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UPDATE: IPU Replies Natasha Akpoti, Says It Will Listen To Akpabio’s Side

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5 days ago

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The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has stated that it will take action regarding the concerns raised by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly.

The IPU, an international organization of national parliaments, works to promote peace, democracy, and sustainable development through diplomacy and dialogue. It also aims to strengthen legislative institutions and enhance their effectiveness.

During an IPU meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan presented her case.

She was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for “gross misconduct” following a dispute over seating arrangements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“Five days ago, on the 6th of March 2025, I was suspended as a senator illegally because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the president of the Nigerian senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated at the IPU.

“I thought by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the committee of ethics, privileges and public petitions for a fair and transparent investigation.

“But unfortunately, I was silenced, and I was suspended for six months among many other stringent conditions, such as taking away my security, taking away all the official vehicles and other items that were handed over to me as a senator.”

Tulia Ackson, IPU President, acknowledged the concerns raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted.

She emphasized that the IPU would hear both perspectives before making any decisions.

Ackson also mentioned that Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives from Nigeria, had sought to speak but was unable to due to time constraints.

“I would like to say we have heard her concerns, and having heard her, it would have been an opportunity for all of us to understand more about what she has said,” Ackson remarked.

“But because we listened only on her side, as an institution as IPU, we will be taking the concerns that have been raised, not only taking her side, but also giving a chance to listen to the other side, as it is a custom for IPU.

“After having listened to the other side, we will take steps as necessary. So I thought it was necessary for us to say a word about it and then be able to take it further.”

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BIG STORY

BREAKING: Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Drops To 23.18%

Published

3 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported a decrease in Nigeria’s inflation rate, which fell to 23.18% in February from 24.48% in January.

The announcement was made in the February 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the NBS on Monday.

According to the bureau, the headline inflation rate in February increased slightly by “1.30% points when compared to the January 2025 headline inflation rate.”

The NBS stated:

“In February 2025, the Headline inflation rate eased to 23.18% relative to the January 2025 headline inflation rate of 24.48%.”

“Looking at the movement, the February 2025 Headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 1.30% compared to the January 2025 Headline inflation rate.”

On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 8.52% lower than the 31.70% recorded in February 2024.

The NBS further noted:

“This shows that the Headline inflation rate (year-on-year basis) decreased in February 2025 compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., February 2024), though with a different base year, November 2009 = 100.”

Additionally, the month-on-month inflation rate for February 2025 was recorded at 2.04%.

 

More to come…

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BIG STORY

Rivers Assembly Accuses Fubara, Deputy Of Misconduct, Issues Notice

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7 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a notice accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, of alleged misconduct.

A total of twenty-six members of the assembly made these allegations against Fubara in a notice submitted to Speaker Martin Amaewhule on Monday.

According to the lawmakers, their actions are based on “Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other existing laws.”

They accused Fubara of various offenses, including unconstitutional and reckless spending of public funds, hindering the Assembly’s activities, and appointing individuals to government positions without undergoing the required screening and confirmation.

Additional allegations include withholding salaries, allowances, and funds designated for the Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as blocking the salary of Clerk Emeka Amadi.

The lawmakers also accused Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu of “conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to government positions without the required screening and confirmation.”

After receiving the notice, Amaewhule forwarded it to Fubara, stating that the allegations had been brought forward by “not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

He then urged the governor to respond to the allegations, citing Section 188(3) of the Constitution, which states, “Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice), the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate, whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.”

Amaewhule further advised the governor to take appropriate action and extended his “esteemed regards.”

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BIG STORY

BREAKING: Lagos Court Orders Oba Otudeko To Appear For ‘N30bn Fraud’ Trial

Published

9 hours ago

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March 17, 2025

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The Federal High Court in Lagos has instructed Oba Otudeko to appear before the court and enter a plea in response to the charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The directive was issued on Monday by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

The EFCC had previously filed a 13-count charge against Otudeko and three others over an alleged N30 billion loan fraud.

During the proceedings, the judge ruled that Otudeko must take his plea before the court could address an application contesting its jurisdiction in the matter.

The case has been adjourned to May 8.

 

More to come…

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