Tag: Abuja

  • The Difference is Clear: Protecting the Senate from Political Manipulation, Not Rewarding Falsehood

    The Difference is Clear: Protecting the Senate from Political Manipulation, Not Rewarding Falsehood

    Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s appeal for transparency and institutional protection is noted, but his attempt to draw a parallel between his own past case and the current false allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is fundamentally flawed. The two situations are worlds apart in context, substance, and motivation.

    In Saraki’s case, the matter revolved around his official duties as Senate President—specifically, an accusation concerning the importation of an official vehicle. The claim was factually incorrect, and Saraki, knowing this, subjected himself to scrutiny to clear his name. It was an administrative and procedural issue directly tied to his office, and a swift resolution through the Senate Ethics Committee restored confidence in the institution.

    In contrast, what we have before us today is a case of personal, unsubstantiated, and conveniently timed accusations—claims of sexual harassment that supposedly took place over a year ago but surfaced only after the accuser was summoned for disciplinary action. There was no prior complaint, no record of distress, no mention to her husband, and no disclosure to female colleagues in the Senate. Instead, the accusation was unleashed only at the point of reckoning, in a desperate attempt to divert attention from legitimate disciplinary proceedings.

    If we take Saraki’s argument to its logical conclusion, we would be establishing a dangerous precedent—one where any gold digger or habitual liar can throw out an unsubstantiated allegation and expect the Senate to come to a halt while they are entertained. This is not just about Akpabio; it is about protecting the institution of the Senate from manipulation and blackmail.

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    It is well known that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of making reckless and false allegations of sexual harassment against prominent figures, including Reno Omokri, Dino Melaye, and Yahaya Bello. These accusations always follow the same pattern: wild claims, media noise, and no evidence. Now, the same strategy is being deployed against the Senate President, not because she is seeking justice, but because she is desperately avoiding accountability for her own actions.

    Even more telling is the fact that she never brought this complaint to the floor of the Senate—not even when she claimed that her motion on Ajaokuta Steel was ignored despite being listed on the Order Paper. If she truly believed that she was being victimized because of an alleged sexual harassment incident, the proper forum to raise such a grievance would have been the Senate itself. The Senate only responds to and investigates issues formally raised within its chambers, not in a television interview. If she believes that addressing her grievances on TV is more effective than following due process in the Senate, then kudos to her. However, as a Senator, she should know better. The Senate is moved by reason and laws, not sentiments and drama, and those who seek redress must engage the institution through its established procedures, not through media grandstanding.

    Furthermore, it is critical to note that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was appointed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content on the 21st of November 2023 before the alleged sexual harassment incident in Ikot Ekpene. If she had truly been a victim, why would the Senate leadership, under the same Akpabio she now accuses, assign her such a critical leadership role? This glaring contradiction exposes her claims for what they truly are: a politically motivated and diversionary stunt.

    Saraki rightly speaks about protecting the Senate’s integrity, but true protection of the institution means ensuring that its processes are not hijacked by baseless, opportunistic claims. If Natasha has any real grievance about events that occurred outside the Senate, let her pursue those through the appropriate legal channels—not use the Red Chamber and the media as a stage for diversionary theatrics.

    Let Due Process Prevail!

    The correct course of action is clear:
    1. Natasha should first answer to the Senate Ethics Committee for her misconduct.
    2. If she believes she has a valid sexual harassment claim, she should file a case in the appropriate legal forum, not use the Senate and the media as a shield against accountability.
    3. The Senate must resist the temptation to legitimize a distraction campaign designed to avoid legitimate scrutiny.

    Dr. Saraki’s appeal to precedent is misplaced. His case was about official duties and was addressed in a manner that reinforced institutional accountability. This case, however, is about a personal vendetta and a desperate attempt to escape disciplinary action.

    The Senate and Nigerians should not fall for this diversionary tactic. The Senate must stay focused, maintain order, and refuse to be blackmailed into legitimizing what is clearly an opportunistic and diversionary falsehood… senator onyekachi peter Nwebonyi (senate deputy chief whip)

  • Bishop Wale Oke Re-elected PFN National President

    Bishop Wale Oke Re-elected PFN National President

    By Nsan Ndoma-Neji

    Bishop Wale Oke has been elected as National President of Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria PFN to lead the Christian Association for the second term.

    Oke was elected after the members of the Advisory Council found him Worthy during the 18th Biennial conference which took place in February 11, 2025 in Abuja.

    Others include Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu – National Deputy President, Bishop David Bakare National Secretary among others, Dr. Sam Aboyeji National Treasurer, RCCG Representative as Internal Auditor among others.

