OPPOSITION LAWMAKERS VISIT SUSPENDED NATASHA AKPOTI, PROMISE QUICK RESOLUTION
OPPOSITION SENATORS VISIT SUSPENDED NATASHA AKPOTI, PROMISE QUICK RESOLUTION A delegation of senators from opposition political parties visited suspended Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, at her home on Friday. The delegation was led by Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa state. Dickson, a member of the senate’s ethics and privileges committee that recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, shared a photo of the visit on his social media pages. He said his engagement with the tax reform bills had kept him away from senate proceedings on the day of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. “The public may recall that, for the past 3 days, I was attending the 3-day workshop on the Tax Reform Bills which started on Wednesday 5th of March and ended this evening, Friday 7th of March,” he said. “This is why I was not available yesterday to sit as a member of the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of the issues concerning our colleague Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan’s suspension, haven been assured by the Committee Chairman that the hearing would hold on Wednesday the 11th of March for which notices had already been issued. I was not notified of the emergency seating yesterday. “This evening, after concluding the retreat, I led a delegation of some senators of opposition parties on a visit to our colleague Senator Natasha and met with her and her husband at their home.” Dickson said as humans, senators have their low and high moments “and it is a tradition for Senators to support each other during these moments”. “We offered words of encouragement, prayers and advice on a quick resolution of the issues surrounding her suspension,” he added. “Having heard more from her and her husband for the first time, I will discuss with other colleagues on how to intervene and engage with the leadership of the senate to resolve the issues as soon as possible.” Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on Thursday for six months after she refused her new seat in the upper legislative chamber. The dispute escalated into allegations of sexual harassment by the Kogi senator against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her suspension has sparked widespread debate and criticisms, particularly from women’s rights groups and civil society organisations. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, saying the move reeks of a grand cover-up attempt from Akpabio.
COURT DOCUMENTS REVEAL PAST LEGAL DISPUTE INVOLVING NATASHA, HUSBAND
COURT DOCUMENTS REVEAL PAST LEGAL DISPUTE INVOLVING NATASHA, HUSBAND Recent reports have surfaced regarding a purported legal dispute between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan. A letter from Indemnity Partners, dated November 19, 2020, suggested that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had engaged in a legal case against her husband over allegations including breach of promise of marriage, poisoning, financial loss, and indebtedness. According to the letter, Emmanuel Uduaghan made persistent amorous advances to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, promising marriage. She allegedly accepted these advances after he assured her of marriage intentions. The letter mentions that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was involved in significant business ventures, including a N7 billion NDDC and SMEDAN project. It alleges that Uduaghan influenced her to cease pursuing these ventures, except with his approval. The letter said Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan experienced an ectopic pregnancy, leading to the loss of her left fallopian tube and ovary. It further alleged that she suffered physical abuse during this period. The letter stated that when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan became pregnant again, Uduaghan allegedly insisted on an abortion. It claims that he conspired to induce an abortion by serving her a poisoned meal, which led to a miscarriage. The letter includes claims of financial losses and demands for compensation, including repayment of a N400 million loan and N10 billion for various services and damages.
Dons Eze
- Biafra News
- March 8, 2025
- 205 views
NNAMDI KANU’S CASE FINALLY REASSIGNED TO ANOTHER JUDGE
NNAMDI KANU’S CASE FINALLY REASSIGNED TO ANOTHER JUDGE The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to another judge. This was disclosed by Kanu’s lead Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor via a statement on Saturday. Ejimakor disclosed that Kanu is ready to face his trial because he’s convinced of his innocence. In a statement signed by Ejimakor, he said: “Yesterday, before the legal team conducted our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two separate official letters regarding his case. The letters are momentous and somewhat pyrrhic. “One letter was from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, responding to a recent letter we had written to her, seeking her prompt administrative intervention (as the administrative head of Nigerian judiciary) on the matter of a proper and lawful reassignment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, following the recusal of the Judge that was conducting it. “The other letter was from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, informing us that the case has been reassigned to another Judge of the Federal High Court. “Consequent upon these latest developments, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu instructed the legal team to publicly convey his sincere gratitudes to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her sound administrative discretions and the despatch with which she responded to our request. “He also expressed his profound appreciations to members of the general public who publicly expressed their support to our righteous demands that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case be reassigned to another Judge, as the law demands. “To be sure, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to take his trial because he is firmly convinced of his innocence. But the perverse events of the past six months (from September 2024, when the recusal happened) posed portent dangers to his constitutional rights, particularly his right to fair and speedy hearing. “It was in view of these untoward developments that we were propelled to resort to taking extraordinary measures to ensure that his case is properly reassigned and conducted in accordance with the law. “So, now that the first steps have been taken by the authorities to do the lawful thing, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team shall take stock and hanker down to the zealous preparation of his defense.”
