News
Natasha’s appeal reveals court didn’t nullify suspension – Akpabio’s aide
Aide to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Kenny Okolugbo, says Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s own court filings show that the judgment she is relying on to justify her return to the Senate did not nullify her suspension, contrary to the impression she has created in the media.
In a chat with reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Okolugbo pointed to Ground 23 of the senator’s appeal in the case Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors, arguing that it contradicts her public claim that she was reinstated by the Federal High Court.
Quoting from the document, Okolugbo said, “The learned trial judge erred in law… after rightly adjudging the suspension… as excessive… failed to expressly make a clear pronouncement to set aside and/or nullify same accordingly.”
According to him, this clearly shows that Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling did not invalidate the suspension.
“This means the court found the suspension excessive but stopped short of setting it aside. Her own appeal confirms this.
“Despite this, Senator Natasha returned to the Senate on July 22, declaring herself reinstated, a move Okolugbo described as a media stunt and deeply irresponsible.
“There was no official communication from the court to the Senate Clerk or leadership directing her reinstatement. Instead, she arrived at the National Assembly with cameras and supporters in what was clearly a staged spectacle,” he said.
He criticised the senator’s action as an attempt to manipulate public opinion and incite a media frenzy.
“The Senate is not a reality show. You don’t force your way into a constitutionally regulated chamber,” he added.
Okolugbo argued that if the court had indeed ordered her recall, the Senate would have followed its internal procedures: the Clerk would notify the Senate leadership, which would then deliberate before taking a decision.
He also addressed criticism of Senate President Akpabio, saying the suspension of Natasha was not personal but based on Senate rules and the Constitution.
“It followed due process under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and the Standing Orders,” he said.
On the way forward, Okolugbo revealed that the Senate had included a provision for her return: an apology for her February 20 conduct.
“All she needed to do was apologise publicly, and the suspension would have been lifted. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do so, but she refused.”
He maintained that her suspension did not affect legislative work in her Kogi Central constituency.
“Her bills, including one establishing the Federal Medical Centre in Ihima, moved forward during her absence,” he said.
Okolugbo warned that the situation could harm female political participation if left unchecked.
“Nigeria has only four female senators. When one weaponises gender and distorts the truth, it undermines real struggles and damages credibility,” he said.
He also accused some media outlets of sensationalism.
“Some journalists admitted they knew the facts but chose drama instead. We had kept quiet, but now that Ground 23 is public, it’s clear she lied.”
Okolugbo concluded that the matter could still be resolved if Senator Natasha retracts her claims and apologises.
“But if she continues on this path, the legal process will take its full course,” he said.
FOLLOW US ON:
News
Beautiful and Well Equipped Medical Health Centre Built by Atanda Lawal in Obalende/Ikoyi Local Government Area
This is what another local government chairman has done in Obalende with his own increased allocations paid directly to him.
This is the result of the new social reorder; place the money for development in the hands of the authorities closer to the everyday people.
Tinubu has done his own, and if you cannot ask your individual local authorities what they have done with their allocations, that is your own irresponsibility as a citizen.
Remember, the amount each of the 774 authorities receive is published every month for all eyes to see.
Grassroot developments have begun, and it will only get better with time.
No more na governor chop money.
Hold your governors and LG chairmen by the neck.
They must deliver EVERYTHING IS NOT TINUBU !!!
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and welfare of National Youth Service Corps members posted to the state, assuring them of a peaceful and enabling environment throughout their service year.
Our correspondent reports that no fewer than 940 corps members took the oath of allegiance marking their formal admission into the mandatory three-week orientation course.
The governor made the pledge on Friday, during the formal swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members held at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, Government Science Technical College, Amada, in Akko Local Government Area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development / Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board, Inuwa Ibrahim welcomed the corps members to the “Jewel in the Savannah.
Governor Yahaya described Gombe as a “safe haven,” stressing that his administration places high priority on youth development, peace, and security.
“We guarantee a conducive working environment for your activities and programmes during your service year,” he said. “Let me assure you of our unwavering commitment to your welfare, security, and general well-being.”
The governor, who congratulated the new corps members on their successful academic journey and induction into national service, advised them to take the orientation course seriously, as it lays the foundation for a purposeful service year.
“The orientation course is designed to introduce you to the objectives of the NYSC. I urge you to participate actively and take advantage of the teachings and training to develop your potential,” he stated.
Yahaya encouraged the corps members to integrate into their host communities and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state.
“As you serve in Gombe, I encourage you to be part of our developmental efforts and help in empowering the youth. Your predecessors left positive footprints, and it’s our collective responsibility to continue building on that legacy,” he added.
The governor also commended the NYSC scheme for promoting national unity over the past 50 years and appreciated partner agencies and stakeholders for their continued support of the scheme in the state.
He concluded by declaring the orientation course officially open and wished the corps members a fruitful, impactful, and incident-free service year.
FOLLOW US ON:
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has called off its warning strike, the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, announced on Friday.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting in Abuja, Pate said the decision followed agreements reached between the government and the association’s leadership.
However, union leaders declined to speak to the press after the meeting.
Nurses and midwives under the association had begun a nationwide warning strike on July 29 over unmet demands, including improved welfare, fair allowances, and better working conditions in federal health institutions.
The strike, which affected public health institutions across the country, was scheduled to last until August 5.
The union’s National Chairman, Morakinyo Rilwan, had previously accused the Federal Government of failing to engage with the association during the 15-day ultimatum issued on July 14.
“As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it.
“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time,” Rilwan had said.
The association is demanding an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, implementation of a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the creation of a dedicated nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health.
Rilwan had also said the decision to embark on the strike was driven by widespread frustration among members over years of neglect.
FOLLOW US ON:
-
Education1 week agoHow A Class Of 24 Students Produced 2 Presidents, 4 Governors, 2 Ministers, 4 Emirs, 3 Justices, 4 Ambassadors and Other Influential Leaders
-
News2 weeks ago‘Sleeping Prince’ of Saudi Arabia dies after 20 years in coma
-
News2 weeks agoWhy Do You Continue To Lie Against Your Motherland? Presidency Calls Out Kemi Badenoch
-
News6 days agoLagos belongs to no tribe – Sowore kicks against renaming of Charly Boy Bus Stop, others
-
Lifestyle1 week agoPeople Who Abandon Their Heritage Do So At Their Own Peril – Gani Adams Warns
-
Politics2 weeks ago‘If I don’t give you electricity, don’t vote for me again’ – ADC reminds Tinubu of failed promise
-
News6 days agoYou can’t lie about your country and then we keep quiet – Dabiri-Erewa slams Kemi Badenoch over claim on Nigerian citizenship
-
Lifestyle6 days agoActor Odunlade Adekola has sadly lost his father