The APC Youth Leaders Network has disowned a recent protest demanding the probe of Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence.

On Friday, members of the All Progressives Congress Young Leaders Alliance (APC-YLA) protested at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, demanding the resumption of investigation into alleged corruption involving Matawalle when he served as governor of Zamfara state.

The group accused the EFCC of going silent on the case despite multiple petitions and earlier commitments to investigate the former Zamfara governor. 

Matawalle was governor of Zamfara from 2019 to 2023.

He lost his re-election bid in the 2023 elections and was later appointed minister of state for defence by President Bola Tinubu.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, Olayemi Isaac, the convener of the APC Youth Leaders Network, claimed that the protest was sponsored by politicians in Zamfara. 

“Apparently, the recent events of a sponsored protest to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by a compromised faction that claimed to be APC youths, demanding an investigation of Matawalle, should be seen as nothing short of an embarrassing attempt to spread falsehood for vendetta politics,” the statement reads.

“Indeed, these trying times call for an urgent need for Nigerians to circumspectly evaluate any spurious allegations flying around. 

“Nevertheless, our commitment to truth, justice, and the preservation of democratic integrity that the APC stands for remains undeterred.

“Let it be made clear: Minister Bello Matawalle is a respected patriot whose legacy and contributions to national security, particularly in the north-west, continue to uphold the visionary Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Isaac said rather than sponsor protests for political gains, politicians should focus on tackling the deteriorating security in the state.

“Daily news of banditry festers, communities being ransacked, lives being lost in thousands, and the cry of protection that was never answered,” he said.

Since leaving office as governor, there have been petitions against him over alleged corruption.

Despite the allegations, Matawalle has not been arraigned in court.

A sweeping move by U.S. President Donald Trump to slash domestic drug prices may have unintended consequences for nations like Nigeria, where access to affordable medications is already a major challenge.

In a late Sunday announcement on his Truth Social account, Trump revealed that he would be signing an executive order on Monday morning to reduce the prices of prescription medications in the United States by 30 to 80 percent.

“They will rise throughout the World in order to equalize and, for the first time in many years, bring FAIRNESS TO AMERICA!” he declared.

The U.S. president argued that Americans have long borne the burden of inflated drug costs, largely due to pharmaceutical companies citing research and development (R\&D) expenses as justification. Trump contends this has placed an undue financial load on American consumers.

Trump said, “I will be instituting a MOST FAVORED NATION’S POLICY whereby the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World.

“Our Country will finally be treated fairly, and our citizens Healthcare Costs will be reduced by numbers never even thought of before.

“Additionally, on top of everything else, the United States will save TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS.”

Framing the executive order as part of his “Make America Great Again” vision, Trump underscored the historic nature of the policy shift.

A Global Rebalancing That May Hit Nigeria Hard

While the policy aims to reduce U.S. drug prices, experts warn that pharmaceutical companies may attempt to offset their revenue losses by hiking prices in less regulated markets, including developing countries like Nigeria.

Nigeria’s healthcare system is heavily reliant on imports, with over 70 percent of its pharmaceutical products sourced from abroad. Of the country’s estimated $10 billion healthcare expenditure, medicines alone account for around $4 billion. Domestic drug production only meets roughly a quarter of national demand.

Moreover, out-of-pocket spending makes up more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s healthcare expenditure, largely due to limited health insurance coverage. This makes the average Nigerian particularly vulnerable to global pharmaceutical price shocks.

If drugmakers adjust to U.S. pricing restrictions by scaling back supply or increasing costs elsewhere, Nigerians could find themselves paying more for essential medicines, especially branded or specialty drugs used for chronic illnesses or infectious diseases.

Nigeria also benefits significantly from U.S. health aid programs such as PEPFAR, which support treatment for HIV/AIDS.

Although Trump’s executive order does not directly target aid, his administration has previously reviewed or paused international assistance. Any disruption to procurement systems or aid-funded drug programs could further strain access to affordable medicines in Nigeria.

As the U.S. moves to protect its citizens from high drug costs, it remains to be seen how the rest of the world—particularly countries with fragile healthcare systems—will absorb the fallout. For Nigeria, the coming months may present a new set of challenges in ensuring medicine remains within reach for millions.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno on Sunday returned to his spiritual roots at The Apostolic Church, Lagos where he revealed the prophecy behind his emergence as governor of oil-rich Akwa Ibom State.

The governor returned to the church and held a thanking service at the church he said nurtured him spiritually, and prophesied that he would be a governor one day.

Governor Eno, who served in various ministerial capacities within the church before relocating to Akwa Ibom State in 1995, described the visit as a deeply emotional and significant spiritual milestone.