    Oke first won the PFN election  some years ago and assumed office as PFN in March 2021 exhausted a four year tenure before seeking a second term.

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    Outgoing PFN National Publicity Secretary Archbishop Emmah Isong disclosed this during a telephone conversation with our correspondent in Calabar yesterday.

    “These are the front liners of the national exco. They are the people who will be leading us for  the next fours years.

    “Everyone is at liberty now to congratulate his Eminence Archisbishop Dr. Wale Oke, we thank God for this result.

    “With this result of election, the next line of action for the fellowship today is the other remaining five officers; National Publicity Secretary, National Financial Secretary, deputy national secretary and so on, and they are  to kick-start the process,their inauguration and their training in the next four years.

    The cleric averred that  the 18th National biennial conference of the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria PFN will kickstart tomorrow at the Glory Dome, of the Dunamis Ministry , Airport Road Abuja, tomorrow at 4pm.

    “We are asking  all Pentecostals, all Nigerians, desiring to move the holy sprit to come.

    “Truly this gathering is the end of 40 days  fasting will produce a new nation of Nigeria that our  children and grandchildren will be proud to come and see.

    “We congratulate the re-elected PFN president Dr Francis Wale Oke on his victory and we pray that everyone who loves God will support him,” Isong maintained.

    Under Bishop Oke’s leadership, the PFN has emphasised honouring its founding fathers, strengthening ties with key Christian leaders across Nigeria.

  • President Tinubu ranked third most corrupt leader in the world

    President Tinubu ranked third most corrupt leader in the world

    President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has been ranked as the third most corrupt leader in the world, according to the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

    This ranking came after the OCCRP called for global nominations to highlight individuals advancing criminal activities and worsening poverty.

    The OCCRP, which coordinates a network of investigative journalists and activists, revealed that Kenyan President, William Ruto, received the highest number of votes.

    Tinubu was listed third, following former Indonesian president, Joko Widodo.

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    Despite the vote, the main “Person of the Year” title was awarded to Bashar al-Assad, the recently ousted Syrian leader who fled to Russia.

    “The judges acknowledge the importance of public interest and outrage at corruption,” organisers at OCCRP stated.

    According to People’s Gazette, Tinubu, 72, was allegedly noted for entrenching a regime of corruption in Nigeria.

    As governor of Lagos from 1999 to 2003, he amassed significant wealth for himself and his family.

    Upon becoming Nigeria’s president in May 2023, Tinubu awarded a multitrillion-naira road project to a company run by his son.

    The controversial Abuja-Calabar route project heightened fears of continued corruption.

    Additionally, Tinubu’s history as a cocaine dealer in Chicago influenced the nomination process for the OCCRP ranking.

    Allegations of certificate forgery also surfaced shortly after his inauguration.

    Tinubu has strongly denied all allegations of corruption.

    Source: Sahara Reporters

  • NANS honours CEO of Efenji Homes and Properties with Award of Excellence

    NANS honours CEO of Efenji Homes and Properties with Award of Excellence

     

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has honoured Mr Efenji Nicholas, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Efenji Homes and Properties, with an Award of Excellence.

    NANS, the apex student body in Nigeria, on Tuesday 3rd December 2024, in Abuja, conferred the award on Efenji Nicholas, recognizing him as the ‘Beacon of Hope’, after considering his stellar humanitarian activities, contributions to economic development, youth empowerment and dedicated service towards nation building.

    Hails from Bekwarra local government area, Efenji Nicholas was a former chairmanship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the recent local government elections in Cross River State.

    Undeterred by the outcome of the election which did not favour him, the young, vibrant and dynamic business magnate cum politician is now more than ever motivated to continue in his philanthropic and humanitarian activities to bring much needed reliefs to growing community of people in despair.

    Read Also: Bekwarra-born real estate czar, Efenji Nicholas, bags national outstanding leadership award

    His unparalleled acts of kindness and goodwill have not gone unnoticed – they have rightly earned him litanies of awards and recognitions nationally. In August 2024, the young CEO was honoured with the Achievers Per Excellence Award by the Nigerian Youth League, in recognition of his exceptional contributions and outstanding service to humanity and the country.

    In September 2024, Efenji Nicholas bagged the ‘Icon of Transformation/Peace Ambassador’ award conferred on him by the Northern Youth Peace Ambassadors (NYPA).

    The award by NANS is a further testament and validation of the genuineness and sincerity that are inherent in Efenji Nicholas’s humanitarian works and community service.

