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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Accuses Senate President of Using Fake Constituents in Recall Attempt

By
Udehi Alambo
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The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has strongly criticized the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, for allegedly orchestrating a recall process against her using fabricated constituents.

 

In a statement on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed gratitude to her supporters and Nigerians who defied intimidation to welcome her in large numbers. She assured them of her unwavering commitment to their mandate and promised to continue serving with dedication.

 

Massive Support Despite Government Ban

 

Supporters from the five local government areas of Kogi Central gathered early in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, to receive the senator, despite an official ban on rallies and processions. The overwhelming turnout underscored her popularity and the people’s resistance to what she described as political oppression.

 

Accusations Against Yahaya Bello

 

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to disclose the source of the alleged names used in the recall petition. She asserted that all available evidence points to Bello as the mastermind behind the move, accusing him of orchestrating a political vendetta against her.

 

The senator recalled Bello’s previous actions during the 2023 general elections, when he was accused of sponsoring multiple attacks against her while she was a candidate.

 

Condemnation of Political Manipulation

 

She described the recall attempt as another desperate effort to undermine her mandate.

 

“I advise the former governor to focus on clearing his name over allegations of fraudulent diversion of N89.2 billion, instead of attempting to destabilize the mandate given to me by the people of Kogi Central,” she said.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan further criticized Bello for continuing his alleged political machinations despite facing corruption allegations.

 

“His actions before and during the last general elections, where he sponsored numerous attacks against me, are well documented. This recall attempt is nothing but another ploy to undermine the people’s will,” she stated.

 

A Strong Message to Opponents

 

The senator emphasized that the massive support she received proves her popularity in Kogi Central.

 

“The powers that be tried to suppress the will of the people, but my people emphatically said no—no to injustice, no to the oppression of women, no to a fake recall, no to Yahaya Bello and his allies,” she declared.

 

She thanked her supporters for resisting intimidation and noted that her political opponents had only succeeded in making themselves more unpopular.

 

“I will do more for my people. I will not betray them. I will continue to give my best, and they should be assured of my unwavering representation at all times,” she pledged.

 

 

 

BREAKING: President Tinubu Embarks on Working Visit to France

By
Toyin Adebayo
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President Bola Tinubu is set to depart for Paris, France, today for a brief working visit. The trip was confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a statement released on Wednesday.

During his visit, President Tinubu will conduct a review of his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones. The retreat will also provide an opportunity to evaluate the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning in preparation for the second anniversary of his administration.

“The period of reflection will inform plans to strengthen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development goals in the year ahead,” the statement read.

Onanuga further highlighted the administration’s recent economic achievements, particularly the significant growth in Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. The Central Bank of Nigeria recently reported a notable increase in net foreign exchange reserves, reaching $23.11 billion—up from $3.99 billion in 2023—demonstrating the success of fiscal reforms under President Tinubu’s leadership.

While in France, President Tinubu will remain in close contact with his team and continue to monitor governance activities. He is expected to return to Nigeria in approximately two weeks.

First Lady Calls for Greater Consideration and Inclusion for People with Autism on World Autism Day

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to be more understanding and supportive of individuals living with autism. In a statement issued on Wednesday, marking World Autism Awareness Day 2025, she emphasized the importance of offering better care, social inclusion, and opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The theme for this year’s observance, “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” underscores the need for a more inclusive society, Senator Tinubu noted. She highlighted that embracing neurodiversity and promoting the rights of people with autism are essential to achieving the SDGs, particularly goals related to quality education (SDG 4) and economic opportunities (SDG 8).

“On this World Autism Awareness Day, I join millions across the globe in celebrating the incredible potential and talents of individuals living with ASD,” said Tinubu. “The theme this year reminds us that supporting those with autism is not just a moral obligation, but also a critical component of sustainable development.”

The First Lady also condemned the discrimination faced by individuals with autism, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, and social integration. She called for greater opportunities to be extended to people living with autism, so they can reach their full potential.

