National
Resign, save Nigeria’s image – Youth groups to Akpabio
Concerned youth organisations in Nigeria, Arewa Youths for Good Governance, South-West Youths Development Initiative, Northern Youths for justice and Igbo Youths Progressive Forum have demanded the immediate resignation of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
This is coming amid the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President by a female lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The allegation, it could be recalled, has dominated the airwaves in the past few days.
In a joint statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, the youths groups said they had expected the Senator to step aside during the Senate plenary on Tuesday.
The statement was signed by the coordinators of the groups- Ismail Jibril, Kehinde Sikiru, Ladoja Kehinde and Jonathan Ezeme.
They declared that: “Nigerians were last Friday treated to an embarrassing news involving the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, with a mind boggling allegation coming from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Ordinarily, one would have wished away this kind of allegation with a wave of the hand. However, this should not be the case.
“We say this with every sense of responsibility considering that this is not the first time Senator Akpabio is being accused of making such advances on women.
“We have not forgotten how a former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh, claimed Akpabio sexually harassed her. The now Senate President was then Minister of Niger Delta.
“Coincidentally, it was on the same television station where Natasha made this claim that Nuineh granted an interview and leveled allegations against Akpabio.
“She said on national television: Why did he not tell Nigerians that I slapped him in his guest house at Apo? I am the only Ogoni woman, the only Nigerian woman that has slapped him. I slapped him because of his plan B. Since he couldn’t get me to take that money, he thought that he could come up on me. He didn’t know that I’m a Port Harcourt girl. Port Harcourt girls are not moved by money…by somebody telling me that he will make me the substantive MD. Akpabio’s meetings with me were either at Apo or Meridien…Yes, I am accusing him of sexual harassment.”
“Five years after, Senator Natasha has come up to level the same allegation against the Senate President, a development that has brought not just the National Assembly to disrepute but the entire Nigerians.
“We have waited for days, thinking that the Senate President will toe the honourable path, which is to resign; this is the least expected in a sane clime. Unfortunately, he has clung on to his seat, pretending as though nothing had happened.
“This is totally unacceptable as there is no way he can be a judge in his own case. The Senate President cannot preside over a Senate that will have to interrogate the allegations against him. The moral burden is huge.
“Should Akpabio fail to resign, we urge the members of the National Assembly to redeem themselves by impeaching him. This is the only way to restore confidence in the parliament. The National Assembly, known as the Hallowed Chamber, cannot be left to be charmed by someone who has heavy allegations hanging on him. This touches on the root of the nation’s democracy- the parliament.
“It is only when Akpabio has stepped aside that both him and Natasha can appear before a probe committee, and have fair hearing, and justice seen to have been served. Anything to the contract will only lead to more witch-hunt of the female Senator.”
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr Dele Ayanleke, are expected to headline a national workshop aimed at addressing the growing challenges of illegal mining and mineral smuggling.
Scheduled to take place from 29 to 30 April 2025 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, the event is being organised by Allied Bond Consulting.
It is expected to bring together policymakers, security chiefs, and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for securing mining sites and fostering sustainable development within mining communities.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ahmed Yahya, and the Workshop Coordinator, Willie Tawo, the organisers said the two-day event would focus on “articulating pragmatic strategies and proactive measures to combat the menace of illegal mining and smuggling.”
The workshop also aims to promote international best practices in mining operations, enhance security at mining sites, and explore how the sector can attract further investment and serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic diversification.
Participants will deliberate on creating a stable, secure environment for mining, promoting peaceful coexistence in host communities, and using the solid minerals sector as a platform for building the country’s industrial base.
National
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire Congratulates Otunba Olufemi Pedro on LASU Honorary Doctorate
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has congratulated former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Otunba Olufemi Pedro, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.
The honorary degree is being awarded as part of the institution’s 28th Convocation Ceremony, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 10th April 2025, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Lagos.
In a statement released on Wednesday by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, Princess Orelope-Adefulire described the honour as “well-deserved and long overdue,” noting that Otunba Pedro’s life and career reflect a legacy of excellence, innovation, and integrity in both the public and private sectors.
“Otunba Pedro’s remarkable journey—spanning the financial sector and public service—is a shining example of visionary leadership and selfless dedication to national development,” the statement read.
“As former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, he played a pivotal role in laying the foundations for the fiscal reforms that have contributed immensely to the state’s economic growth and transformation.”
Princess Orelope-Adefulire further stated that the conferment by LASU is not just a recognition of Pedro’s achievements, but an affirmation of the enduring values he represents: humility, integrity, and service to humanity.
She commended the Lagos State University for recognising one of its most distinguished alumni, adding that the honour would serve as motivation for emerging leaders and professionals across Nigeria and beyond.
“This award is a timely reminder that true greatness is measured not only by accomplishments, but by the positive impact one has on people, institutions, and society at large,” she added.
She prayed for God’s continued guidance, strength, and good health for Otunba Pedro as he continues to contribute meaningfully to the development of Lagos State, Nigeria, and the global community.
A civil society organisation in Zamfara State has strongly criticised Governor Dauda Lawal, accusing him of gross incompetence and failure to secure the lives and property of the citizens under his watch.
In a scathing statement signed by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Dr Suleiman Ibrahim Usman, the organisation alleged that Governor Lawal has abandoned his responsibilities, choosing instead to blame his predecessor, Dr Bello Matawalle, for the state’s persistent security challenges.
“Governor Lawal has failed woefully in his primary duty of safeguarding the people of Zamfara,” the group said.
“Rather than tackle the escalating insecurity, he spends his time pointing fingers at his predecessor, all while living lavishly and ignoring the plight of his people.”
The group criticised what it described as the governor’s “luxurious lifestyle”, claiming that while communities in the state suffer from hunger, sickness, and fear of bandit attacks, Governor Lawal is busy acquiring exotic vehicles.
“It is disgraceful for a leader of a traumatised state to indulge in such extravagance,” the statement read.
The statement further accused the governor of mismanaging the state’s increased federal allocation and internal revenue, questioning what tangible security investments have been made since he assumed office.
“Under Governor Matawalle, despite limited funds, security agencies received over 200 Hilux vehicles and motorcycles. What has Governor Lawal done with the increased allocation?” the group queried.
The civil society group also criticised the ongoing road projects in the state, describing them as mere reconstructions of long-standing roads rather than the development of new infrastructure.
“These are not new roads; they are just politically motivated renovations focused mostly on his own local government area,” the statement alleged.
It condemned aides of the governor for attacking the current Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, saying he had contributed to improved security in the state.
“Thanks to Matawalle’s interventions, many villages are now able to sleep with both eyes closed, and farming activities are gradually returning,” Dr Usman claimed.
“It is only hypocrites or those who have never stepped foot in Zamfara that would commend this administration. We challenge anyone to visit the state and see the suffering of the people firsthand.”