  • Excellence in Nigeria compromised on the altar of ethnicity – Bishop Kukah

    Excellence in Nigeria compromised on the altar of ethnicity – Bishop Kukah

     

    Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has said that achieving excellence in Nigeria is difficult due to ethno-religious schism that often hinders effective allocation and utilization of natural resources for the greater benefit of the people.

    The revered clergyman stated this in a keynote address he delivered at the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture themed, “Leaders of Tomorrow: Creating Lasting Change in a Complex World”, held in Abuja, Nigeria at weekend.

    According to him, “Leaders must understand the nature of the resources that are available. But unfortunately for us in Nigeria, the resources that we have we are unable to make use of them because we are focusing on ethnicity, religion, gender and other differences. This is why it is increasingly difficult to talk about excellence in Nigeria. So if you are thinking about a complex world to which you are going to be able to compete, then you must do more than what we are doing now.”

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    Also speaking, former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, said there was need to prioritize education in Nigeria by way of adequate provision of funding. He emphasized that natural resources alone cannot make a country, but the children, young men and women who themselves become resources when they are educated, skilled and empowered.

    Ndoma-Egba lamented that “a situation situation where schools are put together with nightclubs in a band called Band A for electricity does not make sense. If the school goes to the bank to borrow money it borrows at 37 percent, the same interest rate that alcohol importers will borrow. We must emphasize and prioritize education.”

    Continuing, the former lawmaker noted that “when Amaka passed on the challenge was to sustain her legacy. A group of our very close friends came together and said together they will sustain the legacy. And the group of friends now became the Advisory Board for Start Right School.

    “Let me use this opportunity to thank Mrs Helen Oru, Justice Folashade Ojo, justice of the Court of Appeal, Hajia Mairo Ibrahim, Aisha Dagash, our infantry general, Prince Aluta, Loretta Akpoke, the first head of this school, who started this school with just one child. And most importantly, Dr (Mrs) Nelly Ogboru. Nelly Ogboru and her late husband, General Ogboru were the first parents of this school.”

  • APC Northwest Alliance for Good Governance Condemns Campaign of Calumny Against Defence Minister, Commends His Efforts

    APC Northwest Alliance for Good Governance Condemns Campaign of Calumny Against Defence Minister, Commends His Efforts

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Northwest Alliance for Good Governance (APC-NWAGG) has called out what it describes as a baseless and slanderous campaign aimed at discrediting the Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar. The group condemned recent allegations circulated by a faceless organization, which they claim seeks to tarnish the minister’s reputation and diminish the strides made in improving security across the North.

    In a statement signed by Comrade Auwal Shuaibu Gumel, the group’s secretary and spokesperson, APC-NWAGG denounced the “obnoxious and malignant report” which it claimed was propagated by an anonymous group known as the APC Solidarity Vanguard. Gumel expressed concern over the accusations, which suggest that the minister has engaged in anti-party activities and attempted to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    “The Honourable Minister has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the APC and its principles,” Gumel stated. “In the lead-up to the last presidential elections, he mobilized support for APC across various parties and regions, particularly among northern residents in the Southwest, ensuring their endorsement for President Tinubu. Any claims suggesting otherwise are simply fictitious.”

    The group further urged the people of the North to rally around Minister Badaru and to offer prayers for him and his fellow defence leaders, emphasizing the significant improvements in regional security. Gumel highlighted that ongoing efforts under the Tinubu administration, with Badaru at the helm of the Ministry of Defence, have successfully reduced the activities of armed groups along critical routes like the Kaduna-Abuja road, significantly enhancing the safety of residents.

    Ambassador Abdullahi Dalhatu, the APC-NWAGG coordinator, expressed dismay over additional allegations implying that Northern leaders might betray President Tinubu in the future. Dalhatu dismissed these claims as “the mere product of detractors’ imaginations.” He emphasized that Minister Badaru’s tenure as governor of Jigawa and his current role in the administration reflect a deep commitment to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The APC in Jigawa State also condemned the reports, noting that it has observed a pattern of malicious content aimed at creating discord within the party. According to Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel, Chairman of the APC in Jigawa, the party is determined to maintain unity and has warned against any attempts to destabilize the government, whether through fake news or other divisive tactics.

    In light of these developments, APC-NWAGG encouraged the public to disregard the report and focus on the progress made by the Ministry of Defence. Comrade Gumel pointed to the consistent gains in the fight against banditry and terrorism across the North, asserting that Minister Badaru’s legacy is rooted in good governance and tangible results for the safety of Nigerians.

