Senate Rules And Natasha’s Outburst: Facts Of The Matter,, By Ola Awoniyi

February 24, 2025

A drama on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, 20th February 2025, attracted varied commentaries on the social, print and broadcast media. The drama was both unnecessary and avoidable as it merely distracted from the business of the day in the Chamber.
Legislative activities, whether in the hallowed Chamber or in committee rooms, are guided by the Senate Rules. This may lead a first-timer at the public gallery to wonder if lawmakers do anything without reference to their Standing Rules. Every time they get the recognition of the Presiding Officer to contribute to a discussion in the chamber, Senators are guided by the Standing Rules in what to say. This is well known to the lawmakers. The Rules also stipulate sanctions for members whose actions or conducts deviate from the Rules. The Chamber is called hallowed because it is known for Order and decorum.
The drama of that Thursday started right at the commencement of the day’s business when the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, raised a Point of Order to report Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to the Senate on her disregard for the Senate Rules. Order 6, which Senator Monguno cited, stipulates that “the President of the Senate shall allocate a seat to each senator,” while section 6(2) states that senators may only speak from the seat allocated to them by the Presiding Officer. It also provides that the President of the Senate may change the allocation from time to time as the need arises.
Senator Monguno, relying on the rules stated above, submitted that “It is at the discretion of the Senate president, as circumstances may warrant, to change the seat of any Senator, based on circumstances that may crop up in the course of proceedings in the Senate.
“In the course of proceedings, two Senators – Ned Nwoko of the PDP and Senator Francis Ezenwa of the Labour Party, decamped to the APC, thereby necessitating their movement from the other side (Minority) to this side (Majority). In the exercise of the powers conferred on the President of the Senate, pursuant to Order 6(2), the President of the Senate decided to rearrange things, giving a directive to the Chief Whip to exercise that function. And pursuant to that directive, seats were reallocated and I want to report that Senator Natasha, having been given another seat, refused to vacate her former seat in flagrant violation of our Rules.”
Senator Monguno consequently referred the Senate to the Standing Rules, which mandate Senator Natasha to comply with the directive of the Presiding Officer to move to her new seat, failure of which she would be denied recognition to make any contribution during plenary.
After the Chief Whip landed on his Point of Order, the Senate President hit the gavel and pronounced that the Point of Order was sustained. This means that Senator Natasha could not speak on the floor of the Senate except from the new seat allocated to her.
Upon the Senate President’s ruling on the Point of Order, Senator Natasha sprang to her feet, waving the same document containing the Standing Rules and shouting, “Point of Order.” However, the Senate President reminded her that she could not speak outside her allocated seat.
Senator Natasha ignored the Presiding Officer’s ruling and continued to scream, citing Order 10, which has to do with the breach of privileges of a Senator.
Because she continued to scream, the Senate President ordered the Seargent-At-Arms to “take her out of the Chamber.” The Seargent-At-Arms moved swiftly in her direction but hesitated to act, probably expecting the Senator to calm down and comply with the Senate President’s ruling and avert her evacuation from the Chamber. However, the Senate President kept a dignified silence. He did not repeat his directive, obviously to avert aggravating the drama.
