The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, has called on well-meaning Nigerian elders to intervene in the feud between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
Hayab, in an interview, said that as a responsible religious body, “CAN considers the feud shameful and unfortunate.”
According to him: “There is a need for elders to intervene. Akpabio and Natasha have some people that they respect and hold in high regard. The members of the National Assembly should do what they must do to address the matter.
“We should show that we are responsible people in addressing the matter, it is not to find fault but to mend fences.”
He added: “No one should toy with an allegation of sexual harassment, but Nigeria has gone past this kind of thing. Nigeria has gone past the era when people claim they are underdogs or minorities.”
Hayab called on the media not to fuel the feud in their reportage, pointing out that doing so would only further confuse and divide Nigerians.
He therefore urged members of the National Assembly to work towards making the lives of Nigerians much better, having passed the 2025 national budget.
“CAN appeal for all groups involved or affected by the Akpabio-Natasha feud to sheath their swords and refrain from making comments capable of further dividing Nigerians along gender or regional lines.Let’s give peace a chance,’’ he concluded.
Akpabioism Ambassadors Worldwide (AAW) and the Southern Youths Development Forum (SYDY) have dismissed the allegation by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio describing it as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The groups, in a joint press statement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital said the allegation was politically motivated.
The statement signed by Pastor Bassey James, Engr. Abiod Adegalu, Emeka Obielom and other members of the groups stated that, “Senator Natasha’s allegation is a political joke taken too far.
“This joke is like a tale by the moonlight and a drama, whose actors are confused in their presentation.
“The Senate President’s houses in Uyo and Ukana are always crowded with people, including security personnel. And to make the drama laughable, her husband was always following them around even to the Chapel.
“Those script writers failed and the politics behind it has collapsed because Nigerians already know the truth.
“We have followed with keen interest the continued attacks on Senator Godswill Akpabio from the moment he became Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; a position which was last occupied by late Senator Joseph Wayas from the Souths – South many decades ago.
“This office has never been occupied by Akwa Ibom person. We want to say that those playing the political drums should note that Akwa bom people, the South South, Niger Deltans, South East and South West are solidly behind the Senate President, and would not buy into the drama by Natasha and her co – conspirators.
“Akpabio is a national asset, a detribalised Nigerian whose actions have touched all ethnic and religious groups. Even as then Governor of Akwa Ibom State, he built bridges of national unity across the country and beyond”, the statement added.
The groups however appealed the Niger Delta should be accorded its right of place in the political equation of the country considering the economic and natural endowments it contributes to the center and beyond.
The fora thanked President Bola Tinubu and other leaders for their continued support to the Senate President and affirmed their commitment to the realization of 2027 presidency of President Tinubu, through mobilizing of other Nigerians in the North to build a sustainable support base for Mr. President.
“We are supporting Mr President till 2027; those who are bent in causing confusion in the National Assembly should desist from fanning embers of hatred and disunity.
The groups further stated: “Senator Natasha- Akpoti should apologize to the Senators for disrespecting constituted authorities, and embarrassing the nation”.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has pledged to support the initiatives of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
She gave the assurance when the Chairman of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, visited her at the National Assembly on Wednesday, according to a statement by her (Natasha) Chief Press Secretary, Israel Arogbonlo, in Abuja.
The Kogi Central Senator assured Hon. Dabiri-Erewa,
of the committee’s collaboration and expedited action on issues raised which included amending the NIDCOM Act and Diaspora Act, as well as establishing a Diaspora Trust Fund.
Dabiri-Erewa briefed the committee on NIDCOM’s progress, including the establishment of Diaspora focal points in most states and the commission’s intervention programmes for Nigerians imprisoned abroad.
She also highlighted the importance of data mapping to determine the exact number of Nigerians living in each country.
“The meeting marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians in the diaspora,” the statement added.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for siting five mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Kogi State.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central on the platform of the PDP, in a statement in Abuja, stated that the development would boost the economic lives of the people.
She said: “In my capacity as the Senator representing Kogi Central District (Ajaokuta Local Government Council being a catchment) and as the Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, I am delighted to extend my profound gratitude to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the establishment of five mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta Local Government, Kogi.
“This remarkable development is a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote cleaner energy alternatives, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance energy security across our nation.
“It demonstrates the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to implementing sustainable energy policies that align with global best practices while fostering economic growth and environmental protection.
“The establishment of these mini LNG plants is a testament to the government’s dedication to providing innovative solutions to meet the energy demands of our people.
“By tapping into the vast natural gas resources in Kogi, these plants will create employment opportunities, stimulate industrial development, and ensure access to cleaner and more affordable energy for households, businesses, and industries.
“I wish to particularly commend the NNPC and its leadership for their forward-thinking approach in driving this transformative initiative. The deployment of mini LNG plants showcases the Federal Government’s determination to diversify our energy mix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
“As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, I am equally pleased to note the local participation and inclusion of indigenous expertise in the execution of this project.
“This not only enhances the capacity of our local workforce but also aligns with the goals of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (2010) in fostering homegrown skills and technology transfer.
“The mini LNG plants hold the promise of significant environmental benefits through reduced carbon emissions and air pollution, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.
“Additionally, these plants will address the persistent energy supply challenges in the region, boost industrialisation, and attract local and foreign investments, thereby transforming Ajaokuta into an energy hub in Nigeria.
“As we celebrate this achievement, I reaffirm my commitment to advocating for sustainable policies and initiatives that prioritise the well-being of our people and the development of Kogi Central District.