“Thirty years after leaving, it is emotional being back,” the Governor said. “The Spirit of the Lord laid heavily upon my heart to return to Bethel. When you read Genesis 35, it will be clear to you why we’re here. This is a significant spiritual exercise. When a child forgets the blessings of yesterday, he will foreclose and forfeit the blessings of tomorrow.”

He recalled his healing from chronic illness during a church revival in 1975, a transformative moment that marked the beginning of his enduring faith and service.

“By the grace of God, I got my healing in that revival. My mother and I began attending this church regularly. I went through school here, and everyone in the neighborhood knew us.”

The Governor paid tribute to the late Apostle George Isong, former District Pastor, who played a pivotal role in his early development and advised him to marry young. “I married at 22, my wife was 19. These are the products you see today,” he remarked with gratitude.

Governor Eno also acknowledged Pastor James Okon and other mentors who positively shaped his life. He recounted a prophetic message he received in 1980 from a young girl during a church prayer meeting, who foretold his future leadership: “She said, ‘Umo Bassey, for your labour of love, I will return you to your homeland, and you’ll be a governor of my people.’”

Though skeptical at the time, the Governor admitted that the prophecy remained etched in his heart. “My mother told me, ‘Mbakara, every vision is for an appointed time.’ I never forgot those words.”

Reflecting on the diversity of people who supported his rise, Governor Eno emphasized inclusivity and kindness beyond ethnic or religious lines.

“God’s destiny helpers may be Christians, Muslims, or even pagans. The person God uses to help you may not be from your village. This is why I cannot be tribalistic in anything I do.”

He also expressed deep appreciation for former Governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel, whom he credited with playing a divine role in the fulfillment of the 1980 prophecy. “I will never dishonor Deacon Udom Emmanuel. God used him to fulfill the words spoken right here in this church.”

In keeping with the spirit of thanksgiving, the Governor announced a range of empowerment initiatives and support for members of the church and the broader congregation. He also acknowledged generous donations from friends and associates who accompanied him.

In a sermon titled “Greatness in Humility,” Pastor Dr. Senior Gabriel Uyeh, National Vice President of The Apostolic Church, praised Governor Eno’s humility and simplicity, noting that true greatness stems from a humble heart. “Pride and arrogance have destroyed many destinies. Humility lifts men up,” he said.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barrister Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, lauded Governor Eno’s accomplishments and moral foundation.

“Your leadership reflects the values shaped by your formative years in Lagos. This thanksgiving reminds us that without God, we can achieve nothing.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the District Apostle and Area Superintendent, Pastor Dr. Solomon Nkopeti, celebrated Governor Eno as a faithful steward of the Apostolic vision.

He listed numerous roles the Governor had held in the church—from chorister and deacon to elder and committee chairman—and commended him for his consistent dedication.

“Your Excellency, today in Akwa Ibom State, your administration is a living testimony of Proverbs 29:2: ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.’ Your inclusive leadership, commitment to accountability, and investment in people continue to reshape the future of our state.”

Pastor Nkopeti concluded by acknowledging that although the Governor’s divine assignment took him to Akwa Ibom, his spiritual roots remain firmly planted in the Maboju Assembly.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje, has been criticised over his statement on a one-party state.

Recall that Ganduje, on Friday, at the presidential villa, argued that it is unnecessary to fear Nigeria could slide into a one-party state.

APC National Chairman noted that China, under a one-party state, has achieved tremendous economic progress.

“Leaders worried about a one-party state have no need to fear. A one-party state is not by force; it is by negotiation. It is by other political parties seeing the effect of the positive governance of our party. If they decide to come to our party willingly, I think there is nothing wrong with that,” he stated.

Reacting to the former governor of Kano State’s statement, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) Chairman in Kano, Hashim Sulaiman Dungurawa, said Ganduje lacks democratic ideals.

“I was not surprised by Ganduje’s thoughts on a one-party system, because it shows a lack of commitment to democratic ideals. A true democrat believes in participation, diversity of opinion, and the value of opposition.

“When someone in a position of power disregards other parties or voices, it raises serious concerns. Democracy is about openness, inclusion, and respecting the legitimacy of diverse political actors. Being in another party doesn’t make one irrelevant—it enriches democratic discourse.

“When someone starts believing that only one party should exist, or that only their views matter, it becomes a problem. No country develops without a viable opposition. The democracies we admire—like Britain and the United States—do not operate one-party systems.”

Kano NNPP chairman urged Ganduje to withdraw his statement, noting that power is transient.

“Leadership requires respect for the fact that power ultimately comes from the people. One day, someone else will hold the positions we do today. That’s the essence of democracy. I sincerely urge him to withdraw the statement, as I believe most Nigerians are uncomfortable with such remarks,” he told Daily Trust.

