The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Pipeline surveillance: Urhobo youth professionals laud Tantita, condemn call for contract cancellation

    Pipeline surveillance: Urhobo youth professionals laud Tantita, condemn call for contract cancellation

    The league of Urhobo youth professionals has condemned in strong terms the recent call by some persons masquerading as UPU, purportedly claiming to be speaking for the generality of Urhobos, calling for the cancellation and rejection of the Oil and gas pipeline security surveillance contract being handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

    The group in a statement by its president Mr. Ejiroghene Ataivwevu noted that ” For the avoidance of doubt, these persons do not speak on behalf of the host communities bearing both pipelines, wellheads, flow stations, or housing critical national assets. They can be best described as a gathering of self-seeking individuals attempting to rustle pecuniary gains at the expense of the impressive and enormous job being done by Tantita, in protecting these critical assets, drastically reducing oil theft and environmental degradation across Urhoboland.

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    “Also, Tantita has effectively deployed the community engagement approach in all its operational areas to ensure that indigenes of these communities are entrusted with the policing job of the hydrocarbon asset.

    “It is of grave concern to note that while Tantita and the federal government are progressively moving towards increased oil production by deploying cutting-edge technologies in monitoring and surveillance, retrogressive tendencies are wickedly trying to misrepresent the Urhobo ethnic nationality purely for their selfish end.

    “The Urhobo youth professionals urge the federal government, NSA, and NNPCL to disregard the self-seeking publication purportedly made on behalf of the Urhobo people as it does not represent the collective wish, goals, and interests of the people.

    “We are stoically in support of the good work Tantita has/is doing and urge all well-meaning Nigerians to support the fight against illegal oil theft.

  • Okporoko faults UPU over pipeline contract awarded to Tantita

    Okporoko faults UPU over pipeline contract awarded to Tantita

    Executive Assistant, Security Matters To Delta Governor, Amb Chief Godwin Okporoko JP, has backed Tantita Security Services Limited and urged the National Security Adviser (NSA) to disregard the publication by Urhobo Progress Union UPU.

    Okporoko made the comments on Saturday while reacting to the letter addressed to the National Security Adviser by Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).

    The President General, Owahwa Sub-Clan, OML34, Ughievwen Kingdom, Ughelli South LGA, Delta State, said the UPU’s letter and publication was ill-advised and misleading, adding the NSA must know that Urhobo will never reject any Nigerian or an Ijaw man executing legitimate contract in Urhobo Land.

    According to him: “ There are Urhobo contractors also handling Federal government contracts in Ijaw land and in other parts of Nigeria. They were never rejected. This UPU’s letter should be disregarded as those who signed the letter cannot cause dispute between Urhobo and our Ijaw brothers because of their selfish interest

    “ The people and host communities in Urhobo Land, where Tantita Security Services Limited is operating and providing security services to the Federal Government are benefiting and not complaining. When Tantita Security Services Limited secured the pipeline surveillance contract, stakeholders were consulted and youths from Urhobo pipeline communities were employed.”

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    Okporoko, a prominent Urhobo leader, further disclosed that Tantita Security Services Limited recruited Urhobo indigenes for the operations and being paid monthly.

    “ When a Benin man from Edo State was awarded the pipeline surveillance contract in Urhobo Land, the UPU went to sleep and did not reject the Benin man. Some persons who signed the UPU’s letter to the NSA were major beneficiaries when the Benin man handled the pipeline surveillance contract in Urhobo Land.

    “ An Ijaw man in Delta State, Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, got the contract and executing the project effectively and efficiently, the UPU is crying fowl. Those Urhobos who want pipeline surveillance contracts, should go to Abuja and NNPCL to hustle for their own contracts, and remove their eyes from the Contract of Tantita Security Services Limited, because Urhobo people are benefiting from Tantita.

    “ Under the law of Nigeria, Tantita Security Services Limited, a registered indigenous company is free to execute project in Urhobo Land or any party of Nigeria. The Federal Government and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, found Tompolo worthy and competent to handle the project and the contract was duly awarded to his company, Tantita Security Services Limited.

    “ The significant increase in crude oil production is an attestation to the patriotism, commitment and capacity shown or demonstrated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo and his company Tantita Security Services Limited. It is very unfortunate that Urhobo Progress Union UPU, the highest socio-cultural organization of Urhobo Nation has been reduced to a mere pressure group, dabbling into issues beyond its control.”