By this time, some Senators had walked over to pet Senator Natasha, but she rebuffed their intervention and continued uttering discourteous statements.
Against the backdrop of the unfortunate drama, commentators have raised some questions: Why should the Senate President reallocate Senators’ seats? Why can’t Senators speak from any seat in the Chamber? Why wasn’t Senator Natasha allowed to explain her objection to her seat being changed?
A reference was also made to an incident on 17th October 2018 when Senator Godswill Akpabio protested being denied recognition to speak from a seat other than the one allocated to him. Are the two incidents similar?
The answers to the questions above are provided by the Senate Rules and Procedure. The Standing Orders book guides the Senate’s legislative business.
Pertinent to this issue, are clauses that empower the Senate President to allocate and reallocate seats as the need arises. Seats change in the Chamber from time to time without senators protesting because they know that occasions demand it and their rules permit it.
Senators do not sit just anywhere at the plenary. This is to ensure Order and decorum in the hallowed Chamber. The practice in the Parliament all over the democratic world is that members sit with their party colleagues. Ruling party or majority party members have a section in the Chamber and those of the opposition or minority parties another section.
A movement of members across party lines through defection will automatically necessitate an adjustment of the sitting arrangement.
Therefore, as explained by the Senate Chief Whip on Thursday, the change of Senator Natasha’s seat was made necessary by the defection on Wednesday 5th February 2025 of Senator Ned Nwoko of the Delta North Senatorial District from the PDP to the APC and Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi of the Imo East Senatorial District from Labour Party to APC as well.
Therefore, Senator Natasha was not the only Senator affected by the changes in the sitting arrangement. The difference with the others was that they graciously accepted the change, obviously seeing no point in making a drama out of an innocuous, routine development in the hallowed Chamber.
Was Senator Natasha denied her right to speak in the Chamber that day? Nope. She was not recognised to speak because she was not on her seat, just like Senator Akpabio was not allowed to speak from Senator Ali Ndume’s seat in 2018, even though Akpabio moved over to another seat that day because the microphone on his allocated seat had malfunctioned.
The then Senate President, Bukola Saraki was firm in his ruling that Akpabio would only be allowed to speak from an alternative seat (with a functioning microphone), which the Clerk of the Senate already provided him, but which he had rejected. Akpabio protested, but he eventually accepted the reallocated seat and apologized to the Senate.
That shows that Akpabio did not invent the rule that prevented Senator Natasha from speaking outside the seat allocated to her. He also did not apply the Rules to embarrass or victimize her.
Granting her recognition to speak after a Point of Order was raised by the Chief Whip and sustained would have been inconsistent with the Senate Rule. All that Senator Natasha was asked to do was to move to her seat to state her case of the alleged breach of her privilege.
It is noteworthy that neither of her two Senator colleagues from Kogi State agreed with Natasha on this issue. Senator Jibrin Isah, representing Kogi East, apologized on behalf of the Kogi Senate Caucus to the Senate while Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, asked Natasha to apologise to the Senate for her conduct.
To demonstrate that he had no personal issues with her, the Senate President eventually offered an apology to the Senate on her behalf for holding up the day’s proceeding, citing his own 2018 experience of how a firm application of the Rules can hurt some egos and be misinterpreted.

