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Tag: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

  • Children’s Day: Akpoti-Uduaghan demands end to violence, exploitation

    Children’s Day: Akpoti-Uduaghan demands end to violence, exploitation

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to safeguarding and empowering children, describing them as the nation’s “most precious asset”.

    The demand forms part of her message to mark this year’s Children’s Day.

    In a statement to commemorate the annual celebration, the senator stressed the urgent need to tackle the myriad of challenges facing Nigerian children, especially the girl child. 

    She listed bullying, violence, and exploitation as critical issues threatening the well-being of young people and called for a collective societal resolve to protect them.

    “As emphasised in the statement of the president, we all must collectively encourage our children to stand up to bullies everywhere,” she noted. 

    “We must build a society that supports and encourages the children to aspire for the highest levels of their dreams and ambitions.”

    Read Also: APC chieftain knocks Akpoti-Uduaghan over ‘satirical apology ’

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the necessity of prioritizing education, healthcare, and opportunities for growth as essential investments in the future of the country.

     “By doing so, we can unlock their full potential and build a brighter future for our nation,” she said.

    The senator’s message concluded with a note of hope and reassurance to Nigerian children: “I believe in you, I care about you, and I am committed to creating a society that values and protects your rights. Dream big, work hard, and never give up on your aspirations.”

    She urged all Nigerians to recommit to building a country where children are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

  • Natasha: INEC picks holes in recall petition

    Natasha: INEC picks holes in recall petition

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday picked holes in the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by her Kogi Central constituents.

    The petition was submitted to the commission ‘s head office in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Monday.

    However, the electoral agency pointed out that the representatives of petitioners failed to include their emails, addresses and phone numbers in their covering letter as required by law.

    The Commission vowed to follow the constitution and due process  involved in the recall of any elected lawmaker.

    The Natasha controversy persisted as Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja withdrew from a suit filed by suspended senator against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan had prayed the court to stop her investigation by the Senate over alleged misconduct.

    The judge explained that he withdrew from hearing the case, following the allegation of bias against him by the defendants.

    Also, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions threw out Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition, saying the matter was already a subject of litigation.

    Read Also: Natasha or ‘Batasha’: Who’s to blame?

    Setback for recall

    Acknowledging the recall petition, the Commission, in a statement by the National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, said only the phone number of the lead petitioner is contained in the petition.

    Faulting the petition for violating the constitutional procedures, he said the petitioners gave their address simply as Okene, Kogi State.

    However, he conceded that the recall of any lawmaker is the prerogative of registered voters in the constituency.

    Olumekun said the commission would seek other means of contacting the petitioners, adding that once it is satisfied that the petition is in line with the provisions of the law, it would announce the next phase of the exercise.

    The statement reads: “The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines.

    “The address given is “Okene, Kogi State”, which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners.

    “The Commission wishes to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them.

    “Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only.

    “The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    “Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation.”

    Judge withdraws from case

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who withdrew from the case, cited allegations of bias made against his court by one of the defendants.

    When the case came up for hearing, the judge, after allowing lawyers to parties to announce their names, said he would no longer continue to hear the case in view of the allegation of bias.

    In a brief ruling, the judge said: “Justice is rooted in confidence in the court. Once a litigant expresses his believe that there is bias or likelihood of bias on the part of the judge, it will not be in the interest of justice for the judge to continue.”

    “One of the defendants in this matter has expressed such believe in writing. In that circumstances, the honourable thing for the court to do is to desist from the conduct of the matter. Accordingly, I recuse myself from this matter.

    The case file is accordingly forwarded to my lord, the chief judge for further directive.”

    Group: Akpabio has no hand in recall petition

    A group, The All Progressives Congress Media Network, said Akpabio has no hand in the recall petition against Senator  Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    Its Director General, Otuekong Iniobong John, chided Dr  Obiageli Ezekwesili for attempting to link Akpabio to the recall.