One-Part State Not Possible – Ohanaeze
Speaking, the National Publicity Secretary of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ezechi Chukwu, warned that a one-party state is not healthy for democracy.

Chukwu urged proponents to note that Nigeria cannot thrive under a one-party state. He, however, stated that Nigeria needs strong opposition parties.

He stressed that only strong opposition would make a multi-party democracy thrive.

“One-party state or mono-party democracy is not healthy for our contemporary polity. The constitution of Nigeria as it is today does not provide for a one-party state. It provides for a multi-party democracy,” he said.

“It is obvious that the framers of our constitution must have considered the pluralistic characteristics of our country and our desires as a people, which is the rationale for the multi-party system enshrined in our constitution.

“Consequently, anything that is perpetrated or institutionalised to undermine the multifaceted political nature of our constitution is not healthy for our democracy.

“There is no serious opposition because we do not have strong, robust, and independent institutions. If we had institutions that were de-personalised and not at the mercy of any government in power, our multi-party democracy would thrive.”

“Our political leaders have a moral burden to create an enabling environment for our democracy to excel. Anything to the contrary will jeopardise the foundations on which our political life is anchored,” he said.

Nigerians Will Resist One-Party State – Afenifere
Also speaking with Daily Trust, the spokesman of Afenifere, Prince Justice Faloye, decried that Lagos State has been under a one-party state for 12 years, stating that it cannot happen in Nigeria.

Faloye said a one-party state is undemocratic and should not be encouraged. He noted that the defection of politicians to the ruling party is caused by an undemocratic electoral system.

“One-party state is not democratic, and this is a democratic dispensation. We know that’s where they are heading—with defections, intimidating governors to cross over.

“It is what happens in Lagos which has effectively been a one-party state for 12 years. But Nigerians will resist it.

“We’ve seen it. With INEC in his pocket, police in his pocket, judiciary in his pocket—democracy is dead. If peaceful change becomes impossible, violent change becomes inevitable.”

“If you do a very good job, people will vote for you. PDP thought they would rule for 60 years—but when they lost, they stepped aside. If Tinubu loses, we expect the same. No one-party state has ever avoided eventual revolt,” he said.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has elected a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chris Piwuna, as its next president.

Piwuna, who is also the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, takes over from Victor Osodeke, a Professor of Soil Science from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.

The decision was taken at the 23rd National Delegates Congress of the Union, which took place in Benin on Sunday.

The election was contested between Piwuna and Prof. Adamu Babayo from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, according to verified sources familiar with the development.

Piwuna’s assumption of office comes amidst widespread speculations of industrial action following issues surrounding the sharing formula of the Earned Academic Allowances recently released by the Federal Government of Nigeria, brain drain, among others.

Key issues fueling these concerns include disputes over the sharing formula of the Earned Academic Allowances recently released by the Federal Government, as well as concerns over the ongoing brain drain affecting Nigeria’s academic sector.

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has mocked the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara over his latest comment.

Fubara had disclosed that he is not desperate to return to office.

The suspended Governor disclosed this during the service of songs held in honour of the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, in Port Harcourt, on Sunday.

Fubara revealed that his spirit had already left the governorship position.

“Can’t you see how better I look? Do you think I am interested in it?

“Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit had already left that place long ago,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu had suspended Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu; and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

Tinubu also declared a state of emergency in Rivers State while appointing a Sole Administrator, retired naval chief, Ibok-Ete Ibas.

The suspension was a countermeasure by the president to prevent further escalation of the political crisis in Rivers State.

Rivers State crisis was due to the face-off between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The duo were battling for the control of the political resources in the state, a situation that almost snowballed into a full security issue, following threats by Niger Delta militants to attack oil installations in the state.

Responding to Fubara’s remark, Olayinka while painting a picture of a failed marriage, said the suspended governor should simply opt out since his “spirit already left.”

Posting on X, Olayinka wrote: “It is not really compulsory to stay in a marriage your spirit already left. Simply opt out legally.”

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has refuted claims by oil marketers that the facility does not have the capacity to meet local fuel demand.

Officials of the refinery told our correspondent that the refinery has enough fuel to satisfy local needs and export to other countries.

Following a statement by the founder of the refinery, Aliko Dangote, that some cabals who are major marketers and traders were fighting against the survival of the $20bn refinery, the Executive Secretary of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Olufemi Adewole, said marketers only want to keep their businesses running by importing fuel.

Adewole dismissed allegations of a ‘cabal’ in the sector but admitted the existence of vested interests among private depot owners, who he said have invested billions of naira over the years to keep fuel flowing to Nigerians.

The DAPPMAN official alleged that the Dangote refinery, despite its massive 650,000-barrel capacity, has not been able to meet even the current reduced local consumption needs. He argued that private depot owners continue to bear the bulk of the fuel distribution burden across the country.

