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Spending nearly a trillion naira to count Nigerians is madness - Shehu Sani to Population Commission
AFOLABI
Former Senator for Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has criticised the National Population Commission (NPC) for requesting nearly a trillion naira to conduct a national census, describing it as “total madness.”
The NPC had proposed a budget of ₦942 billion for this year’s housing and population census.
However, reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu rejected the request, instead considering the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for the exercise.
Reacting to the development, Shehu Sani praised Tinubu’s decision, stating on X: “National Population Commission request for almost a trillion naira just to count the number of Nigerians is total madness.
The rejection of their budget is commendable.”
Media
National Population Commission request for almost a trillion naira just to count the number of Nigerians is total madness.The rejection of their budget is commendable.
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) March 8, 2025
Federal Government ministries, departments, and agencies, along with the Presidency, have collectively spent at least ₦1.99 billion on foreign trips, training, and estacodes in France between May 2023 and September 2024.
The expenditure data, sourced from GovSpend—a transparency platform operated by BudgIT—covered costs such as airfare, accommodation, visa processing, estacodes, training programs, and business meetings.
A significant portion of the funds was allocated to executive training programs, study trips, and international conferences.
According to The PUNCH, one of the largest single disbursements was ₦626.91 million, paid by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta for training and type rating of 35 cadet pilots in South Africa, France, and Nigeria. The funds were transferred via the GIFMIS platform to the PAP Naira Transit Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The State House also incurred substantial expenses on international travel. This included ₦149.79 million spent on foreign exchange purchases for the First Lady’s trip to France on April 1, 2024, and ₦6.29 million allocated in March 2024 for a five-year multiple-entry visa for the Vice President.
Several MDAs also recorded notable spending on overseas trips. The National Merit Award allocated ₦15.5 million as an advance payment for the course fees of eight participants attending a training program in Paris from May 14 to 20, 2023.
The Centre for Management Development disbursed ₦34.3 million for six officials—each receiving ₦5.71 million—to participate in training in France.
Senior officials also benefited from these trips. The Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Adamu Jummai, and former Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Nuhu Fikpo, had their executive programs in Paris fully funded.
Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) spent ₦41.09 million on multiple officials, including its Technical Adviser, Temitope Yoosuf, who attended business meetings with Airbus in Toulouse, France.
The company’s CEO, Jane Egerton-Idehen, and its Head of Corporate Affairs, Aisha Bantam, were also funded with ₦11.88 million and ₦5.65 million, respectively, to attend the World Space Business Week in Paris.
The Nigeria Football Federation allocated ₦124.45 million for Super Falcons players’ flight tickets for their Olympic Games qualifier against Ethiopia, with travel routes covering America, France, Spain, and Nigeria.
Additional significant expenditures included ₦10.62 million by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for airfare costs for three officials attending the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group meeting in Paris.
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission disbursed ₦7.90 million for an officer’s participation in the 2023 International Bar Association Conference in France.
The Federal Ministry of Health funded ₦5.30 million each for David Beine Atuwo and Olusola Ayoola to cover airfare and participation in the 11th EDCTP Forum in France.
The Defence Intelligence Agency recorded two major payments, totaling ₦574.52 million, covering salaries of two seconded staff of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit at Interpol in Lyon, France, and the Egmont Group in Ottawa, Canada.
These expenditures have drawn scrutiny amid concerns about rising government spending and the increasing cost of governance.
With the economy facing challenges such as high inflation, fiscal deficits, and a depreciating naira, calls for greater accountability and transparency in public spending have intensified.
Earlier, PUNCH reported that in the first six months of President Bola Tinubu’s administration—June to December 2023—the State House spent at least ₦3.4 billion on both local and foreign trips.
Similarly, in the first quarter of 2024, ₦5.24 billion was expended on travel expenses for President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and First Lady Remi Tinubu.
Between January and March 2024, ₦1.35 billion was allocated for presidential trips and related expenses, ₦3.53 billion was used for foreign currency purchases covering 10 international trips, and ₦637.85 million was paid to two travel agencies for presidential flight bookings.
Opposition parties have criticized President Tinubu’s frequent international travel, arguing that he prioritizes trips abroad over addressing domestic challenges.
