Politics

Natasha: Kogi Central ‘Constituents’ Vow To Proceed With Recall, To Re-present Petition

Published

4 months ago

April 3, 2025

Constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State have thanked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for validating 208,132 (43.86 per cent) signatures in the petition submitted for the recall of the suspended lawmaker representing the District in the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The constituents, who are registered voters of Kogi Central, noted that, though they had mobilised more than the 50 per cent plus one threshold of registered voters and submitted their petition with full documentation, the validation of 43.86 per cent by the Commission still confirmed that Kogi Central constituents have abandoned the embattled Senator.

“Apparently, INEC cancelled not less than 35,000 signatures at the administrative stage,” the constituents said, while reacting to a press statement on the recall process issued by the electoral umpire on Thursday.

But, in a statement on Thursday, signed by Salihu Habib, on behalf of the petitioners, the constituents insisted that there was no going back on their resolve to bring the Kogi Senator back home.

“We will liaise with INEC within the full ambits of the Constitution and regulations to demand for transparency in the handling of our petition. We have utmost confidence in the Commission not to subject the recall process to ambiguity or administrative opacity,” the constituents said.

They expressed their gratitude to INEC for proving naysayers, who queried the authenticity of their figures, wrong.

“We thank INEC for making it clear that the bulk of the people of Kogi Central are behind us and that we did not import a crowd like a desperate, embattled lawmaker,” they said.

The petitioners insisted that the recall of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan “for misconduct and divisiveness” was non-negotiable.

They said, “We are firm in our resolve to restore dignified and collaborative representation to Kogi Central Senatorial District. We will no longer indulge someone who will do and say anything just to remain politically relevant.

“The whole of Nigeria watched her deceptive rally last Tuesday where she openly made comments capable of setting, not just Kogi State, but Nigeria ablaze.

“How can any patriotic Nigerian accuse other parts of the country of sabotaging Kogi State/the North because LNG plants are sited here? How can a responsible Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria try to pitch the North against the South?”

“We will pursue all lawful and constitutional means to ensure our voices are heard and respected. After God, power belongs to the people,” the constituents declared.

Politics

PHOTOS: Kwankwaso Welcomes APC Defectors Into NNPP

Published

10 hours ago

July 25, 2025

Editor

Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has welcomed thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into his party in Kano State.

Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, disclosed this on Friday via his official X handle, noting that the event was held at his residence in Kano.

He further stated that the NNPP’s growing political influence and distinguished leadership style in Kano continue to attract new members, encouraging others to join without hesitation.

“Yesterday was a momentous occasion, as I received thousands of defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) into the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP),” he stated.

“Speaking during the event at my residence in Kano, I welcomed the new members into our party and I promised them equitable treatment and cooperation.

“The distinguished leadership style in Kano and our political leadership keep attracting more people into our fold, and I encourage those considering joining to do so without any hesitation.”

See photos below:

Politics

Lawmaker Wants Bill Banning Public Servants’ Children From Private Schools To Include Politicians

Published

11 hours ago

July 25, 2025

Editor

Rep. Kayode Akiolu (APC- Lagos ) says he will support a bill that will ban children of public servants from attending private schools, if it includes politicians.

The lawmaker said that such a bill should make everybody put in their best interests for national development.

He made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos.

Akiolu represents the Lagos Island II constituency of Lagos state in the 10th National Assembly.

NAN recalls that the House of Representatives passed for first reading, a bill seeking to prohibit public and civil servants, including their immediate families, from patronising private schools and healthcare facilities in Nigeria.

The bill was sponsored by Mr Godwin Ogah, lawmaker representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia.

Akiolu said: “First things first, I hold a balanced view; what I mean is a balanced view on both sides.

“We are creating a democratic country, which is open, freedom of association, and freedom of movement.

“However, on the other side, it is presently a proposed bill; maybe the benefit of the bill is to make sure that civil servants put in all the best.

“Also, if I am to support the bill, I would also want it to include all public servants, which includes us, the politicians.”

According to him, that is when the country’s education will be top-notch, world-class, saying, “Because my child is there, the Bank Secretary’s child is there, the President’s child is there.

“We have nowhere but our country. If they amend it to include children of politicians, I am in support 100 per cent,“ he said.

He said that the support also included visiting the country’s hospitals, saying the nation’s healthcare required investing in, to arrest medical tourism.

“We need to go back to the good old days when Saudi Arabia and some other countries sent their people to Nigeria, including the Saudi royal family.

“In the 60s, and 70s, the Saudi royal family were coming to invest in Ibadan to get treatment. Later, there was a brain drain, and they decided to take our doctors over to Saudi Arabia, in the 80s and mid-90s.

“There is always a reversal; the way people go to India, and different countries of the world, is the way they will start coming to Nigeria.

“So, I think its high time we looked inwards, into our country, “ Akiolu said.

Politics

JUST IN: Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, Others In Attendance As APC Holds Crucial NEC Meeting

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu is currently attending the 14th National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, taking place at the State House in Abuja.

The meeting, which commenced at about 2:10 pm, has in attendance members of the party’s NEC, including governors, former governors and leaders of the National Assembly.

Some other ranking and foundation members of the party are also part of the NEC.

Besides Tinubu, others participating in the ongoing meeting include Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

Also in attendance are the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, PGF, and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as several other governors.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the acting National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori, are also present.