    He said in a statement: “Senator Akpabio has no interest in whether or not suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan  is recalled. His neutrality is steadfast, regardless of the outcome.”

    Natasha’s lawyer:  Kogi govt behind recall

    In a twist, Victor Giwa, one of the lawyers representing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, accused the Kogi State Government of sponsoring the recall.

    Giwa, who spoke on the television, said the state government, through one of the aides of Governor Usman Ododo, has been championing the recall.

    Giwa said the recall was politically motivated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the state against the suspended senator, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He added: “The truth of the matter is that there is no way the recall process can go through except it is done fraudulently. The process takes about 15 stages and it is a tortuous and practically impossible process.”

  • Controversy rages over Natasha’s six-month suspension

    Controversy rages over Natasha’s six-month suspension

    • Women Affairs Minister wades in, offers to talk to Senate

    Thursday’s decision of the Senate to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct came under intense scrutiny and censure across the country yesterday.

    Critics, citing previous court judgments on similar suspensions, said neither the Senate nor the House of Representatives has power to suspend any of its members for more than 14 days.

    Such cases were those involving Senators Ali Ndume and Ovie Omo-Agege and former members of the House of Representatives Dino Melaye and Abdulmumini Jibrin.

    Women Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim yesterday offered to interface with the Senate on the Akpoti-Uduaghan’s matter with a view to seeking an amicable resolution.

    She described the sexual harassment allegations that led to the senator’s suspension as unfortunate and said such incidents should have no place in the National Assembly.

    “It is not a good thing to lose more women in the National Assembly at a time when we are already grossly underrepresented,” the minister told reporters at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    She stressed the need for greater cooperation between male and female lawmakers, adding that women in politics should be sensitized and encouraged to collaborate effectively.

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    She called for accelerated efforts to boost women’s representation in governance, insisting that they must have a stronger voice in decision-making.

    Asked why her ministry had not spoken on the Senate sexual harassment incident, she said: “It’s an unfortunate incident that should not happen. Just like you rightly said, in the last assembly, we had nine senators that are women. This Assembly, we have four.

    “We don’t want to be losing any member in the Senate or House of Assembly. We want to increase the numbers. It is unfortunate.

    “We’re going to be brokering peace. We will engage all the stakeholders to ensure that they temper justice with mercy.

    “I was at the National Assembly yesterday at the Senate, where they marked International Women’s Day, and the last thing the President of the Senate said was that ‘we’re open to broker peace.’

     “So, we’re going to be intermediary between the two parties to see that we broker for peace to reign and we will continue to also sensitize so that we will like to work better together as women and men.”

    She stressed that Nigeria must accelerate efforts to increase women’s representation in governance and ensure they have a seat at the table.

    She underscored the critical role of mentorship and economic empowerment in advancing women’s political participation in Nigeria.

    “When it comes to moving empowerment, especially in political participation and leadership, it’s very important that we start from the mentoring level,” she stated, emphasising that aspiring leaders must first recognise their qualifications and actively pursue their goals.

    It’s violation of rule of law, says Shittu

    A senior lawyer, Dr Wahab Shittu (SAN) said the Senate was in breach of the rule of law by suspending the senator in spite of an interim court order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions from proceeding with any disciplinary investigation against her.

    “This order was granted following an ex parte application by her legal team, effectively pausing any Senate actions—such as her six‐month suspension until the court can hear her motion on notice,” Shittu said yesterday.

    He added: “By suspending her despite the court’s injunction, the Senate may be acting in violation of the rule of law.”

    He advised the Senate to “immediately suspend all disciplinary proceedings against Senator Natasha, as mandated by the interim order from the Federal High Court” and said “this compliance would reaffirm the supremacy of judicial authority and prevent further erosion of public trust.”

    Shittu also called for an “impartial inquiry into both the sexual harassment allegations and any related misconduct.”

    By setting up an independent panel, free from internal conflicts of interest, he said, “the process can yield a fair assessment of the facts without political interference.”

