerians, in case anybody was forgetting, that Akpabio’s is Nigeria’s third highest office holder.

Atiku: “Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning (Friday morning), as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of se€ual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio
Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio

“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.

“The Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people. Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve.

“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.

“Se€ual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.

“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles.

“The handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.

“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.

“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of

harassment or intimidation.

“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect.”

Inspite of Mrs Akpabio’s strong defence of her husband, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stands by her allegations. She insists she has evidences and witnesses. One of them? Her husband with whom she listens to Akpabio’s late night calls to her.

Ehindero, Rtd IGP, Defends Egbetokun’s Tenure Elongation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sunday Ehindero

By Ayodele Oni

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Sunday Ehindero, has said that the President has the power to determine who becomes his Police Chief.

Reacting to controversies surrounding the elongation of the tenure of incumbent IGP, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, Ehindero pointed out that there is no pressure, no matter how strong, that will make an incumbent President work with an unfriendly IGP.

He declared in a statement that “The appointment and elongation of tenure of Inspectors General of Police will always generate controversies. Such an appointment is political.

“And politics is riddled with controversies. In politics there is no right answer. The question is not whether your action is wrong or right, it is whether your action is valid.

“The President is given the power to choose an Inspector General of Police from serving members of the force with the concurrence and concordance of the Police Council.

“It is his right to determine the Inspector General of Police he could work with. No amount of pressure would make him work with an Inspector General of Police who is not his preference.

“You can force a horse to a river, but you cannot force the horse to drink water. There must be that chemistry between an appointed Inspector General of Police and the President.”

Kayode Egbetokun - IGP
Kayode Egbetokun – IGP

He however emphasized that despite the power of the president on IGP’s appointment, it does not make such an appointee a stooge.

“In my case, President Obasanjo demanded one hundred percent loyalty, not ninety nine percent. That did not make me a yes sir man. There were times when we disagreed on directives given to me. On finding out the facts, he conceded to me.

“In the case of Egbetokun, I know him very well. He was the ADC to President Tinubu while I was the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 2, Lagos and Ogun states, while Mr. Okiro was the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State in the year 2001.

“If President Tinubu chooses to work with him for the duration of four years and that is backed by law, so be it. He is his choice.

“You cannot by any yardstick say Egbetokun is incompetent or not qualified for the job. Competence backed by law should be the overriding factor in the appointment and tenure of an Inspector General of Police.

“Let Egbetokun serve his four years tenure extension in peace. He deserves it by virtue of his competence, performance and academic qualifications.

“The extension of the tenure of Inspectors General of Police had always been controversial. My tenure extensions twice in 2005 for one year beginning from March 2006 and 2007 for three months were not without controversies.

“In fact, the President and I were taken to court for my tenure elongation. At the end of the day, the court ruled that it was a non-issue and dismissed the case.  At that time in 2006, there were no legislations in relation to the tenure elongation of an Inspector General of Police other than the Civil Service Rules and the Police Act and Regulation, CAP 359, Laws of The Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

Over 23,000 Students To Benefit From Ondo WASCE Registration Fees

By
Ayodele Oni
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Students in Examination Hall

By Ayodele Oni

Over 23,000 final year students of Senior Secondary Schools in Ondo State are to have their 2025 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) Secondary School Certificate Examination levy paid by the State Government.

Already, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the sum of N633, 918, 000.00 to cover the payment of registration fees for public secondary school students in the State.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in a statement at the weekend explained that the gesture is to alleviate the financial burden of parents and guardians.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa gave the approval on Friday and the payment will cover a total of 23, 048 secondary school students who passed the Joint Senior Secondary School II Promotion Examination in the State conducted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa

“Over the years, the payment of WASSCE registration fees for public secondary school candidates in Ondo State has been a significant relief for parents, guardians, and stakeholders alike, especially in the face of prevailing economic challenges.

“The WASSCE represents a crucial academic milestone for students, serving as a gateway to higher education and professional opportunities.

“Ensuring that the state government covers the registration fees annually, invariably promotes equitable access to education, allowing all eligible candidates to participate in this pivotal examination without financial hindrance.

“This initiative effectively reduces disparities among students from varying socio-economic backgrounds.

“The commitment of Governor Aiyedatiwa to fund the WASSCE registration aligns with the Education, Human Capital Development and Entrepreneurship objectives outlined in the ‘OUR-EASE’ policy thrust of the administration.”