***Ola Awoniyi wrote in from Abuja

Akpabio, Natasha: Time To Stop Drama And Face Legislative Realities, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman.

Greenbarge Reporters

February 23, 2025

The dust that has been raised, especially in social media platforms over the altercation between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on one hand and between Natasha and the Senate as a body on the other, looks more of a comic drama than legislative realities.
Without belabouring the issue, the bone of contention is basically the allocation or was it reallocation of seats inside the Senate Chamber, which affected Senator Natasha. This much she narrated in several fora.
It has been confirmed that that was not the first time senators were being moved from their seats to others under order 6 of the Senate rules. Names of many senators, both present and in the past have been mentioned on the list of such senators that have been so moved, including of course, the present senate President, Akpabio. Indeed, the argument here is not how Akpabio reacted to the matter during his time, but whether such reaction is within the ambit of the legislative realities. In other words, such irrational and self-centred action or reaction is wrong, irrespective of who was involved and or how many people were involved.
It even looks funny and curious that Natasha, who was not the only senator affected by such seat reallocation, said that her grouse was that the seat reallocated to her was in the obscure conner of the Chamber (not anywhere outside it). It beats imagination that Natasha raised her voice inside the Senate merely because her new seat is where camera would not be able to capture her and, probably, where she would not be seen by the Senate President whenever she raises her hand to want to contribute to debates.
It is ridiculous to infer that there’s a place within the confines of the Chamber where Senators would not be seen or captured.
Be that as it may, though Natasha wanted to and insisted that she should be allowed to react to the seat reallocated under order 10 of the Senate rule, but raising her voice in the Chamber should not have been the better option to make a point.
Like it was observed, it doesn’t make legislative sense to attack the presiding officer openly simply to attract public sympathy, doing so on the basis of the fact, willy nilly, that someone did the same thing before or that one’s will must subsist to avoid heaven from falling.
The ideal situation, in a civilized legislative practice would have been for Senator Natasha to take her new seat quietly, and then take her time to go on to lobby. She could approach the senate President in his office, and other leadership to show her displeasure in a more diplomatic and mature manner. She could, through such lobbying with maturity and calm mien, get exactly what she wanted, and even made more friends and acceptability.
As a matter of fact, what Natasha may not know is that, first and foremost, she’s in opposition or minority in the Red Chamber and, whether she likes or not, the majority, through the leadership, would naturally want to suppress the opposition groups, irrespective of gender. Floating the idea that she’s being treated badly because she’s a woman is to cheapen the legislative realities thereby raising unnecessary sentiment.
It is on record that the same senate President, Akpabio used to favour her in many legislative ways far from the point of being in minority, against the run of what could be a growing anger among the majority (All Progressives Congress APC Senators), who could possibly be reading meanings to such favours.
There is therefore no “legislative evidence” to show that the other side of Akpabio towards her (if there’s something like that) is a personal hatred or a means of silencing her: it could be a means to remind her that she has to work hard to earn whatever she wants to earn in the Senate, especially respect, recognition and so on.
What actually happened? That the Senate Chief Whip, relying on order 6 of the Senate rule, and on behalf of the Senate President, reallocated seats to some senators including Senator Natasha, due to certain prevailing exigencies? And while other senators who were so affected quietly moved to their new seats, Natasha would not take her own but against the rules, wanted to speak under order 10 from the seat that, at that point, was no longer her own: that as at point, she could only be allowed to raise whatever objection or observation she wanted to make from the seat to which she was relocated.
Did she expect the Senate President to violate the Senate rules by allowing her to address the Senate (no matter how cogent the point she wanted to raise under order 10)? Or that the Senate President should reverse only her reallocated seat when others have relocated to their new seats?
It is quite clear that if the Senate President had allowed her to address the senate from her seat from where she had just been relocated to another seat and or even reversed only her own seating arrangement when others have relocated to their new seats, eyebrows would have been raised from many quarters as to what was between the senate President and Senator Natasha. As a matter of fact, I’m sure senator Natasha would not find it funny if the consequences of such Senate President’s action (of acceding to her demand) is recorded and played back for her to see.
As a matter of fact, seeing fellow senators as “enemies” much more, the Senate President, is a complete aberration in a democratic setting and in the context of legislation. In an ideal legislative setting, there can be no enemies or adversaries, but simply “opposition” or “horsetrading’ from where lobby is a natural resort.
It is important to stress the point that the ideal legislative interactions between senators and senate leadership in Nigeria should be characterized by respect and transparency.
Senators and senate leadership should work together to introduce, debate, and pass legislation that benefits the country. This involves active listening, open communication and a willingness to compromise.
Senators should maintain a respectful tone when engaging with each other and with senate leadership, even when disagreeing. This would foster a positive and productive legislative environment.
Senate leadership should, on the other hand, ensure that decision-making processes are transparent, with clear explanations for decisions and actions. This would help build trust among senators and the public.
Senators should participate in debates, ask informed questions, and provide thoughtful contributions to shape legislation and they should seek clarification from senate leadership on legislative procedures, rules, and decisions in decent, respectful and responsible manner.
All these things point to the fact that even as human beings, we are learning everyday, either from others or from our mistakes. What differentiates the wise from the foolish ones amongst us, human, is the use to which we put such learning and even, the refusal or failure to turn such learning process into something else, just so as to elicit unnecessary furore and sympathy. The learning and accommodation of the tumbles and tribulations is pronounced more in political turfs. Natasha and Akpabio are therefore, in this learning context, not enemies per se. The earlier they realise that fact and face the legislative realities the better for them, their individual constituency and the country.