    He stressed: “ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL are seeing the good job being done by Tantita Security Services Limited in Urhobo Land and Niger Delta. Apart from securing Oil facilities, Tantita Security Services Limited is also doing great job through its Corporate Social Responsibility CSR, giving back to society and supporting the government in the area of infrastructural development.”

  • Screening/auditioning exercise for Miss N/Delta NDDC anniversary edition concluded in Rivers

    Screening/auditioning exercise for Miss N/Delta NDDC anniversary edition concluded in Rivers

    Screening and auditioning exercise for Miss Niger Delta Beauty Pageant, (NDDC 25th anniversary), edition has successfully been concluded, in the three selected States and centre, he Organisers revealed.

    The States are Edo, Imo and Rivers, that of Rivers held in Port Harcourt, the State capital with over 100 intended contestants in attendance.

    In a statement in Port Harcourt by the Coordinator of the exercise, Prince Sodin Akiagba, the exercise was well attended in each of the centres, adding that names of those who emerged successful in the screening would soon be published.

    He noted that the pageant is basically to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the people of the region, as well as to celebrate the great jobs NDDC is doing in the communities and the commitment to empower girl children and female youths of the Niger Delta areas.

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    Akiagba thanked the NDDC for its commitments in promoting value orientation and empowering young women through initiatives like the Miss Niger Delta pageant, adding that the Commission’s sponsorship and commitments to the course has continued to open doors of opportunity and transformation for young women across the region.

    “We thank God for grace and mercy, we’ve just concluded the screeing and audition exercise for Miss Niger Delta NDDC 25th anniversary edition. The committee has gone to eight other States, and we have just concluded the Screening exercise for Port Harcourt.

    “At the Port Harcourt centre we had over a hundred intended contenders for the anniversary Beauty pageant edition.

    “We cannot thank NDDC enough, it is all about orientation of value, promotion of self esteem, capacity building/skills acquisition and then to identify a talented female youth of the Niger Delta that wear the crown of the Miss Niger Delta, our Ambassador for peace an development, we’re celebrating NDDC for remarkable achievements over this 25 years.”

    Speaking further, Akiagba said, “the 25th anniversary edition promises to be a spectacular celebration of culture, purpose, and the evolving strength of the Niger Delta woman.

    “At the main event, one proud Daughter and female youths of the Niger Delta will be crowned Miss Niger Delta, NDDC 25TH Anniversary Queen, Our Ambassador for Peace and Development , serving as a role model for promotion of positive values, self esteem and true identity of the girl child and female in the Niger Delta.

    “Well done NDDC for promoting orientation of values, capacity building, skills acquisition for the youths and more.” he expressed.

    He urged contestants and the public to always visit the official Miss Niger Delta online platform for further information on the exercise.

  • Nwokocha emerges UNIPORT Alumni Global President

    Nwokocha emerges UNIPORT Alumni Global President

    The 10th Senate Minority Whip, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, has been elected Global President of the University of Port Harcourt(UNIPORT) Alumni Association.

    Nwokocha was elected at the association’s Annual General Meeting(AGM) on Saturday at the 2025 National Tri-ennial Delegates Elective Convention of UNIPORT Alumni Association being held from June 20 to 22 in Umuahia, Abia State.

    In his acceptance speech, the new President expressed gratitude to members for their trust and support, calling for unity and cooperation among alumni to reposition the association and further contribute to the growth and development of their alma mater.

    “With a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility, I stand before you, humbled by your confidence, inspired by our shared legacy, and committed to the next chapter of our collective journey.

    “Being elected president of this prestigious Alumni Association is not just an honour; it is a sacred trust, entrusted to me by a community of trailblazers, innovators, and leaders shaping industries, policies, and lives across the globe. I thank you profoundly for this mandate.

    “My years in public service, spanning both State and National Assemblies, have taught me the power of collaboration, vision, and legacy. These are the values I bring to this new role.

    “As a proud alumnus of the University of Port Harcourt, I believe it is time we elevate our association to match the calibre of its members and the promise of its future, anchored on what I call the 3Rs;Reconnect! Reinvest! and Reposition!”

