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Tag: Senate

  • BREAKING: Senate ‘ostracizes’ Senator Natasha

    BREAKING: Senate ‘ostracizes’ Senator Natasha

    Following recommendations by its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, the Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a PDP Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Natasha was suspended for a period of six (6) on Thursday after the recommendations of the committee were put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    She was also asked not to be seen near the National Assembly (NASS); that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension, and that she hands over all Senate’s properties in possession to the Clerk of the NASS.

    Presenting the recommendation, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imaseun said:

    “That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six (6) for her total violation of the Senate standing rules 2023 as amended, for bringing the presiding officer and the Senate in general to public opprobrium.

    “That for the Senate to consider lifting the suspension, or to reduce the tenor of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before the reconsideration by the Senate.

    “That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect from 6th March 2025 from all legislative activities forthwith.

    “That her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and handover all Senate’s properties in possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

    “That for the duration of her suspension, she cannot come close, come or be seen within the vicinity of the National Assembly, including her staff.

    “That her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended and withdrawal of all security details for the duration of her suspension.

    “That for the period of her suspension, she be barred from representing herself to the public, locally and internationally, as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “In conclusion, Mr President and my most distinguished and respected colleagues, on behalf of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, we appreciate the Senate President, distinguished colleagues for the opportunity granted us to serve Nigerians through the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.

    “Respectfully submitted for consideration and approval”.

    After submitting the recommendations, Senator Akpabio put the prayers into voice vote and they were all granted by the Senate.

    However, the Senate amended the recommendation of the Committee to spare the salaries and allowances of Senator Natasha’s legislative aides.

  • BREAKING: Senate moves to withdraw Natasha’s salaries, allowances

    BREAKING: Senate moves to withdraw Natasha’s salaries, allowances

    The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions has recommended that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be suspended for 6 months, and that both her salary and her staff be halted during the suspension period.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imaseun gave the recommendations on Thursday while presenting the report of the Committee on the floor of the Senate.

    Recall that the Committee had launched a probe on Senator Natasha for allegedly flaunting certain orders and rules of the Senate.

    While presenting the report, Senator Imaseun recommended that Natasha be suspended for 6 months, and her office be locked for the duration of the suspension.

    The ethics committee also recommended that Natasha’s salaries and allowances, including those of her aides, be withdrawn; that her security details be withdrawn, and that she should be prevented from coming anywhere near the Senate premises

    TNG reports deliberations are still ongoing on the recommendations of the ethics committee.

    Meanwhile, the Senate formally cautioned Senator Natasha on Thursday over her failure to comply with the chamber’s rules mandating all senators to rise during the entry and procession of Senate leadership into the chamber.

    This follows a point of order raised on the floor by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, who cited Order 55, Rule 1 of the Senate Standing Orders, which clearly requires all senators to stand during the leadership procession.

    Senator Monguno noted that Senator Natasha has repeatedly refused to observe this tradition, choosing to remain seated while the leadership makes its formal entrance into the chamber.

    Highlighting that the incident was widely reported the previous day and had occurred again, Monguno explained that he had to instruct a Sergeant-at-Arms to approach Senator Natasha and remind her to stand.

    However, according to him, Senator Natasha refused, stating she would not comply.

    The Chief Whip criticized her actions, saying, “One cannot seek protection under Order 10 of the Senate rules while openly disregarding the same rules.”

    He advised Senator Natasha to familiarize herself with the Senate rule book, emphasizing that rising during the procession is not a gesture for any individual but a sign of respect for the institution of the Senate itself.

    Following the motion, the Senate sustained the point of order and upheld the call for adherence to the chamber’s established procedures.

  • Just in: Court stops Senate from probing Natasha

    Just in: Court stops Senate from probing Natasha

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting a disciplinary proceeding against the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, gave the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel.

    On February 20, the Kogi Central lawmaker clashed with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seat allocation.

    She rejected her assigned seat, defying Akpabio’s order and repeatedly raising a point of order despite being overruled.

    The Senator representing Ekiti South Sentorial District, Yemi Adaramodu, who raised a point of order during plenary, said the incident had tarnished the Senate’s image.

    He said attempts to clarify the Senate’s position have been unsuccessful as the people already have their opinion on the incident based on the Kogi lawmaker’s action.

    The upper legislative chamber took the decision during last Tuesday‘s plenary, following consideration and adoption of a report presented by Adaramdou.

    Senators unanimously approved that the matter be referred to the committee after it was put to a voice vote by Akpabio.

    The Senate President asked the committee to review the entire incident and report back to the Red Chamber.

