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Plot To Suspend NWC Member: LP Cautions Obi, Otti Other To Disassociate Self
As the disquiet in Nigeria’s third largest political party, Labour Party, rages on, the Apapa led National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, has called on the presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi, the governor-elect of Abia State, Alex Otti and legislators elected on the platform of the party, to disassociate themselves from the suspended National Chairman of the party, Bar Julius Abure.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, where the party alleged plot by the Abure led NWC together with none members of the party’s NEC, including Peter Obi and others to to push for the suspension of members of the NWC in a meeting scheduled to hold in Asaba tomorrow Tuesday.
Arabambi warned that such action would only amount to contempt of court and all parties involved might as well risk jail term, especially when Abure and those to preside at the meeting have been restrained by court and are currently facing criminal charges in court. The restraining order has also been communicated to inec by our lawyer OJ ONOJA SAN.
The statement reads: “The attention of the National Working Committee of Labour Party has been drawn to a plot by the suspended National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, to lure Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the party and Alex Otti, the Governor-elect of Abia State under the Labour Party into conducting an emergency National Executive Meeting (NEC) scheduled to hold in Asaba on Tuesday April 18, 2023.
“We have also been informed that one of the agenda of the meeting is to carry out illegal suspension on members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party by the same suspended NWC members led by Abure who are currently facing criminal charges in court.
“Last week, Julius Abure and his illegal gang executives went against a restraining Order of an Abuja High Court as a result of indictment by the Inspector General of Police through the DIG Force CID for Forgery,Perjury and impersonation in suit number CV/2930/2023 to conduct a parallel screening for governorship candidates of Labour Party from Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi State when a screening was ongoing at the party’s national headquarters.
“We have been reliable informed that Abure and his gang have gathered some senators-elect, house of representatives members-elect of Labour Party, who have not been inaugurated and are also not members of NEC for the meeting to take illegal decision against the party’s constitution.
“Such action is a contempt of court that even a child should know the impending consequences of a jail term. While the rumour of the planned Asaba kangaroo meeting has been confirmed to be true, we don’t want to believe that our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Alex Otti, the Governor-elect of Abia State and other elected members of the party are part of this plot.
“We believe that they know of the impending consequences of holding a NEC meeting under the Abure leadership when the court has restrained them from the role of the national chairman and national secretary. They risk jail term through contempt proceeding that will be filled against them in the court, should they proceed with the plan as it’s a direct affront and insult on the presiding Judge Hon Justice H MUAZU order as granted on the 5th day of April 2023
“There is a tenent of the rule of law that should be uphold, especially for people who got their mandates on the trust of a new Nigeria of uprightness. A Nigerian that the rule of law is respected.”
He advise that Obi concentrate on his case at the Election Petition Tribunal and allow the court complete its proceedings on Julius Abure and other members of the party’s NWC fingered in forgery and perjury.
“Peter Obi should know that by the provisions of law, he is not an officer of Labour Party. We want him to know that. Otti is not an officer of Labour Party. It’s only the National Working Committee that can conduct primary. Obi is not a member of Labour Party NWC. Even if he won the presidential election, that doesn’t qualify him to become an NWC member but he can only be a member of NEC.
“By the provisions of law, anyone involved in such plot risk contemp of court and jail term.
“Labour Party was founded on principle and this is what we must continue to preserve. Obi must not join Abure to ruin the fortune of Labour Party as the new National leadership will not condone any form of executive rascality, malfeasance where Labour party will be reduced to a one man, regional or ethnic base political party as being currently promoted by the infantile Julius Abure and his co travellers,” Arabambi added.
A National Youth Service Corp member, Rofiat Lawal, who was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday has regained freedom after her family paid a ransom of N1.1m.
ELANZANEWS reports that Lawal was kidnapped while en route to Ibadan, Oyo State from Benin, Edo State to resume at her place of primary assignment.
The abductors were said to have demanded an N20m ransom which her family appealed that they could not afford.
Following back-and-forth negotiations, the kidnappers reportedly reduced the N20m ransom to N5m.
Giving an update on the incident, Lawal’s friend identified as Agbakwara, who was privy to the incident, disclosed on Saturday that Aminat has regained her freedom.
Sharing a video of the victim in a Facebook post, Agbakwara wrote, “In the early hours of Friday, the kidnappers pressured us, warning that if we failed to meet their demands, we should not expect her return.
