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  • PDP condemns move to stop Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption

    PDP condemns move to stop Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption

    The party however, fell short of stating the action it would take to protect Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan

    In a usually tepid act of opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) merely condemned the alleged plan by the Senate to bar Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resumption.

    Sen Uduaghan is currently serving a six-month suspension and expected to resume when her colleagues return from the annual recess that ends September 23.

    It has however, been reported that the Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria has released a communication asserting that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan may not be allowed to resume at the expiration of her suspension due to a pending court order.

    Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Clerk of the National Assembly

    Responding to the stance of the management of the National Assembly, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Debo Ologunagba issued a statement, Tuesday in Abuja to condemn it.

    Ologunagba said that the reported action by the Clerk of the National Assembly was a calculated attempt to abridge the right of representation of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District and deny them a voice at the highest law-making body in the country.

    He noted that the attempt to use the National Assembly establishment against an elected Senator was in gross violation of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as amended) and the Standing Rules of the Senate.

    According to him, this constitutes a clear danger to the democracy of the country and attempt to silent the opposition and attacks on the right of women.

    Ologunagba called on the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio to come clean of the matter.

    He said that the extreme persecution of six months suspension unjustly imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan, “contrary to the Rules of the Senate” was more than enough.

    He expressed the PDP solidarity with the people of Kogi Central and all well-meaning Nigerians in condemning the unwarranted renewed plot against the lawmaker.

    The PDP national publicity secretary called on the Clerk of the National Assembly to withdraw the said letter and play by the rules by being neutral as a bureaucrat.

    He advised the Clark not to allow himself to be politically entangled and used as a tool to undermine democracy and the Rule of Law in the National Assembly and Nigeria.

    He also urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to discountenance the reported letter by the Clerk of the National Assembly and get ready to resume at the Senate.

    He further called on the Senate leadership to ensure that Akpoti-Uduaghan was allowed to resume her duties and perform her roles as an elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria unhindered.

    Mr. Ologunagba, however, did not state the action that the leadership of the PDP, Nigeria’s leading opposition party would take in the event that the National Assembly prevented Sen Uduaghan from resuming at the senate.

  • Kogi Central commence recall process of erstwhile favorite senator

    Kogi Central commence recall process of erstwhile favorite senator

    Some registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District on Monday submitted a petition to commence the recall process of their erstwhile favourite Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    The petition was submitted at Abuja headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The constituents, in a letter signed by the Lead Petitioner, Salihu Habib, declared that they no longer have confidence in Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan currently serving a 6-month suspension.

    In a sudden turn of events the registers voters said they no longer want Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as their senator and representative in the National Assembly.

    The petitioners, under the aegis of Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, urged INEC to act with urgency and impartiality in processing the petition.

    “We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian senate.

    “In particular, this petition for the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions,’’ the petitioners stated.

    They said that the petition arose from the constituents’ loss of confidence in the senator on grounds of gross misconduct in the senate, abuse of office, evasion of due process and lack of respect for the presiding officer.

    According to them, the petition was signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central senatorial district.

    “We hereby demand that INEC immediately commences the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant,’’ the petition stated.

    Speaking with the newsmen after the submission of the petition, the lead petitioner expressed confidence that the process would be the first successful recall process in Nigeria.

    “This will be the first recall that will be successful. The good people of Kogi Central have spoken with one voice.

    “It is simple; we need a credible representative; we need a credible senator who can speak the minds of the good people of Kogi Central,’’ he said.

    Habib denied the allegation that former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, was the one instigating the recall process.

    “ Bello is not here. Habib is here. Many youths are here. Many women are here. I can’t see Yahaya Bello here,’’ he said.

    A member of the group, Mrs Charity Omole, said that the entire people of Kogi Central senatorial district could not afford not to have a representative in the senate for the next six months.

    “ We have come to recall her so that we can have a representative in the senate because as a people, we cannot afford not to have a representative in the senate arm for another one year.

    “So we are here to tell INEC to please follow the constitutional process so that her recall process can begin; that is why we are here,’’ she said.

    Omole said that the group had more than the required number of petitioners to begin the recall process.

    She denied being bankrolled by anybody, saying: “We are the ones who voted her and we are saying we don’t want her anymore.’’