FUBARA’S COMMISSIONERS, ELECTORAL COMMISSION CHAIRMAN DRAG RIVERS ASSEMBLY TO COURT AS TWO ELECTORAL COMMISSIONERS RESIGN
FUBARA’S COMMISSIONERS, ELECTORAL COMMISSION CHAIRMAN DRAG RIVERS ASSEMBLY TO COURT AS TWO ELECTORAL COMMISSIONERS RESIGN The authority of the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly to nullify Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appointment of 19 commissioners is now a subject of litigation at the Rivers State High Court. The commissioners whose appointments were cleared by four lawmakers loyal to Governor Fubara, have filed a suit to restrain the Assembly from declaring their appointments illegal. This comes in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling affirming Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly after dismissing Governor Fubara’s cross-appeal. RISIEC Chairman, Commissioners Challenge Assembly’s SummonsAlso challenging the House’s authority to summon them for questioning is the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), along with his commissioners. The Assembly had initially given Enebeli a 48-hour ultimatum to appear before it and explain the circumstances surrounding the nullified October 2024 Local Government Elections. However, after his failure to appear, the deadline was extended by 72 hours. In their suit, Governor Fubara’s commissioners are seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining Amaewhule and 26 others from taking any steps to enforce or act upon resolutions passed on March 5. They are also asking the court to issue an order preventing the Assembly from interfering in their duties as commissioners in the state executive council. Similarly, Justice Enebeli (rtd) and his RISIEC team are asking the court to restrain the Assembly from forcing them to appear before it, warning that any such move would be unlawful. Justice Frank Onyiri, ruling on the matter, granted leave for the claimants to serve the Assembly through substituted means and adjourned the hearing to April 17, 2025. Assembly Extends Summons Deadline, Demands AccountabilityDuring its Wednesday plenary session, the Assembly reaffirmed its decision to summon Enebeli and his commissioners, insisting they must explain the sources of funding for the nullified local government election and the planned expenditure for the fresh election scheduled for August 9, 2025. House Leader, Major Jack, informed the lawmakers that official letters were sent to RISIEC officials and Governor Fubara, urging him to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. However, neither the governor nor the RISIEC chairman has responded to the invitations. Speaker Martin Amaewhule warned that the Assembly was taking legislative notice of Governor Fubara’s refusal to present the 2025 budget and would take necessary action at the appropriate time. The Assembly also passed a resolution instructing the Clerk of the House to invite RISIEC officials again to appear before lawmakers on March 10, 2025. The lawmakers threatened to invoke Section 129 (1) (d) of the Constitution should they fail to show up. Security Tensions Escalate Over Rivers Political CrisisMeanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has vowed to clamp down on threats to national security, following warnings from militant groups threatening to attack oil installations due to the ongoing political crisis. Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, issued a stern warning to those planning violence. He said, “Nobody has a monopoly on violence. If fire is coming from heaven, it will not consume only one person, definitely everybody will be consumed.” He reassured residents that the police were fully prepared to handle any disturbances. Adepoju added, “We are ready for anything that comes. All eyes are on Rivers State now, and we will not allow anyone to heat the polity.” Meanwhile, two members of the state electoral commission have tendered their resignation, citing recent developments in the state. Those who submitted their resignation letters to the Chairman of the state independent electoral commission were Professor Simon Emenike Weli and Dr. Lazbery Nyebuchi Nnah. Their resignation letters were dated March 7, ,2025.
