Nelson Ugwuagbo

A heated exchange erupted on Tuesday between Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a Senate hearing.

The altercation occurred at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions session, which was considering a fresh petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Present at the hearing were Ezekwesili, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel Abiola Akiode, and petitioner Zubairu Yakubu.

Tensions flared when Yakubu attempted to speak while Committee Chairman Neda Imaseun was addressing the room. He was asked to mute his microphone, but when Ezekwesili tried to intervene, Nwaebonyi interjected.

Ezekwesili responded by telling the senator to “compose himself and stop making noise,” prompting an angry reaction.

“You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here,” Nwaebonyi retorted.

Ezekwesili fired back, calling him a “hooligan,” further escalating the confrontation.

The verbal clash momentarily disrupted proceedings before order was restored. Shortly afterward, Imaseun announced that the matter was already before a court, leading to an abrupt end to the session

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday re-arraigned former National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, and former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) General Manager, Aminu Baba-Kusa, along with two companies, over an alleged N33.2 billion fraud.

The defendants appeared before Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, where they faced charges of criminal breach of trust, dishonest release, and receipt of public funds. The case, filed by the federal government, also lists Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited as co-defendants.

Dasuki was initially arraigned on December 14, 2015, alongside Shuaibu Salisu, former Director of Finance and Administration at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), on a 19-count charge relating to an alleged N15.5 billion fraud. The charges were later amended, and Salisu’s name was removed.

On May 11, 2018, Dasuki and others were re-arraigned on a 32-count charge involving the alleged misappropriation of N33.2 billion. The prosecution had called only one witness before the case was indefinitely adjourned.

In a separate case, Dasuki was also charged alongside former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, in a case marked FCT/HC/CR/42/2015. They are accused of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation of N19.4 billion. This case, previously before Justice Baba-Yusuf, was later transferred to Justice Yusuf Halilu.

Dasuki, a retired military officer, served as National Security Adviser under former President Goodluck Jonathan. His legal battles have faced multiple delays and adjournments since 2015.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed the petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, citing a lack of credibility.

INEC’s National Commissioner for Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, stated that after reviewing the signatures submitted, the petition failed to meet the required standards.

According to Olumekun, out of the 474,544 voters who purportedly signed the petition, no addresses or phone contacts were provided.

“The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s), or e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition, as required by Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines,” he said.

He further noted that the address provided simply stated “Okene, Kogi State,” which is not a specific location for correspondence. Additionally, only the telephone number of the “lead petitioner” was included, rather than the contacts of all representatives.

INEC’s decision effectively nullifies the recall process, citing procedural deficiencies in the petition submission.

The Senate has accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of violating the Federal Character Principle in their recruitment, appointments, and promotions.

In response, the Senate directed its Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs to investigate alleged cases of imbalance in the public service.

The resolution followed the consideration of a motion titled “Urgent Need to Address Systemic Abuse and Ineffective Implementation of the Federal Character Principle in Nigeria’s Public Sector,” sponsored by Senator Osita Ngwu during plenary.

Leading the debate, Ngwu cited Sections 14(3) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibit the dominance of individuals from a few states or ethnic groups in federal institutions. He expressed concerns that while recruitment opportunities are scarce, promotions are often based on years of service rather than merit, marginalizing certain regions.

He further noted that the lack of accountability in enforcing federal character principles has undermined fairness in the public sector, with senior-level appointments allegedly influenced by favoritism rather than competence.

Ngwu stressed that while the Federal Character Principle aims to ensure balanced representation across states, its poor implementation has negatively impacted institutional discipline, morale, and efficiency.

“The Federal Character Principle, entrenched in the 1999 Constitution, mandates fair representation in federal appointments to reflect Nigeria’s linguistic, ethnic, religious, and geographic diversity,” he stated.

Ngwu listed several MDAs allegedly failing to comply with the principle, including NNPCL and its subsidiary, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), PENCOM, NDIC, the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).

He lamented that despite legislative oversight powers granted by the Constitution and Senate Standing Orders, these institutions have consistently failed to adhere to federal character mandates, often bypassing regulations in their recruitment processes.

The Senate has tasked its committee with conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.

The Senate has confirmed Sylvester Nwakuche as the new Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

Nwakuche’s appointment, made by President Bola Tinubu on December 13, 2024, follows the retirement of his predecessor, Haliru Nababa.

His confirmation came after the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, presented its report for consideration. Lawmakers unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendation during plenary on Tuesday, officially approving his appointment.

Announcing the confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio tasked Nwakuche with strengthening security across correctional facilities nationwide. He expressed confidence that under Nwakuche’s leadership, the frequent jailbreaks witnessed in the country would be addressed.

The confirmation follows a recent jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, where 12 inmates escaped in the early hours of Monday, resulting in the death of a correctional officer.

The Organised Labour has strongly opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it may take decisive action capable of disrupting national economic activities if the decision is not reversed within a reasonable timeframe.

In a joint statement signed by the Rivers State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alex Agwanwor; State Chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ikechukwu Onyefuru; and Chairperson of the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), Chuku Emecheta, the labour unions expressed concerns over the legality, economic implications, and consequences of the federal government’s move.

The unions described the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly as unconstitutional and premature. They argued that the officials were duly elected by the people of Rivers State and that their removal outside constitutional processes undermines democracy.

Labour leaders further decried the hardship caused by the emergency declaration, particularly for local government workers who have yet to receive their salaries. They stated that the withholding of wages has subjected workers to unnecessary economic difficulties at a time of rising living costs.

The unions warned that the decision could have far-reaching economic consequences, citing Rivers State’s strategic role in the national economy and the Niger Delta region. They noted that Nigeria is already facing inflation, currency devaluation, high exchange rates, and unemployment, and further instability in the state could exacerbate these challenges.

