Abuja

Natasha Reveals: Akpabio Is Angry Because Of My Access To Tinubu

Published

10 months ago

June 2, 2025

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Natasha Reveals: Akpabio Is Angry Because Of My Access To Tinubu

Natasha reveals: Akpabio is angry because of my access to Tinubu. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central has revealed that her suspension from the national assembly was based on a pre-written script and driven by political motives.

Speaking during an interview with Adeola Fayehun, a US-based Nigerian journalist, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the March 6 incident was not spontaneous, but part of a “calculated plan”.

She said the claim that she disrupted proceedings over her seat was false.

“The impression being circulated is that I caused a scene over my seat. That is false,” she said.

“I raised a matter of privilege under chapter 4, Item 9b of the senate rules — a provision that demands immediate attention.

“But the senate president cut me off, ordered the sergeant-at-arms to remove me, and directed the clerk to begin preparing my suspension letter. That wasn’t a reaction; it was a pre-written script.”

She accused Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, of abusing his office by unilaterally ordering her removal from the chamber.

“He has no authority to unilaterally suspend any senator on the floor. The way he handled it — like I was a staff member in his living room — was not only unlawful but also degrading,” she said.

“My reaction was in response to a decision he had clearly already made.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan said her suspension followed a formal petition she submitted against the senate leadership the day before.

“I believe my suspension was retaliatory. The ethics report they cited was merely a smokescreen. I had submitted allegations that shook the system, and the next day, I was silenced,” she said.

The lawmaker also addressed an allegation by Sandra Duru, who claimed the senator was trying to bring down the government led by someone from the south-west.

Akpoti-Uduaghan denied the allegation and said she is not driven by ethnic sentiments.

“People who know me know that I am not a tribalist. I respect and appreciate every tribe in Nigeria, every ethnicity,” she said.

“I am half Nigerian and half Ukrainian — who am I to talk about tribe when I am actually one part of the other world? That is not my nature; that is not my language.”

She alleged that Duru’s remarks were sponsored by political interests threatened by her wide support.

“If anybody said that, it’s probably her team, the people who have sponsored her,” she said.

“Her sponsors are the ones who have probably put those words to her because they knew that I had enjoyed a lot of support from Nigerians — not just in Kogi state, but across the country and even in the diaspora.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed her cordial relationship with President Bola Tinubu angered the senate president.

“The senate president, Godswill Akpabio, also knows that I enjoyed a good relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.

“I have not said it in the open before, but I am saying it now, and that actually annoyed him because there was a time when the senate president told my husband, ‘Are you aware that your wife goes to see the President?’ and my husband told him he was aware.

“Whenever I have critical issues to raise — like before I brought up the issue of probing Ajaokuta — I did meet with Mr President to make sure he knew the nature of it, and he was okay with it. For other matters too, I have met him in person.

“So, I do not have a hostile relationship with the president, even though I am in the opposition. I keep saying, the good people of Kogi central voted me as a senator to work, not to antagonise or create enmity.

Akpabio, Senator Natasha

“I want the people to know my issue is with the senate president — not the entire senate, the Nigerian people, the institutions, or the presidency.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the senate for alleged gross misconduct following her seating arrangement altercation with Akpabio.

The lawmaker said she believed her suspension was illegal, unjust and a way of silencing her.

She also rejected the senate’s position that she was not suspended over her s3xual harassment claim against Akpabio.

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Abuja

Wike Tells FCT Residents In Eid-el-Fitr Message, Says “Remain Peaceful Throughout The Year”

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2026

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Wike Tells FCT Residents In Eid-el-Fitr Message, Says “Remain Peaceful Throughout The Year”

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged residents of Abuja to sustain the values of compassion, forgiveness and unity imbibed during Ramadan as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

In his 2026 Eid message to residents, Wike described the fasting period as one marked by spiritual renewal and reflection, calling on residents not to abandon its lessons.

“As we celebrate Eid Fitr – the culmination of the Ramadan fast, I urge you all to carry forward the values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity that Ramadan embodies,” he said.

He congratulated Muslim faithful in the FCT on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, noting that the period had fostered stronger bonds among residents.

The minister also commended the spirit of generosity and coexistence demonstrated across religious lines during the holy month.

“Within the FCT, it is reassuring to see Muslims sharing and caring for fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike in the last 30 days,” he said.

“Individuals and corporate organisations have, by their conduct during this holy month, demonstrated their commitment and cooperation towards maintaining Abuja’s pride of place as the Centre of Unity, Peace and Harmony in Nigeria.”

