Dons EzeFULL TEXT OF NATASHA’S PETITION AGAINST AKPABIO
Full Text Of The Petition Sen. Natasha Sent To The Senate Ethics Commitee THE SENATE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA Sen. (Barr.) Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan CHAIRMAN: COMMITTEE ON DIASPORA AND NGOs VICE CHAIRMAN: COMMITTEE ON STEEL KOGI CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, SENATOR OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 4th March 2025 The Chairman Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges & Public Petitions 10th Senate of the National Assembly Federal Republic of Nigeria. Dear Sir, PETITION AGAINST SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT, ABUSE OF OFFICE, AND MALICIOUS OBSTRUCTION OF MY LEGISLATIVE FUNCTIONS 1.0. PREAMBLE 1.1. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as the Petitioner), do hereby respectfully submit this formal petition requesting the distinguished redress on the matter outlined. 1.2. This Petition is directed against Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as the Respondent). 1.3. This petition is presented in the interest of justice, fairness, and the integrity of the National Assembly, to address matters that have transpired under the office of the Senate President, which I believe have not aligned with the principles of equity, propriety, and the rules of the Senate. As a senator who holds a solemn responsibility to my constituency, I find it necessary to seek the intervention of the Senate in this matter, with the expectation that appropriate measures will be taken to uphold the rule of law and the dignity of the legislative process. 2.0. GROUNDS FOR THE PETITION 2.1. The grounds of this petition summarised as follows: i. Reprehensible acts of sexual harassment by the Respondent, which have impaired my ability to effectively provide quality representation. ii. Abuse of power, intimidation, and deliberate obstruction of legislative efforts aimed at national development. 2.2. I will succinctly present particular pieces of material evidence to the leave of the Committee to demonstrate the validity of these allegations, through written (and if necessary sworn affidavits and oral witness(es)) testimony either by Committee, under subpoena, as well as evidence before the Committee, and patterns of events consistent with the allegations demonstrating malice. 2.3. The Petitioner respectfully invites this distinguished Committee to consider, as you have always done, to preserve the dispassionately the propriety, or otherwise, of this petition integrity of this institution and its role in national development. 3.0. MATERIAL BACKGROUND FACTS 3.0 Following the decision of the Court of Appeal as delivered on the 31st October, 2023, affirming my election as the duly elected Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, I was formally sworn into office and took the oath of office and allegiance to represent the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District and the nation at large on the 2nd of November, 2023. 3.1 However, my commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, as outlined in my manifesto, has been met with significant challenges, particularly from the Respondent, the Chief Presiding Officer of the 10th Senate, on purely malicious grounds. These actions are not unconnected to the ordinary course of his leadership role, and stem from personal vendetta arising from my refusal to yield to his personal demands. The inappropriateness of this interference in my functions has compelled me to formally lodge this complaint, seeking a thorough investigation by the Committee. 4.0. PARTICULARS OF GROUNDS. 4.1. SEXUAL HARASSMENT. 4.1.1 Inappropriate Conduct During My Visit to Akwa Ibom. On or about the 8th of December 2023, I, in the company of my husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, visited the residence of the Respondent in Akwa Ibom State. This visit was undertaken in good faith, within the bounds of mutual legislative engagement and national interest. However, in an utterly disgraceful manner, the Respondent…
FULL TEXT OF NATASHA’S PETITION AGAINST AKPABIO
Full Text Of The Petition Sen. Natasha Sent To The Senate Ethics Commitee THE SENATE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA Sen. (Barr.) Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan CHAIRMAN: COMMITTEE ON DIASPORA AND NGOs VICE CHAIRMAN: COMMITTEE ON STEEL KOGI CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, SENATOR OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 4th March 2025 The Chairman Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges & Public Petitions 10th Senate of the National Assembly Federal Republic of Nigeria. Dear Sir, PETITION AGAINST SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT, ABUSE OF OFFICE, AND MALICIOUS OBSTRUCTION OF MY LEGISLATIVE FUNCTIONS 1.0. PREAMBLE 1.1. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as the Petitioner), do hereby respectfully submit this formal petition requesting the distinguished redress on the matter outlined. 1.2. This Petition is directed against Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as the Respondent). 1.3. This petition is presented in the interest of justice, fairness, and the integrity of the National Assembly, to address matters that have transpired under the office of the Senate President, which I believe have not aligned with the principles of equity, propriety, and the rules of the Senate. As a senator who holds a solemn responsibility to my constituency, I find it necessary to seek the intervention of the Senate in this matter, with the expectation that appropriate measures will be taken to uphold the rule of law and the dignity of the legislative process. 