Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Defies Kogi Government, Insists On ‘Homecoming’ Rally

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defies Kogi government, insists on ‘homecoming’ rally. Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has insisted on returning to her constituency for the Sallah break, despite restrictions by the Kogi State Government.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the senator urged her supporters to ignore rumours that she had canceled her visit.

“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central Senatorial District will proceed as planned,” the statement read.

“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”

She emphasized that, as a lawmaker, she had a duty to her people and encouraged them to come out in large numbers to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her.

“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation.

“Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.

“We would like to assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a successful and joyous event. We invite all members of the community to join us in marking this special occasion,” the statement added.

The recent development comes after the Kogi State Government banned all rallies and public gatherings due to security concerns.

The government also restricted fishing and other activities, linking them to the recent deaths of two individuals in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette in Kogi West.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Kogi’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, stated on Monday that the ban aimed to prevent any security threats that could disrupt peace in the state.

Fanwo added that intelligence reports had suggested some groups were planning to “stage some violent rallies in the guise of political and religious agitations” in Kogi Central.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was recently suspended for six months for protesting a change of seating arrangement, has also accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of s3xual harassment.

VP Shettima Urges Compatriots To Maintain Unity, Peace In The Country

VP Shettima urges compatriots to maintain unity, peace in the country. Mr Shettima made the call during a luncheon with Borno elders and his schoolmates in celebration of Eid-El-Fitr in Maiduguri.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to promote unity, peaceful coexistence, and tolerance as key pillars for national progress, drawing from the lessons of Ramadan.

Mr Shettima made the call during a luncheon with Borno elders and his schoolmates in celebration of Eid-El-Fitr in Maiduguri.

The vice-president, who was represented by Abdulkadir Rahis, representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Constituency at the House of Representatives, emphasised the need for continued harmony among citizens.

Mr Shettima also called on everyone to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s ongoing economic reforms, assuring them that short-term difficulties would yield long-term benefits for the country.

“I wish to also say that we should all perfect, maintain, and build on the sense of unity that exists among us for our collective gain and progress as a gift for one another. President Tinubu remains committed to implementing policies that will create sustainable development for all Nigerians.

“Just as Ramadan teaches endurance, we ask for your continued patience as these necessary reforms take root and bear fruit,” he said.

Shettima

The vice-president further urged Nigerians to continue to imbibe the spiritual lessons gained during Ramadan as a pathway to national development.
“Peaceful coexistence is very important and we should not relent in maintaining that virtue. It will go a long way in bringing about the development of ourselves and the nation,” he said.

Mr Shettima enjoined the citizens of Borno and Nigerians, in general, to always maintain traits of humility and communal living in line with the teachings of the holy books.

FG Advocates International Laws On Cyber-Enabled Immigration Crimes

FG advocates international laws on cyber-enabled immigration crimes. The federal government of Nigeria has advocated for internationally harmonised laws on cyber-enabled organised immigration crimes.

The federal government of Nigeria has advocated for internationally harmonised laws on cyber-enabled organised immigration crimes.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said this on Tuesday in London.
Mr Tunji-Ojo said this while addressing global leaders during the Border Security Summit on tackling organised immigration crimes. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted the summit.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said the proposed laws include common definitions of penalties for online human trafficking and migrants.

They also include exponential agreements on cybercriminals operating across multiple jurisdictions and the assessment of laws to dismantle financial links that fuel illegal migration.

“Nigeria calls for real-time content moderation to detect and remove recruiting advertisements for human smuggling and trafficking. Stronger reporting mechanisms for law enforcement to assess critical data on suspicious accounts.

“AI-driven early warning systems to flag illicit migration-related content before it spreads,” Mr Tunji-Ojo said.

He said there was a need for technology companies to enforce stricter regulations to prevent their platforms from becoming recruitment hubs for human trafficking migrants.

“Big tech companies must be more accountable for the misuse of their platforms by criminal gangs. Organised criminal networks are weaponised digital platforms to facilitate irregular migration, human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

“Technology has enabled these groups to expand their reach, target vulnerable populations and evade law enforcement agencies, hence the need for international organisations to prioritise digital intelligence sharing,” he said.

The minister added that no country was immune to the threats posed by online criminal recruitment, as the borderless nature of digital crime requires a coordinated international response.
Mr Tunji-Ojo said, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria was taking decisive actions to curb online criminal activities leading to migration and organised crime.

He said Nigeria recognised the growing interconnection between survivor-included crime and global migration threats, requiring a proactive, intelligence-driven and collaborative approach.

He added that Nigeria was investing in cyber-forensic training for immigration security agencies to track, investigate and neutralise digital recruitment networks.