However, in the past, despite announcement of government that it would pay the examinations fees of the students, they found it difficult to access their results when released, due to inability to back up the announcement with cash.

“l Am As Fit As Fiddle” – Gov. Adeleke

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Adesina Soyooye 

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says he is as fit as a fiddle. 

The Governor spoke in response to worries expressed by some people over his use of a walking stick, always. Some have attributed that to perhaps a kind of ill-health for which he needs a walking stick for support.

But the Governor whose hobby is dancing says perish the thought. He said when it comes to his health, he is as clean as a whistle.

He explained that the walking stick he uses is for his traditional status in the society; that  is a status symbol; that he is a multiple Chief; that more important, he is the Asiwaju of Ede. The walking stick goes with the office; a paraphernalia so to say.

Adeleke to Reporters: “I am hale and hearty. I am not sick in any way. Walking stick is common practice in many regions of Nigeria, especially in the South-south and South-east;  signifying dignity and respect, particularly, among high ranking individuals.”

Said one of his Aides: “If anybody needed any pointer to Governor Adeleke’s good health status, the way he dances, vigorously, swirling round, seals it. They need to see him exercising.”

Adeleke explained that the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, gave him his first walking stick. He also said he got another one in Asaba at a recent PDP Governor’s Forum where each Governor was given a beautiful and shiny walking stick.

EFCC Docks T.A Orji, Fmr. Abia Governor, Son, For  Diversion Of N60 .85 Billion 

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Chinedu Orji and Theodore Orji

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

An Abia State High Court, sitting in Umuahia the State Capital, on Friday, February 28, 2025, adjourned to June 18 and 19 ,2025,  commencement of hearing in the suit filed against a former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore A Orji, his son Engr Chinedu Orji, the  immediate past Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC .

The EFCC had arraigned the Orjis on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, corruption and diversion of public funds to the tune of N60 .85 billion.

Docked alongside the  forner Governor and his son, were the erstwhile Finance Commissioner, Dr Philip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma, and Romanus K Madu.

According to the anti-graft agency, the accused, between 2011 and 2015, conspired severally and collectively to siphon and divert the  said sum  being part of the federal allocations to  Abia State.

The EFCC said the offence is contrary to the provisions of Section 390(5) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.

The Commission avers that the said sum of over N60 billion were diverted in tranches as security votes and other nebulous subheads between 2010 and 2015.

“That you, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji ,Engr Chinedum Orji ,Dr Phillip Nto ,Onwumene King Obioma and Romanus K Madu ,sometime between 2011 and 2015 in Umuahia Aba state within the jurisdiction of this honourable court stole and converted the Sim of N22,500,000,000.00 ( Twenty two Billion ,Five Hundred Million naira only ) being allocation to the the Abia state Government as security votes and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provision of session 390 (5)of the Criminal Code Law of Abia state”, one of the 16 charges reads.

However, all the accused  pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

The presiding  Judge, Justice Lillian Obai, granted all the defendants bail in the sum of N50 million each with one surety in like sum.

In addition, each of the surety must be a landed property owner with evidence of relevant title deeds, including a Certificate of Occupancy C of O.

As part of the conditions for the perfection of the bond, the accused must deposit their international passports with the Court Registrar.

The Source reports that the EFCC had earlier announced the final forfeiture of over N 228 million by the former Governor in another case of corruption and diversion of public funds .

Although Senator Orji had denied any knowledge of the said forfeiture, the anti-graft Commission recently went ahead to perfect all the conditions precedent to the final forfeiture.

While Senator Orji presided over the affairs of Abia State between 2007 and 2015, his son, Chinedu, was the Speaker of the state House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023.

S.C. Ruling: A Declaration Of War On Rivers People – Eze, APC Chieftain 

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Chief Chukwuemeka Eze

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Also declares Friday, February 28th, black day for democracy

The Supreme Court judgment, Friday, February 28, 2025 ,on  some issues central to the festering Rivers State crisis has been described as an open  declaration of war on the good people of the State.

A chieftain of the factional  All Progressive Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Chief  Chukwuemeka Eze, in a statement issued on Friday, also called the day ” a black Friday for Democracy ” in the country.

The Source reports that a Supreme Court panel of five Justices had, in its ruling affirmed the  27pro-Wike defected law  makers as  members of the State House of Assembly.