Yusuf Ozi-Usman nipr is our Editor-in-chief.

Osun Crisis: Group Hails DSS Operatives’ Professionalism

Greenbarge Reporters

February 23, 2025

An Osogbo based pro-democracy group, Osun Democrats for Democracy (ODD) has praised the Director General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and the Service’s operatives in Osun state for their display of professionalism, maturity and commitment to rule of law in the recent local government crisis in the state.
The group, in a statement today, February 23, in Osogbo, commended the exemplary display of due process and best practices by Ajayi since he took over the leadership of the service
“We are really impressed that a thorough reform of the operational approach of the DSS has impacted positively on maintenance of security in Nigeria and Osun state in particular.
“We had a meeting to review the recent local government crisis and we decided to tell Mr Ajayi that the nation is grateful for his intense efforts to return the service to its core values as the eagle eye of the nation. We resolve to inform the DG that his reforms are bearing positive fruits.
“We are aware of his antecedents as a public spirited officer who ensure staff welfare, teamwork and fairness in management. We read of his records in all state commands where he had served , how he impacted on his place of postings and how personnel love his pro-staff and pro-service agenda.
“It is therefore a thing of joy that the DG on assumption of office introduced positive reform which motivated personnel. The DG ensures return of covertness to service operations. The service has re-emerged as a leading secret service in the federation.
“As the DG is performing well at the national level, his director in Osun state is equally keeping the flag flying. When the state director is doing well, we now see he is also following the lead of his boss, the DG. Osun state is peaceful , thanks to the non-partisanship and proactiveness of DSS personnel.
“On behalf of all lovers of democracy here in Osun state, we thank the DG and his personnel for a job well done. Osun political questions demand consensus building rather than illegal self- help.
“Our dear DG, keep the flag flying for the continuous safety and protections of our dear state and nation as whole.”

Senators Akpabio, Natasha: What Went Wrong?

Greenbarge Reporters

February 22, 2025

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Senator representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had enjoyed a robust relationship before now.
The first time I saw Senator Akpabio at a close range was during the wedding of Senator Natasha to Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Uduqghan. Worthy of note was the fact that Akpabio was around for almost two days. He didn’t lodge in any hotel: he stayed in the house of Nastaha, located at Obeiba-Ihima in Okehi local government of Kogi state.
Throughout the programme that lasted for almost three days, Akpabio was around. This affirmed the good relationship between the Natasha family and the Akpabios.
When Natasha won her case at the appeal and was sworn in, she enjoyed speedy recognition in the Red Chambers of the National Assembly. She had access to the floor at will.
Senator Akpabio gave her an unhindered access to the floor whenever she raised her hand. She was lucky to always be in most of the official trips especially foreign ones. In fact, the achievement and activities of Natasha can only be likened to a ranking senator: nothing showed that it was her first time at the Red Chambers.
This made her to shine not only to his constituency but to the nation at large.
Even some of us who are not her supporters do commend the speed at which she’s carrying her activities in the senate, including the main legislative functions and the oversight functions.
The question bothering the minds of interested onlookers now is what could have gone wrong with such robust relationship?
Most of us imagined that the outburst by Senator Natasha on the floor of the Senate over seat arrangement could be diversionary; there appeared to be something more to it than meet the eye.
In fact, there is nothing around Natasha to indicate that she’s in opposition at the Red Chamber before now. At a point, she became a concern to some APC senators because of the relevance she enjoyed from the very Senate President, Akpabio.
Whatever it is however, it must be said that the recent development is not in the best interest of Senator Natasha and the Senatorial District she is representing.
Of course, Senator Akpabio may have his short comings just like Senator Natasha, which is a confirmation of the simple fact that we are not perfect and cannot be. However, if her goal is to make impact in the legislative activities and the District she is representing, she needs to make maximum use of the policy of lobbying and to learn the art of politics inside the senate Chamber.
She should not be carried away by people who are hailing her; those who are acknowledging her boldness. It cannot help her in the journey of her political career. She should understand that campaign is over and what she needs now is wisdom to pick from the low hanging fruits in the Red Chamber for the benefit of her constituency.
As far as the 10th Senate is concerned, Senator Akpabio remains the boss, whether you take it or leave it. And it is difficult for one to win the war against one’s boss. She should avoid such war at all costs unless where she is pushed to the wall.
I pray to God to grant her the wisdom to navigate through this phase.

