News

Natasha: You’re A Fool’ – Senator, Ezekwesili Trade Insults At Hearing

Published

4 months ago

March 25, 2025

There was a heated exchange between Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, senator representing Ebonyi North, and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, during a senate hearing on Tuesday.

The clash occurred at the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions hearing on a fresh petition submitted by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Ezekwesili was present at the hearing alongside Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the chief petitioner from Kogi Central, Zubairu Yakubu.

Trouble started when the petitioner urged the Chairman of the Committee, Neda Imasuen, to step down in the case following the ‘controversial’ manner in which he had so far handled the alleged sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio.

“How can the chairman serve as a judge in a case where he has already publicly taken a position? What is the need for us to present our case when a verdict has already been given before hearing us?” Yakubu questioned.

He further alleged that some committee members had pre-existing ties to Akpabio, which he said compromised their ability to be neutral.

His remarks angered some lawmakers, who accused him of attempting to undermine the committee’s credibility.

Ezekwesili also came under fire for what they saw as her insistence on forcing herself into the proceedings.

However, Ezekwesili insisted on being heard out.

She said, “I asked to be put on oath as a witness. I am a citizen of Nigeria.”

This led to a heated argument with Nwaebonyi, who lashed out at her, saying, “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.”

Ezekwesili called him a “hooligan,” further escalating the altercation.

The verbal battle momentarily disrupted the hearing before order was restored.

After the tension was doused, the legislator representing Imo West, Senator Patrick Ndubueze appealed for calm before addressing the committee.

“We should stop behaving like people in the marketplace. This is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is sad to hear you (petitioner) say you don’t have confidence in the Senate. What it means is that not everybody here is trustworthy.

“Yes, we are all citizens of this country. But here, you must be recognised before you speak. That is the rule. We cannot just jump to answer questions because you are a petitioner. This is a Standing Committee,” he said.

However, Imasuen adjourned the hearing indefinitely following observations that both Akpabio’s wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan have a case in court and the absence of the Kogi lawmaker to defend her allegation.

Addressing journalists after the hearing, Ezekwesili described the Senate’s approach as a gross violation of the Nigerian Constitution and legal framework.

She criticised the committee’s insistence on prioritising Senate rules over constitutional provisions, particularly in cases involving disciplinary actions and petitions.

“The Nigerian Senate keeps telling citizens they are subject to Senate rules, even when those rules violate the Constitution. This is unacceptable in a democracy,” Ezekwesili stated.

She also referenced the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, arguing that it was carried out without due regard for constitutional provisions.

“The Senate placed its own rules above the laws of the land. Now, with this petitioner, they have done the same thing—using procedural loopholes to avoid addressing critical issues,” she said.

She added, “If a petitioner says they do not believe the Senate committee will give them a fair hearing due to clear bias, it is only just that an independent body reviews the matter.”

She also warned that the Senate’s actions could set a dangerous precedent where internal rules override the Constitution.

“The Senate must respect the Constitution. Otherwise, we risk turning our democracy into a system where powerful individuals manipulate processes to silence opposition and suppress justice,” she said.

News

Delta Community King Joins His Ancestors

Published

32 minutes ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

The traditional ruler of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, also known as the Ohworode of Olomu, has passed away.

The official announcement was made at the royal palace in Ovwor-Olomu by the kingdom’s spokesperson, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), who was joined by members of the Olomu Traditional Council and the late king’s family.

As part of the tradition, the announcement was accompanied by cultural rites, including a performance from Ema dancers and the firing of 21 cannon shots to symbolise the king’s journey to the afterlife.

Following customs, all markets within the kingdom are to remain shut, and no burial or marriage ceremonies will take place during the mourning period. Shops may only open partially.

A one-month mourning period has been declared, from July 12 to August 12, 2025.

During this time, all chiefs of the Olomu Kingdom are required to wear black armbands on their left arms and are not allowed to wear the traditional red Olomu chieftaincy cap, as a sign of respect for the late king.

In remembrance, a five-minute silence was held to honour the monarch, who began his reign on May 20, 2023.

News

After Media Reports Of Locking Out Supporters From Govt House, Okpebholo Hits Security Personnel

Published

1 hour ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the probe and immediate redeployment of security personnel, including the Camp Commandant at government for allegedly preventing jubilant supporters from accessing the government house during the Supreme Court victory celebrations.

Recall that on Friday, July 11, 2025, INFO DAILY reported that jubilant supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) trekked from the airport while the governor was on motorcade, but unfortunately they (supporters ) were prevented from entering the Edo State Government House after governor went in.

INFO DAILY also reports that efforts to convince the security personnel to grant the jubilant supporters access to the government house were abortive as they (security personnel) insisted that it was order from above.

This made many of the supporters felt disappointed as the grumbled to their different designations with insults on the authorities.

But in a shift reaction to the incident, Okpebholo said such an order did not originate from him, describing the action as unacceptable and inconsistent with his leadership style.

the governor who said the action does not reflect his values, noted, “I will never knowingly authorize any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press”.

He said as a governor elected by the people, he remains committed to openness, inclusion, and respect for every stakeholder.

Okpebholo, however, constituted an investigative committee to identify all those involved in the unfortunate incident.

He noted that the exclusion of invited guests and supporters was not only unauthorized but also in complete contradiction to the spirit of the celebration.

He emphasized that he remains a people-focused and accessible leader who holds the media and supporters in the highest regard, assuring that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action,

He warned that his administration would not tolerate acts that seek to ridicule or alienate the very people who stood by him.

News

Edo Deputy Governor, Others, bags Africa Peace Icon Award In Rwanda

Published

3 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa (Right) receiving the award.

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has been recognised as one of the 100 most notable peace icons in Africa.

Idahosa was honored alongside other prominent Nigerians and Africans at the recently concluded 100 most notable Africans leadership and business summit held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The event celebrated individuals recognised as the “100 most notable peace icons in Africa” for their impactful contributions to nation-building and peace promotion across the continent.

Other notable awardees included Umar Namadi, the governor of Jigawa state, Imane Kendili, the chief executive officer (CEO) of African Global Health in Morocco; Nicaise Ndembi, regional director at the Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine; and Ibrahim Zanna.

The list of honourees also featured personalities such as Mthuli Ncube, Pedzai Scott Pakupwanya, Torhile A. Uchi, and Angel Nationota, among others.

Kingsley Amafibe, project director for Africa for the awards, said the recognition was to encourage recipients to continue leveraging their platforms to foster peace and development in Africa.

Amafibe said the continent’s progress depends heavily on peace and stability, urging collective efforts to strengthen unity and brotherhood.

The awards attracted a diverse group of leaders from various sectors, including politics, academia, health, and business.