Similarly, the panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, but whose verdict was read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, directed the State Governor to re-present the State’s 2025 appropriation bill to the Legislators.

The Supreme Court described  the presentation of the budget to only four  members of the House, as done by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an aberration.

Subsequently, the Apex Court directed the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and all other relevant authorities to withhold the monthly statutory allocations to Rivers State, pending when the State’s 2025 appropriation bill will be considered and passed by the legislators  including the 27 Pro-Wike law makers.

However ,while reacting to the development, Chief Eze expressed serious concern about the implications of the judgment.

He expressed regret that the nation’s Apex Court could rule to reinstall the Martin Amaewfule-led Lawmakers after the overwhelming evidence confirming their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the APC.

According to him, it is a known fact that the 27 Lawmakers had, in December, 2023, openly declared allegiance to the APC, after resigning their membership of the PDP that provided the platform for their election.

” For the Supreme Court to ignore these facts and ask Amaewhule and his group to continue sitting is not only unfortunate, wicked, evil and undemocratic, but also a direct declaration of war on the people of Rivers State and Nigeria’s democracy” Chief Eze stated.

The APC stalwart whose group is battling the Tony Okocha-led faction for the control of the soul of APC in Rivers State, therefore, called on  well meaning Nigerians to see the situation as not just an attack on Governor Fubara, but as a dangerous assault on the country’s democracy.

Particularly, Chief Eze expressed serious worries over the decision of the Supreme Court to halt Federal Allocations to Rivers all in a bid to satisfy the whims and caprices of one man, he said.

According to him, the halting of the remission of the State’s Statutory allocation, is a clear attempt to cripple Rivers, incidentally the State that oils the country’s economic machine.

While commending the State Governor for having so far fought to bring to the public glare  how the selfish interests of one man has sought to stifle the growth and development of  Rivers State, he nevertheless foresees the unfolding of some events within the political landscape.

PSC Appoints  Suleiman Yusuf, Adetutu Olofu, DIGs

By
The Source
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Sulieman Amuda and Rhoda Adetutu Olofu

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of   AIG Sulieman  Amuda Yusuf, AIG incharge of Zone 9 Umuahia and AIG Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Force Secretary as Deputy Inspectors General of Police.

AIG Yusuf and AIG Olofu are appointed to occupy  the vacancies created by the retirement of the Deputy Inspectors General in charge of Operations and Information  and Communication Technology . They are also the most senior Officers  representing  the North Central Geo-political zone in the Nigeria Police Force.

The two senior Police Officers have also maintained  clean service records and the Commission notes that their promotion will serve as an incentive and motivating factor for improved performance. 

AIG Yusuf was until his appointment  the AIG Zone 9 Umuahia,  former  AIG Fed Ops Force Headquarters  and Commissioner of Police Taraba State. He also served as CP Police Mobile Force;  Deputy  Commandant,  Police College Kaduna and Oji River respectively; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations,  Jigawa State and Assistant Commissioner,  CIID. Bauchi state Command.

AIG Rhoda Adetutu Olofu was until this appointment, the Force Secretary,  former AIG Maritime Police Command,  Lagos; Commissioner of Police Ports Authority Police Western Ports Command; CP X- Squad, Force CID; and CP Servicom, Department of Research  and Planning.

She also served as Deputy Commissioner of Police Research and Planning; DCP Admin, Department of Training  and Development; DCP Investment,  Department of Logistics  and Supply and Assistant Commissioner Establisment,  Force Secretary’s office.

She was appointed a Cadet Assistant Superintendent on 3rd of March 1990 and was  trained at the Police Academy  where AIG Yusuf was also trained.

Chairman of the Commission,  DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd congratulated the new DIGs for attaining this height in their meritorious career in the Nigeria Police Force.

He urged them to remember to give back to the Force either in service or in retirement as their experience would remain valuable to the growth of the Nigeria Police Force.

DIG Argungu reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensure that Police Officers are promoted as and when due and that these promotions would be based on merit.

The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.

Bauchi Shuts Down Schools For Ramadan, Parents Lament

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

By Akinwale Kasali 

There is tension in Bauchi State following the shut- down of Primary and Secondary Schools in the State due to the forthcoming Ramadan.

Parents have lamented and frowned at the directive made by the Bauchi State Ministry of Education to keep children at home during the month of Ramadan.