Pioneer NBC Director General, Prof. Tom Adaba Dies At 83

Greenbarge Reporters

February 22, 2025

The pioneer Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Professor Tom Adaaba is dead. He was 83 years old.
His death today, February 22, was confirmed by his daughter, Dr. Inya Ode.
This was even as the secretary of the Egbira Elders Forum in Abuja, Adinoyi Anivasa, said, in a condolence: “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and leader, Prof. Tom A. Adaba, just answered the call of nature by giving up his ghost to the Lord this morning. Further details about his burial arrangements will be communicated later. We thank God for his life. May God have mercy on his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal peaceful rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, Amen.”
Professor Adaba served as the first principal of the NTA Television College in Jos, Plateau State, from 1980 to 1987, and in 1989, he became the first Ph.D. graduate of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Jos.
Appointed as the inaugural DG of the NBC in 1992, Adaba played a pivotal role in overseeing the deregulation of Nigeria’s broadcast industry under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
His tenure marked a significant turning point in the country’s media landscape, enabling the emergence of private broadcasters.
Adaba also served as a board member of DAAR Communications PLC, the parent company of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Raypower FM and Faaji Radio.
He was the first Nigerian to be honoured as president of the African Council for Communication Education, a role he held between 1988 and 1992.
He was a prominent community leader in Ebiraland, Kogi State, holding a traditional title of Ohiete ohweyi of Ebiraland.
Professor Adaba is survived by his wife of 58 years, Theresa Aaze Adaba, children and great-grandchildren.

I Have No Hand In The Murder Of Dele Giwa, Babangida Swears

Greenbarge Reporters

February 21, 2025

Former Nigeria military President, retired General Ibrahim Babangida has made it clear that he had no hand in the murder of the Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch magazine, Dele Giwa. He was assassinated via a parcel bomb in his home in Ikeja, Lagos State on October 19, 1986.
In his autobiography: “A Journey in Service,” which was presented in Abuja yesterday, February 20, Babangida said that he expected that one day, the truth would be uncovered.
“The hysteria of the media did not help the investigation of the Giwa murder. As is typical of the Nigerian media, the direction was marked by an adversarial attitude towards the government, which had remained the hallmark of the Nigerian media from its colonial heyday.
“It was an attitude of ‘we versus the government’ that has remained today. It is a situation in which the government is adjudged guilty even before the evidence in a case is adduced.
“When the Obasanjo civilian administration reopened the Giwa case at the Oputa Panel on Human and Civil Rights, I expected that the police and lawyers would come forward with new evidence as to their findings on the Giwa murder over the years.
“Nothing of such happened. The Giwa, like all mysterious murders, has remained unsolved after so many years.

“I keep hoping it will be uncovered in our lifetime or after us. More often than not, mysterious crimes are solved long after their commission.”
It would be recalled that two days before he was bombed to death, a senior official of the Directorate of Military Intelligence, had accused Giwa of illegally importing and stockpiling arms and ammunition to stage a socialist revolution in Nigeria.
Alarmed at the charge, Giwa quickly briefed his lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, and the following day, a security chief, Colonel Halilu Akilu, called to reassure Giwa that the accusation had resulted from a misunderstanding. He assured Dele Giwa that the matter had been cleared, and that he should think nothing of it.
According to Ray Ekpu, Giwa’s colleague at Newswatch, a few hours later, a government emissary arrived at Giwa’s Ikeja residence.
His son, Billy, collected the parcel and handed it to his father, who was seated at the dining table in the company of Kayode Soyinka, the London correspondent of Newswatch, who was visiting from the UK. The envelope bore the seal of the Presidency and was marked “To be opened by addressee only.”
Just as he opened the parcel, ear-shattering explosion followed, killing the journalist instantly.

