Spotlights
Natasha: Senate breaks silence over court order; what she must do – Spokesperson
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, has given conditions based on which the Red Chamber would reinstate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Adaramodu who reacted to the ruling of a Federal High Court on the matter, made it clear that the Red Chamber would not immediately reinstate senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, until she apologises as directed by court.
Adaramodu said that the court judgment did not override the Senate’s constitutional powers to discipline its members.
In March, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged gross misconduct, following her face-off with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over the sitting arrangement.
Tensions intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan, on national television, accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
The Peoples Democratic Party senator submitted a petition to the Senate, alleging that she was sexually harassed by Akpabio, an allegation the Senate President had since denied.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, challenged her suspension in court.
Delivering her judgment on the matter, Justice Nyako faulted the provision of chapter eight of the Senate Standing Rules as well as Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act, declaring both as overreaching.
The court stressed that the two legislations failed to specify the maximum period that a serving lawmaker could be suspended from office.
Justice Nyako stated that while the Senate had the authority to discipline its members, such disciplinary actions must not strip citizens of representation in the National Assembly.
She noted that since the Senate was constitutionally required to sit for only 181 days in a legislative year, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 180-day suspension amounted to denying the people of Kogi Central effective participation in national governance.
“The court is not saying that the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member. However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament,” Justice Nyako ruled.
The court, however, found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt over a satirical apology she posted on her Facebook page on April 27.
Justice Nyako held that after reviewing the post and the application before her instituted by the third respondent, she was satisfied that it was linked to the suspension matter before the court and therefore found the plaintiff guilty of contempt.
The judge ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish an apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days. She also imposed a fine of N5million.
Responding to a question, Adaramodu said: “Which judgment are we appealing when they (court) said the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members?
“The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator.
“It was established that the senator in question erred. The court has already told her to go and do some things, like restitution, so after the restitution, the Senate will now sit again and consider the content of that restitution, and that will inform our next line of action.”
According to Senator Adaramodu, the Senate would only reconvene to deliberate on the matter after Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had complied with the court’s directives.
“The onus is no more on us now; it is already on her doorstep to go and apologise. Once she does that, then the Senate will sit and determine how to deal with her matter.
“The first reaction now will not be from us. The court has ruled, so once she takes the step to redress and does what the court has directed her to do, then the Senate will sit and look at the content of her reaction as prescribed by the court,” he said.
Addressing journalists after the judgment, the Counsel to the Senate, Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial victory for the Senate, particularly on the issue of civil contempt arising from social media posts made during the case.
Dauda said: “The first application filed by the Senate, that no social media posts should have been made, was decided in our favour. The court directed that the satirical apology be taken down and that a proper apology be published in two national dailies. Additionally, damages of N5million were awarded to be paid to the court.”
On the substantive ruling regarding the suspension, Dauda noted that the Senate’s authority to discipline its members was not in dispute.
“It appears the court affirmed that the Senate, as an institution, has the right to discipline its members. While members are elected to represent constituencies, they are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Senate’s standing rules,” he said.
He explained that the court did not order Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement but merely suggested that the Senate could consider recalling her.
“There was no relief asking for the suspension to be lifted. The judge only made what we call an obiter dictum, a non-binding remark, that the suspension may have been excessive. We will consult with our colleagues, read the full judgment, and respond accordingly,” he added.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi has said that the Federal Government is ready to negotiate the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Umahi said Kanu’s release should not be used as a condition for any form of political support.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Friday, the Minister said the release of Kanu should not be used as a bait for the support of President Bola Tinubu by the people of the Southeast region.
“Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President.
“We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there,” Umahi said.
According to Umahi, the IPOB leader’s release would come through divine intervention and dialogue with the appropriate authorities.
“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right. Look at where he picked up the economy from.
“The international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are getting support for our projects,” Umahi said.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched a blistering verbal attack on veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, questioning his credibility and recounting personal anecdotes meant to discredit the Ovation Magazine publisher.