    Another petitioner, Hamza Yakubu, urged INEC to speedily swing into action and review the petition submitted to it on the commencement of the recall process, in line with the provisions of the constitution.

    Yakubu also urged the people of the senatorial district to be calm as the recalling process continued.

    “My message to the people of Kogi Central is for us to begin to understand that politics and good governance are things that should be driven by logic and not emotion.

    “ We’ve seen a whole lot of things happening and we’ve seen the messages that are not appropriate that have been circulated. But the fact remains that what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong.

    “At the moment, what we are doing is what is right because we are doing what the constituents want from us; we are representing the constituents at the moment and what we are doing is right.

    “So for now, my message to our people is to be calm. This recall process will be successful, just as everybody anticipated,’’ Yakubu said.

    As at the time of filing this report, no official reaction had been made by INEC over the submission of the petition.

  • National Assembly commemorates Commonwealth Day 2025

    National Assembly commemorates Commonwealth Day 2025

    Reaffirms commitment to democracy and global unity

    The National Assembly of Nigeria this Monday, joined Commonwealth nations worldwide to commemorate Commonwealth Day 2025.

    The theme of this year’s event is “Together We Thrive,” with emphasis on commitment to democracy, peace, and sustainable development.

    Observance highlighted Nigeria’s active role in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and its dedication to fostering youth engagement and international cooperation.

    Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Honorable Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mark Esset, Chairman, House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the shared values of the 56-member Commonwealth.

    “The National Assembly remains dedicated to strengthening democracy by supporting policies that promote social and economic inclusion, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

    We will continue to engage in Commonwealth parliamentary dialogue to share best practices and learn from other nations to enhance our governance,” he stated.

    Hon. Esset highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

    He recalled that the country hosted the 56th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Abuja in 2006.

    He noted that Nigeria remains an active player in Commonwealth affairs, with key representatives such as Hon. Tolu Sadipe serving as the West Africa Regional Representative and Hon. Mark Esset as the Branch Representative.

    He also commended Hon. Zainab Gimba, who recently completed her tenure as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP).

    The Speaker reiterated the National Assembly’s support for recognizing the CPA as an international organization rather than a UK-registered charity, noting that a bill to that effect has already passed in the UK House of Commons.

    He further expressed concerns about political instability in parts of Africa, particularly the resurgence of military rule and the displacement of citizens due to conflict.

    He called for stronger Commonwealth cooperation in upholding democratic principles and human rights.

    Another important highlight of the celebration was the presence of 60 students from four schools, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance.

    Hon. Esset called on the House Committee on Youth Affairs and the Directorate of Inter-Parliamentary Affairs to establish a framework for mentoring young people who participate in such events, encouraging their involvement in legislative activities.

    “Our young people are the future of our democracy. We must not only educate them on governance but also empower them through mentorship initiatives like the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI),” he said.

    Delivering his remarks, Engr. B.A. Yero, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, who represented Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., emphasized the significance of the Commonwealth Day celebration.

    “The theme ‘Together We Thrive’ reminds us that despite differences in geography, culture, and history, we share common aspirations for justice, equality, and progress.

    Addressing challenges such as climate change, insecurity, and economic instability requires collaboration,” he stated.

    He urged the youth to embrace teamwork and innovation, describing them as agents of positive change in Nigeria and the broader Commonwealth.

    As part of the observance, Elder Godwin Okon Ekpenyong, Secretary, Directorate of Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Protocol, delivered the King’s Commonwealth Day Message 2025, originally published on March 9.

    The message reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, paying tribute to the 1.5 million Commonwealth soldiers who fought for global peace.

    The King emphasized the importance of international cooperation in promoting peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

    “In these uncertain times, the Commonwealth remains a unique platform where nations—large and small, young and old—come together as one family. Our greatest strength lies in our unity and shared responsibility for a better future,” the message read.

    The 2025 Commonwealth Day observance at the National Assembly reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, global cooperation, and youth empowerment.

    With strong parliamentary engagement, calls for unity, and a renewed focus on mentorship, the event embodied the spirit of “Together We Thrive,” inspiring a future built on shared progress and inclusivity.