    Continuing, he said: “The Senate should review and possibly reform its disciplinary protocols.

    “This includes ensuring that any punitive measures, like suspensions, strictly adhere to established rules (for example, not exceeding the 14-day limit outlined in Senate Order 67(4)) and that all parties receive due process.

    “To avoid any appearance of bias, those in leadership, especially the Senate President, should consider recusing themselves from deliberations directly connected to these allegations.

    “This would allow the matter to be handled by neutral parties and help restore institutional integrity.

    “The courtroom will decide whether her suspension stands or falls. The public discourse will decide whether her voice was a cry in the wilderness or the beginning of something greater.

    “History, as always, will decide the rest.”

    Yusuf: Natasha not first to be sent on suspension

    However, Professor of Law, Fassy Yusuf, has a different view on the matter.

    He said the suspension was in order.

    “The Senate gave a reason for its action, the Senate Committee on Ethics sat, she was expected to appear but she did not appear,” Yusuf told The Nation.

    “It shows she does not respect the committee set up to handle her own matter.

    “Secondly, we also learnt she did not give the Senate President and the committee the recognition they deserved.

    “The respect is that when the Senate President comes in, every member must stand up and give him the recognition he deserves.

    “In this case, she did not. Just like when a judge appears in court, all lawyers are expected to rise.”

    Prof. Yusuf argued that every institution has its modus operandi of regulating its affairs and the conduct of members, adding that the Senate is no exception.

    According to him, “the Red Book represents the Bible and the Quran of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and if a member has transgressed the provision of the Red Book, the sanctions provided for in the Red Book would apply.

    “So, the gavel fell on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan this time.

    In her own case, she remains intransigent and recalcitrant.”

    The Law professor remarked that if Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan likes, she can go to court.

    “But I believe she would fail because the Senate has its own laws for conducting its own affairs without recourse to the court.

    “I hope she would stop being a rabble-rouser and concentrate on her job and allow her constituency to enjoy her service.”

    Let’s focus on more serious things, not Natasha’s allegations – Agbomhere

    The South-South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blessing Agbomhere, dismissed Natasha’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio as undeserving of the attention being given to it when there are more pressing issues facing the country.

    “President Bola Tinubu has just signed the N54.99 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill into law. What Nigerians should be demanding now is for the executive arm of government—through coordinated oversight from the legislature—to ensure the proper implementation of the budget rather than engaging in attempts to denigrate Nigeria’s legislative institution before the world,” Agbomhere said in a statement.

    Agbomhere further noted that as the world marks International Women’s Day, Nigerians should see through the alleged plot against Akpabio, dismissing it as a calculated political manoeuvre rather than a genuine push for justice or gender inclusion.

    He also cautioned those working to undermine the Senate President, warning that history has a way of repaying such political betrayals.

    Her suspension is illegal, undemocratic, says CISLAC

    The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) branded Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as an illegal, unconstitutional move that undermines democracy and legislative independence.

    The group, in a statement by its by Executive Director, Awwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), said the senator was not given a fair hearing and wondered  why the Red Chambers refused to “dispassionately probe the allegations against Akpabio.”

    CISLAC argued that the suspension of an elected senator contradicts Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly outline the lawful processes for a legislator to lose his seat.

    Its words: “Section 68(1) & (2) states that a legislator’s seat can only be declared vacant under specific circumstances such as resignation, defection, conviction, or recall by constituents through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “Section 69 stipulates that the recall process is the only constitutional means for removing an elected legislator, making the Senate’s decision legally baseless.

    “By suspending Senator Natasha, CISLAC notes that the Senate has effectively denied the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District their right to representation, an action that constitutes an abuse of power.”

    The civil society group recalled past judicial rulings that declared legislative suspensions unlawful.

    It referred to Hon. Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009) when a Federal High Court ruled that legislative chambers lack the authority to suspend elected members.

    It added: “In Ali Ndume v Senate President & Ors (2018), the Court of Appeal nullified the senator’s suspension, reinforcing the principle that lawmakers cannot be arbitrarily removed by their peers.