2.0. GROUNDS FOR THE PETITION 2.1. The grounds of this petition summarised as follows: i. Reprehensible acts of sexual harassment by the Respondent, which have impaired my ability to effectively provide quality representation. ii. Abuse of power, intimidation, and deliberate obstruction of legislative efforts aimed at national development. 2.2. I will succinctly present particular pieces of material evidence to the leave of the Committee to demonstrate the validity of these allegations, through written (and if necessary sworn affidavits and oral witness(es)) testimony either by Committee, under subpoena, as well as evidence before the Committee, and patterns of events consistent with the allegations demonstrating malice. 2.3. The Petitioner respectfully invites this distinguished Committee to consider, as you have always done, to preserve the dispassionately the propriety, or otherwise, of this petition integrity of this institution and its role in national development. 3.0. MATERIAL BACKGROUND FACTS 3.0 Following the decision of the Court of Appeal as delivered on the 31st October, 2023, affirming my election as the duly elected Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, I was formally sworn into office and took the oath of office and allegiance to represent the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District and the nation at large on the 2nd of November, 2023. 3.1 However, my commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, as outlined in my manifesto, has been met with significant challenges, particularly from the Respondent, the Chief Presiding Officer of the 10th Senate, on purely malicious grounds. These actions are not unconnected to the ordinary course of his leadership role, and stem from personal vendetta arising from my refusal to yield to his personal demands. The inappropriateness of this interference in my functions has compelled me to formally lodge this complaint, seeking a thorough investigation by the Committee. 4.0. PARTICULARS OF GROUNDS. 4.1. SEXUAL HARASSMENT. 4.1.1 Inappropriate Conduct During My Visit to Akwa Ibom. On or about the 8th of December 2023, I, in the company of my husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, visited the residence of the Respondent in Akwa Ibom State. This visit was undertaken in good faith, within the bounds of mutual legislative engagement and national interest. However, in an utterly disgraceful manner, the Respondent…
TINUBU’S WIFE SPEAKS ON NATASHA’S SUSPENSION, SAYS SENATE DOING WHAT IS NEEDFUL
TINUBU’S WIFE SPEAKS ON NATASHA’S SUSPENSION, SAYS SENATE DOING WHAT IS NEEDFUL First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has said the Senate is doing what is needful amid the controversy rocking the red chamber. According to her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, the First Lady said this while reacting to the sexual harassment allegations which Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The first lady urged Nigerian women to assert themselves in leadership and not be sidelined. “I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking a position? I believe that the Senate is doing what is needful, because that’s what it is,” she said. “We shouldn’t be hearing things like that. It’s a matured chamber, and it should be treated with respect. It’s an honour for you to be in that place alone. “I was there for 12 years, even in my younger days, and I’m still trying to look young, but people compliment you all the time. Women, raise yourself, don’t be in a position that men will be talking to you anyhow. You can always shut them down before they start,” she added. The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. The decision followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions which investigated Natasha over her alleged breached of the Rules of the Senate. Akpoti-Uduaghan had failed to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on Wednesday. The female lawmaker had previously engaged in a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat allocation. Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused Akpabio of publicly humiliating her and obstructing her motions and bills on the Senate floor. Her refusal to accept the new seating arrangement led to the Senate President denying her the opportunity to speak during the session. In response, the Senate referred the matter to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. At the committee meeting on Wednesday, the Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen (PDP, Edo South), expressed disappointment over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence, stating, “Senator Natasha was duly invited to this meeting. We hope she will join us as we continue.”
I SLEPT AT DANGOTE CEMENT FACTORY WHEN I ATTENDED NATASHA’S WEDDING – AKPABIO
I SLEPT AT DANGOTE CEMENT FACTORY WHEN I ATTENDED NATASHA’S WEDDING – AKPABIO The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said he spent the night in the Dangote Cement factory in Obajana Kogi State on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s wedding day. Akpabio said Senator Natasha’s husband is his good friend. The former Governor of Akwa-Ibom said this to demonstrate his closeness to Senator Natasha and her husband amid the sexual harassment allegation levied on him by the Kogi lawmaker. He said he slept in the factory because the Kogi airport lights were in a poor state. The Senate President said while reacting to the recommendations by the Senate Committee Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The committee also recommended that the Senator representing Kogi Central must apologise to the Senate for ‘disrespecting the Senate.” During the period of the suspension, the committee stated that her salary and security details will be withdrawn. The committee also recommended that Senator Natasha should not be seen anywhere around the National Assembly during her suspension period.
