Interfaith Media Practitioners Remind Muslims Of The Essence Of Ramadan, Send Solidarity

March 1, 2025

The Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP) has reminded Muslims of the spiritual qualities embedded in the annual month of self dental, called Ramadan Fasting that just began today, March 1.
In a statement felicitating with Muslims on the commencement of the Fasting, the Vice President of the Guild, Muyiwa Akintunde, said that the month of Ramadan is meant to be a spiritual rejuvenation and for Muslims to embark on serious prayers for selves and the country.
“We remind the Muslim Ummah of the essence of Ramadan which include prayer (salat), reflection, and community. This is also the month in which the Quran is said to have been revealed to the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him. Therefore, the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
He hoped that Muslims would enjoy peaceful and spiritual season, praying that Almighty Allah should grant their supplications and give them the strength to carry through during the month of denial.
Muyiwa Akintunde prayed that Ramadan would fill the lives of the Muslims with happiness, success, and prosperity.
“As you observe fasting and engage in acts of worship, may Allah accept your prayers and grant us His mercy and forgiveness.
Only recalled Nigeria joined the rest of the world in celebrating this year’s World Interfaith Harmony Week, with the theme: “Bridging Divides: Building a Shared Future Through Interfaith Dialogue.”
The theme speaks to the primary objective of Guild, which is to sensitise Nigerian media practitioners towards the promotion of inter-religious conversations in their reportage and in every way they could.
The Guild aimed at encouraging media professionals to place on the front burner, contents that emphasise tolerance, peace, harmony and which advance the fine ethics of journalism practice.
The Guild’s President, Abdulmaleek Abdulkareem had , cautioned: “We must not forget the social responsibility requirements of the media.”
The Guild preaches more education in the direction of Muslim-Christian relationships, and a return to the era when religious tolerance and harmony was the message in the mouths of leaders of both faiths, and also carried in practice.

Akpabio’s Wife Fights On, Drags Natasha To Court, Demands ₦250 Billion Defamation Damages

Greenbarge Reporters

March 1, 2025

Mrs. Ekaette Unoma, wife of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding N250 billion in general damages and an unconditional apology over sexual harassment allegations leveled against her husband.
Ekaette Unoma filed the fundamental rights suit No: CV/814/25, under Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
She sought the following:
“A DECLARATION that the allegations made by the Respondent on the floor of the Senate on the 20th of February 2025 and subsequent scandalous and salacious allegations on Arise News TV by the Respondent, constitute a flagrant violation of the fundamental rights of the Applicant guaranteed under Section 34(1) (A) of The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), Article 4 & 5 of The African Charter on Human And Peoples Rights (Ratification And Enforcement Act) Cap. A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Section 14 of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Respondent from making further inciteful, scandalous, and spiteful statements that have caused the Applicant and her children emotional and psychological abuse and living under constant threat and fear of their lives.
“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Respondent, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, or whosoever from further inciteful, scandalous, and spiteful statements that have caused the Applicant and her children emotional and psychological abuse and living under constant threat and fear of their lives or in any other manner infringing on their fundamental rights.
“AN ORDER awarding the sum of N250,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira only) as exemplary, punitive, aggravated and general damages against the Respondent for her infringement of the fundamental rights of the Applicant alongside such further or other Orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.”
In a separate defamation lawsuit (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio seeks:
“A DECLARATION that the Defendant’s act of claiming on national television, that the Claimant’s husband, who is the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria made sexual advances at her, without any proof of same, has damaged the reputation of the Claimant and indeed her entire family, bringing them into disrepute and opprobrium.
“AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT mandating the Defendant to issue a formal written retraction of the defamatory words and tender an unconditional apology to the Claimant and her family, to be published in 2 (two) nationally-read newspapers to wit: The Guardian and This Day Newspapers.
“AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT compelling the Defendant to pay to the Claimant the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira only) as punitive and exemplary damages for the ruinous effect of the Defendant’s defamatory words on the Claimant’s family’s reputation.
“AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Defendant from further uttering any defamatory words or causing to be uttered or spread, any defamatory words against the reputation of the Claimant’s family.”
Senator Natasha had, during an interview on Arise TV on February 28, alleged that Senator Akpabio made inappropriate sensual advances towards her during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom.
The Kogi Central senator claimed that the encounter occurred on December 8, 2023, just a day before her birthday.
She alleged that her trouble in the Senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio.

