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Akpoti-Uduaghan: Suspension By Senate threat to democracy gender inclusion – FixPolitics
A political think tank, FixPolitics has kicked against the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, describing it as a threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law.
The organisation said that by imposing the suspension under the pretext of rule violations, the Senate had not only silenced Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but also disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central senatorial zone, depriving them of their constitutional right to representation.
“This action blatantly disregards judicial precedents, including Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirm that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation”, FixPolitics said in a statement by its Executive Director, Dr Anthony Ubani.
He said, “The Senate’s repeated defiance of these rulings raises serious concerns about its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative processes.
Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.”
According to the FixPolitics, the suspension highlights the systemic barriers and entrenched misogyny that Nigerian women face in politics and society at large.
“Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50 per cent – from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly. This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.
“As a signatory to CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and SDG 5, Nigeria has an obligation to foster gender inclusion in governance. Actions like these reinforce exclusion, rather than progress. Moreover, public officials must always remember that they hold office in trust for the people and have a duty to model behaviour that promotes civility, decorum, and respect for all Nigerians, regardless of gender.
“Their actions should inspire confidence in the nation’s institutions and reflect the highest ethical standards.
“In today’s interconnected world, where events unfold in real-time through the Internet of Things (IoT), the conduct of public officials is scrutinised globally.”
The organisation said the “unconstitutional” suspension of a duly elected legislator denied constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly.
Ubani said, “In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised – an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Senate, as Nigeria’s highest lawmaking body, must uphold the rule of law rather than continuously flout court rulings that protect the rights of elected representatives and their constituents.
“We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and commend her courage in speaking out on this matter. The Senate’s response sets a troubling precedent that may discourage other victims from speaking out for fear of retaliation or dismissal.
The FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially – free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”
FixPolitics called on the civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the Nigerian public to join it in demanding a legislative environment where all members could perform their duties without fear of harassment or unjust reprisal.
“The integrity of our democracy depends on institutions that serve all Nigerians without bias or discrimination. The FixPolitics is a research-driven, citizen-led initiative committed to addressing the deeprooted challenges of poor governance by recognising the central role of politics in building effective states and shaping Africa’s development, beginning with Nigeria,” the statement noted.
It added, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating an inclusive, transparent, and accountable political system. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and support all efforts that promote justice, equity, and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria.”
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In a powerful display of compassion and community spirit, Honourable Larai Sylvia Ishaku, Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State, spearheaded the distribution of rice to residents across all 10 electoral wards for Easter Celebration.
The well-organised event took place at the H.R.H Danladi Gyet Maude Secretariat at Kwoi, where crowds of grateful beneficiaries gathered to receive vital support from Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.
Also in attendance were Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Jaba LGA, and Comrade Abashiya Sahjury, Chief of Staff to Hon. Laria and other key political Leaders, which demonstrate strong leadership presence and a united front in delivering relief to the people.
The rice distribution reached a broad section of society, including former unit executives, recent political decampers, market women and traders, healthcare personnel, Okada riders (commercial motorcyclists), people living with disabilities, security personnel, and representatives from religious and community-based organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and others.
During her speech, Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku reaffirmed that the initiative was part of the broader support structure provided by Governor Uba Sani and All Progressives Congress (APC) for the people of Jaba LGA in Kaduna State.
She emphasised that her administration’s intention is to continue delivering practical benefits and genuine support to the masses (grassroots). “We are committed to ensuring every resident of Jaba LGA experiences the dividends of good governance. By the end of 2026 and beyond, no one will be left out,” she assured.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice and the joy of giving, such effort is a way of saying thank to you people while fostering peace and unity within our communities in Jaba LGA.”
Addressing the political atmosphere, Hon. Ishaku urged residents to stay vigilant and not fall prey to deceptive political tactics. “Be cautious of those who seek to mislead you for selfish political gain. Where were they when they held power? They forgot you,” she declared boldly.
In appreciation for the gesture, One of the beneficiary, Mr. Dennis Iliya, expressed deep thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries. “We thank the APC government for standing by the people of Jaba. May the Lord Almighty reward the kindness shown by Governor Sani and Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku. Their kindness has brought relief during these difficult times. May God continue to bless them and the APC leadership,” he stated joyfully.
Joseph Tegbe, director-general (DG) of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), says Nigeria will soon sign a deal on ‘Digital RMB’ with China to enable a direct conversion of naira to Chinese Yuan.
The digital renminbi (RMB) is a central bank digital currency issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China.
Speaking at the digital asset markets strategy masterclass series held recently in Lagos, Tegbe said the agreement is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the United States dollar.
He described the pact as a major step in Nigeria’s transition from a trade relationship with China to a mutually-beneficial development partnership.
The NCSP DG also said Nigeria has secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies within the last five months.
Tegbe also noted the importance of leveraging Chinese technology, particularly in the digital asset market and knowledge transfer, adding that the NCSP remains committed to supporting the globalisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
The director-general outlined the objectives of the partnership, which include driving infrastructure development, scaling up Chinese investments, strengthening trade and economic ties, promoting transparency, and advancing cultural exchange between both countries.
Also speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state is developing a securitisation policy to monetise idle assets and raise green bonds to fund infrastructure needs.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the commissioner for finance, said Lagos will become the first sub-national in the country to implement such a policy.
In his remarks, Nicholas Okoye, convener of the masterclass and a global investment advisor, said the digital transformation ushered in by the fourth industrial revolution has impacted all sectors and will open new frontiers of wealth for investors, institutions, nations, and sub-nationals.
“The most strategic ecosystem of this digital transformation has got to be ‘Digital Asset Markets’, which includes investment in cryptocurrencies as well as the tokenisation (digitisation) of traditional asset classes,” Okoye said.
“The proposed full adoption of ‘Digital Asset Markets’ in Nigeria’s capital markets and subsequently across Africa is going to be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth sustainability.
“In addition, it will completely redefine the future of African finance, investment and capital market industries.”
Okoye said the digital assets present a unique opportunity for Africans to build wealth regardless of location or profession, providing for the first time, an accurate reflection of Nigeria and Africa’s true wealth position.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.