    The new president added: “Together, we will Reconnect alumni across the globe,  deepen engagement across generations of the alumni and build  stronger bonds and mutual support. Reinvest by channeling our collective capacity to support the University’s academic excellence, infrastructure, and innovation.

    “Reposition —Establish UNIPORT Alumni as a formidable global network, a strategic partner in nation-building, and a beacon of influence in academia, business, public service, and beyond.

    “Let us be audacious in our vision and united in our execution. This is more than an association, it is a movement; one that will define the next era for UNIPORT and for us all. Thank you for your trust and together, let’s build greatness”, he urged. 

    The UNIPORT Alumni Association is the official global network of graduates from the University of Port Harcourt.

    With a growing membership base of over 300,000 alumni globally, the association represents a dynamic and diverse community of leaders, professionals, innovators, and globally renowned change agents making high-level impact in both public and private sectors.

    Through strategic programmes and collaborative initiatives, the alumni association supports the advancement of the university’s mission, enhances student experience, and contributes to national development.

    The election of  Senator Nwokocha as president is coming at  a critical juncture of the alumni association, as the body has in recent times  faced challenges related to fragmented leadership, diminished institutional cohesion and visibility, and a lack of strategic vision for alumni-driven development.

    For many, Senator Nwokocha’s emergence as president of the alumni association represents a timely and transformative opportunity.

    Nwokocha, representing Abia Central Senatorial District, was elected Senator on the platform of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.

    He was later elected the Minority Whip/Principal Officer of the 10th Senate and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, but left the Senate after six months of outstanding representation following the decision of the National Assembly Election Petitions Appeal Court.

    The new UNIPORT Alumni President had previously served for eight successive years in the House of Representatives, from 2015 to 2023 as the member representing Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency, Abia State.

    He served as Chairman, House Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters and   was also the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character Commission (FCC).

    Before his election to the Nigerian House of Representatives, Nwokocha represented Isiala Ngwa South Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly for 8 years from 2007 to 2015.

    Nwokocha also served as  Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on Niger-Delta Power Holding Limited; Adhoc Committee on Pipelines Explosion/Fire Outbreak in Rivers State and Chairman, of the Adhoc Committee on Failure of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and presently the Acting National Secretary of Labour Party.

    With decades of tested leadership in public service, legislative innovation, and grassroots development, Senator Nwokocha brings the credibility, national and global visibility, and strategic acumen required to reposition the association as a formidable force for institutional advancement to transform the UNIPORT  Alumni community.

  • NDDC denies constructing C/River community road, warns against politicisation of projects

    NDDC denies constructing C/River community road, warns against politicisation of projects

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has refuted claims it executed the Nyanghasang community road project in Calabar, Cross River. 

    Speaking to journalist, Commissioner representing Cross River State on the board of the NDDC, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, while attributing the controversy surrounding the Nyanghasang xommunity Road project to attempts to downplay the contributions and initiatives of the Cross River State Government, said the road was not one of the projects captured for execution by the commission.

    According to Duke, the Nyanghasang Community Road is a project of the Cross River State Government, and not that of the NDDC. He emphasized that the project’s origins dated back to the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke and continue under the current Governor Bassey Otu, who is actively intervening in road infrastructure across the Nyanghasang community.

    Duke reinforced the State Government’s earlier position, laying to rest speculation over the project’s ownership. “If anyone is in a position to clarify this issue, it is me. I represent the NDDC in this state, and I am fully aware of all NDDC projects as captured in our budget,” he stated.

    “I want to categorically reiterate that the Nyanghasang Road project is not an NDDC initiative. From inception to this point, the entire effort has been undertaken by the state government,” he added.

    He criticised attempts by some federal lawmakers to take undue credit for state-led projects, describing it as a tactic to siphon public funds and mislead constituents.

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    “Some individuals from the Senate came in, hurriedly asphalted a section of the road, and tried to claim ownership to divert funds. There is no Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), voucher, or award letter to substantiate their claim. It is unfortunate that Cross River is being used as a smokescreen for financial misappropriation,” Duke asserted.

    He further stressed that all NDDC projects are properly documented and budgeted for. The only project captured and commissioned recently was a 900-meter stretch of Idang Road in Calabar South. He explained that the controversy began when some individuals attempted to rename Nyanghasang Road ahead of an NDDC commissioning event without the consent of the local government council.