NATASHA VS AKPABIO: LET NATASHA TAKE LIE DETECTOR TEST – RENO OMOKRI
NATASHA VS AKPABIO: LET NATASHA TAKE LIE DETECTOR TEST – RENO OMOKRI Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has urged Nigerians to demand that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan takes a lie detector test before criticizing Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over her recent sexual allegations. He also urged Nigerians to scrutinize Akpoti’s past behavior before passing judgment. Omokri, in a video posted on his official X handle on Friday, recounted how Akpoti once accused him of sexual harassment in 2014, a claim he said he disproved with verifiable evidence. He recalled that in 2021, Akpoti had a dispute with him and later took to social media to accuse him of sexually harassing her at a state banquet held by then-President Goodluck Jonathan in honor of visiting Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in May 2014. Omokri, however, dismissed the allegation, stating that at the time of the alleged incident, he was on an official assignment in the United States. “A month before, the Chibok girls were abducted, as one of the then presidential spokesmen, I was sent to the United States as a special envoy to clear Nigeria’s image. I left in April and wasn’t back until the end of May. So obviously, Natasha lied,” he stated. To counter her claims, Omokri said he publicly shared proof, including his passport stamps and British Airways first-class ticket, confirming that he was not in Nigeria when the alleged harassment took place. “Because I had evidence, she deleted everything,” he alleged, adding that Akpoti later removed her accusations from social media. Omokri further claimed that the matter was eventually settled out of court after a well-known clergyman intervened. “I was paid an a large amount of money as damages, and I let the matter go,” he disclosed. Drawing a connection between his past experience and the current controversy involving Akpoti and Akpabio, Omokri said: “Fast forward to four years later, Natasha had a dispute with the Senate President and went on Arise TV to accuse him of sexual harassment. Sounds like déjà vu.” While Omokri stated that he could not confirm whether Akpoti’s allegations against Akpabio were true, he insisted that her past actions should not be ignored. “The best predictor of present behavior is past behavior. Looking at what happened to me, if I didn’t have my passport and evidence, everybody would have believed that I sexually harassed her. Because I had evidence, she deleted everything.” “Until she takes a lie detector test, I will assume she is acting on her past behavior.”
WHEN I SACKED EX-NDDC BOSS FOR PARADING FAKE NYSC CERTIFICATE, SHE ALLEGED IT WAS BECAUSE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT – AKPABIO
WHEN I SACKED EX-NDDC BOSS FOR PARADING FAKE NYSC CERTIFICATE, SHE ALLEGED IT WAS BECAUSE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT – AKPABIO Senate President Godswill Akpabio has responded to harassment allegations made by Joy Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), providing his perspective on her dismissal during his tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. In a video shared by Viable TV, Akpabio detailed the circumstances surrounding Nunieh’s removal from her position, centering his narrative on allegations of certificate fraud and potential perjury. According to Akpabio, the chain of events began with a letter from the late Abba Kyari, who was then Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari. The letter raised serious questions about Nunieh’s educational credentials, specifically highlighting concerns about her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate. Akpabio claims he took immediate action by contacting the NYSC to verify the allegations. Following what he described as confirmation of irregularities, he proceeded to terminate Nunieh’s appointment to prevent a potential scandal. “You want me to tell the world that she was parading fake NYSC certificate and she committed perjury, she lied under oath,” Akpabio stated, emphasizing his rationale for her dismissal. The Senate President also indicated his intention to pursue legal recourse, stating that Nunieh would soon be hearing from his lawyers. This suggests the ongoing nature of the dispute between the two former government officials. The statement comes in response to previous harassment allegations made by Nunieh against Akpabio during his time as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. By focusing on the certificate issue, Akpabio appears to be challenging Nunieh’s credibility and providing his version of events. As the matter developed, the legal and professional implications of Akpabio’s claims remain to be fully explored. The potential legal action he mentions may bring further details to light. The ongoing dispute serves as a reminder of the intricate and often politically charged nature of high-level government appointments and dismissals in Nigeria.