    “Similarly, House of Assembly v Hon. Danna (2003) established that only the judiciary or the electorate have the power to remove an elected official,” it said.

    CISLAC accused the Senate of disregarding these precedents and eroding legislative independence by silencing dissenting voices

    It demanded the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha and urged the Senate to retract its decision and uphold democratic principles and the peaceful resolution of the crisis.

    PDP demands Natasha reinstatement, accuses Akpabio of cover-up

    Akpoti-Uduaghan’s party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), faulted her suspension which it called a “violation of parliamentary conventions and fair hearing”.

    The party said the suspension effectively denies her constituents their right to representation.

    The PDP said Senate President Godswill Akpabio should not have presided over a matter in which he is accused.

    “The PDP asserts that the action of the Akpabio-led Senate leadership against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan smacks of a desperation to cover up,” PDP’s national publicity secretary,Debo Ologunagba said in a statement.

    The PDP said the “hasty suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without an open investigation into the weighty allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President not only negates the principle of fair hearing, especially in parliamentary convention, but also portrays the Senate as an institution that endorses, condones and offers protection to reprobacy.

    “Also, the excessively harsh six months suspension on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan translates to denying the people of Kogi Central Senatorial Zone their Constitutional right of being represented in the Senate.

    “It is scandalous and amounts to gross abuse of office and violation of the fundamentals of justice and fair hearing for Senator Akpabio to sit as a judge in a matter in which he is the accused; a situation which validates public apprehension of a desperation by the embattled Senate President to suppress open legislative probe into the allegation of sexual harassment leveled against him.”

    The PDP said Akpabio should step aside and allow an open and impartial investigation into the allegations raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    “Given the height of public anxiety on this allegation of sexual harassment which has already escalated into protests at the National Assembly, the PDP urges the Senate to redeem its image and integrity by immediately reinstating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and ensuring an open investigation into the matter.”

    Natasha Akpoti kissing her husband at NASS morally wrong, says Senate spokesperson

    Spokesperson of the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, said yesterday that his stomach churned when he watched clips of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan planting a kiss on her husband before walking into the upper legislative chamber.

    Natasha and her spouse Emmanuel Uduaghan had gone to the National Assembly Complex.

    Moments before made her way to plenary to submit the sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the couple hugged and had a kiss.

    Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme, Adaramodu said the couple’s display of affection, in the full glare of television cameras and a battery of reporters, was “unthinkable and unspeakable”.

    Asked if it was wrong for Emmanuel Uduaghan to accompany his wife to the National Assembly in a show of solidarity, Adaramodu asked: “Solidarity over what? Over internal matters in the Senate? It is legal but it’s socially, morally and politically wrong. It doesn’t mean that all legal things are very good for adults to act.

    “I said initially that this is an episode of content creation and the content has been created. That is part of the skits of the contents being created by our colleague and then the whole thing is trending.”

    The Federal High Court in Abuja in November 2017 set aside the suspension of Ali Ndume by the Senate in April of the same year, declaring it “illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional”.

    The court also ordered the then Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Senate to pay Ndume all outstanding salaries and allowances.

    The Senate suspended Ndume for not “conducting due diligence” before filing a petition against Saraki and for bringing Senator Melaye, “his colleague, and the institution of the Senate to unbearable disrepute.”

    Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi who was suspended on March 12, 2024 for alleging that that year’s budget had been padded to the tune of N3.7trn, was pardoned and recalled two weeks to the end of his three-month suspension.

    In December 2010, Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja nullified the June 22, 2010 suspension of Mr. Dino Melaye and other members of the Progressive Group in the House of Representatives.

    The court held that the suspension was unlawful, null and illegal.

    It said although the National Assembly is empowered to regulate itself by the provision of Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution as well as Section 24 of the legislative houses’ rules the maximum period for the suspension of any member of the legislature as provided is 14 days.