“Neurodiversity is a beautiful reflection of human uniqueness. We all process information differently, but too many individuals with autism continue to encounter barriers that hinder their access to quality education, healthcare, and employment,” she said.

In her message, Tinubu encouraged all Nigerians to embrace neurodiversity, advocate for inclusivity, and work toward building a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“Let us all take this opportunity to create a more inclusive society and ensure that individuals living with autism are supported in realizing their dreams and aspirations,” she added. “Happy Autism Awareness Day!”

Breaking News: Tribunal Dismisses Action Alliance’s Petition Against Governor Okpebholo

By
Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA — The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, convened at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, has dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and its gubernatorial candidate, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje. The petition challenged the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.

The three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled that the petition was without merit and frivolous. The Tribunal determined that Omoaje lacked the legal standing to initiate the case, as he did not participate in the election and was not recognized as the National Chairman of the Action Alliance for the purpose of nominating candidates. Consequently, he had no authority to question the validity of the election under the Electoral Act 2022.

This decision represents a significant victory for Governor Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing legal challenges to the 2024 gubernatorial election results.

*Details to follow.*

Breaking News: President Tinubu Overhauls NNPC Leadership, Appoints New GCEO and Board

By
Toyin Adebayo
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In a significant shake-up, President Bola Tinubu has restructured the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, resulting in the removal of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, and Board Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure. The decision, announced early Wednesday, also saw the departure of other board members appointed alongside Kyari and Akinyelure in November 2023.

The announcement was made by Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the new 11-member board would be led by Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO, with Ahmadu Musa Kida appointed as the non-executive chairman.

Tinubu also made key appointments to the board, including the reappointment of Adedapo Segun as the Chief Financial Officer, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya last November. Additionally, six non-executive directors have been appointed to represent Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. They include Bello Rabiu (North West), Yusuf Usman (North East), and Babs Omotowa (North Central), the former managing director of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). Austin Avuru (South-South), David Ige (South-West), and Henry Obih (South-East) were also appointed to represent their respective regions.

Further appointments include Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Aminu Said Ahmed, who will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

The restructuring, effective from April 2, was carried out under President Tinubu’s powers as granted by Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. The President emphasized that the move was designed to enhance operational efficiency, boost investor confidence, support local content, and accelerate gas commercialization and economic growth.

In line with his vision for the sector, President Tinubu outlined an immediate action plan for the new board, urging them to conduct a strategic review of NNPC’s assets, including its joint venture operations, to align with value maximization goals. The administration has already achieved notable progress, with the NNPC securing $17 billion in new investments last year. The government now aims to increase this to $30 billion by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030.

Additionally, the President set ambitious targets for oil and gas production: raising oil production to two million barrels per day by 2027, and three million by 2030, while increasing gas production to 8 billion cubic feet per day by 2027, and 10 billion by 2030. The goal for NNPC’s crude oil refining output is also set to increase, reaching 200,000 barrels per day by 2027 and 500,000 by 2030.

Ahmadu Musa Kida, the newly appointed Chairman, has a distinguished career in the oil industry. A civil engineering graduate from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kida’s career spans multiple roles, including Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services at Total Nigeria and Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group. In addition to his oil career, Kida has also been a prominent figure in Nigerian basketball.

Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the new GCEO, brings a wealth of experience to the role. An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Ojulari previously served as the Executive Vice President and COO of Renaissance Africa Energy Company. He has held various leadership roles in the oil industry, including managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO). Ojulari has also been a prominent member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

President Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the outgoing board members for their dedicated service, particularly in the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which resumed production of petroleum products after extended shutdowns. He wished them success in their future endeavors.

ISA 2025: Ponzi Scheme Operators Face 10-Year Jail Term, ₦20 Million Fine – SEC

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Operators and promoters of Ponzi schemes in Nigeria now face stricter penalties, including a minimum fine of ₦20 million or a 10-year prison sentence, following the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025.