  • Ethics committee proceedings must be aired live, Senator Natasha insists as group petitions Senate

    Ethics committee proceedings must be aired live, Senator Natasha insists as group petitions Senate

    The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has insisted that Ethics committee proceedings must be aired live.

    She also vowed to expose the leadership style of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Her declaration comes after she was referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee following a confrontation with Akpabio over a seating arrangement dispute.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she was ready to appear before the committee but insisted that the proceedings should be open to the public rather than conducted behind closed doors.

    She made this known in a post on her Instagram account, calling for a live broadcast of the probe.

    “Good morning, courageous people of Kogi Central, Kogi State, and Nigeria,” she wrote. “Inasmuch as I have refrained from publicly speaking on the matter and a lot of occurrences at the Senate under Senate President Akpabio, it’s about time I break my silence.

    “Arise News, set a date, and I shall be in your studio in person. Spare no questions.

    “And to Nigerians, please be sure to join the probe, which I shall insist would be covered live. The next few days and weeks shall be interesting but will shape the standard and quality of Nigeria’s leadership.”

    The senator’s reaction followed a petition filed against her by the Northern Youths Advocacy for Excellence to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

    The petition accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of corruption, abuse of power, and mistreatment of staff within the Senate Committee on Local Content, which she chairs.

    The petition urged the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to conduct a thorough investigation into her alleged “illegal, subversive, and intimidating activities” and impose necessary disciplinary measures.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan has, however, maintained her innocence and insisted on transparency, promising to speak openly about the allegations and other issues within the Senate leadership.

    Trouble started last week when the female Kogi lawmaker confronted the Senate President over the relocation of her seat at the Senate.

    In the heated exchange of words, Akpabio called on the Senate security to walk Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the chambers.

    Intervention by other senators, however, saved the day. But the Senate, in a statement by its spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, berated Akpoti-Uduaghan for standing up to the Senate President, reminding her that the Senate is not for entertainment.

    On Tuesday, the Kogi lawmaker filed a N100.3bn defamation lawsuit against Akpabio and others

    Abdulrahman Zakariyau
    Abdulrahman has nearly ten years of experience reporting on political parties, elections, religion, civil society organizations, the Nigeria Governors Forum, and more.

  • Senate Cttee on Local Content to partner NCDMB to actualise its functions

    Senate Cttee on Local Content to partner NCDMB to actualise its functions

    The rearranged Senate Committee on Local Content under the Chairmanship of Senator Joel – Onowakpo Thomas ( Delta South) , declared in Abuja that it will partner with Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board ( NCDMB) for actualization of implementation of its functions .

    In his address at the inaugural meeting of the committee formerly chaired by Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan ( Kogi Central) , Senator Onowakpo said NCDMB will serve a veritable platform for the committee in achieving its aims which are stated in order 96 of the Senate Standing rules .

    He said : ” The mandate of this committee as stipulated in order 96 of the Senate standing orders 2023 as amended is clear and unambiguous which is to ensure that Nigerians benefit maximally from the country’s natural resources.
    Order 96:

    ” Specifically, the jurisdiction of the Committee shall include:(i)Nigerian Content Development (ii). Monitoring Board (NCDMB), ( iii) Matters relating to local capacity development, ( iv) Transfer of technology in oil and gas industries, (v) Matters of local content and transfer of technology in other mature industries such as construction, power, railway, ICT etc, ( vi) Issues relating to the patronage of local manpower, ( vii) Receiving annual performance report of the Nigerian Local Content; and (viii) Annual budget estimates.

    See also NEPZA Generates N6bn In Six Months, Amid Economic Challenges’
    ” The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) plays a vital role in achieving these aims.

    ” Therefore , collaboration between this committee and NCDMB is essential as we will work closely with NCDMB to ensure that the provisions of the NOGICD Act are implemented effectively.

    ” The committee will not only provide oversight, but it will also support the Board in its efforts to develop and implement policies that promote Local content development. In addition to our collaboration with the Board, we will engage with other stakeholders including operators, service providers and local businesses.

    ” The committee will create an enabling environment that fosters growth of local businesses and promote job creation”

    In hitting the ground running , the committee , resolved to embark on an oversight visit to NCDMB’s head office in Yenagoa , Bayelsa State from Wednesday to Friday next week .Delta South Dakota fanning

  • Ways and Means: Senate accuses CBN of frustrating investigation

    Ways and Means: Senate accuses CBN of frustrating investigation

    The Senate Ad hoc Committee investigating the N30 trillion Ways and Means facility granted to the federal government has accused the Central Bank of Nigeria  (CBN) of frustrating its efforts to uncover how the loans were utilised.