    He said the imposition of indefinite suspension on the plaintiffs amounted to arbitrary show of power  and the tyranny of the majority.

    Similarly, an Abuja Federal High Court in 2028 voided the 180-legislative-day suspension of Abdulmumin Jibrin by the House of Representatives in September 2016.

  • Northern group slams Natasha over Senate conduct, dismisses allegation as baseless

    Northern group slams Natasha over Senate conduct, dismisses allegation as baseless

    The Northern Progressives Movement for Good Governance (NPMGG) has raised concerns over the ongoing controversy in the 10th Senate, particularly regarding the conduct of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the organization criticized Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions during a recent plenary session.

    The statement, signed by Lukeman Datijjo, Esq., National Publicity Secretary, was endorsed by several Northern organizations, including the Arewa Mandate Forum, North Central Youth Alliance, Middlebelt Youth Leaders Movement, and others.

    Part of the statement read: “We strongly condemn Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s unethical conduct during last Thursday’s plenary session. Her actions on the Senate floor not only violated the principles of decorum and legislative ethics but also undermined the integrity of leadership, particularly the dignity expected of women in governance.

    “As an organization representing the nineteen Northern States, where women’s political participation is still evolving, we take immense pride in seeing more Northern women rise to leadership positions and break longstanding barriers. ‘

    “However, we do not support or condone any woman in leadership who disregards the values of discipline, respect, and decorum in public service.

    “We maintain that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct does not reflect the true strength and resilience of Northern women in leadership. Instead, it has done a disservice to the cause of female political representation.

    “Her actions have tarnished the legacy of distinguished Northern women senators such as Zainab Abdulkadir Kure, Nenadi Usman, Grace Bent, and others, who were known for their productive contributions and decorum in the National Assembly.

    “Rather than submitting herself to the Senate disciplinary process, we find it appalling that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has resorted to making baseless allegations of sexual harassment against the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio. This appears to be a deliberate attempt to distract the public from her unethical conduct and evade accountability.”

    The groups alleged that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of controversy and manipulation, “and continues to weaponize her gender against individuals and institutions.” 

    “In just five years, and despite being married, she has made repeated, unfounded allegations of sexual harassment against several prominent Nigerians, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, Senator Dino Melaye, Reno Omokri, former minister and many others.

    “And why does she always resort to claims of sexual harassment as a defence mechanism? These patterns suggest a deliberate and calculated strategy to manipulate public perception and evade scrutiny.

    “We, therefore, urge the Nigerian public to take her latest allegations against the President of the Senate with a pinch of salt and dismiss them as fabrications designed to mislead the public. 

    “Nigerians must demand that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan submit herself to the Senate disciplinary process instead of hiding behind false allegations to escape accountability,” the group stated.

    The NPMGG further urged all well-meaning Nigerians to call for a swift resolution to this matter. 

    Read Also: Natasha: False allegations won’t be rewarded, says Senate Deputy Chief Whip

    “We urge the National Assembly, particularly the Ethics, Privileges, and Disciplinary Committee, to conduct a transparent, thorough, and unbiased investigation into Senator Natasha’s misconduct, ensuring that due process is followed without fear, favouritism, or external interference.

    “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sacred institution that upholds the laws of the country. It is too important to be undermined by the reckless actions of one individual. 

    “All patriotic Nigerians and defenders of democracy must work collectively to protect the integrity of the Senate and ensure that no lawmaker, regardless of gender or status, is allowed to subvert its sanctity and history without consequences.

    “We further call on the leadership and members of the National Assembly to always uphold the highest ethical standards, display exemplary conduct, and prioritize integrity, discipline, and moral rectitude in their service to the nation. 

    “These qualities are indispensable for good governance but, unfortunately, appear to be in serious deficit due to the unethical conduct of a certain member,” the statement concluded.