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this in an interview in Abuja, emphasizing that the new legislation strengthens regulatory oversight, enhances investor protection, and introduces reforms aimed at fostering market integrity and sustainable growth.

Agama noted that prior to this law, the SEC lacked the authority to prosecute Ponzi scheme operators effectively. “With the new law, they now face a 10-year jail term and beyond,” he stated.

The Act stipulates a minimum ₦20 million fine for individuals or entities operating such fraudulent schemes. However, Agama clarified that this is only part of the broader penalties offenders could face. “It is not the entire amount that will be charged or sanctioned. Additional penalties will be imposed based on the circumstances of each case,” he explained.

A key provision of the ISA 2025 is the introduction of “disgorgement,” which ensures that any profits obtained from defrauding investors are recovered. “It’s not just about the scale of the fraud; it’s about enforcing sanctions that will deter people from engaging in such schemes in the first place,” Agama added.

The new law also grants the SEC expanded investigative powers, including access to phone records and other communication data, to track and prosecute Ponzi scheme operators. “Many Nigerians have fallen victim to these schemes due to the lack of strong deterrents. This Act introduces stringent measures to prevent such fraudulent activities from continuing,” he said.

The enactment of ISA 2025 reinforces the SEC’s role as the apex regulator of Nigeria’s capital market, ensuring investor protection, fair market operations, and alignment with international best practices. The Act also strengthens the SEC’s mandate to minimize systemic risks and enhance transparency in the financial sector.

Civil Society Group Calls for Action on Rising Violence After Uromi Killings

By
Toyin Adebayo
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A civil society organization, the Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reassess its approach to tackling the escalating violence and insecurity across Nigeria.

The group strongly condemned the recent mob killing of 16 individuals in Uromi, Edo State, and called for an impartial, transparent investigation into the tragic incident. CSCHEI emphasized that the government must swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible while ensuring adequate compensation and support for the victims’ families.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, CSCHEI Director-General Hon. Kunle Yusuff expressed concern over the widespread possession of arms by non-state actors. He urged the government to enforce stricter regulations to ensure that only licensed individuals carry weapons.

“We, the Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative, are deeply shocked and saddened by the gruesome killing of 16 Nigerians in Edo State. This senseless act of violence and jungle justice has left the nation in mourning,” the statement read.

CSCHEI extended its condolences to the victims’ families and the Nigerian people, insisting that no one should lose their life in such a brutal manner. The organization reiterated its demand for immediate government action, calling on law enforcement agencies, including the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure justice is served.

The statement also urged the Federal Government to take concrete steps to curb the rising tide of violence and insecurity nationwide.

“Enough is enough,” the group declared. “Both the Federal and State Governments must ensure that only those authorized by law carry arms. As we grieve for the innocent lives lost, we must also demand justice and accountability.”

CSCHEI reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, regardless of their background, and vowed to continue pushing for greater security and governance reforms.

Nigerian-Born Singer TheHonestGuy Wins Prestigious Juno Award

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

 

Ayodeji Adeyemi, the Nigerian-born, Canada-based singer and songwriter known as TheHonestGuy, has earned a prestigious accolade at the 54th Annual Juno Awards, solidifying his place in the Canadian music industry.

Held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Junos celebrated outstanding achievements in Canadian music. TheHonestGuy took home the award for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year, a recognition of his soulful artistry and growing influence in contemporary music.

His victory marks a significant milestone in his career, with many industry experts predicting even greater success ahead—including a potential Grammy nomination.

The Juno Awards, presented by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), highlight excellence across multiple genres. This year’s event saw several standout winners:

  • Tate McRae emerged as the biggest winner of the night, securing four awards, including Single of the Year for greedy, Album of the Year for THINK LATER, Artist of the Year, and Pop Album of the Year.
  • The Beaches, the Toronto-based rock band, won Group of the Year.
  • Nemahsis, a Palestinian-Canadian artist known for her deeply personal music, was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year.
  • Bbno$ claimed the TikTok JUNO Fan Choice Award, the only category voted on by fans.
  • Sum 41 was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, while Anne Murray received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Boi-1da was honored for International Achievement, recognizing his impact on global music production.

