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This Injustice Will Not Sustain, Natasha Thunders As Senate Suspends Her

Embattled Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan, senator representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District, has dismissed her suspension from the Senate for six months.
Reacting to the suspension which was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Public Petitions and Privileges, Natasha thundered: “this Injustice will not sustain.”
She was refused to make any comments after the committee’s report was submitted for consideration at today’s plenary.
The committee’s seven points recommendation are as follows:
1. Suspension for 6 months
2. ⁠She must write a written apology before she resumes
3. ⁠She should be suspended from 6th March, 2025.
4. ⁠Her office should be locked for the duration of six months, and handover property
5. She must not come close to the National Assembly complex
6. Her salaries, allowances and security details should be suspended
7. ⁠She must be barred from presenting herself as a Senator for local and international media.

Senate Committee Wants Natasha Suspended For 6 Months… And To Apologize

The Senate Committee on Ethic and Privileges recommended that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be suspended for six months amid her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The committee also recommended that Senator Natasha, who is representing Kogi Central, must apologise to the Senate for “disrespecting the Senate.”
The committee further recommended that her salary and security details be withdrawn for the period of the suspension.

The recommendation of the Committee came today, March 6, shortly after Senator Natasha resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President during plenary.
This time, she submitted the petition on behalf of her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu.
Following the presentation, Senate President Akpabio inquired whether there were any legal impediments to accepting the petition.
Senator Natasha responded that there were none. At 12:38 PM, Akpabio instructed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate.
The petition was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), with a directive to report back to the plenary within four weeks after legislative review.
This development follows a similar petition submitted by Senator Natasha the previous day, which sparked controversy.
The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), had raised a point of order, citing Senate Standing Order 40.
He argued that the matter could not be entertained or referred to the Ethics Committee, as it was sub judice due to an ongoing court case involving Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President.
Monguno also contended that the petition could not be considered since Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had personally signed it.
As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed the petition, declaring it “dead on arrival.”
This latest petition adds to the ongoing tensions between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio.

FCT Minister, Wike, Goes Hunting For Foreign Investors In Italy

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has landed in Milan, Italy, in search for foreign investors to grow the Nigerian Capital city.
A statement from Milan, Italy by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said that the minister would hold a series of official engagements with the President of Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana and other investors.
Wike, who arrived in Milan yesterday day was received by the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.
“while in Milan, the FCT Minister will hold a meeting with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday, and also meet agribusiness investors.”
Lombardy is adjudged the first region of Italy in terms of economic importance, with population of about 10 million people. It is the second most populous region of the European Union (EU) and the second region of the European Union by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The FCT Minister’s meeting with Attilio Fontana will center on seeking collaboration and evaluating possible prospects in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education, as well as strategic development partners with the Lombardy Region.
“Subsequently, Wike will meet investors in agribusiness and experts in vocational training, with a view to unlock new opportunities.
“The FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu, accompanied the Minister on the trip.”

Convergence Of Ramadan And Lent: Lessons For Muslims And Christians, By Yusuf Ozi-Usman

