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Why Ex-Akwa Ibom REC, Igini Was Reluctant To Meet Akpabio At NBA Conference Revealed

Published

1 year ago

September 1, 2024

Editor

Amidst the backlash that has greeted the statement from the Office of the President of the Senate over the meeting between Senator Godswill Akpabio and former Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mike Igini at the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Conference in Lagos, a legal luminary, Shola Akerele, has explained that the former INEC REC was reluctant to meet with the President of the Senate when he was beckoned upon.

Recall that the media aide to the President of the Senate, Jackson Udom, had in a scathing statement insinuated how Igini made efforts to truncate Akpabio’s election victory in 2023.

The statement partly read: “It would be recalled that Igini presided over the 2019 elections in Akwa Ibom State. He ordered the results of the Senatorial election of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, to be taken to Uyo for declaration of the winner against the Electoral Act.

“Igini, presided over the declaration of the results after the figures were cancelled and results sheets mutilated in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“The former Akwa Ibom INEC chief before, during and after the 2023 general elections was involved in another attempt to truncate Akpabio’s efforts at returning to the Red Chambers by recognizing a faction of the party.

“It took the pronouncement of the Supreme Court for Akpabio to be recognized as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.

“Despite all the landmines on Akpabio’s way to the Senate, the will of the people of Akwa Ibom North West, finally prevailed when he was declared the winner of the Senatorial contest in a landslide victory and subsequently elected the President of the 10th Senate.”

The statement did not go down well with some of the lawyers that were at the NBA Conference that witnessed what happened.

They claimed that the statement from the Senate President office was written in bad faith and meant to impinge on the integrity of a man that was adjudged to be upright in the discharge of his duties as INEC Commissioner.

Barrister Akerele, who reacted to the picture taken by the President of the Senate and Igini and the purported reconciliatory meeting by the duo, said there was nothing like reconciliatory meeting as was insinuated in some quarters.

According to him, “The recent photograph capturing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Resident Electoral Commissioner Barr. Mike Igini, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Barr. Solomon Umoh at the NBA Conference in Lagos has stirred a whirlwind of interpretations across social media.

“Various narratives, often laden with political undertones, have surface, some symbolizing reconciliation, others suggesting political maneuvering. Yet, most of these interpretations lack the credibility of firsthand experience.

“As someone who was present at the event and seated close to Barr. Mike Igini, I offer a detailed and factual account of the circumstances surrounding this photograph, particularly shedding light on Barr. Mike Igini’s visible reluctance to oblige the request in the first instance.”

Continuing, he said, “Amidst this atmosphere, Akpabio began exchanging pleasantries with dignitaries seated nearby, his laughter punctuating the ongoing session.

“It was during this time that Barr. Solomon Umoh, who had previously engaged in legal battles with Akpabio, caught his attention. The two exchanged cordial greetings, a sight that caught the attention of many in the hall.

“Umoh, in a surprising turn on the request of Akpabio who apparently had been told that Barr. Mike lgini was seated close by sought to meet him. Solomon Umoh SAN beckoned Barr. Mike Igini. I clearly heard Umoh convey Akpabio’s request for a photograph.

“Igini, ever the epitome of professional decorum, hesitated and it was those of us seated close to him that appealed to him not to shun him.

“His reluctance was evident as he slowly approached the spot where Akpabio and Umoh were standing waiting for him. It was clear to those observing that Igini was uncomfortable with the situation.

“His reluctance was not rooted in animosity, but in an understanding of the optics and implications of such an image, especially considering Akpabio’s penchant for leveraging public appearances for personal gain. Now we know better why lgini was reluctant.

“Despite his reservations, Igini obliged out of respect for the office of the Senate President, a gesture of courtesy rather than camaraderie. The photograph was taken, and within hours, it became fodder for social media speculation.

“The narrative quickly spun out of control, with the image being touted as a symbol of reconciliation—a gross misrepresentation of the actual events. Igini’s fears were realized as the photograph was used to paint Akpabio in a light of unwarranted sanctity, twisting a moment of professional courtesy into a political tool.”

He further said, “The truth of the matter is that Igini’s presence in that photograph was a product of circumstance, respect for the senior lawyers and judges on the second roll that lgini was seated that appealed to him and not a matter of choice.

“His reluctance and the eventual use of the image highlight the manipulative tendencies of political actors who seek to exploit even the smallest gestures for their gain.

“As an eyewitness, it is crucial to correct the record: Igini’s involvement was nothing more than an act of professional respect, not an endorsement or a sign of reconciliation given that lgini had publicly stated severally that he has no personal issue with Akpabio or anyone but only carry out a public duty as an Umpire who must be above board like julius ceaser’s wife.

“Thus, the narrative being spun around by one character Jackson Udom, the media aide to Senator Godswill Akpabio about the photograph is a disservice to truth and to the integrity of these personalities especially Igini, a man that overwhelming majority of Nigerians continue to applaud and attest to his unquestionable integrity and votary for due electoral process.

“The facts of how both Senator Akpabio and Ahmed Lawan two whom were presidential aspirants that participated in a convention on June and stepped down but suddenly won a senatorial contest that took place much earlier in May endorsed by a corrupt supreme Court are well known to Nigerians.

“No amount of lies and revisionism can change what Nigerians know about what happened. But for lgini’s unwavering commitment and doggeddnes in August 2014, Governor Rauf Aregbeshola would have been rigged out in lfe south base of his opponent Senator lyola Omisore.”
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Related Topics:#Godswill Akpabio Mike Igini

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Eating Takeout Food Often May Increase Heart Disease Risk — Study

Published

2 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Research suggests that higher takeout food consumption may increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, like heart disease.