  • Ministry of women affairs to intervene in Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio

    Ministry of women affairs to intervene in Akpoti-Uduaghan, Akpabio

    The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development says it will broker peace between Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central) and the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

    The Minister, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said this while addressing State House Correspondents during the Meet-the-Press meeting on Friday.

    The Minister said the allegation of sexual harassment by Akpoti-Uduaghan, which led to her suspension from the Senate for six months, was an unfortunate incident that should not have happened.

    “It is unfortunate; we’re going to be brokering peace.

    READ ALSO: Alleged Boko Haram funding: senate moves to investigate USAID

    “In the last assembly, we had nine women senators; in this Assembly, we have four. We don’t want to lose any member of the Senate or House of Representatives.

    “We want to increase the numbers.

    “We will engage all the stakeholders to ensure that they temper justice with mercy,” she said.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim said she was at the National Assembly on Thursday, where they marked International Women’s Day.

    She said the last thing the President of the Senate said was, “We’re open to broker peace.

    “So, we’re going to be an intermediary between the two parties to see that peace reigns.

    “We will continue to sensitise women so that we will work better together as women and men.”

  • Senator Natasha Wants Senate Probe Aired Live

    Senator Natasha Wants Senate Probe Aired Live

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has requested that her Senate probe be aired live to ensure openness.

    She was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee after a disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements. 

    READ ALSO: Between Sen Akpabio and his female colleagues

    While she is ready to appear before the panel, she insists that the process should not be conducted behind closed doors.

    In a statement shared on social media, Akpoti-Uduaghan mentioned that she had previously stayed silent on Senate matters but had now decided to speak up. 

    She called on Nigerians to pay attention to the proceedings, stressing her dedication to openness in governance.

    The senator also shared a petition from a group called Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence (NOYAD), which accused her of corruption, breach of trust, and mistreatment of local content committee staff. 

    She stated that she only recently became aware of the petition.

    READ ALSO: Stakeholders seek reserved seats for women participation in politics

    She also invited a national television station to host her for an open discussion, saying she is ready to answer any questions. 

    She urged Nigerians to watch the probe, insisting that it should be broadcast live.

    According to her, the coming days and weeks will be crucial in shaping leadership standards in Nigeria.

  • Senate Suspends Plenary for Two Weeks to Focus on 2025 Budget

    Senate Suspends Plenary for Two Weeks to Focus on 2025 Budget

    • Fixes open day for Thursday
    • Sets January 31 as tentative date for passage

    Both Chambers of the National Assembly commence consideration of the N49.7trillion 2025 budget at committee levels, Tuesday this week, while the Senate declared on Monday that it would suspend plenary for two weeks upon resumption on the 14th of this month.

    The senate has also fixed Thursday this week for open day on the budget consideration, which will entail inputs from various stakeholders in the polity aside heads of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who stated these during a meeting with Chairmen of other senate standing committees, added that January 31st has been fixed, tentatively, as date for laying of reports on the 2025 Appropriation bill separately before the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    At the meeting, attended by many Chairmen of Senate Standing Committees and Principal officers like the Deputy Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, amongst others, said the time frame for consideration and passage of the 2025 budget is short but the best must be made out of it.

    FURTHER READING

    “Before this meeting with Chairmen of the various standing committees in the Senate , the Appropriation committee met for several hours on best way to handle the consideration of the 2025 budget which was presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu and passed for second reading by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday, December 19, 2024 .

    ” For expeditious and thorough consideration , hard copies of the budget proposals were obtained and already given to chairmen of the various committees as required reference documents during budget defence sessions with heads of MDAs under their preview.

    ” The tentative time table that has been drawn for consideration of the budget at committee level, is that budget defence sessions begin from tomorrow (Tuesday), while reports from various committees are expected to be submitted from 15th to 18th of this month .

    ” Afterwards, collation and tidying up of the various reports will be done by the appropriation committee, with the hope of laying final report on the budget to the Senate on 31st of this month .

    “However , the 31st of January, fixed for laying of the budget is tentative as it is just given to guide our working,” he said.

    The Senator Adeola led committee thereafter went into a closed door session with Chairmen of the various standing committees at the Senate.