    “The people of the North should take inspiration from other regions that continue to support their leaders. This is not a time for divisiveness, but for unity and encouragement,” Gumel concluded.

    The APC Northwest Alliance for Good Governance affirmed its commitment to supporting Minister Badaru Abubakar and President Tinubu’s administration in delivering on their promises to secure the nation and provide a foundation of peace and stability for all Nigerians.

  • Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Champions Global Technology Revolution at 149th IPU Summit in Geneva for Peace and Sustainability

    Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Champions Global Technology Revolution at 149th IPU Summit in Geneva for Peace and Sustainability

    At the 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Meeting in Geneva, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, (Cross River South), emphasized the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in achieving global peace and sustainability.

    Speaking before an international audience, Senator Ekpenyong highlighted how advancements in fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and blockchain are critical in solving today’s most pressing challenges, including energy security, climate change and food security.

    Senator Ekpenyong Commended Nigeria’s efforts under President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate led by Senator Godswill Akpabio in fostering innovation through key legislative frameworks. He specifically mentioned the National Science and Technology Development Agency Act and the Cybercrime Act as instrumental in driving Nigeria’s Science, Technology and Innovation agenda. He also underscored the importance of international collaboration, urging the IPU to support developing nations in leveraging technology for sustainable growth.

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    Calling on the global community, the Senator stressed the need to empower young Nigerians, who make up more than 60% of Nigeria’s population, by facilitating knowledge exchange and investing in Nigeria’s Science Technology and Innovations sector.
    Senator Ekpenyong’s speech was a call for international partnerships to create a more peaceful and sustainable future through the transformative power of Science, Technology and Innovations.

  • NOSDRA, SDN Express Joint Commitment to Enhance Environmental Stewardship in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector

    NOSDRA, SDN Express Joint Commitment to Enhance Environmental Stewardship in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector

    The National Oil Spill Detection Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), a non-governmental organization with its headquarters in the United Kingdom have expressed their firm commitment to consolidate on the gains of their ongoing partnership in the interest of clean and sustainable environmental management in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

    This assurance was given on Wednesday when the Executive Director of SDN, Adam Heal, and his team paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General/Chief Executive of NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, in the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.

    The DG/CE, who appreciated the congratulatory message from the Executive Director of SDN on his appointment, went down memory lane to recollect the long-standing working relationship with the NGO since 2013, which, he said, led to the support of the organisation in the formulation of the state-of-the-art and innovative tools for tackling pollution in the petroleum industry, including Nigerian Oil Spill Monitor, NationalGas Flare Tracker and the inchoate Methane Tracker.

    Woke acknowledged that the toolshave helped in improving transparency and accountability  in the  oil and gas pollution industry.

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    The DG/CE assured that his appointment would add value to NOSDRA and he would not be found wanting in this regard, adding that the Agency was irrevocably committed to sustaining the partnership with SDN in order to improve environmental management in the country’spetroleum industry.

    Woke hoped the prototype Methane Tracker designed by SDN will vastly contribute to tracking methane emissions in the oil and gas sector.

    He stressed that NOSDRA had a clear mandate to ensure a clean and secure environment in the nation’s petroleum industry with the support of the NGO.

    While felicitating with SDN on the 20th anniversary of its operation in Nigeria, the DG/CE assured the NGO of NOSDRA’s willingness to support and enhance its works in the country.

    Earlier in his address, the Executive Director of SDN disclosed that the organization had been operating in Nigeria for the past 20 years, providing monitoring and policy advisory work in Nigeria and economic diversification in the oil-bearing Niger Delta region.

    He stated that NOSDRA had been a reliable partner with SDN for over a decade and with such collaborations, his NGO had collaboration with the Agency to develop valuable and innovative geospatial tools viz: Nigerian Oil Spill Monitor and National Gas Flare Tracker, which are being deployed for oil and gas pollution tracking and reporting respectively.

    He mentioned other areas of support to the Agency to include involvement in the Ogoni clean-up being handled by Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in the area of testing soil and water samples.

    Mr. Heal, while commending the DG/CE for his new vision for NOSDRA aimed at catapulting the growth and development of the Agency to new heights, said he was looking forward to more years of fruitful partnership between the two organizations.

  • Dr Janet Ekpenyong seeks Proactive Measures, Prompt Response To Flooding As Fear for Suspected Polio Outbreak Rises

    Dr Janet Ekpenyong seeks Proactive Measures, Prompt Response To Flooding As Fear for Suspected Polio Outbreak Rises

    A public health expert and former Cross River state Commissioner for Health, Dr Janet Ekpenyong has called on all authorities to expedite actions in finding immediate solutions to the recent flooding across the country to  Prevent disease outbreak especially Diarrheal diseases and other vaccine preventable diseases, such as Wild Polio Virus.