In a new study, published in Food Science & Nutrition, researchers said eating takeout food too often can influence systemic inflammation that underlies much cardiovascular disease.

The study of over eight thousand people in the 2009 to 2018 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that those who eat greater amounts of takeout food are likely to have various elevated risk factors for heart disease.

They were interviewed in their homes and also visited a mobile examination centre, where they recalled their food intake, received cardiometabolic health assessments, and had blood collected.

Mammograms may predict heart disease risk in women — Study

The researchers found a correlation between the amount of takeout food a person consumes and their likelihood of developing chronic low-level inflammation, a key driver of cardiovascular pathology.

Deaths from cardiovascular disease and the consumption of takeout foods are both on the rise, and while that does not prove a causal relationship, the study explores whether there is a connection between the two.

The study tracked degrees of systemic inflammation according to the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), a scale that quantifies the risk of inflammation related to the intake of specific dietary substances.

The three major takeaways from the analysis included that a higher level of takeout food consumption corresponded to an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile consisting of lower HDL, as well as higher triglycerides, fasting glucose, serum insulin, and insulin resistance.

Jayne Morgan, MD, cardiologist and Vice President of Medical Affairs in a reaction, who was not involved in the study, explained that “Takeout food raises the cardiovascular risk not because of one ingredient, but because of a predictable combination of nutrients, additives, and preparation methods that adversely affect blood pressure, lipids, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and endothelial function.”

“This includes excess sodium that increases blood volume and blood vessel stiffness, and unhealthy fats, usually saturated fats or trans fats, that increase cholesterol level and atherosclerosis, a condition that can lead to heart attack and stroke.”

Michelle Routhenstein, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian at Entirely Nourished, also not involved in this study, declared, “It is also important to recognise that frequent takeout use often reflects broader lifestyle pressures such as demanding schedules, limited access to cooking resources, irregular meals, and disrupted sleep, all of which can quietly compound cardiovascular risk.”

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How To Identify Fake Kiss Condoms In Circulation

Published

2 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has recently warned Nigerians about the circulation of counterfeit Kiss brand condoms in major markets across the country.

Contents
Original DKT Kiss condoms
Fake Kiss condoms

In a public alert published on its website recently and referenced as Public Alert No. 042/2025, the agency said the warning followed information received from DKT International Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation involved in contraceptive social marketing and HIV/AIDS prevention.

NAFDAC stated, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is notifying the public about the sale and distribution of fake Kiss condoms in various Nigerian markets.

“The information was received from the MAH-DKT International Nigeria, a leading non-governmental organisation focused on contraceptive social marketing. Its mission is to provide Nigerians with affordable and safe options for family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention.

“The fake Kiss condoms have been reported to be found in Onitsha Market, Idumota Market, Trade Fair Market, and various markets in Kano, Abuja, Uyo, Gombe, Enugu, and others.”

Kiss condom is a brand of male latex condoms designed to offer sexual protection, including the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis.

To help consumers avoid counterfeit products, NAFDAC outlined key differences between original and fake Kiss condoms.

Original DKT Kiss condoms
The original product comes in a light red box pack with clear instructions printed on the lower part of the pack, including single-use warnings and storage and caution information. The box contains detailed medical device information, including MDSS GmbH, Germany, and a complete Nigerian address at Isolo Industrial Layout, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

The condom pack is light red, with the word “Kiss” closely written on six lines. The wallet outer pack is lighter red, carries the Oshodi-Apapa address, manufacturer details, and a clear product description beside the condom image. The hidden flap includes revision dates, medical device details, and caution information, while the wallet inner contains detailed instructions and eight bullet points under important notes.

The original condom is large, oval-shaped, well-lubricated, and has a large teat end for semen collection.

Fake Kiss condoms
In contrast, fake Kiss condoms come in darker-coloured box packs with little or no additional information. Some boxes are plain white inside and lack condom images. The address is wrongly listed as 42, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos, while the manufacturer’s address is incomplete or missing. Storage and caution information is absent.

The condom pack is darker, with “Kiss” loosely written on five lines and wide spacing. The condom strip is longer than the original. The wallet outer pack is also darker red, carries incorrect or missing addresses, lacks colour wave designs, and shows inconsistencies in barcode lines. Medical device and caution information are missing, and the hidden flap contains no details.

Inside the wallet, information is summarised with only six bullet points. The fake condom is thinner, round-shaped, less lubricated, and has a smaller teat end.
(TRIBUNE)

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Lagos: Police Arrest 14 Suspected Traffic Robbers On Lekki-Epe Expressway

Published

2 days ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

Fourteen persons suspected to be involved in traffic-related robbery have been arrested at various points along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos over the past two weeks.

The arrests were confirmed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, via a post on her official X handle, @AbimbolaShotayo.

According to her, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Squad based in Elemoro carried out the operations that led to the suspects’ apprehension.

She explained that the arrests followed sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing criminal activities associated with traffic congestion and improving the safety of motorists and other road users along the busy corridor.

Adebisi noted that the development reflects the Command’s determination to strengthen security and uphold law and order on the Lekki-Epe axis, adding that the Tactical Squad has continued to proactively identify crime-prone areas and respond swiftly to threats posed by criminal elements.

She called on residents and commuters to support police efforts by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing and detecting crime.

“Security is a shared responsibility. Members of the public are encouraged to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station,” she said.

The police spokesperson further reassured residents and road users of the Command’s commitment to maintaining aggressive patrols and security operations to protect lives and property in the area.

She reiterated the Command’s community policing message, “See Something, Say Something,” stressing the importance of cooperation between the police and the public in sustaining peace and security.