House Of Reps Steps Down Demand For 31 New States, Says None Meets Constitutional Requirement

Greenbarge Reporters

February 21, 2025

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has stepped down work on the demands for additional 31 new states across the country.
The House confirmed that none of the applications for the new states met the constitutional requirements.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who dropped the hints today, February 21, at the commencement of a 2-day retreat for members of the constitution review committee of the House holding at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, said that deadline for the submission of correct versions of the demands for new states has been fixed for March 5, 2025.
The Deputy Speaker who is also chairman of the House Committee on state creation said that the extension is to enable the applicants to fulfill the relevant provisions of the Nigerian construction.
“Although we received 31 requests for State creation, none of the requests met the requirements. Thus, we have since extended the submission to the 5th of March 2025.”
The Deputy Speaker announced that a situation room will be opened to collate and address other concerns of Nigerians in the course of the constitution amendment process.
He called on the lawmakers to ensure that the people are carried along.
“Unlike before, let me announce that we will partner with PLAC to open a situation room. A situation room that will be there to take, monitor the operations of the various other engagements.
“Questions you cannot address, the Secretariat will move those questions to the situation room where some of us will be having access to address all concerns.
“This situation room will also ensure that we publish all the engagements.
“Today’s retreat offers an opportunity to engage deeply with these bills and prepare for stakeholder consultations nationwide.
“As legislators, we must ensure the voices of Nigerians are reflected in our constitutional reforms.
“As we deliberate, I urge you to approach this task with diligence, objectivity, and patriotism.
“The success of this review process hinges on our collective dedication to national progress.”
Kalu added that the committee will soon embark on zonal public hearings within the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The Deputy Speaker announced that so far, the parliament has received over 200 bills seeking the alterations of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as emended).
Kalu said that the bills reflect the collective commitment to refining governance in Nigeria, with some of them progressing to the second reading stage and others remaining at the first reading at the moment.
The committee’s objectives for the retreat included reviewing bills, incorporating input from consultants, familiarizing members with bill contents, prioritizing bills based on national interest, and preparing for zonal public hearings and a joint/harmonization meeting with the Senate.
The bills, already categorized into thematic areas are aimed to addressing a wide range of issues, including federal structure and power devolution, local government autonomy, public revenue, fiscal federation, revenue allocation, and electoral reforms.
Kalu said: “Distinguished colleagues, currently we have 151 House bills before us. But I’m sure these numbers are the last count before the recent additions. My office has been told that there are about 250 constitutional amendment bills that will pass through the House for this committee. This bill reflects our collective commitment to refining governance in Nigeria.
“While some have progressed to the second reading stage, others remain at the first reading stage.
“But it is our intention that by the time we are done with our conversation during this retreat, that we progress those bills at the first reading stage for them to be given expedited hearing.
“The compilation process has revealed instances of duplication—whether by sponsors or overlapping subject matters.
“This necessitates meticulous harmonization to streamline efforts and eliminate redundancy.
“To aid our analysis, bills have been categorized into thematic areas, and our consultants have conducted thorough reviews, offering insights to guide prioritization.
“The thematic areas include: Federal Structure and Power Devolution, Local Government/Local Government Autonomy, Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, Revenue Allocation, Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture, Comprehensive Judicial Reforms, Electoral Reforms, Gender Issues, Human Rights, and State creation.”