LAWMAKERS WHO SUFFERED SUSPENSION BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
LAWMAKERS WHO SUFFERED SUSPENSION BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months due to alleged misconduct in the red chamber. This decision was made after reviewing and adopting a report presented by Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, during the plenary session.Several other senators have previously faced suspension for various reasons. Below is a list of some of these lawmakers and the circumstances surrounding their sanctions: Joseph Waku, a senator from Benue State, was suspended in 2000 after making controversial statements. He suggested that a military coup would be a preferable option rather than allowing former President Olusegun Obasanjo to continue his alleged dictatorship. Waku strongly criticized Obasanjo’s administration, calling it the worst in Nigeria’s history. His remarks sparked widespread condemnation, ultimately leading to his suspension by the Senate. He passed away on February 3, 2019. Arthur Nzeribe, who represented Imo State, was indefinitely suspended in November 2002 by then-Senate President Pius Anyim over allegations of a N22 million fraud. He later passed away in 2022 at the age of 83. In 2017, Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, was suspended for six months for allegedly embarrassing then-Senate President Bukola Saraki and Dino Melaye, a former senator from Kogi West. Ndume had called for an investigation into claims that the Senate was retaliating against Hameed Ali, the former Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), over the seizure of a bulletproof car reportedly linked to Saraki. Additionally, he urged the Senate to probe Melaye over allegations of certificate forgery. However, both Saraki and Melaye were later cleared of these accusations by a Senate panel. Omo-Agege, a senator from Delta State, was suspended in 2018 after opposing the election reordering bill. Despite apologizing for his stance, he sought a court order preventing the Senate from suspending him. His defiance reportedly angered some of his colleagues, who pushed for his suspension. On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Senate suspended Abdul Ningi for three months following his claim that the 2024 budget was inflated by N3 trillion. His suspension led him to step down as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF). Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has linked her suspension to her refusal to accept alleged sexual advances from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In an interview with Arise Television on Friday, she recounted her version of events, which began with a dispute over the sudden relocation of her Senate seat without prior notice. Her protest against this action led to a brief disruption in the legislative proceedings.
WHO IS THE REAL SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI?
WHO IS THE REAL SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI? Senator Natasha Akpoti is a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics, known for her ambition, resilience, andf a trail of controversies that have defined her rise. At the heart of her public persona lies a knack of pivoting from one controversy to another. Many of these allegations are often polarising and evoking strong emotions, dying away when a light of truth is used to illuminate it. Her journey from schoolyards to the Senate is a blend of achievement and allegations, leaving many to question the methods behind her success. Early Life and Education Natasha’s knack for navigating challenges emerged early, earning her the nickname “NKOM” (Natasha Akpoti of Manipulation) among secondary school friends. They recall her skillfully deflecting trouble with teachers through charm, feminine guile, and persuasion. This early reputation foreshadowed a pattern that would follow her into adulthood. In 2000, Natasha enrolled at the University of Abuja to study law, arriving with a flair that turned heads. Her classmate’s recollection paints a vivid picture: “From day one, Nkom’s goals were clear. She relied on her sex appeal via see-through outfits, expensive perfumes, and a wardrobe that outshone everyone on campus.” Her academic performance reportedly lagged initially, but by her third year (300L), her grades improved significantly despite rare class appearances, sparking whispers of favoritism from lecturers. She graduated in 2004 and attended the Nigerian Law School in 2005, where rumours of using influence to pass the bar exams swirled, though no evidence substantiated these claims. Years later, seeking to bolster her credentials, Natasha pursued an MBA in Oil & Gas Management abroad in 2011, completing it in 2012. This move not only added a degree but also connected her with powerful “mentors and associates”, a network that would prove instrumental in her career. Career: Climbing the Ladder Amid Controversy Natasha’s professional life began in 2007 as legal counsel at a top LNG company, a position she held until 2010. Described as a “gift” from influential allies, her tenure was shadowed by allegations of secret deals and favours exchanged with executives to climb the ranks. These whispers of impropriety set the stage for her next venture. In 2015, she launched BHIIP, an investment scheme promising high returns and exclusive perks, reportedly targeting wealthy men and politicians. Critics, including Reno Omokri, labeled it a fraudulent front, though Natasha fiercely denied such claims, touting her transparency. The venture’s reliance on persuasion and promises mirrors the tactics seen in her 2014 accusation against Omokri. In that incident, she claimed he harassed her at an Aso Rock event, only for Omokri to produce evidence shared publicly on his social media that he was abroad during the alleged time. Natasha’s subsequent deletion of the accusation fueled speculation that it was a strategic move gone awry, a controversy that would haunt her reputation. Her career peaked in 2018 when, on March 1, she testified before the National Assembly about corruption at the Ajaokuta steel mill. Armed with documents, she accused politicians and businessmen of embezzlement, though some pointed to her own controversial dealings as undermining her credibility. The ministry dismissed her claims, and rivals called her a corporate pawn, but Natasha turned the spotlight into a legal offensive, suing a tabloid that exposed her involvement. This ability to pivot from accusation to advantage echoes the Omokri episode, reinforcing a pattern of using controversy as a tool. But by far, her most spectacular controversial stunt was the threat of legal action against her then boyfriend, now husband, to marry her or he’ll be criminally prosecuted for procuring abortions for her. As usual, the letter from her lawyers got “leaked” to the media and the man agreed to marry her,prompting protests from his clan’s men…