Additionally, the statement highlighted concerns over the loss of investor confidence due to political uncertainty, which it said is negatively affecting the state’s internally generated revenue and economic development.

While acknowledging the need for law and order, the Organised Labour stressed that any actions taken must align with constitutional provisions. It condemned the suspension of elected officials and the disruption of workers’ salaries as violations of fundamental rights that could further escalate security and economic tensions.

The unions urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the judiciary to intervene by reversing the state of emergency and reinstating the suspended officials. They also called for constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders to resolve the situation peacefully.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were among the dignitaries who attended the 60th birthday colloquium of former Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja.

Atiku, in a message shared on social media, described Ihedioha as a patriot and long-time associate. He noted that birthdays are a time for reflection and appreciation, commending Ihedioha for his unwavering support over the years.

“More than anything, it is a moment to thank the Almighty for His blessings and grace upon you,” Atiku stated.

He also joined other well-wishers in praying for Ihedioha’s continued good health and service to humanity.

The event brought together family, friends, and political leaders who gathered to celebrate the milestone with Ihedioha.

Youths in Gombe State have looted Ramadan palliatives meant for distribution by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Seyi Tinubu has been visiting northern states to launch a Ramadan feeding programme for the less privileged. However, the initiative has faced criticism on social media, with mixed reactions from the public.

While some have welcomed the effort, others argue that the region deserves more substantial interventions beyond palliative donations. Among the critics is Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of the Bauchi State Governor, who called for sustainable empowerment programmes instead.

In a Facebook post, he urged Seyi Tinubu to provide employment opportunities, financial support for businesses, ICT infrastructure, and training in digital skills such as cryptocurrency trading.

“We, the youths of Bauchi, don’t need rice and food in nylon bags during Ramadan,” he wrote. “Teach our youths how to fish rather than feed them for one day. They are not beggars.”

Reports indicate that Seyi Tinubu’s palliative had arrived in Gombe before the looting incident. A video obtained by newsmen showed angry youths carting away cartons of food items from a truck parked by the roadside. The items, including rice, sugar, oil, salt, and pasta, were thrown down to others who eagerly took them.

Two trucks containing 3,500 cartons of food supplies were allocated to Gombe. While one truck’s contents were successfully distributed, the second was intercepted and emptied by the youths.

Seyi Tinubu’s visits to northern states have been described as part of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement (RHYE) initiative and Ramadan outreach. However, political observers suggest they may also serve as a strategic move to bolster his father’s influence in the region amid emerging resistance to his re-election bid.

There are speculations that individuals who felt sidelined during the distribution, which initially took place at the state All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat, may have sabotaged the programme.

A group of registered voters from the Kogi Central Senatorial District has submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for the recall of the suspended senator representing the district at the National Assembly, Barr. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The petition dated 21st March 2025 was submitted on Monday 24th March 2025 at the INEC headquarters in Abuja by the group, Concerned Kogi Youth and Women.

Leader of the group, Charity Ijoshe Omole said they have lost confidence in the senator.

She said; “We have lost confidence in her because of her gross misconduct that led to her suspension in the Senate and we the Kogi Central not to be represented.

“We have cone to recall her, because we cannot afford not to be represented. This petition is from Concerned Kogi Youth and Women.

“We, the people of Kogi Central voted her in, and we are here to recall her. We have four 488,000 registered voters and as I speak to you now, we have more than 250,000 voters who have signed for her recall”.

In the petition addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and titled, “Constituents Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on grounds of Loss of Confidence”, the petitioners said; “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 Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate.

“In particular, this petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.

“Kindly recall that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged as our Senator by verdict of the Court of Appeal, Abuja on Tuesday October 31, 2023 which affirmed the Peoples Democratic Party PDP candidate as winner of the February 25, 2023 Kogi Central Senatorial election.

“This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process and a pattern of deceitful behaviour that has not only embarrassed the people of Kogi Central constituency but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions.

Aged women from Ishinkwo Autonomous Community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State staged a peaceful protest on Monday, accusing government officials of fraudulent activities in the ongoing land demarcation exercise between their community and the neighboring Abaomege community.

The Ebonyi State government had initiated the demarcation process as part of efforts to resolve the longstanding land dispute between the two communities, a conflict that has resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of naira. The exercise follows the terms outlined in a government white paper aimed at ensuring a lasting settlement.

The protesting women, who stormed the Ebonyi Government House in Abakaliki, carried placards with inscriptions such as: “Gov Nwifuru, father of the State, please come to our aid,” “Enough is enough to land grabbing, follow the white paper,” and “Return Ugwuekuma Primary School to Ishinkwo, it’s our ancient landmark.”

They also marched to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, where they registered their grievances with lawmakers. The women accused the Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbofia, of allegedly colluding with the land demarcation committee to favor his Abaomege community.

In an open letter addressed to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and signed by the National President of the Women Wing of the Ishinkwo Community Development Union (ICDU), Mrs. Fidelia Nworie, along with 12 others, the protesters claimed the demarcation process was flawed and could undermine the government’s peace efforts.

They alleged that the Deputy Surveyor-General of the state, Mr. Ekeroku, was conducting the demarcation without reference to the white paper, which they described as the legal framework for the exercise.

“The demarcation is being executed without reference to the white paper, which renders the process illegal, null, and void. No one can place something on nothing and expect it to stand,” the letter stated.

The women further claimed that a key survey map, which is crucial for guiding the demarcation, had been withheld from Ishinkwo community leaders while allegedly being made available to the Onicha LGA chairman, an Abaomege native.

They called on Governor Nwifuru to urgently intervene and ensure that the demarcation exercise adheres to the government’s approved white paper to prevent further tension between the two communities.