However, the Presidency has defended his travel engagements, asserting that a leader focused on attracting foreign investments must be proactive in seeking opportunities.
A few months ago, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, also defended Tinubu’s frequent trips, emphasizing their benefits.
“Nigeria has the money. How much does travelling cost compared to the benefits? Again, how much does it cost really when you compare it to some of the things that the President has already addressed?
“How much have we wasted on fuel, electricity, and other subsidies? He was subsidising consumption instead of production and subsidising the real sector of the economy,” he said.
Since taking office, Tinubu has embarked on 32 foreign trips, visiting 19 countries, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Saudi Arabia, India, and South Africa, among others.
Experts have predicted that the ongoing trade war will significantly impact the economies of Nigeria and other emerging markets.
Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as 20% tariffs on imports from China.
This fresh round of duties on Chinese goods doubled an initial set of tariffs placed on China last month. In response, China imposed additional 15% duties on U.S. imports, including chicken, pork, soy, and beef, and expanded controls on doing business with key U.S. companies. Canada has also responded with its own measures.
Possible slowdown in U.S. growth
Speaking on the Drinks and Mics podcast, Samson Esemuede, MD/CIO of Zrosk, forecasted a slowdown in U.S. growth relative to the rest of the world, regardless of whether the tariffs continue or are lifted.
He expressed skepticism about the uncertainty created by Trump’s policy actions, noting that markets thrive on certainty.
According to Esemuede, there will be a relative deceleration in U.S. growth, while markets like China and Europe, which have underperformed post-COVID, may surprise on the upside.
“So, within that context, I felt like relative growth rates for the rest of the world in favor of the rest of the world, we pull capital out of the US, which is why when we did our buy-hold sell, I had a sell on the US, and then that leads to a weakening dollar, and the weakening dollar should basically benefit emerging markets and frontier markets, and by extension, Nigeria should benefit from that.
He added, “If that continues, that would be the case. However, there is a risk that is now evolving. My assessment of the US recession for 2025 was probably a 5% to 10% probability that the US would go into recession because the economy was so strong and consumer spending was very healthy. And now, I think with what is happening with Trump, the uncertainty, the impact on inflation, the probability of a recession is probably around 30% to 35% probability. If that stays and we don’t go into a recession, but we see a material slowdown in US growth, I think that’s positive for Africa and that will be positive for Nigeria.”
However, Esemuede warned that if the U.S. goes into a recession, it will negatively affect everyone because the dollar will strengthen as there will be a flight to safety.
Weak dollar beneficial for emerging markets
Chief Investment Officer at Cordros Capital LTD, Arnold Dublin-Green, shared a similar view. According to him, a weak dollar is beneficial for emerging markets.
“A weak dollar also means our commodity prices are good. Commodity exports in countries like us, like Ghana (gold), South Africa, Kenya exports flowers. It’s good for Africa. It’s good for EM. So we all have the same view.”
He added, “And that’s the crowded trade that you’re seeing right now. Everyone’s saying, ‘Okay, hold on a minute. It’s a weak dollar we’re going into. Let me look for cheaper assets in countries that export commodities. Our external debts also get serviced, so it’s better for us. So weak dollar, where it’s going right now, looks positive for us.”
What you should know
- On Wednesday, China’s Premier Li Qiang announced that China would again boost its defence spending by 7.2% this year and warned that “changes unseen in a century were unfolding across the world at a faster pace.” This increase was expected and matches the figure announced last year.
- Leaders in Beijing are trying to send a message to people in China that they are confident the country’s economy can grow, even with the threat of a trade war.
- China has been keen to portray an image of being a stable, peaceful country in contrast to the US, which Beijing accuses of being embroiled in wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
China may also hope to capitalise on Trump’s actions relating to US allies such as Canada and Mexico, which have also been hit by tariffs, and will not want to ramp up the rhetoric too far to scare off potential new global partners.
[NaijaNews]
The Senate Leader, Bamidele Opeyemi, has clarified that the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was suspended for gross misconduct and not because of a sexual harassment allegation against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Naija News recalls that Natasha’s clash with Akpabio began in February over her refusal to move to a new position assigned to her in the Senate.
She later went on TV and made sexual misconduct allegations against Akpabio, and on March 6, 2025, the Senate suspended her for six months, withdrawing her security details, among other terms.