My Committee Will Consult Founding Fathers, Others In Preparation For 2027 Elections – Gov. Buni

Greenbarge Reporters

February 28, 2025

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution Review Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has said that in carrying out its assignment, the committee would engage widely and consult with the founding fathers of the party, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He declared: “we shall be in consultation with founding fathers of the party. Those who drafted the constitution of the party, we are going to be consulting them, because we know, it takes wisdom to produce a party constitution. “We cannot discard their wisdom and create something different. We will consult them.
“The assignment of the committee is to strengthen and further widen the scope of operations and for proper inclusion. It is all about inclusivity. We don’t want to exclude people, we want to include people. That means we want to have a document that will strengthen the party and prepare it for the 2027 election.
“It is about all about inclusivity. We are going to work on that and by the grace of God, we are sure, God will guide us and see us through to deliver on the work as expected of us.”
Speaking to newsmen today, February 28, in Abuja, Buni further assured that the committee’s recommendations would strengthen the fortunes of the party in the 2027 general elections.
Justifying the setting up of the committee, Buni, a one time National Caretaker Committee chairman of the party, said that for the ruling party to remain relevant, the need to periodically review its operations and activities informed the formation of the committee.
“As the leading political party in Africa that wants to continue to be relevant, we must not be static hence the constitution of a committee like this with mandate to strengthen the party.
“Development is about continuous improvement, and of course laws are made for men, men are not made for laws. So, laws can always be adjusted to accommodate the interest of the party and members of the party.”
The seven-man committee was set up by the APC second highest decision making organ, National Executive Committee (NEC) at its 13th meeting at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja last week Wednesday.
Other members of the committee include Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele – South West; Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba – South South; Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari – North West; Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum – North East; Gov. Abdullahi Sule – North Central and a representative of South East.
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje mandated them to take an holistic look at the party’s constitution with a view to recommending the review of the membership of NEC and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, to accommodate the population, strength and spread of the party.
The committee is to recommend to the NEC possible amendments to the party’s constitution for further inclusivity, participation and involvement ahead of the non-elective national convention slated for 2026.

Saudi Arabia Sights New Moon For Ramadan Fasting Tomorrow

Greenbarge Reporters

February 28, 2025

The authorities of the Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Crescent of the moon to herald the beginning of Ramadan Fasting tomorrow, March 1.
In a terse message posted online today, February 28, the authorities said the new moon has been sighted.
This came even as the Sultan of Sokoto, Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar III also called on Muslims across the country to look for the crescent of Ramadan today evening.
A message from the Sultanate listed a number of Islamic scholars to be contacted if the crescent is sighted for final announcement of the beginning of the Fasting.
The statement said that if the crescent is not signed today, Fasting will begin on Sunday, March 2.

Senate President’s Wife Dismisses Natasha’s Sexual Harassment Allegation, Threatens Legal Action

Greenbarge Reporters

February 28, 2025

Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment leveled against her husband describing it as a figment of wild imagination.
Reacting to the revelation in a Arise Television programme today, February 28, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan, representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District that the Senate President made sensual advances to her, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio made it known that she would seek legal redress on the matter.
According to her, the allegation against her husband are unfounded.
She said that she was present at her family residence on the date, 8th December, 2023 and witnessed what happened all through.
She recounted the cordial relationship that existed between her family and Senator Natasha’s family, saying that both families enjoyed a long-standing cordial relationship that predated Senator Natasha’s marriage to her husband.
Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s discipline as a man who loves and respects his family, citing his track record of supporting women’s inclusion in government even before his emergence as Senate President.
Mrs. Akpabio advised women to desist from peddling such false allegations when the going is no longer favourable to them