    The N30 trillion Ways and Means facility was allegedly granted to the federal government between 2015 and 2023.

    The Committee Chairman, Isah Jibrin, made the allegation on Tuesday after receiving an interim report from its consultants.

    Jibrin, the senator for Kogi East, said the CBN has refused to provide the necessary documents to facilitate the investigation, thereby delaying the completion of the assignment.

    Although the representative of the CBN, Malam Hamisu Abdullahi, Director of Banking Services, tried  to say the apex bank provided all the documents requested, the chairman said the facts were different.

    He said: “None of the documents was submitted to us” adding that “as it is, we will not allow you to attend the next meeting because you have been coming here for the same reason.

    “The least person that will attend the next meeting should be a deputy governor of CBN”.

    Speaking further, Jibrin said “What you are telling us is not the truth. We have not received the documents. I don’t want to deceive the public here”.

    He said the aim of the assignment being entrusted to the committee by the Senate President for them to come up with a report within the shortest possible time was being frustrated by CBN’s action.

    “The information we have here is not different from what we have heard all along.

    “What we did was to hand over the documents to the consultants, and when the consultants made available to us this interim report, our intention was to hold onto the interim report on the final report.

    “We have been compelled to make available this interim report to the general public.

    “This is so that they know that we let them know where the problem is, and the problem is that the CBN has denied us consistently the documents that we need to complete this assignment”.

    The ways and means is a loan facility through which the CBN  finances the federal government’s budget shortfalls.

    This way of financing government deficits usually results in macroeconomic instability, leading to inflation and high exchange rates because of the excess liquidity injected into the economy.

    The CBN law limits advances under ways and means to five per cent of the previous year’s revenue.

    As away of remedying the situation, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, declared in February that the bank would no longer grant ways and means advances to the government “until all outstanding debts are refunded”.

  • YUSUF ALI: Senator Natasha Akpoti’s macabre dance in ‘brekete’ Family Radio

    YUSUF ALI: Senator Natasha Akpoti’s macabre dance in ‘brekete’ Family Radio

    By Yusuf Ali

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent engagement with Brekete Family Radio raises serious concerns about adherence to Senate protocols. The Senate is a hallowed chamber governed by strict standing orders, and any discourse concerning its rules and procedures should remain within its confines, not in a market place. Senators are therefore under strict obligation to uphold these principles to preserve the integrity of the legislature and promote institutional values.

    In her misleading remarks, Senator Natasha alleged that she was deliberately “boxed into a corner” to prevent her from appearing on camera. This claim spurious and baseless. Senators are captured on camera during plenary sessions based on their positive contributions on the floor of the Senate, a process overseen impartially. The Senate President has no authority to deny any senator visibility on any of the media platforms.

    The Senator further claimed that she was denied approval for international travels. This assertion is a blatant falsehood laced with invidious postulation to veil glaring deficit in representation. All senators receive running costs specifically designed to cover such expenses. This provision ensures equity and independence for all lawmakers in carrying out their responsibilities, both within and outside Nigeria.

    Senator Natasha also alleged persecution based on her gender. This accusation lacks merit. Other female senators have not raised similar concerns, and the Senate President has demonstrated leadership that is inclusive, regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity. Gender inclusivity remains a hallmark of the 10th Senate’s conduct under the current leadership.

    Though politically motivated for vain glory, Senator Natasha’s claims regarding the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project in Kogi State are riddled with inaccuracies and disrespect to public sensibility. Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe representing Cross River North in a press statement he personally signed in Abuja on Sunday to set the record straight, clarified that the five mini LNG plants in question – Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete – are private sector-driven initiatives and not federal government projects.

    Senator Jarigbe who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas Resources spoke in response to recent misconceptions and inquiries raised by concerned Nigerians regarding the siting of the five mini LNG plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, following allegations made by Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Similarly, Rt Hon Francis Ejiroghene Waive has clarified that the CNG project is an economic initiative facilitated by existing gas infrastructure, not a product of political maneuvering that Senator Natasha seeks to pursue.

    Hon. Waive emphasized that the development of five CNG plants in Kogi is a result of its strategic location along the gas pipeline, which ensures seamless distribution to the northern region. The project falls under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Gas, contrary to Senator Natasha’s assertion that it is within the purview of the Local Content Committee.

    Hon. Waive expressed concern over attempts by Senator Natasha to claim undue credit for the project, accusing her of misleading the public to advance a political narrative. He warned that such misinformation is harmful, as it seeks to discredit the efforts of lawmakers from the Niger Delta who have diligently worked to promote economic growth in their region and beyond.

