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Natasha Recall: Kogi Central Constituents Reject Court Injunction
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The people of Kogi Central have strongly opposed the recent legal action taken by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the district in the Senate.
The embattled senator secured a court injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from receiving or acting on a petition seeking her recall.
However, constituents see this move as an indication that she acknowledges her inevitable removal from office.
Representatives from the district’s five local government areas argue that when a leader’s intentions are not genuine, errors become unavoidable. According to them, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to challenge the recall process exposes flaws in her own actions, even in the way she structured her court filing.
In a statement released by the Kogi Central Renaissance Assembly (KCRA) on Friday, the constituents accused the senator of resorting to legal means out of desperation. They criticised her for dismissing the recall signatures as fake while simultaneously requesting the court to stop INEC from verifying them.
“It is absurd that someone who claims the recall process is fraudulent is now trying to prevent INEC from determining the authenticity of the signatures,” the statement read.
“We understand your situation. This is a last-minute attempt to avoid the embarrassment of being recalled. But we, the people of Kogi Central, believe you have already brought shame upon yourself and our district. The courts belong to everyone, but you cannot force yourself upon us. This legal manoeuvre is destined to fail,” the statement, signed by KCRA Coordinator Adeku Joshua and Secretary Maleek Sule, declared.
They argue that their efforts are not just about one individual but about restoring the district’s reputation.
“We, the Ebira people, do not support blackmail or reckless behaviour. We stand by this recall and will see it through. The world must understand that we are a community built on integrity. Enough of bringing embarrassment to Nigeria with baseless accusations,” they asserted.
Senator Samuel Anyanwu reclaimed his position as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the Supreme Court confirmed his appointment.
Upon resuming office, Anyanwu extended his heartfelt appreciation to key figures within the PDP who supported him throughout the legal battle. In particular, he praised Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his unwavering backing during the crisis.
“I am grateful to all our leaders across the country who stood by the truth,” Anyanwu stated. “A special thanks to my friend and leader, the Honourable Minister for FCT, who encouraged and supported me through this period.”
He also acknowledged the role of PDP governors and loyal party members, stating that the challenges he faced had only strengthened his resolve and commitment to the party’s growth.
In his address, Anyanwu urged all party members to set aside personal grievances and prioritise the collective interests of the PDP. He emphasised the importance of unity, especially as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections.
“Our focus must be on strengthening the party,” he declared. “We need to work together to ensure PDP remains a formidable force in Nigerian politics.”
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has strongly condemned Abuja-based pastor Festus Alilu for his recent criticism of Korede Komaiya, the lead pastor of Master’s Place International, Delta State, and a protégé of Bishop David Oyedepo.
In a statement issued on Friday, the forum’s convener, James Paul Adama, described Alilu’s remarks in a Facebook video as “unprovoked and unwarranted.”
“We consider this attack uncalled for, and we extend our sincere apologies to Pastor Komaiya on behalf of our community,” Adama stated.
He clarified that investigations revealed that Alilu’s reported arrest was not directly ordered by Komaiya but rather instigated by some of his followers.
“This highlights the importance of verifying facts before drawing conclusions or making accusations,” Adama added.
The forum expressed its intention to mediate in the dispute, urging a peaceful resolution.
“We want to make it clear that attacks on the Christian faith and its leaders will no longer be tolerated. We are prepared to take all necessary steps to defend Christianity and its leaders in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The group further called for mutual respect among religious communities, warning against inflammatory remarks.
“We encourage everyone to respect the Christian faith and refrain from making derogatory comments or attacks on any religion. Such behaviour has no place in our society and must stop immediately.”
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Christian leaders receive the dignity and respect they deserve.
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed several terrorists in torrents of airstrikes on their fortified hideouts in Chiralia, Grazah, Yuwe, and Zango Hill, in Borno and Katsina.
TheDeputy Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, announced this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Ali said the series of decisive and precision-guided air interdiction missions conducted between March 17 and March 19, also crippled the operational networks of the terrorists across the North-East and North-West regions.
He said the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) had on March 17, launched a devastating airstrike on Chiralia, a notorious terrorist enclave within the Timbuktu Triangle.
According to him, intelligence reports revealed that the insurgents had been orchestrating violent raids along the Maiduguri-Damaturu and Damaturu-Biu highways, abducting civilians and plundering supplies.
“In response, a formidable force package of NAF attack aircraft unleashed a precise and overwhelming assault, obliterating multiple enemy structures and eliminating terrorists desperately attempting to escape with follow-up strikes.
“The following day, the NAF launched a devastating air interdiction operation at Grazah, a well-fortified terrorist hideout in the treacherous Mandara Mountains, and at Yuwe, a notorious insurgent stronghold in Sambisa Forest.
“At Grazah, intelligence reports exposed extremist leaders indoctrinating fighters, reinforcing urgency of the strike.
“In a ferocious assault, NAF fighter jets unleashed a relentless barrage of precision strikes on key targets advancing purposeful lethality.
“Follow-up strikes intensified the offensive, obliterating fleeing terrorists at both locations and delivering a crushing blow to their operational networks,” he said.
In the North-West, Ali said the NAF executed a relentless aerial assault in Zango Hill, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina, in close coordination with ground forces.
He said the ISR missions uncovered armed bandits entrenched in the rugged high ground, triggering the swift deployment of NAF attack aircraft.
According to him, the precision strikes pounded enemy positions, while follow-up bombardments targeted regrouping fighters attempting to evade destruction.
Ali added that the NAF helicopters delivered decisive Close Air Support, raining fire on bandits engaging friendly forces and ensured the unimpeded advance of ground troops.
He said the operation annihilated multiple armed criminals and obliterated their fortified hideouts, further crippling their operational foothold.
According to him, the recent NAF airstrikes have significantly disrupted terrorist activities across multiple regions.
“Intelligence assessments indicate that the strikes, not only neutralised several high-value targets but also destroyed critical infrastructure used by the terrorists for logistics and coordination.
“NAF remains committed to sustaining the momentum of air operations in close coordination with ground forces to ensure restoration of peace and security in affected areas,’’ he added.