Wike, who is known for his no-holds-barred style of political engagement, made the scathing remarks in response to Dele Momodu’s recent criticisms of his political maneuverings and conduct in national discourse. Momodu had taken to various platforms to question Wike’s style of governance and political allegiances, accusing him of playing double standards in the evolving dynamics of the opposition landscape.
In a fiery rebuttal, Wike declared: “Dele Momodu does not have any credibility. He came to my house and stayed for some weeks. When he’s eating, food will be falling down from one side of his mouth.”
Wike’s comments, laced with mockery and disdain, appeared designed to publicly humiliate the respected journalist and undermine his moral standing. The minister’s comments are already making waves across the political and media circles, sparking fresh controversy around the FCT Minister’s confrontational rhetoric.
This outburst adds to the growing list of public figures Wike has confronted head-on, further cementing his image as a political strongman who spares no words when responding to dissent.
Observers have described Wike’s attack as both personal and unnecessary, noting that the dispute could have been addressed through more civil and policy-focused dialogue rather than character assassination.
Meanwhile, Dele Momodu is yet to issue a formal response to Wike’s statement, but insiders suggest that he may address the issue in his next column or media appearance.
As the drama unfolds, Nigerians are once again reminded of the widening gulf between political actors and public commentators, where personal relationships often give way to brutal political vendettas.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has denied joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Naija News, Adeleke reaffirmed his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall that rumours had emerged on Friday after claiming that the Osun state governor has concluded plans to dump the PDP and contest for his re-election in the APC.
But in a statement to Naija News on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke noted with concern the widespread rumour.
He reassured his supporters and admirers that he remains a member of the PDP and the leader of the party in the state.
Governor Adeleke, who restated his preoccupation with the implementation of the administration’s five point agenda, urged Osun people to ignore fake news, promising more delivery of good governance and democratic dividends.
“I assure the good people of Osun that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party”, the governor was quoted as clarifying.
Governor Adeleke, alongside his elder brother Deji Adeleke and Afrobeats star David Adeleke, also known as Davido, had recently met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos State residence some weeks back.
Former Interior Minister and Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has appealed to party supporters to refrain from engaging in any form of altercation with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a post shared on his X account on Friday, the former Osun State Governor urged supporters of the coalition-backed party not to fight, attack, or insult anyone, but to challenge them with facts about the state of the country.
”I sincerely thank our supporters and members of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, who came out to receive me on my arrival in Lagos.
”The task before us is immense, and I reminded everyone that we do not need to fight, insult, or attack anyone. When others resort to abuse or name-calling, we must rise above it. Instead, ask them one simple question: Are Nigerians better off today than they were before?
”Challenge them with facts – on food inflation, the economy, the rising cost of living, and the deepening poverty affecting millions. Let our debates remain focused on the issues that matter.
”Articulate our position clearly and confidently. Explain why our new political home, the ADC, represents a credible and necessary alternative for Nigeria’s progress and long-term sustainability,” he said
Aregbesola was once a political ally of President Bola Tinubu, a relationship that dates back to 1999 when Tinubu was governor of Lagos State. They fell apart in 2022 when Tinubu’s nephew, Gboyega Oyetola, who succeeded Aregbesola, was running for a second term in Osun State on the platform of the APC.
Aregbesola’s political group, ‘Omoluabi’, failed to support Oyetola’s candidacy, but rallied behind Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Consequently, Oyetola lost his re-election bid to Adeleke.
At least five serving governors are expected to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), now the platform for Nigeria’s newly formed opposition coalition, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It is understood that the ADC is leveraging the internal crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to attract aggrieved governors.
According to one source, a former senator from Katsina State, five governors from the PDP have already given their word but are waiting for what he described as “the end of Wike’s drama in the PDP” before making public moves. He added that discussions with some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors also began as far back as a year ago, and those talks are still active.
The source said, “Five PDP governors have given us their commitment; they are going to join us, but they want to see the end of Wike’s drama in the PDP. Hopefully, we will meet them by the end of their next convention and review things.