    Senator Natasha also lied during the Brekete Family Radio interview when she claimed that she only started shouting because her suspension was being read out by the Senate President. A video of the plenary clearly shows that there was no mention of suspension until after Senator Natasha had been ranting from someone else’s seat, in flagrant disregard for the laid-down procedures of the Senate.

    How could Senate President Akpabio have been reading her suspension at that point? She should stop lying. The records show she had already started shouting “Order 10 of Privileges” before Akpabio directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove her from the chamber to maintain order. It was only after this that she began demanding to see the section of the rules authorizing suspension. Senator Natasha should be humbled to stop the red herring and learn the rudiments of democratic representation.

    The video of the plenary is publicly available, and Nigerians can see the truth for themselves. The Senate rules are clear: a senator may only speak from the seat allocated to them. Senator Natasha’s conduct violated these rules, and her claims on Brekete Family Radio only compound the situation with falsehoods.

    Senator Natasha’s remarks on Brekete Family Radio not only violate Senate protocols but also propagate misinformation and unfounded allegations.
    Lawmakers must remain committed to the principles of truth, integrity, and decorum to foster public trust and uphold the dignity of the legislative arm.

    Yusuf Ali is a Development Communication Specialist

  • SAD! Senator Gumau dies at 57

    SAD! Senator Gumau dies at 57

    The Senator who represented Bauchi South Senatorial District, Lawal Yahaya Gumau, in the 9th Assmbu has passed away at the age of 57.

    He died in Abuja after a brief illness, according to close sources.

    The news was confirmed on Saturday morning by Comrade Haruna Usman Muhammad, a former aide to the late lawmaker.

    Senator Gumau assumed office in 2018 after winning a by-election to represent Bauchi South. That election followed the unfortunate death of the then-serving senator, Ali Wakili..

    He was later re-elected as senator during the 2019 general elections and served until 2023.

    The deceased’s bid to return to the upper legislative chamber was not successful in the 2023 general elections.

    Prior to his tenure in the Senate, he had served two consecutive terms in the House of Representatives, representing where he represented Toro Federal Constituency from 2011 to 2018

    The late Senator was known for his contributions on legislative advocacy, infrastructure projects for his constituents as well as youth empowerment.

    It was learnt that the deceased lawmaker will be buried on Saturday in Abuja.

  • Just in: Senate summons DSS, NSA, other agencies over alleged financing of Boko Haram by USAID

    Just in: Senate summons DSS, NSA, other agencies over alleged financing of Boko Haram by USAID

    The Nigerian Senate apparently reacting to the alleged financing of terrorism in Nigeria by the United States Agency for International Development USAID, Wednesday summoned Security Intelligence Chiefs for investigation and veracity of the allegation by Perry Scott of the United States parliament.

    The resolution followed an Order of Urgent National Security through Order 41 by Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Mohammed Ali Ndume.

    Ndume urged the Senate to consider the revelation as too weighty to gloss over, given the devastation that terrorists have done to the country, particularly the Boko Haram fighters, stressing that the investigation would put paid to speculations on how the non-state actors have been surviving over the years.

    The heads of security intelligence agencies summoned by the Senate are, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Directorate of Intelligence Agency, DIA, Department of State Services, DSS, and the National Security Adviser, NIA.

    Senate President, Godswill in sustaining the resolution remarked that security issues should not be discussed in the market, noting that the head of security intelligence will offer the Senate better perspective in a close door meeting with them.

  • Alleged missing firearms: IGP seeks closed session for Senate’s investigation

    Alleged missing firearms: IGP seeks closed session for Senate’s investigation

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has urged the Senate to make the conduct of investigation on the alleged missing firearms a closed session for security reasons.

    Egbetokun stated this in a letter addressed to President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and read at plenary on Thursday.

    He commended the senate’s efforts at conducting a thorough investigation on the alleged missing firearms.

    “We appreciate the senate committee’s probe into the alleged missing firearms.

    “We urge the committee to conduct future hearings on sensitive security issues in camera so that wrong impression will not be created in the minds of Nigerians and in the minds of the international community.

    “This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security.

    “Conducting hearings on these sensitive security issues in camera will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interest.

    “It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding,” he said.

    The inspector-general of police expressed his commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the national assembly to drive positive changes in the country and improve the lives of Nigerians as well as the country’s security.

    Akpabio, after reading the letter, said that the IGP’s letter was very clear, saying “it speaks for itself.”

    He said that while investigation would be done internally by the police, further investigation would also be conducted by the senate.