It is not a coincidence, in the sight of God, that Muslims and Christians started fasting at almost the same time this year, 2025. While Muslims began the 29 or 30-day (Ramadan Fasting) on March 1, Christians started their own today, March 5.
The liturgical year is the Church calendar that is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Orthodox Christians, and several other denominations. Today, which is Ash Wednesday, worshippers receive a cross-shaped mark on their foreheads made from ashes. These ashes are obtained by burning palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. It is marked by the use of palm fronds, which worshippers wave during processions or fashion into crosses to take home.
This tradition commemorates Jesus Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem when his followers laid palm branches before him, as recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Lenten season is a solemn period characterised by fasting, prayers, penance and almsgiving.
Lent is a 40-day journey of sacrifice, prayer, and charity, echoing the time Jesus Christ spent fasting in the wilderness.
The 40-day duration mirrors the fasting periods of Jesus Christ before his public ministry, as well as those of prophets Elijah and Moses, who each fasted for 40 days at different times.
The Lenten season culminates in Easter, which falls on April 20 this year, the Sunday after Palm Sunday.
The mode of the Fasting between Muslims, as can be seen and as it’s clarified in the Holy Books are different but the thread that runs through them is the same: self-denial, self-discipline, fear of the Creator, spread of love, charity and compassion amongst others.
As a matter of fact, God sent different prophets as Messiahs to their people all in order to straighten good conduct of the people in His ways. One of such conducts is embedded in the Ramadan fasting and Lent: Service to humanity and the Creator Himself.
There are a lot of lessons which humanity in general and Nigerians in particular need to learn, especially from the prophets of the great two religions, and by extension, the coinciding of the two Holy religious observations.
Of course, religious scholars are in a better position to detail the significance of the religions as institutions towards communing with God, the benefits they are to the adherents and above all, the joy in the adherents forming a united front to create enabling environment to practice them, but it must be stressed from the beginning that the “clash” of the Fasting in the two religions deserves a special attention.
In fact, it should not be lost on discernible observers and analysts that the coincidence of Muslim Ramadan fasting and Christian Lent presents a unique opportunity for interfaith unity in Nigeria, a country with a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and religious traditions.
It is clear that both Ramadan and Lent emphasize themes of sacrifice, self-discipline, and reflection. This shared focus provides a common ground for dialogue and mutual understanding between Muslims and Christians, allowing adherents of both faiths to appreciate each other’s practices.
In both traditions, fasting involves empathizing with the less fortunate and developing a greater appreciation for blessings. This should naturally leads to collaborative efforts in community service, charity and social justice initiatives, where both Muslims and Christians work together to address poverty and other social issues.
The overlap of Ramadan and Lent should encourage interfaith discussions and events, and this is a viable time for places of worship to host interfaith gatherings to promote dialogue about the significance of fasting, prayer, and spiritual growth in both religions.
Opportunities for communal eating to break the fast, known in Islam as iftar and shared Lenten meals should be platforms for fostering local community ties, aimed to creating a spirit of unity and cooperation among different religious groups.
Indeed, interfaith engagements during these periods should help mitigate misunderstandings and tensions that sometimes arise in multi-religious societies.
By highlighting similarities, communities should be able to focus on shared human values rather than differences.
Schools and educational institutions may seize the opportunity offered to incorporate discussions about Ramadan and Lent into their curricula, to encourage students to learn about and respect different faith traditions.
The overlap of the two great religious observations should be tailored to lead to cultural exchanges, where both communities share their unique practices, foods and traditions during these periods, enriching each other’s experiences.
It is also a good time for interfaith bodies to engage in activities during these significant periods for the purpose of providing spiritual enrichment for individuals, as they gain insights and perspectives from another faith tradition.
In Nigeria, interfaith dialogue during this overlapping religious period should contribute significantly to peace building and reconciliation efforts; this is in a nation that has, at one time or the other, been grappling with religious and ethnic tensions.

Yusuf Ozi-Usman

Yusuf Ozi-Usman, nipr, is Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine in Abuja, Nigeria.

Police Hunts For Lady Who Left Hotel Room In Which Ex Immigration Boss Was Found Dead

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police Command is now looking for a lady who left the hotel room in which the former Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Parradang was found dead yesterday, March 4.
In a statement debunking news in the media that the former immigration boss was kidnapped and killed by his abductors, the Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, said: “in light of the recent reports alleging that retired Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, was kidnapped and subsequently killed, we wish to clarify the facts surrounding this incident to ensure accurate information is disseminated to the public.”
The statement narrated how on March 3, at about 12:00 noon, Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz.
“He checked into the hotel, paying a sum of Twenty two thousand naira (N22,000) for one night’s stay.
“Shortly thereafter, he directed the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room. This lady left the hotel premises around 04:00Pm of the same day.
“Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left. Around 04:00 Am of 04 March 2025, a friend who is a military officer, concerned for his wellbeing, traced him to the hotel.
“Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr. Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair.
“The Durumi Police Station was notified and officers promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the crime scene.
“The body has been transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures, and hotel staff are currently cooperating with Police investigations.
“Effort is in top gear to effect the arrest of the lady.”
The police called on members of the the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information, including claims of kidnapping, that may incite fear or panic.
“The FCT Police Command is committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Mr. Parradang’s death.
“We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure justice is served.”

Anti Corruption Commission Thumbs Up For Yobe Gov, Buni, For Accountability

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commended the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni for his commitment to transparency, accountability and due process inu governance.
The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the ICPC for Borno and Yobe States, Linus Gubbi, was particularly impressed by the method of awarding contracts, which he said were being done with transparency and accountability.
The anti corruption Commission representative, in a courtesy visit to the governor, noted the clean manner in which the State Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) is being handled.
He is also happy with the implementation of the World Bank initiative as well as the Association of Public Procurement Practitioners of Nigeria.
“We are on a preventive and public enlightenment drive, and I must commend your administration for its efforts in accountability and transparency, which have become a model for others to follow.”
Gubbi advised the governor to establish anti-corruption and transparency units in ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to further strengthen the fight against corruption in the state.
This was as Governor Buni acknowledged that strong and independent institutions are crucial in addressing corruption, misappropriation, and the diversion of public funds.
“The establishment of the state Bureau on Public Procurement has successfully curbed over-invoicing in procurement and contract awards while promoting transparency and accountability. Its independence from government interference has strengthened its effectiveness.”
The governor said that the state House of Assembly’s oversight functions and prudent resource management had enabled the execution of people-centered projects across Yobe.
He directed MDAs to collaborate with the ICPC on training finance officers to block financial leakages and uphold accountability in their operations.
The governor appreciated the ICPC’s recognition, assuring that his administration would continue to promoting transparency and fighting corruption.