“In desperation, I reached out to everyone I could, her colleagues in school, the Muslim association, her friends from her hometown, my fans, and her family.
“Through the collective efforts and generosity of so many, we were able to raise N1.1 million, which was sent at 4:20 pm on Friday to an account provided by the kidnappers.
“The recipient, Isaac Ayo, claimed that his sister had also been kidnapped and assured us he would deliver the ransom alongside his own.”
He stated that Lawal was finally reunited with her family on Saturday morning.
“For hours, we anxiously waited. Finally, at around 10 pm, we received the long-awaited call: they had been released and taken to the hospital.
“This morning, we got another call confirming that Rofiat was on her way home, and the others had also safely returned to their families.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed, shared the news, and tagged the necessary authorities. Your support made this possible,” he concluded.
Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, has launched two lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defamation and infringement of her fundamental rights.
In her legal filings, Mrs Akpabio is seeking an astounding ₦250 billion in damages, alongside an additional ₦1 billion to cover legal costs.
The suits, presented to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, arise from sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against her husband, Godswill Akpabio, during an interview on Arise News last Friday.
In the fundamental rights suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs Akpabio contends that the statements made by Akpoti-Uduaghan on 20th February 2025, as well as during the televised interview, represent a “flagrant violation” of her fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Referencing Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mrs Akpabio is pursuing several legal remedies, including: “A declaration that the Senator’s remarks breached her fundamental rights and subjected her and her children to emotional and psychological distress.
“A perpetual injunction restraining Akpoti-Uduaghan from making any further inciteful, scandalous, and defamatory remarks against her.
“₦250 billion in damages for what she categorises as exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages incurred as a result of the senator’s statements.”
In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), the wife of the Senate President challenges the allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that they have inflicted irreparable harm on her reputation and that of her family.
She argues that the claims, aired on national television, have “tarnished her family’s reputation and brought them into disrepute and opprobrium.”
“The Defendant’s assertion on national television that the Claimant’s husband, who serves as the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, made sexual advances towards her without any substantiation has severely damaged the reputation of the Claimant and her entire family,” the suit states.
Mrs Akpabio is also seeking a court declaration affirming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements were indeed defamatory.
Her requests include: “A declaration that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertions on national television—that the Claimant’s husband, the Senate President, made sexual advances towards her without evidence—have harmed her reputation and that of her family, resulting in disrepute and opprobrium.
“An order compelling Akpoti-Uduaghan to issue a formal written retraction of her statements and to provide an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in two national newspapers.
“An order mandating Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay ₦1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages for the ramifications of her statements on the Akpabio family’s reputation.
“A perpetual injunction preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further defamatory statements against the Akpabio family.”
These lawsuits represent a notable escalation in legal proceedings following a contentious exchange between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Akpabio.
The dispute first gained prominence when Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a verbal altercation with the Senate President during a Senate session, which she subsequently escalated by levelling allegations of sexual harassment during a televised interview.
The allegations have ignited a nationwide debate, drawing significant attention and eliciting mixed responses from the public.
News
Governor Uba Sani Extends Warm Ramadan Greetings, Calls for Unity and Reflection in Kaduna State
As the holy month of Ramadan 1446 AH begins, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Muslim faithful in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and across the globe.
In his Ramadan message, Governor Sani emphasized the importance of reflection, empathy, and solidarity during this sacred period.
Governor Sani urged Muslims to embrace the noble values of Ramadan, including generosity, brotherhood, and cooperation. He called on citizens to share food, love, time, and respect with the less privileged in society, reinforcing the spirit of compassion that defines the holy month.
“This is the time to renew our relationship with Almighty Allah and seek His mercy for our state and country,” Governor Sani stated. He also encouraged citizens to pray fervently for the sustenance of peace and unity in Kaduna State, highlighting the strength of the state’s diversity.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to consolidating peace, revitalizing the economy, and ensuring sustainable growth and development in Kaduna State. “As a government, we shall continue to do all that is necessary to place Kaduna State irreversibly on the path to progress,” he said.
Governor Sani concluded his message with a prayer for the spirit of Ramadan to illuminate the hearts and souls of all citizens. “May this holy month bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to our state and nation. Ramadan Mubarak,” he added.