However, Natasha’s suspension has been stirring controversies among many Nigerians.
Reacting to the aftermath of the suspension, Opeyemi, the lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, in a statement on Saturday, said certain media organisations are circulating false narratives on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.
Opeyemi stressed that Natasha was suspended solely for her persistent misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 and gross indiscipline.
He further said that the Kogi lawmaker’s suspension was a decision of the committee of the whole Senate following the submission of a report by the chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imaseun, adding, the report found Natasha guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules.
Opeyemi urged the public and the media to disregard any false reports suggesting otherwise and to always seek the truth before spreading politically motivated narratives.
The statement read, “The Authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly rebuts the deliberate misinformation and false narratives being circulated by certain media organizations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and gross indiscipline—nothing more, nothing less.
“It has come to the attention of the Senate that some media reports are attempting to falsely suggest that Senator Uduaghan’s suspension was due to allegations of sexual harassment.
“This is completely untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to distort the facts. If Senator Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice. But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving.
“The disciplinary action was a response to her repeated violations of legislative decorum, including: 1. Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, despite multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and other ranking Senators—an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.
“2. Speaking without being recognised by the presiding officer in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on 25th February 2025. 3. Engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior, obstructing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings.
“4. Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate. 5. Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.
“These actions represented a direct challenge to the Senate’s authority and a violation of Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), which govern the Senate’s business and the conduct of its members. The disciplinary measure was, therefore, necessary and justified to restore order and uphold the integrity of the Senate as the country’s foremost democratic institution.”
[NaijaNews]
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has hailed women for their invaluable contributions to the society, saying that “as pillars of our homes and considering their roles in our society, they are worthy to be celebrated.”
The Minister, in his goodwill message on this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD 2025), expressed appreciation to women, especially those in the FCT, for what he described as their unique roles.
Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, ere Olayinka, said in a statement in Milan, Italy, that “Under Wike, as the FCT Minister, women will always get their deserved recognition and positioning.”
He stressed that women are custodian of men and children, noting that their roles in the management and sustenance of the family institution, which is the basic unit in any society, are forever appreciated.
While specially appreciating women in the FCT, Wike urged that they continue to support the government, promising more dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said; “To our women in the FCT, starting from the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mahmoud Mariya, and the first female Head of Service, Grace Adayilo, today gives us the opportunity to say we are grateful for the impact you make.
“For us, we will keep doing our best to make life more meaningful, especially for the women who are undoubtedly, the pillars of our homes.”
[Leadership]
General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has narrated how his earthly journey almost seven years ago.
Speaking at the annual Special Holy Ghost Service, themed “Joy Unspeakable,” Adeboye shared the experience to express gratitude for God’s benevolence towards him and the ministry.
Adeboye recounted how he fell critically ill during one of the church’s annual “Let’s-Go-A-Fishing” evangelism programmes.
“Seven years ago, during this same programme, my body broke down completely due to the terrible road conditions. For the first time in my life, I spent Christmas Day in bed. The devil was certain he had finally got me. I collapsed in Ilesha, and to bring me back to the camp, we had to charter a helicopter. I was too weak to travel by road—if I had, I would not have made it.
“However, just as I was about to be airlifted, local miscreants attempted to prevent the helicopter from taking off.
“They clung to the helicopter, and in the process, one of the windows got torn. But by God’s grace, I managed to reach the camp. I had an assurance that if only I could get to the camp, I would recover. Seven years later, I am still here! I want you to thank God for sparing my life. Please, praise Him for me—give Him glory, honor, and adoration!”
[DailyTrust]
Nigerian actor and content creator Yemi Elesho has opened up about his relationship with Grammy-winning singer Asake.
In a recent interview with streamer Jigan, Elesho revealed that his relationship with the singer dates back to their undergraduate days at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
He stated that he has a long working relationship with Asake, noting that he used to give him a plate of rice and a bottle of Coca-Cola as performance fees for featuring in his movies and skits on campus.
“I used to give Asake a ₦700 plate of rice and a bottle of Coca-Cola as performance fees for him to feature in movies during our undergraduate days at OAU,” he recalled.
“He is my day-one, my very good friend. I have pictures and videos of our time together at OAU. We used to play celebrity football matches together back in the day.”