Imbroglio In Senate: Natasha Gets Vote Of Confidence Of Her Constituency

Greenbarge Reporters

February 28, 2025

Kogi State Central Senatorial District has thrown its support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan in the ongoing brouhaha, between her and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The umbrella sociocultural body of the area, Ebira People’s Association (EPA), in a statement today, February 28, by its President, Dr. Godwin Oyibo said that they, whom she’s representing in the Senate, are solidly behind her.
“It is imperative at this point to reiterate the support of Kogi Central Senatorial District to the distinguished Senator, Barrister Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and to express our confidence in her representation at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“She has so far impressed Kogi Central in her legislative roles and we demand that she should not be persecuted for whatever reason.”
The Association warned those who are imputing ethnic colouration to the faceoff that could be resolved within the senators themselves to desist forthwith.
“We take special note of the developments from the infamous “nightclub” comment, followed by her sudden removal as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Contents, to the abrupt removal from her seat which turn out to have some punitive undertone given the ensuing fireworks in social and conventional media.
“EPA wishes to put on record that its silence all these while has not been out of indifference, as the association believes that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which membership are distinguished Nigerians are capable of solving such internal dispute taking cognizance of rights,privileges and dignity of all senators, irrespective of tribe, gender or party affiliation.
“It recalled that recent development where tribal organizations are now protesting on behalf of a party in the internal issue of the Senate automatically triggered the concern of the constituency of Senator Natasha.
“We therefore call on the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to rise up to the occasion so as to checkmate those with sinister motives who could perpetrate the culture of gangsterism, harassment and intimidation in an issue which once occurred in the past and was resolved amicably by the 8th Senate.
“We are watching keenly every activity, utterances, and conducts of some individuals, groups, and other stakeholders, even before the commencement of the sitting of the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the Senate. We are taking notes of all these and will respond at the appropriate time.”

Senate President, Apkabio, Wanted To Travel “With Me To Have Fun”- Natasha Alleges

Greenbarge Reporters

February 28, 2025

“Regarding the nightclub incident, I believe that was not a slip of the tongue. He had told me that there are a number of ways we can have fun if we travel.”
These were parts of the revelation made today, February 28, by the embattled Senator representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Udusghan while answering questions at the Arise Television.
Senator Natasha said that her trouble with the Senate President started on the 18th of December 2023, which was a day before his birthday and her birthday.
“We are birthday mates. We were all in Akwa Ibom because he had a big fanfare in the stadium.
“Myself, my husband and a few of his close friends, we went to Akwa Ibom and at first we were at Ikot Ekpene, where his house is, then we all moved to his house in Uyo. It was about 8pm and he held my hand and said he wanted to show me around his house.
“My husband was walking behind us. Just three of us. We were walking around from room to room. He showed me the beautiful interior.
“He noticed that he has to be spaced while still holding my hand. My husband was behind still on his phone, but he was watching up whenever he could and then he got to this particular sitting room and he said, do you like my house?
“I said, of course, sir. Every room, beautiful, nice interior, quality taste. He said, now that you’re a senator, I’m going to create time for us to come spend quality moments here. “You will enjoy it.
“At that point, I just pulled away and I was like, ‘I don’t really understand what exactly that meant.’ But then my husband when I turned around was already near me, and the way my husband looked at me and looked at him, I was beginning to wonder, did he hear part of that inciting statements or not?
“And then the Senate President too, I saw that he also had that thought like, did my husband hear the invitation to treat or not?
“So then the Senate President now said, oh, by the way, let me show you my chapel. He has a chapel in his house as well.
“So to the chapel. I know we walked in silence and all. So that evening before we left the Senate President’s house at about 11 midnight to the Four Point Hotel, my husband asked me, Natasha, what did the Senate President tell you. What was he telling you?
“I thought, should I tell him that he was speaking about bringing me in here at a special time for us to have a good time? Or should I just kill it there?
“I just gave him some words to mask what was said. After when we laid in bed to my right and my husband wrapped his hands around me and he said, my love you know you can tell me anything.
“What did the Senate President tell you? Again I was like don’t you believe me?
“I said nothing, nothing. Moreover it’s my birthday in a few minutes, let’s just be happy.”
Asked why other female senators have not publicly supported her, especially at the crucial hours during which she rose against the Senate President on the floor of the Senate, Natasha said that they had their own reasons for staying silent.
She confirmed that Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had privately called her, not to offer support, but to criticize her for filing a defamation lawsuit against the Senate President, Akpabio.
On the controversy surrounding her sitting arrangement in the chamber, Natasha confirmed that Order 10 of the Senate Rules states that senators must speak from their assigned seats.
She argued however that when it comes to issues of privilege, lawmakers are allowed to speak from anywhere in the chamber.