Proving Sexual Harassment Allegation, By Adamsy Bassi Mohammed

There is what looks like a thin line between sexual harassment and flirting. More difficult is for the victim to prove the case of harassment in the court of law.
For example, flirtatious advances people make may or may not amount to sexual harassment, depending on which side of the divides it comes from.
If you call a girl “my love” and she says “stop it” and you repeat the same thing, it can and would pass for sexual harassment. But if a woman comes to kiss you from nowhere and you don’t complain about it, it would not be termed sexual harassment, even though the action of the second is worse than that of the first.
As simple as asking a girl out repeatedly after getting a NO answer is sexual harassment. If she presses charges against you, it could stick, but the onus is on her to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you utter such sensual words.
Again, if you tap a woman’s buttocks and she says “do it again baby,” it would not pass as sexual harassment, even though she had no prior knowledge of you carrying out such act.
Again it may not be considered as sexual harassment if you hold the hand of a woman without resistance or complain from her.
This could be the thin line that differentiates flirting from sexual Harassment, and it is called CONSENT.
When a woman doesn’t give consent to your verbal and physical attempt (in a clear unambiguous manner), just know that you are treading on sexual Harassment path.
However, it must be noted that sexual Harassment is not a one way traffic: women can also commit it in which men is the victim. But it’s the sexual Harassment against women that is more pronounced and even celebrated.

Ramadan, Lent: Vehicles For Fostering Harmonious Muslim, Christian Co-Existence, By James Oyewole

That Ramadan and Lent are being observed this year almost simultaneously points to the fact that there is no need for religious acrimony of any sort. Mankind comes from same source – God Almighty! It is not in the place of any man to choose whether to be both a Muslim or a Christian. That prerogative belongs to God. Here are a few beautiful reasons why Ramadan and Lent are vehicles for fostering harmonious coexistence.
Ramadan and Lent encourage Muslims and Christians to respect each other’s traditions and practices, fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding.
The shared values and practices of Ramadan and Lent provide a platform for interfaith dialogue and exchange, helping to break down barriers and build bridges between communities.
Both Ramadan and Lent emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion, and kindness towards others. By practicing these values, Muslims and Christians can build stronger, more harmonious relationships.
Ramadan and Lent encourage individuals to reflect on their values, behaviours, and relationships, promoting personal growth and self-awareness. This, in turn, can lead to greater understanding and tolerance of others.
Both Ramadan and Lent emphasize the importance of giving to those in need and serving the community. By working together on community service projects, Muslims and Christians can build stronger relationships and promote social cohesion.
Ramadan and Lent highlight the shared values of compassion, forgiveness, and generosity that are common to both Islam and Christianity. By celebrating these shared values, Muslims and Christians can promote greater understanding and harmony.
By learning about and participating in each other’s traditions and practices, Muslims and Christians can break down stereotypes and misconceptions, promoting greater understanding and respect.
Ramadan and Lent promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and forgiveness, which is essential for harmonious coexistence. By embracing these values, Muslims and Christians can create a more peaceful and harmonious society.
– James Oyewole is Executive Editor of The Graphic Newspaper and member, Governing Board, Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP)

Human Rights Lawyer Queries Timing Of Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Senate President

Nigerian human rights lawyer, Maxwell Opara has expressed doubt over Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
He raised concerns about the credibility of her claims, suggesting that inconsistencies in her account cast doubt on the seriousness of the accusations.
In an interview on Arise TV, Opara challenged the senator’s narrative, particularly regarding how she handled the alleged incident.
He questioned the timing of Senator Natasha’s allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President, adding that it is curious why Senator Natasha did not bring up such serious allegations immediately after the incident if she genuinely believed she had been harassed.
He said that delaying such claims and making them only at a later time could be perceived as an attempt to manipulate public sentiment rather than a genuine call for justice.
He also questioned the plausibility of a senator, a wife, and a mother making such claims but initially withholding the information from her husband.
According to him, the sequence of events she described did not align with what would be expected in such a situation.
“I watched that program and I was taken back by what she said. An adult who is a senator, who is somebody’s wife and somebody’s mother, claimed a married man harassed her in the presence of her husband. When her husband asked her about what the Senate President said, she denied and she didn’t tell her husband.”
Opara pointed out contradictions in her statements, urging viewers to review the available footage to verify her shifting account. He suggested that her explanation to her husband differed from the allegations she later made in public.
This, he argued, raised concerns about whether the claim was entirely truthful or if key details had been altered.
Senator Natasha had said in an Arise TV interview last week that the Senate President had taken her to a private room in one of his residences and implied they could spend time together there.
This claim added another layer of controversy to the ongoing tensions between her and the Senate leadership. However, her allegations have been strongly disputed by those close to the Senate President.
The Senate President’s wife, Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, has publicly dismissed the accusations, asserting that there was no opportunity for her husband to engage in such an encounter. She explained that on the day in question, he was preoccupied with his birthday celebration, leaving no time for any private discussions or interactions as alleged.
With both sides presenting conflicting accounts, the situation remains a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.

