Politics
Ijaw, N’Delta Leaders Talk Tough, Want Wike’s Sack, Peace In Rivers

Representatives of the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, Tuesday, demanded the immediate sack of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Irked by the recent happenings in Rivers State and the role played by the FCT minister, the Ijaw and Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders converged on Bomadi, Delta State,Tuesday, to X-ray the state of affairs of the Ijaw Nation vis-a-vis the present happenings in Rivers State.
In a communique issued at the end of a-day Ijaw National Sensitization in Bomadi, the leaders strongly condemned the “unguarded utterances and actions of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who had been insulting and making derogatory statements against the Ijaw Nation, particularly the revered leader, late Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark,” citing that Mr Wike’s comments were not only unacceptable but also a clear attempt to falsify well established facts and history and also undermined the contributions of the Ijaw people to the development and politics of Rivers State.
The communique jointly signed by Hendrick Opukeme,
Chief Dan Ekpebide, Kennedy Orubebe, Bunor Agbomudarho, Felix Tuodolor, Ari Sylvester Ari and
Loveth Timothy, the leaders said Wike’s statements were capable of stoking ethnic crisis in the Niger Delta.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Kalabari Women Protest, Insist Wike Won’t Access Abalama
They added that such moves should be resisted in order to avoid unnecessary conflicts in the region.
According to the communique, Wike’s actions were the most embarrassing antagonist in the Rivers State conflict, stressing that his continued stay in office is a national embarrassment.
The leaders and stakeholders pointed out that Wike’s actions had brought shame and disrepute to the nation, and his presence in the Federal Executive Council undermined the integrity of President Tinubu’s government.
The Niger Leaders urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to address the embarrasing situation in Rivers State and restore peace, stability, and good governance to the Niger Delta region.
Read the full text below:
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ONE-DAY IJAW NATIONAL SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME
We, the representatives of the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, gathered in the ancient community of Bomadi in Delta state to X-ray the state of affairs of the Ijaw Nation vis-a-vis the present happenings in Rivers State.
Attendance:
In attendance were representatives of the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), representatives of the Zonal Executive Committees of the INC and IYC, the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA),
Meinbutu Federated Communities,
Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationalities (MOSIEND), first class Ijaw traditional rulers from Delta State, indigenous Delta Ijaw communities from Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Warri South West and Warri North LGAs.
Also in attendance to solidarity with the Ijaws were representatives of the youth wings of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Ndokwa Neku Union and the
Ogbaku-Etche Delta State Branch.
READ ALSO: Rivers Crisis: Why I Won’t Settle Rift With Fubara – Wike
REAFFIRMATION OF OUR COMMITMENT TO THE STRUGGLES OF THE NIGER DELTA PEOPLE
We want to reaffirm our commitment to the struggle for justice, equality, and self-determination by our forebears. This is because our estate has not changed as the Ijaws are still politically and economically marginalised and balkanised. It is in this light, we stand united in condemning the excesses of the Minister of the FCT, Chief Nyesome Wike and the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The contributions of the Ijaw Nation to the Creation of Rivers State
We are proud of the pivotal role played by our forebears in the creation of Rivers State. The Ijaws of Rivers State have been instrumental in shaping the state’s history, from the early struggles for autonomy to the present day. We honor the memory of late Pere Harold Dappa-Biriye, who led a delegation of Ijaws to the Lancaster House in 1957 to advocate for the creation of Rivers State. We also acknowledge the role played by the late Major Isaac Adaka Boro whose twelve days revolution led to the creation of Rivers State.
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MINISTER NYESOME SHOULD BE SUSPENDED FROM THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
We strongly condemn the unguarded utterances and actions of Minister Nyesome Wike, which have been insulting and derogatory towards the Ijaw Nation, particularly our revered leader, Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, OFR. Chief Wike’s comments are not only unacceptable but also a clear attempt to falsify well established facts and history, and also undermine the contributions of the Ijaw people to the development and politics of Rivers State. His statements are also capable of stoking ethnic crises in the Niger Delta. This must be resisted.
In order to avoid such conflicts, we are demanding for the immediate suspension of Minister Nyesome Wike from the Federal Executive Council.
Chief Nyesome Wike is the most embarrassing antagonist in the Rivers State conflict, and his continued stay in office is a national embarrassment. His actions have brought shame and disrepute to the nation, and his presence in the Federal Executive Council undermines the integrity of President Tinubu’s government. We urge President Tinubu to take immediate action to address this situation and restore peace, stability, and good governance to the Niger Delta region.