  • Senate refers Senator Natasha to Ethics Committee for probe

    Senate refers Senator Natasha to Ethics Committee for probe

    The Senate on Tuesday commenced probe of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP Kogi – Central) conduct during plenary last Thursday by referring the issue to its committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan had last Thursday created a scene in chambers during plenary by refusing to accept a new seat allocated to her, and openly defying the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and reading a point of order despite having been ruled out of order.

    The resolution of the Senate was sequel to its consideration and adoption of a report presented to it by its Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, during plenary.

    Adaramadu, had risen on a point of order, informed the Senate that the uproar during plenary on Thursday last week where Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, openly challenged the Senate President over allocation of new seat to her had done grave damage to the image of the Senate.

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    He said he has been junketing from one media house to another to explain the side of the red chamber on the issue, saying that as the image maker of the Senate, it is difficult to mend an image that has been broken to pieces as a result of the posturing of Akpoti-Uduaghan over a simple matter like seat reallocation and committee chairmanship.

    The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Minority Leader, Abba Moro and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, among others, lamented over the conduct displayed by Akpoti-Uduaghan on the fateful day and recommended that the matter be referred to its appropriate organ for further investigation.

    They said that her actions contravened relevant sections of the Senate Standing Orders which give the presiding office the power to allocate seats and equally maintain order and decorum within the Chambers.

    They equally faulted her for taking a matter that happened within chambers and made a media issue for which the red chambers continue to receive negative publicity and image bashing.

    Senators voted to approve that the issue be referred the ethics committee for investigation and to report back to the Senate in two weeks

  • Why north is jittery over Tax Reform Bills, says Senator Natasha

    Why north is jittery over Tax Reform Bills, says Senator Natasha

    …seeks revitalisation of northern Nigeria’s socio-economic, cultural heritage

    The chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Contents, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Thursday explained why some critical stakeholders in the northern part of the country are nervous over the Tax Reform Bills being considered by the National Assembly.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the red chamber, said the region was ill-prepared for such fiscal legislation.

    She, therefore, called for the revitalisation of Northern Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural heritage to boost the economic fortunes of the region.

    The Senator, according to a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Israel, in Abuja yesterday, asserted while speaking at the Sardauna Memorial Day in Kaduna.

    She urged the north to embrace the vision of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello, who led the region to prosperity in the 1950s.

    She stressed the importance of education and cultural preservation to achieve the envisaged economic transformation.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that in 1959, Nigeria’s groundnut export to the UK was valued at £27 million, equivalent to ₦3.6 trillion today, while current groundnut exports are only $3 million.

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    “The only reason why the North is jittery about the Tax Reform Bills is because we are ill-prepared.

    “If we were generating N3.6 trillion from one agricultural product, would we be bothered about the reforms?

    “Hence, we must ask our leaders with developmental mindsets to stir up the entrepreneurial ecosystems so our lands and factories can be productive once again.

    “Let’s act from a position of economic abundance for our region and country at large,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

    She called for collaboration among leaders in the north and civil society to achieve the goals.

    “In the year 1959, Nigeria’s groundnut export to the United Kingdom alone stood at £27million which has an equivalent purchasing power of ₦3.6 trillion today.

    “The residue from the groundnut’s oil extraction was also exported to the UK as livestock feeds. Today, Nigeria’s groundnut exports sit at distant $3m,” she said.

    She noted that the Cotten industry in the North, which was once very important to the UK market, has also diminished, as it had previously generated significant revenue and employment.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan said: “Northern Nigeria’s cotton industry shaped the Liverpool cloth market in London, UK between the 50s and 70s while the Kaduna Textile Mill flourished creating thousands of jobs.

    “Today, the cotton industry in Nigeria is pretty much non-existent while this same industry generates $21 billion annually.

    “That’s the thriving economy Sardauna helped create and left for us to improve upon.”

    She stressed the need for a developmental mindset among leaders to revive the economy and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems.

    The event was attended by dignitaries including the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Internal Party Affairs, Abdulazeez Ishak.

    Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Prof. Ango Abdullahi, and Major Hamza Al-Mustapha.