[DailyPost]
Navigating the business landscape in the UK as a Nigerian can be challenging but it also presents unique opportunities for those with the right strategy. From tapping into the growing demand for African cuisine to offering specialized consulting services.
Here are five clever business ideas that Nigerians abroad can explore to thrive in a competitive market:
1. Start An African foodstuff business
The demand for African cuisine is steadily growing in the UK, especially among the Nigerian diaspora and other communities interested in African flavors. Starting an African foodstuff business involves importing and selling staple items like yams, plantains, palm oil, dried fish, and spices. With strategic sourcing, quality products, and effective marketing—especially through social media and community networks—this business can thrive by catering to both the nostalgia of Nigerians abroad and the curiosity of food enthusiasts eager to explore African cuisine.
2. Create a Nigerian restaurant
Launching a Nigerian restaurant in the UK offers an excellent opportunity to introduce authentic Nigerian flavors to a diverse audience. With a menu featuring classics like jollof rice, egusi soup, pounded yam, and suya, the restaurant can attract both the Nigerian diaspora and adventurous food lovers. By focusing on authentic recipes, quality ingredients, and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects Nigerian culture, this venture can stand out in a competitive market while celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Nigeria.
3. Offer research/student support services
Providing specialised academic assistance can be a highly rewarding business. By leveraging your expertise, you can offer personalized tutoring, research guidance, editing, and mentorship services tailored to Nigerian students and others navigating the UK education system. This venture not only helps bridge academic gaps but also builds a trusted platform for students seeking to excel in their studies.
4. Open a daycare centre
Establishing a daycare centre can be a fulfilling venture for Nigerians in the UK, tapping into the growing need for quality childcare services. By offering a safe, nurturing environment enriched with both local and Nigerian cultural elements, this business can cater to busy families seeking reliable and culturally aware care for their children.
5. Start a drop servicing fashion outlet
This business model lets you capitalize on the dynamic fashion scene without the need for heavy inventory investments. As a middleman, you curate a range of fashion services—such as custom design, tailoring, and styling—by partnering with skilled providers. By focusing on quality control, effective digital marketing, and a seamless customer experience, you can blend Nigerian-inspired aesthetics with modern UK trends to attract a niche clientele looking for unique, personalized fashion solutions.
[TheNation]
Personnel of the Nigerian Navy attached to Forward Operating Base Escravos on Friday night raided the Oteghele community at Obodo Omadinho, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, leading to the discovery and deactivation of two illegal refining sites.
The Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, who led the operation told journalists that “the sites were laden with about 5,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO contained in one oven, nine dug out pits and 28 polythene sacks.”
“The successful operation, which was in support of the ongoing Operation Delta Sanity II, was based on credible intelligence,” the Commanding Officer stated.
He continued, “The sustained fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage supports efforts to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil production quantity.
“The operation further highlights the commitment of Forward Operating Base Escravos to achieve the dictates of the Strategic Directives of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla Admiralty Medal, to root out all forms of illegalities within the maritime environment.”
Only two weeks ago, operatives of the FOB Escravos discovered and deactivated three illegal refining sites at Obodo in the Omadinho community, Warri South West LGA.
The sites were laden with about 3,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,600 litres of illegally refined AGO, contained in five ovens, 12 dug-out pits and 33 polythene sacks.
Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna Okoloagu, has reiterated his call on would-be economic saboteurs in the oil sector to desist from illegal acts, stressing that “the Navy Base would stop at nothing to deny them freedom of action and ensure that they are brought to justice.”
[Punch]
US President Donald Trump’s prized Turnberry golf resort in Scotland has been vandalised by protesters who sprayed “GAZA IS NOT 4 SALE” in huge white letters on the lawn.
The activists also damaged greens and sprayed blood-red paint over the luxury resort’s clubhouse overnight on Saturday.
The Palestine Action group said it was a “direct response to the US administration’s stated intent to ethnically cleanse Gaza”.
Trump sparked outrage last month when he suggested the US “take over” Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”, while forcing its Palestinian inhabitants to relocate to Egypt or Jordan.
The activists cited an AI-generated video the US president shared online last week, which showed the razed Palestinian territory rebuilt as a Trump-branded seaside resort.
One scene showed Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sipping cocktails in swimsuits by a pool.