BAD MARKET FOR PDP IN ANAMBRA STATE AS ASPIRANTS FAIL TO BUY GUBERNATORIAL FORM
BAD MARKET FOR PDP IN ANAMBRA STATE AS ASPIRANTS FAIL TO BUY GUBERNATORIAL FORM As the Peoples Democratic Party closes the sale of its N40m expression of interest and nomination forms for the upcoming Anambra governorship election, no aspirant has stepped forward to purchase them. The party initially scheduled the sale of forms between February 24 and March 5, with a March 7 deadline for submission. The Anambra PDP governorship primary is set for April 5, followed by an appeal committee sitting on April 8. However, an insider in the PDP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that aspirants are avoiding the party due to internal crises. The source noted that the ongoing leadership crisis has made aspirants hesitant to invest in the platform. “As of now, no aspirant has purchased the PDP Anambra governorship nomination forms. They are hesitant due to the party’s instability. The crisis has weakened the party’s influence across different levels, making aspirants cautious about spending such a huge sum,” the source stated. He further explained that the turmoil, affecting state chapters, zonal bodies, and national organs, has eroded confidence in the party’s ability to conduct a fair primary. In response to the situation, another party official disclosed that the PDP National Working Committee has revised the election timetable, extending the sale of forms to March 10 to encourage participation. “The NWC is reviewing the issues, and a revised timetable will be made public before the end of the week. The deadline for purchasing forms has now been extended to March 10,” the source said. Additionally, a stakeholders’ interactive session with the NWC is scheduled for March 10 at the PDP national headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja. The PDP’s internal troubles have worsened due to a dispute over the National Secretary position, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu and former National Youth Leader, Sunday Ude-Okoye, battling for the role. The case is scheduled for hearing and judgment at the Supreme Court on March 10. The situation escalated further after a controversial South-South zonal congress held on February 22, which lacked the approval of PDP governors, creating more divisions within the Board of Trustees, National Working Committee, and National Executive Committee. PDP National Deputy Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, acknowledged the party’s crisis but remained optimistic about its chances in Anambra. “I am not surprised by the situation, but I know the National Organising Secretary has set the ball rolling for the governorship election,” Osuoha said. He admitted that internal disputes, litigation, and factional struggles have discouraged aspirants but insisted that PDP remains a formidable force. “Yes, there are unresolved issues from the congresses, but PDP has structures across the country, and these matters will be settled soon. Anambra has always been politically challenging, but things will improve,” he added. However, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, argued that the wider disillusionment with Nigeria’s electoral process is the main reason aspirants are reluctant to contest. “People are tired of investing millions in an election process that lacks credibility. Even if you win fairly, political interference from the presidency can overturn results. That’s why many are hesitant,” Osadolor stated. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that the Anambra State governorship election will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Attempts to reach PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and the National Organising Secretary for comments were unsuccessful as they neither answered calls nor responded to messages.
THIS INJUSTICE WILL NOT STAND – NATASHA AFTER SUSPENSION BY SENATE
THIS INJUSTICE WILL NOT STAND – NATASHA FUMES AFTER SUSPENSION BY SENATE The Senator representing Kogi Central in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has rejected her suspension for six months by the Senate. The lawmaker described the action taken against her as an injustice and vowed that the Senate declaration would not stand. “This injustice will not be sustained!” she said as she walked out of the Senate chamber following her suspension. She made the declaration following the decision of the Nigerian Senate to suspend her for six months over the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions had earlier recommended Natasha’s suspension on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The committee stated that Natasha’s salary and security details would be withdrawn during the suspension period. This development follows a heated confrontation in the Senate last Thursday when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio and refused to move to her new seat. Subsequently, during a TV interview, she accused the Senate President of sexually harrassing her and refusing to give her audience during senate proceedings because she turned down his advances. According to Natasha, the Senate President had consistently blocked her motions from being heard on the floor each time it was raised, and some colleagues advised her to see Akpabio privately in his office. However, when she visited Akpabio in his office, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State told her she would enjoy many benefits if she takes care of him.