“I urge all stakeholders to continue to work collaboratively to ensure the success and longevity of this laudable project.
“Once again, I express my heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government, and the NNPC for this strategic intervention that will undoubtedly transform the socio-economic landscape of Ajaokuta Local Government and beyond.
“Together, we are building a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous Nigeria.
In a gesture aimed at promoting economic empowerment and self-sufficiency, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has distributed various equipment to hundreds of women in Abigborodo community, in Delta State.
The event, which took place on January 1, according to a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Israel, in Abuja, marked a significant milestone in the senator’s efforts to uplift the socio-economic status of women in the community.
Abigborodo community, which is the hometown of Senator Natasha’s husband, was the venue for the empowerment programme.
During the empowerment programme, Senator Natasha presented deep freezers, sewing machines, and grinding machines to the beneficiaries.
These work tools are expected to enable the women to establish or expand their businesses, thereby enhancing their economic prospects.
The statement reads in part, “The senator’s decision to empower women in this community underscores her commitment to promoting grassroots development and uplifting the living standards of rural dwellers.
“The empowerment programme is part of Senator Natasha’s broader initiative to promote entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment among women and youth in Delta.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has added her voice to the growing concerns over the escalating crisis in Rivers, calling on President Bola Tinubu to resolve the feud between the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
She equally urged the President to ensure the Minister focuses on his work in the FCT and allow his successor to govern the state as mandated by the constitution.
The crisis, according to a statement by her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, in Abuja, has been characterised by violence, intimidation, and alleged electoral malpractices, threatening the peace and stability of the region and the country at large.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised the need for presidential intervention to Protect citizens’ lives and properties, ensure neutrality of state institutions to promote peace and justice, and prevent further escalation of the crisis.
“The situation in Rivers demands urgent attention, and I implore Mr President to take decisive action to prevent further escalation.
“We cannot afford to watch as the crisis deepens, threatening the stability of the region. President Tinubu’s leadership is crucial in resolving this impasse.
“If left unchecked, the crisis may undermine Nigeria’s democratic progress, embolden perpetrators of violence and electoral malpractices, and threaten national security and stability,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, distributed four truckloads of fertilisers to farmers on Saturday.
The fertilisers, provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are part of ongoing efforts to enhance food security and boost agriculture in her constituency.
The distribution event took place at her residence in Ihima, Okehi, Kogi State, and was attended by farmers’ unions from the district’s five local government areas, Ebira farmers’ unions from neighbouring states, the Ebira Peoples Association (EPA), and members of the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo communities in Kogi Central. The four trucks contained 2,400 bags of NPK and Urea fertilisers.
In a statement released by her media aide, Arogbonlo Israel, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged farmers to register with unions in their respective areas to better access federal government interventions.
She stressed the importance of maintaining accurate and verifiable records to obtain reliable data on farmers and their needs.
She disclosed that the intervention was brought by the Federal Government to support farmers.
“These fertilisers were given to the good people of Kogi Central by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He thought it wise to support the farmers of Kogi Central, and he provided us with four trailers.
“I have brought all four trailers down here. We have also devised a means of distribution that will take into consideration farmers who farm in Kogi Central and those who farm in other states.
“We have many Ebira farmers in Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, and Nasarawa states. So, we will allocate a portion of the fertilizers to them, but the larger part will go to our farmers who cultivate our soil here.
“We have also considered our people who are indigenes of other tribes but are residents here, such as the Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo communities.
“They will all take part in this fertiliser distribution because we understand how difficult times are, and we all need interventions and palliatives.
“The 2,400 bags of NPK (Nitrogen, Potassium, Calcium) and Urea fertilisers will be distributed today. This is not the only support that farmers in Kogi Central will receive, but I urge you all to register with your various Farmers’ Associations in your local government areas, as we will rely on this data moving forward.
“The farmers’ register is necessary because we need to know the capacity of every farm and what is being planted. We need to identify farmers based on the crops they plant and the size of their farmland, as this will determine the kind of intervention and support they receive,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Muhammed Bashir Yusuf expressed appreciation for the gesture, assuring that the farmers would put the fertilisers to good use.
The Secretary General of the Ebira Peoples Association (EPA), Baba Abdulrazaq, representing the President General of the association, praised Senator Natasha’s unprecedented efforts, adding that democracy is finding its true meaning under her leadership.
“On behalf of the Ebira people, I appreciate Senator Natasha. We couldn’t have expected less from you. The difference in political representation is clear, and I call on other political representatives to follow in her footsteps,” he said.
He urged the farmers to use the fertilizers for their intended purpose and further encouraged them to register with their local unions.
He seized the opportunity to appreciate the developmental strides of the lawmaker including her efforts for Ajaokuta Steel to be fully operational, adding that people should not pay attention to the ongoing misinformation about the Ajaokuta Steel investigation.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has felicitated with Christian faithful and all Nigerians as they celebrate Easter.
Natasha, in a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Isreal, in Abuja, lauded the selfless love of Christ for humanity, urging Nigerians to emulate His virtues, and live in peace and love.
She admonished Nigerians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace and harmony in Nigeria.
“Let us emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by impacting the lives of those around us and contributing to the growth of Kogi Central and Nigeria at large.
“We should strive to embody the virtues of humility, compassion, and undying love that were demonstrated by Jesus Christ. May the blessings of Easter and the power of the resurrection reignite our faith in both God and humanity. I wish you all a joyous celebration,” she state.