EMERGENCY RULE IN RIVERS STATE
It is sad that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State citing few breaches in security. There are worst happenings in other parts of Nigeria where herdsmen, bandits, unknown gunmen have been killing and kidnapping hundreds of persons and are even ruling entire local governments yet no state of emergency has been declared. Therefore we reject the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which suspends the democratic institutions, the Governor, and the Legislative organs of government. This move is a clear violation of the principles of democracy and good governance. It also appears bias as Chief Wike who is a provocateur of the Rivers State crises is still in office as a minister. We therefore demand an immediate reversal of this decision and a return to democratic rule in Rivers State.
CONCLUSIONS
We, the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, will continue to stand united in our pursuit of justice, equality, and self-determination. We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we will not be deterred from our struggle. We demand an end to the systemic injustices that have held us captive for centuries and a recognition of our rights to self-determination, to control our resources, and to shape our destiny.
Long live the Ijaw Nation!
Long live Papa Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark! Long live our struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination.
Signed:
Hendrick Opukeme
Chief Dan Ekpebide
Kennedy Orubebe.
Bun or Agbomudarho
Felix Tuodolor
Ari Sylvester Ari
Loveth Timothy
Politics
Natasha Resumes At Senate, Calls Akpabio Dictator

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday resumed legislative duties at the National Assembly after months of suspension, describing Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as a “dictator.”
Her return followed the unsealing of her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
Upon resumption, Senator Natasha, who has been on suspension, remained resolute, insisting that she has “no apology to tender.”
She said, “In retrospect, it is actually amazing how much we have had to pay in the past six months, from the unjust suspension to the recall. But we survived the recall, blackmail and that crazy lady on Facebook.
“It is amazing what we had to pass through, and I give God Almighty the glory and my deepest appreciation to the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large. To my husband, I love you dearly. I pray all men support their wives in the same manner you have supported me.
“In everything, sometimes it is good to push the institution to the test. We can’t cower in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He is not the governor of this place, yet he treated me as if I were a servant or domestic staff in his house.
“It is so unfortunate that we will have a National Assembly being run by such a dictator. It is totally unacceptable.”
READ ALSO:Defamation Charges: Natasha Accuses FG Of Double Standard
The office had been locked since March 6, 2025, when the lawmaker was suspended from the Red Chamber.
In a video shared on Tuesday, Adedeji was seen removing the seal.
“I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank you,” he declared.
Upon resumption, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has been at the centre of a protracted standoff with the Senate leadership, maintained her defiance, stressing that she had “no apology to tender.”
The embattled lawmaker was handed a six-month suspension in March, barring her from all activities of the 10th Senate over alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.
Although her suspension formally lapsed in September, she was unable to return due to legal tussles and resistance from Senate leadership. On July 4, however, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.
READ ALSO:Natasha’s Lawyer Warns Senate Against Defying Court Order
Following the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Senate notifying it of her intention to resume duties, but the request was rebuffed by the National Assembly.
It, however, remains unclear whether Tuesday’s development restores her full privileges as a senator and if the senator will be allowed to sit with her colleagues when plenary resumes on October 7.
Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has again altered its legislative calendar, shifting the resumption of plenary sittings from September 23 to October 7, 2025.
The postponement was conveyed in an internal memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze.
The shift in date has raised eyebrows within the National Assembly as it extends the chamber’s annual recess by another two weeks.
While no official reason was given, sources told our correspondent that the delay was intended to allow lawmakers to fully observe the Independence Day celebrations on October 1.
READ ALSO:Senate Replaces Natasha As Committee Chairman
In the memo titled “Notice of Shift in Plenary Resumption Date,” Akubueze also apologised to the senators for the belated information.
It read, “This is to respectfully inform distinguished senators that the resumption of plenary sitting of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, 7th October, 2025.
“Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted. Distinguished senators are kindly invited to note the postponement and adjust their schedules accordingly.
“Thank you for your kind understanding, and God bless.”
The Senate had adjourned plenary on July 24 for its annual recess.
At the time, the Senate President justified the move as an act of “chamber reciprocity,” since members of the House of Representatives had also embarked on a break in line with the legislative calendar.
With the latest adjustment, critical debates and pending motions—including oversight inquiries into government spending and executive appointments—will remain on hold.
Politics
Defamation Charges: Natasha Accuses FG Of Double Standard

The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Monday, launched a strong legal offensive against the Federal Government, describing the criminal defamation charges filed against her as a brazen act of political persecution and an exhibition of double standard by the Federal Government.
In a preliminary objection seeking the dismissal of the six counts filed against her by the Attorney General of the Federation, the Kogi senator contended that while the Federal Government was quick to file charges against her based on the complaint of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the same government ignored her own earlier petitions against Akpabio.