“Whilst Trump attempts to treat Gaza as his property, he should know his own property is within reach,” Palestine Action said on social media.
Police Scotland told AFP it was investigating after receiving a report of damage at around 0440 GMT on Saturday.
Last week, the United States said it had approved the sale of more than $3 billion in munitions, bulldozers and related equipment to Israel, which has used American-made weapons to devastating effect in Gaza.
The Turnberry property in southwest Scotland is one of two resorts that Trump owns in the country, his mother’s ancestral home.
A spokesman for Trump Turnberry said: “This was a childish, criminal act but the incredible team at Trump Turnberry will ensure it does not impact business.
“Turnberry is a national treasure and will continue to be the number one beacon of luxury and excellence in the world of golf.”
AFP
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Liverpool survived a scare from Southampton as Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez inspired the fightback in a 3-1 win that lifted the Premier League leaders 16 points clear at the top on Saturday.
Arne Slot’s side were rocked by Will Smallbone’s first half opener for bottom of the table Southampton at Anfield.
But Liverpool recovered their composure after half-time and the much-maligned Nunez equalised before earning the penalty that Salah converted to put them ahead
Salah netted another penalty to reach 32 goals in all competitions this season as the Reds edged closer to a record-equalling 20th English title and their first since 2020.
Second-placed Arsenal have two games in hand on Arsenal, including Sunday’s trip to Manchester United.
But Liverpool’s relentless march to the title looks unstoppable no matter how the Gunners fare in the final weeks of what is shaping up to be a dream first season for Slot after replacing Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds are chasing a treble and will look to finish off Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday after stealing a 1-0 victory from the Champions League last 16 first leg last Wednesday.
Liverpool will then head to Wembley on March 16 as they aim to win the first trophy of the Slot era against Newcastle in the League Cup final.
After that, Liverpool — beaten just once in the league this season — will have nine games left to wrap up the title.
Languishing 13 points from safety, Southampton still need two more points to match Derby’s Premier League record low of 11 in an entire season.
Due to a quirk of the fixture list, this was Liverpool’s only league match in March.
It took Curtis Jones just 48 seconds to have Liverpool’s first shot and the midfielder was inches away moments later with a long-range curler that flashed just wide.
Liverpool had matched their paltry shot total against PSG in midweek within the first few minutes at Anfield.
– Champions-elect –
In keeping with Southampton’s season of self-inflicted wounds, a heavy collision between Saints duo Ryan Manning and Jan Bednarek forced the latter to be replaced due to a head injury.
Having lost their captain, Southampton nearly inflicted some pain on Liverpool as Mateus Fernandes’s blast was repelled by Alisson.
Liverpool were unusually vulnerable at the back and Albert Gronbaek was inches away from connecting with Fernandes’s cross.
It was uncomfortable viewing for Slot, who was watching from the stands as he served the last game of his suspension for his foul-mouthed rant at officials after the stormy draw against Everton.
And in first half stoppage-time, the Dutchman was left holding his head in disbelief.
Liverpool were the authors of their own downfall as Virgil van Dijk got in a tangle with Alisson as both failed to clear, allowing Smallbone to slip his shot through the keeper’s legs.
Alisson’s superb performance was crucial in the backs-to-the-wall win in Paris, but the Brazilian was culpable this time as stunned silence descended on Anfield.
Crucially, Slot sent on Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott and Andrew Robertson at half-time.
Elliott scored with his first touch after coming off the bench against PSG and the midfielder almost repeated the trick as his shot was saved by Ramsdale.
Liverpool were 2-1 down against Southampton before coming back to win 3-2 at St Mary’s in November and once again they came from behind.
Luis Diaz was the catalyst in the 51st minute with an incisive raid that climaxed with a pin-point cross that Nunez finished with aplomb.
Liverpool’s revival was complete four minutes later when Smallbone conceded a soft penalty with his trip on Nunez.
Salah stepped up to drill the spot-kick past Ramsdale in emphatic fashion.
There was time for Salah to strike with another penalty, conceded by Yukinari Sugawara’s handball, as the Kop echoed to chants proclaiming Liverpool as champions-elect.
[Vanguard]
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has refuted the allegations of sexual harassment made against him by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, lawmaker representing Kogi central.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances towards her during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom state on December 8, 2023.