    “At NDDC, we insist on transparent processes, including proper site handovers, devoid of political manipulation. If Nyanghasang were an NDDC project, it would have followed due process involving the state government, not a federal legislator who played no oversight role but chose to brand the project with personal images,” he said.

    Also speaking at the press briefing, the Cross River Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ankpo Pius Edet, reaffirmed the state government’s ownership and execution of the project.

     He confirmed that the road was awarded and fully funded by the state, from the previous administration to Governor Bassey Otu’s current tenure.

    “This road is vital to the people and government of Cross River State. The construction has been ongoing, except for a short segment that was previously delayed. Governor Otu made its completion a priority upon assumption of office,” Ankpo explained.

    He described attempts by a federal legislator to claim the project as “deceptive and unfair,” adding that the purported commissioning took place without consultation or involvement of the state government.

    “There was no coordination with the Ministry of Works. The event was advertised solely as the commissioning of an NDDC office. This road project is neither an NDDC nor a Federal Government initiative,” Edet stated.

    Echoing this, Commissioner Duke revealed he was not informed of any official commissioning and condemned the use of political campaign-style images on public project materials.

    He also referenced similar issues with the Idang Road project, noting that it was inappropriately renamed without local consultation.

    “Only half of Idang Road has been completed. Renaming it to ‘Etinyin Ekpenyong Oniong’—a senator’s uncle—without consulting local residents sparked anger and division in the community,” he said.

    Duke further criticised the placement of the senator’s photograph on NDDC-funded streetlights, calling it misleading and inappropriate.

    “These are NDDC projects. If any image is to be displayed, it should be that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, not a contractor’s or politician’s. You execute a project as a contractor, get paid, then try to rebrand it as a personal initiative. That’s dishonest,” he declared.

    He emphasised that NDDC is not competing with the State Government; instead, the Commission seeks to collaborate and complement the government in critical areas of intervention. 

    Duke also lauded Governor Bassey Edet Otu for the massive infrastructural projects embarked upon since assumption of office, adding that Governor Otu’s policies and programs broadly align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda; hence, there is no conflict between NDDC as a federal government agency and the state government. “The governor has consistently advocated for an even spread of NDDC projects across the three senatorial districts to eliminate the feeling of marginalization within the state.”

    He concluded with a firm call on federal lawmakers to focus on delivering their designated constituency projects rather than attempting to hijack and politicize NDDC efforts for personal gain.

  • Cross River rejects narratives on NDDC projects commissioning in Calabar

    Cross River rejects narratives on NDDC projects commissioning in Calabar

    The Cross River State Government has firmly rejected reports it described as surrounding the recent commissioning of select projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Calabar, describing the narratives as inaccurate and politically motivated.

    On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Minister of Regional Development, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, officially commissioned several NDDC projects in Cross River State. 

    These included a newly acquired office complex now serving as the NDDC Secretariat in the state, agricultural equipment, and a road project on Idang Street. 

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Cross Rivers Governor Bassey Otu, Nsa Gil, pointed out the event was conducted peacefully and broadcast live on TVC, contrary to certain media reports suggesting controversy or disruption.

    It said: “The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, was ably represented at the event by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Ankpo P. Edet. 

    “At no point was the event disrupted, either by the Governor or any other state official. Governor Otu, a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains committed to supporting federal initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and livelihoods across the state.

    “Cross River, it is worth noting, was the first APC-governed state in the South-South region and continues to benefit significantly from federal government projects. 

    “These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Special Agro-Processing Zones, and the Federal Housing Scheme, among others. The state government reiterated that no level of “sponsored blackmail” by fifth columnists would succeed in straining the existing cordial relationship between Cross River and the Federal Government, which share a common progressive ideology.

    “Among the projects listed for commissioning was the Nyaghasang Community Road, which was eventually postponed. The state clarified that this particular road project was not initiated by the NDDC but by the Cross River State Government.”

    Speaking on the matter, Hon. Pius Ankpo stated: “The Nyaghasang road was initiated and funded by the Cross River State Government. We have completed the drainage, concrete works, and channelization of the area, with construction still ongoing.”