Need To Protect Senate From Political Manipulation And Stop Rewarding Falsehood, By Senator Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s appeal for transparency and institutional protection is noted, but his attempt to draw a parallel between his own past case and the current false allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is fundamentally flawed. The two situations are worlds apart in context, substance, and motivation.
In Saraki’s case, the matter revolved around his official duties as Senate President—specifically, an accusation concerning the importation of an official vehicle. The claim was factually incorrect, and Saraki, knowing this, subjected himself to scrutiny to clear his name. It was an administrative and procedural issue directly tied to his office, and a swift resolution through the Senate Ethics Committee restored confidence in the institution.
In contrast, what we have before us today is a case of personal, unsubstantiated, and conveniently timed accusations—claims of sexual harassment that supposedly took place over a year ago but surfaced only after the accuser was summoned for disciplinary action. There was no prior complaint, no record of distress, no mention to her husband, and no disclosure to female colleagues in the Senate. Instead, the accusation was unleashed only at the point of reckoning, in a desperate attempt to divert attention from legitimate disciplinary proceedings.
If we take Saraki’s argument to its logical conclusion, we would be establishing a dangerous precedent—one where any gold digger or habitual liar can throw out an unsubstantiated allegation and expect the Senate to come to a halt while they are entertained. This is not just about Akpabio; it is about protecting the institution of the Senate from manipulation and blackmail.
It is well known that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of making reckless and false allegations of sexual harassment against prominent figures, including Reno Omokri, Dino Melaye, and Yahaya Bello. These accusations always follow the same pattern: wild claims, media noise, and no evidence. Now, the same strategy is being deployed against the Senate President, not because she is seeking justice, but because she is desperately avoiding accountability for her own actions.
Even more telling is the fact that she never brought this complaint to the floor of the Senate—not even when she claimed that her motion on Ajaokuta Steel was ignored despite being listed on the Order Paper. If she truly believed that she was being victimized because of an alleged sexual harassment incident, the proper forum to raise such a grievance would have been the Senate itself. The Senate only responds to and investigates issues formally raised within its chambers, not in a television interview. If she believes that addressing her grievances on TV is more effective than following due process in the Senate, then kudos to her. However, as a Senator, she should know better. The Senate is moved by reason and laws, not sentiments and drama, and those who seek redress must engage the institution through its established procedures, not through media grandstanding.
Furthermore, it is critical to note that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was appointed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content on the 21st of November 2023 before the alleged sexual harassment incident in Ikot Ekpene. If she had truly been a victim, why would the Senate leadership, under the same Akpabio she now accuses, assign her such a critical leadership role? This glaring contradiction exposes her claims for what they truly are: a politically motivated and diversionary stunt.
Saraki rightly speaks about protecting the Senate’s integrity, but true protection of the institution means ensuring that its processes are not hijacked by baseless, opportunistic claims. If Natasha has any real grievance about events that occurred outside the Senate, let her pursue those through the appropriate legal channels—not use the Red Chamber and the media as a stage for diversionary theatrics.
Let Due Process Prevail!
The correct course of action is clear:
1. Natasha should first answer to the Senate Ethics Committee for her misconduct.
2. If she believes she has a valid sexual harassment claim, she should file a case in the appropriate legal forum, not use the Senate and the media as a shield against accountability.
3. The Senate must resist the temptation to legitimize a distraction campaign designed to avoid legitimate scrutiny.
Dr. Saraki’s appeal to precedent is misplaced. His case was about official duties and was addressed in a manner that reinforced institutional accountability. This case, however, is about a personal vendetta and a desperate attempt to escape disciplinary action.
The Senate and Nigerians should not fall for this diversionary tactic. The Senate must stay focused, maintain order, and refuse to be blackmailed into legitimizing what is clearly an opportunistic and diversionary falsehood.

Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi is the Senate Deputy Chief Whip.

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