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Natasha’s appeal reveals court didn’t nullify suspension – Akpabio’s aide

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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.

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Trump administration cuts energy projects, freezes New York funding

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The Trump administration has announced plans to terminate dozens of clean energy projects and freeze billions of dollars for major projects in New York, intensifying a stand-off with Democrats over a US government shutdown.

US media outlets described the moves announced by the energy and transportation departments as part of the administration’s efforts to pressure Democrats in Congress to agree on a deal to end the shutdown.

US President Donald Trump had raced to enact hard-right policies even before the shutdown began after midnight on Tuesday, threatening mass firings and to slash government departments, and blaming Democrats for Congress’ failure to resolve a funding stand-off.

The Department of Energy announced on Thursday “the termination of 321 financial awards supporting 223 projects, resulting in a savings of approximately $7.56 billion for American taxpayers.”

It said in a statement that those projects — overseen by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and other bodies — “did not adequately advance the nation’s energy needs… and would not provide a positive return on investment of taxpayer dollars.”

However, recipients of federal funding have 30 days to appeal against a termination decision, and some have already begun the process, the statement said.

It did not list the projects in question.

In a post on social media platform X, Russell Vought, who heads the powerful Office of Management and Budget, called the slashed projects “Green New Scam funding” that was used to advance “the Left’s climate agenda”.

He listed the states affected by the decision. They include California, New York and 14 others — all blue states where Trump failed to win in the 2024 presidential elections.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration had decided to cancel “up to $1.2 billion” slated for a major hydrogen energy project, threatening tens of thousands of jobs.

“In Trump’s America, energy policy is set by the highest bidder, economics and common sense be damned,” Newsom said in a statement, vowing to keep pursuing a “clean energy strategy… no matter what DC tries to dictate.”

In New York — the home state of top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries — the Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday it was freezing nearly $18 billion in federal funding for two major infrastructure projects, the Second Avenue subway and Hudson Tunnel.

The move takes aim at diversity, equity and inclusion policies, according to the department’s statement, saying that subsidizing projects with “race- and sex-based contracting requirements… is unconstitutional, counter to civil rights laws, and a waste of taxpayer resources.”

The funds would be frozen until a “quick administrative review is complete,” it said.

“Thanks to the Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries shutdown, however, USDOT’s review of New York’s unconstitutional practices will take more time,” it added, saying that the department “has been forced to furlough the civil rights staff responsible for conducting this review.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said in a statement that halting funding for “critical infrastructure projects” was “political payback and an attack on New York.”

“Donald Trump has been clear: he is intent on using his reckless government shutdown to hurt the American people,” she said.

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Shettima returns to Abuja after attending UNGA, meetings in Germany

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and high-level engagements in Germany.

The vice president’s aircraft touched down at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of Thursday, where he was received by senior government officials.

During the week-long engagements, Shettima delivered the President’s national statement at the UNGA, calling for comprehensive reforms of the global body.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is being welcomed some government officials at the airport. Photo: State House

He also advocated Africa’s sovereignty over its estimated $700 billion mineral resources and strengthened Nigeria’s partnerships with the United Kingdom, the Gates Foundation, and other international stakeholders.

In New York, Shettima met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who commended Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

The vice president also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunities to global investors and assured members of the Nigerian diaspora of continued engagement in the Tinubu administration’s policies and programmes.

He later proceeded to Germany for further strategic meetings before returning to the country.

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Lagos unveils artisan certification to curb building collapse

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The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory has launched a new certification and training programme for artisans in the construction industry as part of efforts to stem the spate of building collapses in the state.

The initiative, known as the Certified Structural Integrated Programme, was unveiled at a stakeholders’ forum held in Ese-Offin and Badagry, where block moulders, bricklayers, concrete mixers, steel fabricators and welders converged to pledge support for safer construction practices.

In a statement on Thursday by the Lagos Government, General Manager of LSMTL, Olayinka Abdul, said the programme marked a decisive step in tackling recurring tragedies linked to substandard construction materials.

“Without artisans, there is no construction. But with you, we have the power to ensure every construction is safe, sound, and secure. We need to earnestly curb episodes of collapse in high-water-prone communities, and we do not want such in your community. It ends today,” he said.

According to the statement, the CSIP is a five-year assessment programme aimed at certifying construction materials as fit-for-purpose.

It will also produce an official directory of approved block moulders, concrete mixers and steel fabricators, to whom developers will be directed for supplies.

“This is not just about enforcement; it is about partnership and empowerment. Together, we can forge an unbreakable alliance that makes Lagos a model for building safety and integrity,” Abdul added.

Technical experts at the forum highlighted the scientific backing for the initiative. Director of the Soil and Geotechnics Unit, Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, stressed the need for mandatory soil tests before construction.

Similarly, Kayode Akinfeleye of the Technical Services Department advised builders to ensure architectural drawings are obtained and preserved, describing them as “a core requirement in the Lagos building process.”

Artisan guild leaders welcomed the initiative. Chairman of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Alhaji Fabiyi Oyeleke, described frequent collapses as “disheartening” and commended the forum as a step in the right direction.

On his part, Chairman of the Lagos State Bricklayers Association, Mr. Fashina Aro, noted the peculiarities of Lagos’s swampy terrain and urged all stakeholders to ensure materials and soil tests are completed before bricklayers commence work on any site.

Building collapse has been a persistent challenge in Lagos, with many lives lost and substantial property damage over the years.

In recent incidents, emergency responders have had to rescue workers from collapsed structures.

PUNCH Online reports that rescue teams pulled eight workers from the debris of a collapsed building in September.

Reports by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild show Lagos accounts for about 55% of recorded building collapse incidents in Nigeria over the past several decades.

In response, Lagos has taken steps to strengthen bodies like the Lagos State Building Control Agency, enhancing enforcement, monitoring, and regulation of building standards.

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