The lawmaker alleged that the Akpabio implied she should “take care” of him if she wanted favourable treatment in the red chamber.
On March 1,Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the senate president, filed multiple lawsuits against Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged defamatory comments made against her husband.
Speaking during an event to mark International Women’s Day at the senate, Akpabio said the accusations only emerged after a reshuffle of seating arrangements and committee assignments in the upper chamber.
The senate president claimed that before the changes, neither he, his wife, nor Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband had heard any accusations.
“It’s only yesterday that I realized that what we are talking about happened only after the change of seat in the senate. That is when hell was let loose and all sorts of allegations came up,” Akpabio said.
“Only after the change of seat and change of committee which my senators know happen from time to time. And it was said to have happened on the 8th of December — a day to my birthday which was celebrated in the stadium in 2023.
“So, from 8th of December, 2023, I never heard, my wife never heard, no Nigerian ever heard, even the husband never heard any issue of sexual harassment, until her committee was changed and then, her seat was changed and she went on.”
The senate president said that the case was now before the judiciary and should be left for legal resolution.
“Have you ever wondered the trauma caused by that same woman on the other people she has accused in the past? None has been proven so far,” Akpabio added.
”Let me just say that time will tell. We are in court; the court will decide.”
Akpabio has previously been accused of sexual harassment by Joi Nunieh, former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who made the allegations in 2020.
[TheCable]
Obasa’s return as speaker shows Lagos assembly is run like a private enterprise - Bode George
AFOLABI
Bode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticised the Lagos state house of assembly over its decision to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as speaker.
Obasa was removed from office by a majority of lawmakers following allegations of financial misconduct but was later reinstated in what George described as a “disregard for due process”.
Speaking in an interview with The Tribune on Saturday, George accused the assembly of acting like a “private enterprise” rather than a democratic institution.
George questioned why Obasa was reinstated without addressing the allegations that led to his removal.
He further suggested that the lawmakers’ actions undermined democratic principles.
“If they are deceiving themselves, they cannot deceive the general public,” George said.
”If you are the leader of a party and the party was going to go through a procedure, and they accused the speaker of a lot of inappropriate activities – financial and otherwise – shouldn’t you even address those issues?
“Since he didn’t do it, there is no need for Obasa to respond to the allegations levelled against him. The same people came back and reinstated or re-elected him. It is an indecent approach to what democracy is all about.
“If you were accused of certain misdemeanor openly and people went through a process by which they said enough of you, if you want to come back, you know you will have to defend yourself first. It’s already in the public domain, but there was an order that he should be reinstated since it is a private enterprise.
“Do you return people like that in a democratic dispensation to override whatever others had been saying? Is it that those Assembly members didn’t know what they had been talking about before they removed Obasa, or they are absolutely acting like a military organisation?”
The PDP chieftain also alleged that a single individual appeared to be in control of the assembly.
“You can see who is in charge. It’s a private enterprise, he can hire and fire. Is that democracy? You can’t have your opinion to explain yourself based on the demands from your constituency,” George added.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has approved the recruitment of an additional 500 personnel for the Ogun State Security Network Agency, commonly known as the Amotekun Corps.
The State Commander of Amotekun, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.), announced the decision in a statement on Saturday, highlighting the state government’s continued dedication to strengthening security across Ogun State.
According to Adedigba, this recruitment drive follows the recent passing-out parade of 690 newly trained operatives, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to safeguarding residents.
He stated, “Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications free of charge via the official website: [ogunstateamotekun.com.ng](http://ogunstateamotekun.com.ng).
“The application window will remain open from Monday, March 10, 2025, to Friday, April 4, 2025.
“A comprehensive screening exercise is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to Thursday, May 1, 2025.
“Prospective applicants are encouraged to adequately prepare and adhere to the guidelines that will be provided throughout this critical process.
“This recruitment initiative marks a significant advancement in our continuous efforts to enhance the capacity of the Amotekun Corps, enabling our operatives to serve and protect the citizens of Ogun State more effectively.
“We strongly encourage all eligible individuals to participate in this important undertaking and play a vital role in fostering a secure community environment.”
This move is expected to further boost security operations and reinforce the presence of the Amotekun Corps in safeguarding lives and property across the state.