TheHonestGuy’s Juno win not only underscores his talent and dedication but also marks him as one of the most promising voices in R&B today.

N5bn Contract Dispute: NLNG Continues Defence Against Macobarb’s Witness Olomu

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

PORTHARCOURT – The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has continued its defence in a N5.074 billion contract dispute filed by indigenous contractor Macobarb International Limited, alleging a breach of contract.

The case, filed under suit number HC/2013/CS/2022 at the Rivers State High Court, commenced in 2022. Macobarb has presented documentary evidence and called a forensic accountant from Jos, Plateau State, as its witness.

Represented by a legal team led by Professor Bayo Aderelegbe, NLNG fielded a witness, Osa Olomu, who testified in court, affirming his knowledge of the disputed project. Olomu maintained that NLNG had fulfilled its contractual obligations and paid Macobarb what was duly owed.

During cross-examination, Olomu was handed exhibit YJ40d and asked by Macobarb’s counsel, Dr. Nwieke Dignity, whether the contractor had met the obligations of the first contract schedule. Specifically, he was asked to confirm whether Macobarb had successfully placed an order and paid the first installment—50% of the overseas fabrication cost—representing 57.5% of the scheduled work. Olomu responded, “Not really,” without further clarification.

When pressed on exhibits YJ40b and YJ40d concerning Macobarb’s adherence to the agreed schedule in exhibit YJ7, Olomu stated, “No, at the last session I explained to this honourable court that I cannot speak specifically on this.”

Regarding payments, Olomu contended that the N32 million referenced in exhibit YJ40A was not paid to Macobarb, asserting that it was an internal document rather than an official invoice. He stated that only N8 million was validly invoiced, of which NLNG paid N7 million between the contract start date of January 9, 2014, and its disputed termination on February 10, 2016.

The witness also argued that only invoices properly submitted in accordance with the contract were paid. When questioned about section 7(5.11) of exhibit YJ12—which stipulates that costs incurred due to the defendant’s default should be added to the contract cost—Olomu disagreed, stating, “Not correct.”

A moment of tension arose in court when the claimant’s counsel suggested that NLNG’s failure to pay the first milestone sum of N32 million was deliberate and malicious, aimed at frustrating the project’s execution. The unpaid amount, according to Macobarb’s lawyer, was uncontested by NLNG and marked the beginning of contractual breaches.

The case is scheduled to continue on April 8, 2025.

Macobarb initially filed a claim exceeding N1 billion, later amended to N5.074 billion, alleging breaches of contract B130142PPI related to access control at the NLNG plant over a three-year period. The contractor asserts that payments were to be made progressively based on verified work completion and that any delays—explicitly prohibited by the contract—would result in penalties.

Macobarb claims to have activated contractual alert clauses in response to payment delays but alleges that NLNG failed to address the issues, ultimately leading to the contract’s termination.

Nigerian Pastor Arrested in Port Harcourt Over Alleged Homosexual Conduct

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

PORT HARCOURT — A prominent pastor, known simply as Elijah, has been arrested and is under investigation by the Octopus (C4I) Strike Force unit of the Nigeria Police Force on allegations of engaging in homosexual acts, law enforcement officials confirmed.

The arrest follows a report from a church member, identified only as Patrick, who alleged that the pastor had made sexual advances toward him. Seeking to substantiate his claims, Patrick reportedly recorded a video of the cleric attempting to engage in sexual activity.

Acting on intelligence, authorities tracked the pastor to a relaxation spot in Port Harcourt, where he was taken into custody. Law enforcement sources indicated that the pastor, a native of Rivers State, has since admitted to multiple instances of homosexual conduct, allegedly involving both adults and minors.

Rivers State Police Command spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the arrest and stated that an investigation is ongoing.

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