BABANGIDA IN HIS OWN WORDS BY BUNMI MAKINWA
BABANGIDA IN HIS OWN WORDS, By BUNNI MAKINWA Our eyes met. Two pairs of probing eyes. Mine asking questions, his were answering. We concluded in a way that both of us understood. He says: How do I think when the door is closed? When I am by myself and it is not about the launch of a book that I was told would cleanse my record, define my legacy and appreciate my close allies who are alive? He continues: I shall state my answers in my own words. Let everyone hear me directly. My name is Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. I am also known as Maradona, Evil Genius, and many others. The book has been written I can’t withdraw it. I was told that some confessions should be made, allow admissions of some guilt, ask for forgiveness, and generally paint a nice picture. Wrong. Let us put my book aside. If you have not read it, read it with caution. If you have read it, look beyond what it says. There are important matters that I must state, and they are below, and not in any order. The sun shines brightly. My eyes open. What a dream. |
40-STORY FIRST BANK HEADQUARTERS, TALLEST BUILDING IN NIGERIA
40-STOREY FIRST BANK HEADQUARTERS, TALLEST BUILDING IN NIGERIA First Bank on Wednesday, March 5, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for its new green-certified iconic head office building at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos. A statement by Acting Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Olayinka Ijabiyi, said the 40-storey building project was designed to be the tallest building in Nigeria. “It will be an engineering and environmental delight due to its technologically advanced, eco-friendly and sophisticated construction which would set a new standard for the financial services sector in Africa,” the statement said in part. 1. Tallest Building in Nigeria – The new headquarters, a 40-storey skyscraper, is set to become Nigeria’s tallest building, redefining Lagos’ skyline. 2. Location in Eko Atlantic City – The headquarters will be situated in Eko Atlantic City, a modern city built on reclaimed land, reinforcing First Bank’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. 3. Eco-Friendly and Green-Certified – The building is green-certified, designed to reduce operational costs and environmental impact, making it a model for sustainable banking infrastructure in Africa. 4. Engineering and Technological Marvel – The structure will be technologically advanced, integrating sophisticated construction techniques that set a new benchmark for the financial sector. 5. Symbol of First Bank’s Legacy – With over 130 years of existence, the new head office represents First Bank’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and long-term growth. 6. Driving Economic Growth – First Bank Group CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu, emphasised that the project will contribute to economic development across Africa and create long-term value for stakeholders. 7. High-Profile Groundbreaking Ceremony – The event will be attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senators, Lawmakers, Governors, Federal Ministers, and business leaders, showcasing the national significance of the project. 8. Femi Otedola’s Endorsement – The Chairman of FirstHoldCo, Femi Otedola, highlighted the importance of collaboration in bringing the ambitious vision to life, appreciating customers and stakeholders for their support. 9. Commitment to Customer Satisfaction – The building is designed to enhance operational efficiency, ensuring better service delivery and an improved banking experience for customers. 10. A Transformational Journey – The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new era for First Bank, reinforcing its leadership in the banking industry and its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
MY SEAT HAD BEEN CHANGED AS WELL – OSHIOMHOLE
MY SEAT HAD BEEN CHANGED AS WELL – OSHIOMHOLE Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North has said that Senate President Godswill Akpabio once had great respect for Senator Natasha Akpoti and even called her the “princess of the Senate.” Speaking during a Senate meeting, Oshiomhole talked about the controversy surrounding Akpoti’s suspension. He appealed to her, saying, “Senator Natasha Uduaghan, not everyone who has spoken can be wrong or foolish. The rules of the Senate must be followed, and they are important.” The former Edo State governor admitted he was confused about the situation at first. “I wasn’t in the Senate that day, but when I saw the arguments on TV, I thought it was something else. Later, I was told it was about changing seats, and I was surprised.” Sharing his own experience, he said, “My seat has been changed before, but the only thing they cannot change is who I am and what I stand for. “As President Tinubu has said many times, no matter how short a man is, he can still see the sky. My seat may change, but my views remain the same.” Oshiomhole then made an appeal to Senator Akpoti. He reminded her that Akpabio once called her the “princess of the Senate” and said she could still hold that title. However, he urged her to accept responsibility if she had made a mistake. He explained that the issue was not personal but about following the Senate’s rules. Hear him: “My seat has been changed as well, and the only thing that they could not do is to change my person and my values. And thank God, as President Tinubu has said repeatedly, no matter how short a man is, he can see the sky. So, my seat will change, but my views have not changed about anything that I want to speak on.”