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    He explained that the NDDC was never formally involved in the planning or execution of the project, and emphasized the importance of coordination when implementing infrastructure projects within the state. According to Edet, the NDDC has been advised that, going forward, it must engage the State Government, review the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), and adhere to state construction standards before undertaking any project.

    The Cross River State Government reiterated its openness to development partnerships but emphasized that all interventions must be transparent and coordinated for the greater good of the people.

    “We are not in conflict with the NDDC or any federal agency,” Edet clarified. “However, for the sake of public trust and historical accuracy, it is important to state unequivocally that the NDDC projects were commissioned peacefully, and without any form of disruption.”

    Supporting the government’s position, the Secretary-General of the Nyaghasang Qua Clan Council, Mr. Iso Bassey Edim, recalled that Governor Otu had personally pledged to address the road infrastructure in the community during a health center commissioning in July 2024. “True to his word, work began on the roads just three weeks later, led by the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure,” he said.

    Edim noted that while work was ongoing, the NDDC appeared to have intervened by asphalting certain sections of the road, only to later return and announce a commissioning. “We advise the NDDC, as an interventionist agency, to align and synergize with the state government to avoid duplication and confusion,” he cautioned.

    The Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, confirmed that the project contract had already been awarded by the state and was actively in progress before the NDDC’s involvement. “What we need now is constructive collaboration between the NDDC and the state government. Projects should not be initiated or claimed without proper consultation,” he stressed.

  • Edo First Lady commended over rescue of trafficked Girl from Burkina Faso

    Edo First Lady commended over rescue of trafficked Girl from Burkina Faso

    The Senior Special Assistant on Special Duty to Edo State Government Mr. Uriesi Aarebamen Alex, has praised the First Lady Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo, for the decisive intervention in the rescue and rehabilitation of 20-year-old Miss Iwinosa Okunrobo, a victim of human trafficking recently rescued from Burkina Faso.

    Iwinosa, at 15, was deceived with the promise of a job in Dubai but trafficked into forced prostitution in Burkina Faso. 

    Her plight came to public attention through a viral TikTok video, prompting immediate action by the Edo State Government, the State Migration Agency, and the Office of the First Lady.

    Describing the First Lady’s involvement as compassionate and courageous, Uriesi applauded her swift response and commitment to reintegrating Iwinosa into society. 

    He emphasised the significance of this action in the broader fight against human trafficking, stating, “Every young person shielded from trafficking, child abuse, or cultist influence is a victory for His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo and the Edo Government. If we can curb these threats, our state will transform into a nurturing environment where Edo youths and children thrive with dignity and hope.”

    Mrs. Okpebholo, who coordinated the rescue operation, described Iwinosa’s story as a heartbreaking and inspiring. 

    She has since pledged to ensure the young survivor receives comprehensive support, including access to healthcare, education, psychosocial rehabilitation, and skills training.

    The First Lady also addressed the societal pressures that often drive risky migration, particularly among young people in Edo State. Speaking thoroughly, she urged families to reject the stigma of “Edo people running away” and instead invest in the safety, education, and well-being of their children at home.

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    Her intervention aligns closely with Project RISE Edo State’s flagship initiative aimed at combating child trafficking, abuse, and cultism through education, youth empowerment, and community engagement. 

     Uriesi noted that Mrs. Okpebholo’s efforts exemplify the goals of the project and demonstrate the government’s resolve to build a safer Edo State.

    Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Hon. Lucky Agazuma, also commended the First Lady’s leadership and the Governor’s prompt support. He reassured the public that Iwinosa would receive ongoing reintegration services to aid her full recovery and reintegration.

    He said: “Thanks to Mrs. Okpebholo’s empathy and the effective mobilisation of government agencies, a vulnerable life has been rescued, and a strong message delivered: Edo State stands firm against trafficking, exploitation, and child abuse. 

    “The rescue underscores a growing movement of protection, prevention, and partnership hallmarks of a more secure future for all Edo youth.”