The charges, filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024, were brought following petitions by Akpabio and ex-Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, over remarks she allegedly made during a public address and a television interview.
Her arraignment on June 20 drew national attention, with many opposition figures alleging that the case was politically motivated.
She was granted bail on self-recognition after pleading not guilty.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025, is being prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar.
In her defence on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed preliminary objections before both the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal High Court, challenging the jurisdiction of the courts and insisting that the Attorney-General of the Federation has no locus standi to prosecute what she described as a private defamation case.
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Her legal team, led by four Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN); Dr. E. West-Idahosa (SAN); J.J. Usman (SAN); and M.J. Numa (SAN)—argued that the charges were “unconstitutional, frivolous, and designed to intimidate opposition voices.”
The defence further submitted exhibits showing that her comments fell within the ambit of public discourse and media commentary, noting that prosecuting her statements as crimes was inconsistent with democratic norms.
Her lawyers maintained that: “Defamation matters are inherently civil in nature and that attempting to criminalise them constitutes intimidation, suppresses free speech, and represents a misuse of the criminal justice system.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also accused the authorities of selective justice, alleging that while her petitions over threats to her life by the complainants were ignored, the same institutions hastily filed charges against her.
She contends that the disparity represents a violation of her constitutional rights, “particularly Section 42, and represents discriminatory prosecution because of my opposition political affiliation.”
The charges centre on her claim that Akpabio allegedly instructed Bello to have her killed in Kogi State—a statement she reportedly made at a public gathering in Ihima on April 4, 2025, and later repeated during a television interview.
READ ALSO:‘This Is Not Me’ – 2Baba Apologises To Wife Natasha, Children Over Controversial Comments
Prosecutors say the remarks were false, malicious, and capable of inciting violence, endangering lives, and breaching public order.
Her defence team has urged the courts to dismiss the charges at the preliminary stage, warning that allowing the matter to proceed would not only waste taxpayers’ resources but also undermine the credibility of the justice system.
Her strong pushback comes just hours after the Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned the matter to October 20, following an objection raised by her counsel, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN).
Meanwhile, a coalition of women’s rights organisations has taken the standoff between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate to the United Nations, accusing Senate leadership of gender-based discrimination.
In a formal complaint submitted on Monday to UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, the Womanifesto Network—representing more than 350 organisations—argued that the Senate’s actions breach Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women which the country ratified in 1985.
“This is about the integrity of our democracy. If a senator can be silenced for reporting harassment, what hope do ordinary women have?” asked the group’s convener, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.
READ ALSO:VIDEO: ‘I Want To See A Baby On My Next Visit’ – Mother-in-law Tells 2Face, Natasha
The complaint urges the UN to pressure Nigeria’s government and the Senate to comply with a Federal High Court ruling by reinstating Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately, and to establish an impartial investigation into her harassment claim.
Signatories to the petition include Amnesty International Nigeria, FIDA Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), and Stand to End Rape.
The activists warned that the Senate’s refusal to comply with the court order sends a dangerous signal to women in politics.
“This case shows that sexual harassment in politics isn’t just a personal violation—it’s a threat to women’s participation in governance,” the petition states.
As of press time, the UN Special Rapporteur’s office had not yet responded.
READ ALSO:Awujale Succession: Court Battle Begins Over Ruling House Leadership Crisis
Akpoti-Uduaghan went public on February 20 with allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio harassed her—claims Akpabio has strongly denied. Days later, the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee recommended a six-month suspension, citing breaches of parliamentary procedure.
The suspension stripped her of salary, security, and access to the chamber, drawing outrage from civil society groups who said the punishment was retaliatory and disproportionate.
On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension unconstitutional and ordered her reinstatement. But the Senate has blocked her return, arguing that the judgment contained no binding reinstatement order and remains “under litigation.”
Politics
Why I Visited Tinubu —Gov Fubara

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has revealed that he met President Bola Tinubu to officially inform him of his return after his suspension was lifted.
The governor, who was recently reinstated after six months of emergency rule in the state, was at the State House on Monday evening.
Addressing journalists shortly after the closed-door meeting, Fubara said he had a father-and-son discussion with the president on the way forward.
READ ALSO:Why I Refused To Challenge Emergency Rule – Fubara
According to him, he sought Tinubu’s advice on certain matters to prevent another round of crisis in the state.
He said, “You are aware that the suspension was lifted midnight, 17th and I resumed on the 19th. I’m here to tell Mr President that I’m back and have also resumed my responsibility as Governor of Rivers State.
“It was a father and son discussion, telling him thank you and the areas he should guide me properly, so we don’t have a crisis again.”
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