SENATE HANDS SIX MONTHS SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY TO NATASHA OVER SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATION
SENATE HANDS SIX MONTHS SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY TO NATASHA OVER SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATION The Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over an allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio. The suspension followed a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, submitted to the Committee of the Whole, citing several infractions on the Rules and Orders of the Senate. The Committee Chairman, Senator Imasuen Neda Bernards, representing Edo South Senatorial District, submitted that the committee carried out an investigation on Wednesday, during which the female lawmaker was afforded the opportunity to state her own side of the story. Detailing the proceedings of the committee’s investigative hearing, he said testimonies were taken to ascertain the truth or otherwise of the allegation raised by the respondent, in line with the mandate of the committee. Senator Neda recalled that on Wednesday last week, the respondent caused “chaos and a rowdy session” when she refused a seat assigned to her and engaged in a shouting match, in discordance with the relevant provisions of the Rules and Orders of the Senate. He said the unfortunate development was testified to by Senator Raphael Adeyemi Adaramodu when he appeared before the panel on Wednesday to defend his petition against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Committee Chairman maintained that Senator Natasha was formally invited for investigation following the referral of a petition against her to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. In his contribution, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunsho, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, expressed concern over the conduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that the Senate as an institution must be protected at all costs. Jimoh said: “This institution is not about an individual. We have rules to regulate our activities. “If we breach our own rules, the executive will not come here to enforce them, and I must commend the committee for the succinct report to the Senate.” The Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno, in reference to the provision of the Constitution, maintained that “it is only in the animal kingdom that there are no rules and regulations,” insisting that the Senate will outlive everyone; hence, the institution’s rules must be protected. Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim lamented that he watched with disappointment on February 20, 2025, “the shouting, the screaming, so I agree with all the issues raised in the report.” The Minority Leader of the Senate, Abba Moro, pleaded for mercy and a mitigation option, stating that his submission was a reflection of all PDP Senators in the Senate. In pleading for mercy, Moro recommended a three-month suspension, which he said was enough for the embattled lawmaker to realize her mistakes. He further argued that Nigerians are watching and seeing them as statesmen; hence, nothing should be done to bring disrepute to the chamber. After contributions were made by some Senators from the dominant and minority parties, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, in his remarks, said, “The Senator we are talking about is the wife of my very close friend and brother. “On the day of her marriage, I slept in their house in the year 2020, and when I was to leave, I missed my flight at Obajana Airstrip and I slept again at Dangote Cement,” he said. The suspension for six months was sustained by the Senate President after a voice vote. Part of the resolutions include that she will surrender all National Assembly properties, her security details will be withdrawn, and the Sergeant-at-Arms will seal her office immediately so that she will not have access to it.
I’M RESTING AFTER DELIVERING $20BN REFINERY – DANGOTE
I’M RESTING AFTER DELIVERING $20BN REFINERY – DANGOTE President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said he is currently resting after delivering his refinery project. The 650,000-barrel refinery and petrochemicals project worth over $20bn has come to disrupt the oil and gas market in Africa and the world even as the refinery now exports refined products to other countries in Africa and Middle East. Dangote recently spoke about the challenges he faced constructing the refinery which he described as the biggest risk of his life, saying he went through hell. But speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 43-storey building new First Bank Head Office at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos, Dangote said he’s now resting after delivering the project. He commended his friend and ally, Mr. Femi Otedola, who is the Chairman of FirstHoldCo for daring to put up a 43-storey edifice in Eko Atlantic as the new Head Office of FirstBank, Nigeria’s oldest financial institution. He said Eko Atlantic has become the new City of Lagos and with FirstBank joining the list of corporate entities in the emerging industrial city, more banks would come in. Dangote however stated that Otedola had also invited him to come to Eko Atlantic, adding, “Maybe soon, not now I’m resting right now. Having delivered the refinery I need some rest but I’ll come, I’ll be here very soon. So I want to congratulate you (Otedola) and the entire board and management of First Bank for taking this bold move of building a massive edifice in the new City of Lagos.” The groundbreaking is being attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Governors of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo – Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Dapo Abiodun and Lucky Aiyedatiwa respectively. Others are Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Femi Hamza; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, among others. Other billionaires and CEOs in attendance included CEO of Pacific Holdings, Dr. Deji Adeleke; CEO of Sapetro, Senator Daisy Danjuma; Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury; Alhaji Mustapha Indimi, among others.