“What people don’t know is that some of the governors, including those in the APC, are supporting us. We started this coalition planning 18 months ago, and some APC governors were contacted about a year ago. So, they are with us, but I won’t tell you any names.”
Another source close to one of the coalition leaders, a former governor, confirmed that conversations are ongoing with seven governors across party lines and regions. While declining to reveal names, the source said the governors are from both northern and southern parts of the country and are being carefully engaged to avoid political backlash.
“Why are you interested in knowing the governors we’re talking to? You want us to put everything we’re doing on the pages of a newspaper? No! But I can tell you that we are talking to seven governors, and they are from the southern and northern parts of the country,” the source said.
The move comes just days after key opposition leaders—including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Senate President David Mark—publicly adopted the ADC as the platform for the coalition that aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
At a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, David Mark was announced as the Interim National Chairman of the ADC, while former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, was named Interim Secretary.
The launch of the coalition was attended by major political figures from both the APC and PDP. Former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi were among those who renounced their membership of the APC and pledged allegiance to the ADC. From the PDP, former National Chairman Uche Secondus, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, and former governors of Jigawa, Cross River, Benue, Imo, Niger, and Ebonyi States—Sule Lamido, Liyel Imoke, Gabriel Suswam, Emeka Ihedioha, Babangida Aliyu, and Sam Egwu—have also joined the coalition.
Labour Party senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, was also present at the unveiling event.
Asked to comment on the governors expected to join the movement, the immediate past National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, declined to offer details, saying the matter was “top secret” and would not be made public at this stage.
“That is a top-secret matter. You can’t hear it from me. If you ask about other matters regarding the coalition, you are very welcome,” he said.
The developments come just weeks after Dr. Sani Dawop, an ADC chieftain in Plateau State, revealed in an interview with Trust TV that six to seven APC governors were already quietly funding the opposition coalition in protest against the direction of the Tinubu-led administration.
“There are a lot of issues happening, and even within the APC, there are those who are not happy with the way things are going,” Dawop had said.
The Rivers State Women Association of Nigeria (RIVSWAN) has condemned what it described as an “unwarranted and malicious attack” by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against former First Lady of Rivers State, Dame Judith Amaechi.
The group, through its acting president, Ichechi Welendu, was reacting to a recent claim made by the FCT Minister on a national television programme, where he alleged that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was paying Dame Amaechi ₦4 billion monthly to train Niger Delta women.
In a strongly worded statement, RIVSWAN described Wike’s claims as “baseless falsehoods driven by bitterness, ignorance, and a worrying lack of self-restraint.” The group called on the general public to disregard what it termed “a concocted story fueled by personal vendetta and misinformation.”
“The entire allegation is not only laughable but an embarrassment to public discourse,” said Welendu. “It reflects either a gross misunderstanding of the NDDC’s budgetary structure or a deliberate effort to smear the name of a respected woman of substance.”
Welendu praised Dame Judith Amaechi’s legacy, citing her philanthropic work through the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) — a non-governmental organisation that has reportedly supported girl-child education and women’s empowerment across the region.
The association said the former first lady had spent her resources to uplift women in the Niger Delta and should not be subjected to public ridicule based on unfounded accusations.
The group also condemned Wike’s remarks on live television, describing them as a “slap on the face of Rivers women” and a “disgraceful abuse of national platforms.”
They challenged the FCT Minister to publicly present documents backing his claims or withdraw the statement.
“Dame Judith Amaechi is a moral compass, a gospel preacher, and a champion of good governance,” the group declared. “Her support for her husband, former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, during his era of infrastructural transformation is well documented.”
RIVSWAN warned that failure by Wike to back up his allegations with proof could lead to “legitimate actions, including peaceful protests across Rivers State.” The group further urged President Bola Tinubu to caution the Minister, saying his “unguided utterances are unbecoming of a federal cabinet member.”
In closing, the women reaffirmed their support for Dame Judith Amaechi, describing her as a “pillar of progress and a matriarch of the Rivers women’s movement.”
“Her contributions helped restore Rivers State to its cherished status as the Garden City. We stand with her,” Welendu concluded.
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