Wike implored residents to pray for Nigeria’s leaders and the country’s continued peace and development.

“This occasion also offers us a unique opportunity to pray for our leaders, and indeed, our country Nigeria, that we may continue to enjoy peace and progress,” he said.

Looking ahead to political activities in the country, he urged residents to remain peaceful regardless of affiliations.

“I urge all residents regardless of political affiliation, gender or tribe to take a cue from the Muslim Ummah, and maintain peaceful conduct throughout the year while praying for the FCT, and the nation as a whole at this period,” he added.

Wike

“The security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that residents celebrate and enjoy the occasion in peace, tranquility and orderliness.”

Wike reaffirmed the FCT administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while continuing efforts to develop Abuja into a world-class city.

Abuja

Adwa Victory At 130: Ethiopia Marks Historic Triumph And Women’s Day In Abuja

Published

2 weeks ago

March 9, 2026

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Adwa Victory At 130: Ethiopia Marks Historic Triumph And Women’s Day In Abuja

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Abuja hosted a colourful celebration on Saturday, March 7, 2026, to mark the 130th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa alongside International Women’s Day.
The event, held under the themes “Adwa 130: From a Dark History to a Bright Horizon!” and “50 Years of Women’s Voice for Equality and Prosperity,” brought together Ethiopians living in Nigeria, people of Ethiopian origin, and Nigerian friends of Ethiopia.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Nigeria, H.E. Legesse Geremew Haile, described the Victory of Adwa as a historic milestone achieved through the collective sacrifice, unity, and determination of the Ethiopian people.
He emphasized that women played a crucial role in securing the historic victory over Italian forces in 1896, noting that their contributions remain a strong symbol of courage and patriotism.
The Ambassador also highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in promoting gender equality, stating that women are increasingly occupying leadership positions in government, parliament, and the cabinet at both federal and regional levels.
Encouraging the younger generation to uphold the “Spirit of Adwa,” Ambassador Legesse urged Ethiopians at home and in the diaspora to contribute actively to the country’s ongoing development efforts.
He outlined several key national initiatives, including modernizing the agricultural sector, where Ethiopia has recently emerged as Africa’s largest wheat producer, expanding industrial capacity through the “Ethiopia Tamirt” (Produce in Ethiopia) initiative, promoting tourism through the Gebeta projects, and advancing digital transformation through artificial intelligence to improve service delivery.
The Ambassador also addressed Ethiopia’s strategic economic goals, calling for unified support for the country’s pursuit of peaceful access to the sea, describing it as a vital national interest for a nation of over 130 million people with a rapidly growing economy.
According to him, Ethiopia remains committed to achieving this objective through peaceful and mutually beneficial diplomatic engagement.
Reaffirming the country’s long-term development vision, Ambassador Legesse said Ethiopia aims to become one of Africa’s five largest economies by 2035 and among the world’s top 20 economies by 2050. He therefore called on the Ethiopian diaspora to actively participate in the nation’s development initiatives and major projects.
The celebration also featured a presentation titled “The Trust of Adwa: Unity, Sovereignty, and Reconstruction,” which highlighted the historic significance of the Battle of Adwa fought on March 1, 1896. The presentation underscored how Ethiopia’s victory over the Italian army became a powerful symbol of African resistance, inspiring Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial movements across the continent and the diaspora.
Participants at the event described Adwa as a shared African victory, stressing that its legacy should continue to inspire present and future generations to work towards rebuilding their nations and strengthening the continent.
The programme was further enriched with patriotic poetry and educational video presentations performed by young children.
The ceremony began with the Ethiopian National Anthem and concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting and reception attended by guests and members of the Ethiopian community in Nigeria.

Abuja

Abuja: Fire Guts Section Of Federal Secretariat

Published

2 weeks ago

March 9, 2026

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Abuja: Fire Guts Section Of Federal Secretariat

Abuja: Fire guts section of federal secretariat. There was panic at the federal secretariat in Abuja on Monday morning after a section of the office of the head of service of the federation caught fire.

Eyewitnesses said the fire was first noticed at about 8:20am. Social media footage showed plumes of black smoke billowing from the affected section of the building.

The incident occurred at Section C of the building within the federal secretariat complex.

Staff members were seen evacuating the area after emergency responders had been alerted.

The media department of the office of the head of service confirmed the incident.

The office said the outbreak was limited to Section C of the building.