  • Denial not enough. Action Collective confronts Akpabio’s Media Adviser on alleged deleted confession

    Denial not enough. Action Collective confronts Akpabio’s Media Adviser on alleged deleted confession

    The Action Collective has called on Mr. Ken Okolugbo, the Communication Adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to take full responsibility for the now-deleted confessional statement he made on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, where he admitted to being part of a coordinated plan to malign Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

    In a statement by the group’s National Coordinator, Mr. Teddy Onyejuwe, Action Collective said Okolugbo’s subsequent claim that his account was hacked is insufficient and lacks credibility.

    The controversial post, which remained live for over an hour before being pulled down, included an emotional apology, a detailed confession of involvement in meetings in London with Sandra Duru, and allegations of phone cloning and manipulation of Senator Natasha’s voice recordings. 

    Okolugbo wrote that the plan, orchestrated alongside Akpabio and his associates, was a desperate attempt to discredit the senator. 

    He further pleaded for forgiveness in the spirit of the Eid El-Kabir celebration and wished Nigerians a happy Sallah before deleting the post and claiming a hack.

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    The Action Collective has raised serious doubts about the hacking narrative, asking how a compromised account could be recovered in under two hours and why the post was left active for over an hour if it was indeed unauthorized.

     “You must prove your innocence. Denial is not enough. Nigerians need more than vague excuses. Where is the evidence that your account was hacked? Why did it take someone else to alert you before you took action?” the group queried.

    Onyejuwe suggested that Okolugbo may have been pressured by higher political powers to retract his confession and hide behind a hacking claim. 

    “This reeks of political intimidation. Your confession was detailed, personal, and reflective. It bore the weight of someone seeking redemption, not a random attacker. If you were bold enough to admit your role, be man enough to stand by your words and move on with integrity,” he stated.

    The group also noted the danger of using cybersecurity claims to avoid accountability, warning that such tactics erode public trust and trivialize genuine issues of digital security. 

    “If the post was genuine, and we believe it was, you owe it to Nigerians and Senator Natasha to be truthful. If it was not, then prove it conclusively. Anything less is unacceptable,” the statement continued.

    Action Collective reaffirmed its solidarity with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and called on relevant authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. 

    “Mr. Okolugbo must either present irrefutable evidence to support his claim or be prepared to answer to the public. The truth must not be buried under political pressure or digital excuses,” the statement reads. 

  • Court summons Akpabio over Natasha’s N100 billion alleged defamation suit

    Court summons Akpabio over Natasha’s N100 billion alleged defamation suit

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, presided over by Hon Justice Idris Kutigi, has ordered Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to appear before it on June 9, 2025 in a N100 billion defamation suit filed against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    The court’s order followed a motion filed by counsel to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Barrister Victor Giwa, seeking leave of the court to serve Senator Akpabio through substituted means after the Senate President failed to appear in court in respect of the matter on May 7, 2025.

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    The suit, with case number FCT/HC/CV/754/2025, revolves around allegations of defamation which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan claims have severely damaged her reputation, prompting her to seek substantial damages from the Senate President.

    In granting the application for substituted service, Justice Kutigi directed that the court processes be served on Senator Akpabio through the Clerk of the National Assembly, effectively ensuring that the Senate President is duly notified of the proceedings.

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, is pursuing the suit, insisting that the statements allegedly made by the Senate President against her were “false, malicious, and intended to damage her integrity.”

    The court is expected to proceed with the matter on June 9.(NAN)

  • Inegbeniki hails Okpebolo over Court of Appeal victory

    Inegbeniki hails Okpebolo over Court of Appeal victory

    Chief ( Dr.) Francis Inegbeniki, the Uzoya of Edo State, has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his electoral victory at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

    Inegbiniki, in a congratulatory message on Friday, said Okpebolo’s success in the legal battle is a testament to the Governor’s resilience, determination and the overwhelming support of the people of Edo State.

    “ I, Chief ( Dr.) Francis Inegbiniki, and onbehalf of my family and teeming supporters, I am writing to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your recent electoral victory at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

    “ Your leadership and commitment to serving the people have been truly inspiring in your very short period as Governor and I have no doubt that this your victory at the Court of Appeal will bring continued progress and prosperity to the state.

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    “ Your victory is a clear validation of the trust and confidence that the people have in your ability to lead Edo State to greater heights.

    “ Please accept my heartfelt congratulations once again on this significant achievement. I wish you all the best as you embark on the massive development of Edo State, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of your leadership on the state and its people. I remain your brother,” he wrote.