    She stated this while appearing as guest on the SilverBird Television breakfast show while answering questions on the impact of the recent flooding activities in the country.

    Dr Janet Ekpenyong noted that, an urgent need for the resettlement of flood victims as well as the provision of their essential needs has become imperative to cushion concerns over outbreak of vaccine preventable diseases, air and water borne diseases.

    “There’s need to resettle them urgently to protect them from diarrheal diseases such as, Cholerae, typhoid as these people have little or no access to clean drinking water, other challenges like malnutrition because displaced people don’t have access to food and vector diseases, such as malaria, due to the poor and unhygienic environment.

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    She called for the collaboration and support from both the Private, States and Federal Government to find a lasting solution in adapting to global warming and it’s consequential effects on our daily lives, to prevent any humanitarian crises such as what I’d been experienced in Borno state.

    She noted that adequate sensitization of citizens living in coastal regions should be intensified irrespective of resistance from residents over claims of ancestral ownership and cultural practices.

    “There should be preparations in states through sensitization for residents to leave flood prone areas while also working on projections on flooding and engaging in proactive measures”.
    She commended the proactive efforts of the Federal government in setting up a disaster relief fund and other measures taken so far to address flooding challenges in the country.

    She expressed devastation to the Suspected cases of Wild  Polio Virus noting that the nation had over the years worked hard in eliminating the virus and keeping the borders safe from it’s attack.

    So far, over 300,000 people are said to have been displaced in the recent flooding in Borno state with a further prediction of twice this figure if an urgent response isn’t put in place.

  • NOSDRA DG tasks oil firms on regulations compliance, says nobody is above law

    NOSDRA DG tasks oil firms on regulations compliance, says nobody is above law

    The Director General and CEO of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engineer Chukwuemeka Woke has put oil companies on notice, tasking them to comply with environmental regulations or face the full force of the law.

    Speaking during a familiarization visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal headquarters in Rivers State on Monday, Woke, while reacting to some of the challenges faced by the Agency in the Zone said as an agency established by Act of law, NOSDRA represents the Federal Government and has a sacred mandate to regulate the oil industry’s environmental impact and will not tolerate any form of non-compliance or disregard for regulations.

    He added that no oil company is above the law, saying: “We will hold every operator accountable for their actions, and ensure that they adhere to the strictest standards of environmental responsibility.”

    He assured that his leadership will not be compromised by vested interests or industry pressure, or be cowed, saying he is committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all oil industry operators, including International Oil Companies (IOCs), comply with NOSDRA’s regulations.

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    He said: “Having said that, let me address the issue raised by the head of the NOSDRA reference laboratory, I want to assure you that I am not the kind of DG that any oil company would take for a ride.

    “Any oil industry, be it IOCs, or anybody must comply with the regulations of NOSDRA. NOSDRA is not just a private company but an establishment by an Act of law and so we represent the Federal Government and we are to regulate the operations of the oil industry as it relates to oil and gas pollution and spillage and so nobody, no oil company is above the law.

    “If they want to think they can reach me, I am not the type of DG that they would reach. So let the message go very clearly now, we must do the needful, they must grant you access to take samples and we must get the results. Be rest assured that you are protected as long as you are committed to your work.”

    The DG also addressed the staff of the agency and assured them of his commitment to taking the agency to the next level.

    Engineer Woke was conducted around the office by the Zonal Director, Engineer Ime Ekanem and the head of the NOSDRA reference laboratory, Dr Kenneth Aroh where he visited the Analytical Session Lab; Microbiological lab, Ecotoxicology lab and the Web-Chemistry lab.

    He expressed gratitude to the staff for their dedication to work and promised improvements in equipment and staff welfare.

    “I have come to see things for myself, and I assure you that there will be improvements,” he said. “But I need your commitment to work because your productivity output is what I will be appraised with at the Ministry of Environment.”

    Engineer Woke emphasized that he is the one who will appraise staff performance and determine promotions. “When you come for your promotion exams, I am the one who will say yes or no,” he stated.

    He also reminded staff that outside the agency, he is not the boss, but the Minister of Environment is, saying: “So, it is your work that will speak for me,” he added.

    Engineer Woke concluded by saying that his “real brothers” are those who are committed to their work, and he looks forward to seeing their productivity.

    This visit marks Engineer Woke’s first visit to any Zonal office since assuming office, and he chose Port Harcourt, his constituency, as his first.