The move has led to series of complaints by parents who queried the motive behind the one month break.

Several parents are worried for their children’s education while noting that most children will forget all they have been taught when they are faced with their exams after the break.

In an interview with Vanguard Newspaper, a parent, Ali Ayuba, whose child schools in the Rafin-Zurfi area of Bauchi metropolis, appealed to the State Government to consider making it optional for schools to adopt the policy or make all schools close early every day to make it all inclusive.

“I am really confused, seriously. I had hoped that before this kind of policy goes mainstream, parents’ would be carried along, because after all, we are the most affected by such policies.

“I thought that they would, at least, make it optional for schools to adopt the policy because it’s not in all parts of Bauchi that people are fasting. If they must make it a state-wide policy, why not reduce the hours spent in school so that the children can close early?” he queried.

Another parent who requested anonymity lamented that children will forget all they have learnt when they return to write their exams.

“Honestly, this will be counterproductive. How can you reconcile teaching children for 2 months and sending them on a one-month break, then asking them to write exams immediately after they return from the break? I can’t understand it.

“The state governor, who, in my opinion, has done very well in many other things, should look into this policy so that the system he has fought so hard to build will not collapse,” she appealed.

Obasa Is An Impostor – Lagos Lawmakers

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali 

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have dismissed embattled and impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, as an impostor.

Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, who spoke on the ongoing Legal Battle accused certain individuals of staging unnecessary drama.

Though he didn’t mention names, but it was clear that he was referring to Obasa.

According to Ogundipe, “Our Counsel was very clear in court. The person causing the drama was just an imposter, and I am sure the Court will follow due process. 

“By the next hearing, the imposter’s true identity will be exposed,” Ogundipe stated.

He described the recent events as “a show of shame” and criticized contradictory statements made by those challenging the Assembly’s proceedings.

“Imagine, they are now openly claiming that there was no court procedure, yet we were in court today. The same person who initiated the case is now saying there’s no court process. You also saw the drama his Lawyers created in Court today.

“It’s unfortunate, but when we get to the bridge, we will cross it,” he added.

Ogundipe however reassured Lagosians that the Assembly remains committed to upholding the law and serving the people.

“We want to assure the public that we are law-abiding and are doing everything within our power to ensure that this situation does not escalate further,” he said.

Following the Court proceedings, Lawmakers proceeded to the Assembly complex to inspect the premises, but it had been occupied by Obasa, the Lawmaker stated.

Deputy Speaker, Hon. Fatai Mojeed, assured that everything was in order, adding that the House remained under the control of its legitimate members.

The Case has been adjourned till March 5, 2025.

Meranda Says It’s Show Of Shame As Obasa Again Storms Assembly… Lawmakers, Legislative Officers Vacate Offices

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mojisola Meranda - Speaker Lagos State

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly Complex have been taken-over by impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa alongside thugs and hoodlums. They were protected by a large number of Police, Civil Defense Officials and Department of State Security, DSS, Operatives.

Obasa, alongside alleged thugs and hoodlums forcefully took over the Assembly Complex, Friday afternoon, before the Lawmakers returned from the Court where they had gone to for Obasa’s case against them and Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

On seeing this development, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, expressed her disappointment on the issue.

She described the as a “total show of shame” that must be condemned.

“This is actually just the beginning, and as you saw in Court, both parties had their representatives. We should allow the legal process to run its course,” she said while speaking to journalists.

Despite the political tension, Meranda reassured that the House remains intact and united, vowing to uphold due process and legislative order.

She acknowledged that Obasa remains a member of the House and has the right to attend plenary sessions.

However, she expressed concerns over the manner of his entry.

“The invasion and breaking into my office—that is really a serious issue,” she emphasized.

She however raised concerns over the drastic reduction in her security detail, stating that she normally has twelve policemen, four DSS officers, and two anti-riot officers in her convoy, but, at the moment, she only has Four Policemen with her.

Speaking further, Meranda described the Plenary presided over by Obasa I which he adjourned sitting with just three lawmakers, as political theatrics.

“That was just a show of shame. In our job, we have a required number to form a quorum. If you are sitting with just three or four members, you are only putting on a theatrical display,” she said.

As at the time of  filing this report, no one had been allowed into the Assembly Complex, as it was gathered that Obasa is currently at the Complex with some of his loyalist.

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