Ex-Naval Chief Declared Wanted Over Alleged N3 Billion Fraud

Greenbarge Reporters

February 21, 2025

The Ex-Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (Rtd.), and Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka have been declared wanted by the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related offenses Commission (ICPC) for their alleged involvement in a N3 billion fraud.
The duo are facing charges concerning embezzlement and abuse of office. There is a subsisting arrest warrant against the two ex-military officers, with appeal from ICPC to whoever sees them to assist in bringing them to justice.
A statement by the Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and
Spokesperson for the Commission, Demola Bakare, said that the charges against them have been amended but not withdrawn.
“ICPC does not clear anybody of a case already in court. It is a normal practice for prosecuting agencies to amend charges and proceed against the available defendants in a case pending when those at large or on court bench warrants would be arrested.
“When those at large or court bench warrants are arrested, they would be added to manifest the initial charge.
“It should also be recalled that the ex-Naval chief in particular was charged along with five others in the original charge dated and filed on the 17th day of April, 2023.
“The charges were served on the Defendants by substituted means through their lawyers, yet they failed to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the Court for arraignment.
“Prompted by the Defendants’ refusal to come to court for their arraignment, the Commission sought and obtained a bench warrant from the trial court for their arrest.
“On the 4th day of February 2025, Mr. Adam Imam Yusuf, the 2nd Defendant in the original charge was arrested in his home in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT, Abuja, leaving the two ex-military generals yet to be arrested.
“Efforts are still underway by the Commission to pick them. The public is hereby assured that if they are arrested today, the ongoing charges will be amended to accommodate the allegations initially filed against them.

Don’t Cause Confusion In 2025 Hajji Operations With Premature Demands, NAHCON Tells Group

Greenbarge Reporters

February 20, 2025

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned a group known as Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) against making demand that can cause confusion in the 2025 Hajji operations that would be conducted by the Commission.
In a statement today, February 20, reacting to the group’s reference to foreign exchange differentials in the 2025 Hajj fare, the Commission pleaded for support from all the stakeholders for it to deliver a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
The statement, signed by Shafii Sani Mohammed, a Staff of the Information and Publications Division of the Commission, cautioned against “making premature demands that could mislead the public or create unnecessary anxiety among intending pilgrims.”
He said that refunds, if applicable, are traditionally processed after Hajj operations, not before.
“This ensures proper financial reconciliation, prevents disruptions in service delivery, and guarantees that all necessary expenses for the pilgrimage are fully covered before making any financial adjustments.
“It is also important to note that Hajj planning involves multiple financial commitments, including airfare, accommodation, feeding, and local transportation, all of which are subject to international market fluctuations.
“These factors must be carefully managed to avoid unintended financial setbacks that could compromise the experience and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
“NAHCON remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of Hajj funds. Any legitimate financial adjustments will be addressed after the Hajj exercise when all expenditures have been accounted for. Pilgrims and stakeholders can rest assured that the Commission will act in their best interest.
“Our collective priority should be the welfare of the pilgrims and the overall success of Hajj 2025. NAHCON remains open to constructive engagement and welcomes genuine collaboration toward achieving this goal.”

Gathering Tension: Authority Shuts Down Federal Universities Of Lokoja

Greenbarge Reporters

February 20, 2025

Authority of the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State capital, has ordered the immediate closure of the institution.
The closure of the institution followed the gathering tension in which students are protesting over the death of five of them in a trailer accident at Felele city centre.
A circular dated February 20, with reference number FUL/R/GEN/REGC/03 and signed by the University’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Dr. Rebecca Almiohu Osagie, said that after the February 17 accident, students have barricaded the gates of the university.
The circular said that despite the proactive measures taken by both the state government and the university authority to assuage the students, they have remained adamant.
“Arising from the advice of the security agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice Chancellor, after due consultation with the management, has decided, on behalf of the Senate, that the university (both campuses) be closed down indefinitely within one hour of this circular. Students are therefore, to vacate the campuses before 12 noon today, Thursday, 20 February 2025.”

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