- Foreign Affairs
- March 8, 2025
- 88 views
AMERICANS APPLY IN RECORD NUMBERS FOR UK CITIZENSHIP AFTER TRUMP’S RE-ELECTION
AMERICANS APPLY IN RECORD NUMBERS FOR UK CITIZENSHIP AFTER TRUMP’S RE-ELECTION Americans are applying for UK citizenship in record numbers, according to fresh Home Office data released in the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House. The government figures show more than 6,100 US citizens applied to call Britain home in 2024, more than double the number of applications submitted in 2004, which is as far back as public records show. The last three months of 2024 were also a record of any quarter in the past 20 years, with 1,708 applications submitted between October and December, the period covering Trump’s 4 November re-election. The release of the data comes amid a period of fractious relations between the Trump administration, Ukraine and Europe over the Ukraine war as the US dramatically on security and trade. University of Glasgow professor Sergi Pardos-Prado, also a member of the Migration Advisory Committee consulting the government on key issues, said the political situation in the US “seems to be the most likely explanation for the record levels of applications in 2024.” “We know that the situation of the country of origin is an important determinant of naturalisation decisions in the destination country. “The perception of uncertainty of the political situation by American workers, and their perception of Trump’s rhetoric and election is the most likely explanation for this surge,” he said. “Citizenship is a low-cost insurance for US workers for whatever the political situation in the US may bring.” Madeleine Sumption, director of Oxford University’s Migration Observatory, said the data showed a longer-term uptick with “a slightly larger increase than usual in 2024”. Some immigration lawyers say the increase was in part fuelled by Trump’s presidential campaign and victory last year, with Elena Hinchin, partner at law firm Farrer & Co, telling the Mail Online: ‘We’ve definitely seen more interest in citizenship from the US since the lead-up to the election campaign.” However Ms Sumption said the longer-term increase was likely driven by the fact that there are more Americans in the UK who are eligible to naturalise after having lived in the country for several years. “So we should also expect some increase in the number of citizenship applications regardless, and we do,” she said. “The fact that the increase in citizenship applications is steeper in 2024 suggests that Americans may have become particularly keen to naturalise in 2024, although the data themselves do not tell us why, and whether this has anything to do with current US politics.” She said the data did not reflect people “voting with their feet” but rather people who entered the UK on visas choosing to stay for longer. “There is currently no evidence of an increase in US citizens getting visas to come to the UK, in these or other visa types,” she said. “While it is too early to say what will happen next year, I wouldn’t necessarily expect a massive impact on the migration of Americans themselves. For people moving from safe countries, politics tends to be a third or fourth order factor, not a key reason for moving on its own.” Earlier this year it was reported some Democrat voters in the United States were looking to leave the country for the UK since Donald Trump’s re-election. Michelle Call, 53, from Littleborough, Rochdale – who has been living in the US since 1998, said in January she hoped to return home to the UK with her family due to concerns about the political climate under Mr Trump. Mrs Call, who has a transgender child, said that following the Republican president’s “two sexes” policy, she felt the US was not a safe place for her family. “We lived through a Trump presidency before, and we…