Ex Nigeria’s President, Buhari, Returns To His Kaduna Residence

Greenbarge Reporters

February 27, 2025

The immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has returned to his Kaduna residence after spending two years in Daura, Katsina State. He had stayed in his Daura residence since leaving office in May 2023.
In a post on his Facebook page, Bashir Ahmad, one of the Buhari’s media aide said that the former President had opted for a quiet life in his hometown and largely stayed out of active political discussions, focusing on private engagements.
“Ex President Buhari was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima and high-profile dignitaries, including the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum and his counterpart, the Governor of Kaduna state, Uba Sani. Others are the current and former Deputy Governors of Katsina State, a former Inspector General of Police, former ministers, and several of his personal aides.
“In Kaduna, the former president was met with a warm reception from well-wishers, who were also received by Mallam Mamman Daura and Musa Halilu (Dujiman Adamawa) who gathered to welcome him back.

Late Justice Moses Bello’s Daughter Insists On DNA Tests On Her Brothers, Sisters

Greenbarge Reporters

February 27, 2025

Ann Moses Bello, daughter of the late Justice Moses Bello, former President of the Abuja Customary Court of Appeal, has demanded DNA tests on all of her and sisters within the next 14-days.
Report has it that Ann had already sent an official notice to Rev. Father Awolumate, demanding DNA tests for Joseph Asuku Bello and six others.
According to her, paragraph 5 (a) (i) of her father’s Will makes the DNA test a condition for inheritance of his properties, warning that if they fail to comply, they must forfeit all assigned money, properties, and assets.
Her legal counsel also warned that any attempt to sell or transfer Justice Bello’s assets would be opposed.
He added that failure to comply with the DNA test requirement could lead to criminal charges against the executors and affected parties.
With this 14-day ultimatum, pressure is now on the executors to act swiftly or face legal consequences.
Ann’s demand for DNA test is believed to have emanated from a recent ruling by Justice Mohammed Zubairu of the FCT High Court in Kurudu.
The court declared that a codicil (a document meant to modify a will) attached to Justice Bello’s will was invalid, meaning that only the original will remains legally binding.
Before the ruling, Ann had challenged the executors of the will in court, claiming that she was being denied her rightful inheritance.
She filed a lawsuit (suit number CV/667/2024) against Reverend Father Ezekiel Awolumate and Christ the King Catholic Church, Okene Parish. In her suit, she said that she was given only 4.16% of her father’s estate instead of the 11.11% stated in the original will.
Ann also requested that the executors of the will be removed, accusing them of failing to distribute the estate according to her father’s instructions.
However, the court ruled against Ann’s claim that the codicil was valid, stating that it was more of a private letter to the late judge’s solicitor and did not meet legal requirements, such as having witness signatures.

Dangote Refinery Again, Crashes Fuel Pump Price To N825 Per Litre

Greenbarge Reporters

February 26, 2025

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has again, slashed the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol, for the second time this month, this time to N825 per litre at the gantry (ex-depot).
Report reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the price reduction represents a reduction of N125 per litre within 26 days.
It said that the price reduction will ensure that Nigerians pay between N860 and N865 per litre for petrol at the pump in Lagos.
A statement from the company announced that the price adjustment will take effect from tomorrow, February 27, and is intended to provide essential relief to Nigerians.
“This strategic price adjustment is designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in celebration of the Ramadan season, while also supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.
“It is important to note that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians. This marks the second reduction of PMS prices in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60 earlier in the month. Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season,” the statement read.
The refinery said that previous reductions have positively impacted the overall cost of living, benefiting various sectors of the economy.
It said that such reductions have helped to ensure that Nigerians did not experience the typical fuel scarcity and price hikes associated with the yuletide season.
Dangote reiterated that its high-quality products, which have become a favourite in both domestic and international markets, will remain available nationwide, particularly through its key partners—MRS Holdings, AP (Ardova Petroleum), and Heyden—at market-friendly rates.
“Nigerians will be able to purchase high-quality Dangote petrol at the following prices across our partners’ retail outlets: For MRS Holdings stations, it will be sold for N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 per litre in the South-West, N880 per litre in the North, and N890 per litre in the South-South and South-East regions, respectively.
“The same product will also be available at the following prices in AP (Ardova Petroleum) and Heyden stations: N865 per litre in Lagos, N875 per litre in the South-West, N885 per litre in the North, and N895 per litre in the South-South and South-East.”
Dangote Petroleum Refinery assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand and a surplus for export, thereby boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The refinery called on marketers to support this initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of this effort.
“This collective action will contribute to the broader economic recovery plan led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is committed to making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub.”

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