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Akpabio apologises to Natasha over uncomplimentary comment

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The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has apologised to his colleague, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi), for an uncomplimentary comment directed at her.

During the plenary on Tuesday, Akpabio noted that he would never deliberately denigrate a woman.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred last Thursday when Akpabio rebuffed Natasha while she attempted to speak without being invited during his speech.

He remarked, “Senator Natasha, you cannot speak without being asked or invited to speak in the Senate. This is not a nightclub.”

In his apology, Akpabio reiterated that he never intended to insult any woman.

He mentioned that his phone had been overwhelmed with insults regarding the issue.

“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman, and I always pray that God will uplift women. Distinguished Senator Natasha, I want to apologise to you.

“The interest shown on social media indicates that we have enemies. I felt I should tender a public apology to you. I do not mean any harm.

“People should focus on things that will move this country forward. Social media handlers should practice with decorum. We won’t regulate social media out of anger.” (NAN

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Motion to name INEC headquarters after Humphrey Nwosu suffers setback in Senate

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A motion to name the headquarters of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the late former Chairman of National Electoral Commission, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, on Thursday, suffered set back in the Senate.

This followed the senate’s consideration of the motion titled, “Motion to Immortalise Prof. Humphrey Nwosu”, sponsored by Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) during plenary.

Abaribe said that the motion was supported by all the senators from South-East as well as the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta ) and Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi), among others.

He had urged the senate to immortalise the late Nwosu by naming the INEC headquarters after him and to posthumously honour him with a national award.

The senator also said that official condolences should be extended to Nwosu’s family in recognition of their sacrifice in supporting his work for a better Nigeria.

“Mr President, I propose that we observe a minute of silence in honour of Prof. Nwosu, given that his burial is tomorrow (Friday),” he said.

When the motion was put to a voice vote by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, it was, however, greeted with a resounding ‘Nay’ by some of the senators.

The only prayer that was observed was a minute silence in honour of the late NEC chairman.

Earlier in the motion, Abaribe noted that the late Nwosu was the NEC chairman from 1989 to 1993.

“He was responsible for supervising the 1993 presidential election.

“We recognise that his courageous defence of the democratic electoral process during the 1993 elections led to the famous June 12 event, which ultimately confirmed MKO Abiola as the winner.

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“His unwavering commitment to electoral integrity played a key role in establishing June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day.

“Additionally, we note that Nwosu laid a strong foundation for the present day Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Sadly, he passed away on Oct. 20, 2024 at the age of 83 and will be buried tomorrow (Friday) in his hometown in Anambra,” he said.

Contributing, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo), expressed the regret that when it mattered most, Nwosu’s courage failed him.

“We cannot distort history in this unit. We must be seen to have sentiments that reflect the average feeling of the average Nigerian.

“Prof. Nwosu, when it mattered most, his courage failed him,” he said.

Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo) said: “Mr President, it is important that we will not sit here to distort history. We are legislators and we are representing the people.

“Get a cross section of Nigerians and ask them what they think about Prof. Nwosu, they will tell you he was a hero.

“So for us to sit here now and begin to distort history is not fair for our democracy.”

Also speaking Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun) said: “This is one issue I have tried as much as possible to avoid.

“Mr President, many of my colleagues have pulled up here and said he conducted the freest and fairest election.

“There are three different meanings and three different expectations that we should look at.

“Conducting elections, releasing results and announcing results. Yes, he conducted the election; yes, Prof. Nwosu released the result. But you and I know, releasing results is not the same thing as announcing results.

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“He failed at the critical moment when he was supposed to save this democracy”.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, commended his colleagues on the manner in which the debate was conducted.

“You did very well. You marshaled your points. You said your views. And no rancour at all. This is how debates should be in an august institution like the senate.

“I subscribe to all these. I have my view. But I try not to be partial. I believe in June 12,” he said. (NAN)

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Lawmaker urges intervention in Benue, Zamfara Assembly crises

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Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue) has called on the leadership of the House of Representatives to intervene in the crises affecting the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly.

Agbese made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja after submitting a petition to the House, endorsed by more than 200 lawyers.

As Deputy Spokesperson for the House, he expressed concern that the troubling situation in Rivers should not be allowed to unfold in other states.

Agbese warned that passivity could lead to the Executive branch assuming greater control, diminishing the legislative role to a mere rubber-stamping body.

“The alarming developments in Benue and Zamfara, characterised by impunity, anarchy, and lawlessness, as well as an attempt to undermine the powers of a coordinate arm of government, demand our urgent intervention.

“The petitioners have asked the House to invoke Section 11(4) of the Constitution to take over the functions of the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly, following an investigation,” Agbese stated.

He said that the goal was to restore constitutional order, uphold the rule of law, and protect fundamental human rights in the affected states.

The petition was referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions for further legislative action.(NAN)

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Constituents Pledge Support for Rep. Gabriel’s Continuity Beyond 2027

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

Residents of Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency have pledged their unwavering support for their representative, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, beyond 2027, citing his credible performance and commitment to the development of the constituency.

Speaking at a gathering of ward executives, stakeholders, community leaders, and youth groups at Mal. Agwai Gidan Mana Town Hall in Kachia on Tuesday, constituents praised Hon. Zock’s legislative achievements, infrastructure projects, and empowerment initiatives, which they say have significantly improved their lives.

Earlier, Hon. Zock hosted all ward executives of his constituency at the same venue, where a ₦30 million Ramadan and Lent palliative was distributed.

The APC Chairman, Kagarko LGA, Hon. Christopher Mailafia and ALGON CHairmen of both Kagarko and Kachia LGAs respectively, highlighted the lawmaker’s contributions to infrastructure, including improved road networks, better healthcare facilities, and educational support for students.

Similarly, Chairman APC Zone 3, Hon. Shehu Tafa, commended his efforts in job creation and youth empowerment, emphasizing that his programs have provided meaningful opportunities for young people.

“We have seen unprecedented development under Hon. Zock’s leadership, and we believe he deserves to continue beyond 2027 to complete the good work he has started,” said [Insert Name], a resident of Kachia.

Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, who is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives, has yet to make an official statement regarding his political future. However, his growing support base suggests that many constituents are eager to see him extend his tenure beyond 2027. Political observers note that if he decides to contest again, he is likely to enjoy strong grassroots backing due to his developmental strides.

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In his remarks, Hon. Zock reiterated his commitment to ensuring that party executives and constituents benefit from the ruling party.

“I understand your role in the party’s success, and I also understand that you are often under-rewarded,” he stated.

As part of his support for party executives, he announced a monthly stipend initiative, providing ₦10,000 for each ward executive and ₦20,000 for each local government executive. He further revealed that a committee has been inaugurated to oversee account openings and data collection to ensure a smooth commencement of the program next month.

Additionally, Hon. Zock assured constituents of continued support in agriculture, promising fertilizer distribution and other resources to enhance farming activities.

He acknowledged that the progress seen in the constituency was made possible through the support of key political figures, including Hon. Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, and President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Therefore, I urge you all to give your maximum support to the APC at all levels to ensure more meaningful development and dividends of democracy,” he emphasized.

As a gesture of appreciation for party loyalty, Hon. Zock announced car gifts worth ₦7 million each for his former ward councillor and the local government party secretaries of Kachia and Kagarko LGAs. This follows last year’s distribution of car gifts to the two local government chairmen and other party stakeholders.

End..

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