“Quoting the authority’s (NMDPRA) chief executive in his recent presentation at the Villa, he stated that the Dangote refinery is not meeting up to even the reduced local consumption volume. So, for now, the Dangote refinery cannot meet up. It is we, the private depot owners, that have been bridging the gap and meeting the needs of Nigerians,” the DAPPMAN scribe stated.

However, a senior official of the Dangote refinery, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence due to the lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, said the refinery is still exporting fuel outside the country after supplying to the local market.

According to him, the refinery loads out millions of litres every day, wondering how the marketers concluded that the refinery could not meet local demand.

He argued that Nigeria’s local consumption figures have been manipulated over the years to suit various purposes, especially during the fuel subsidy regime, saying the true consumption figure will be revealed for Nigerians to see one day.

“I have seen different reports where the marketers alleged that our refinery could not meet local demands. That is not true.

We produce more than enough fuel for the local market, and we export,” the official said.

Another official of the refinery noted that the decision by President Bola Tinubu to stop the importation of goods that could be produced locally is the only way to grow the economy, warning, however, that importers will strive to frustrate the ‘Nigeria First Policy’.

“The President’s decision to ban imports is the only way we can grow the economy, but importers will do everything to ensure that the policy doesn’t succeed. Why are we importing what we have locally?” the source asked.

The DAPPMAN boss had on Friday accused Dangote of plans to monopolise the downstream sector, especially as the refinery engaged in price cuts. He disclosed that price slashes after cargoes have left the gantry have left many marketers absorbing losses quietly, just to stay afloat.

“We didn’t come out to make noise. But we’ve been bearing the brunt, just to remain sustainable and profitable,” Adewole stated.

Responding, the Dangote source said that some importers do not care about the ordinary man in the country, as they are only interested in profiteering. He said many of them engaged in round-tripping when the Federal Government was still paying subsidies on imported petroleum products.

“These people don’t care for the ordinary man. They are interested in their pockets. Many of them engaged in round-tripping during the fuel subsidy era,” he stated.

The source also queried the current daily fuel consumption figure, saying the real figure must be disclosed.

“Ask them to state how much we consume as a nation. Let them give us the real figure. That’s what they don’t want the masses to know. But the masses will know that one day. Those keeping the secrets know themselves, but nothing lasts forever. We produce every day, and we export steadily. So, what are they talking about?” he queried.

A consultant to the 650,000 barrels per day facility challenged DAPPMAN, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria to disclose the quantity of fuel the refinery has in stock before concluding that it does not have enough to meet local demands.

“We need to ask DAPPMAN and the other marketers how they got to know the amount of stock that Dangote has. How did they arrive at the conclusion that the refinery can’t satisfy local needs?” the consultant asked.

The PUNCH recalls that during a tour of the refinery recently, Aliko Dangote said the refinery will soon reach its 650,000 barrels per day full production capacity, adding that Nigeria cannot consume up to 50 per cent of its refined products.

“We can satisfy more than the local needs of Nigeria. We have more than enough. The refinery is producing enough refined products, like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria’s requirements,” he stated.

Dangote maintained that the local fuel consumption in Nigeria is 40 per cent of the refinery’s total production, stating that the remaining 60 per cent is for export to other countries, especially Africa.

“The maximum local consumption is around 40 per cent, but 60 per cent will be exported. We are making a lot of arrangements with some banks to make sure most of the products are sold within Africa; so that it can be a real African refinery, not done just for us to come and process raw materials and ship the products outside Africa,“ he said.

The Vice President of the Dangote Group, Davakumar Edwin, also reiterated that the refinery can meet all local requirements. Analysing the refinery’s production data during a presentation, he stressed that the facility can produce 104 million litres of different petroleum products per day.

“57 million litres of petrol every day, 20 million litres of jet fuel, 37 million litres of diesel is our daily production. The local consumption is just 46 million litres. The rest, 58 million litres, will be exported on a daily basis,” Edwin explained.

As of February, the refinery supplied 33 million litres of PMS for daily local consumption; diesel is 10 million litres per day, and aviation fuel is 3 million litres, according to Edwin.

February data from the tank farm showed that the refinery has reservoirs to store fuel for days. It has 12 tanks to store up to 600 million litres of petrol, which can serve the country for 18 days. It has 17 tanks for 408 million litres of aviation fuel for 136 days, and 14 tanks to store 340 million litres of diesel for 34 days. Similarly, 20 tanks are in place for 2.4 billion litres of crude oil for 20 days. In all, there are 177 tanks of 4.742 billion litres capacity,” the data showed.

While unveiling the refinery’s first PMS last year, Dangote noted that the facility will show the true daily petrol consumption in Nigeria. The billionaire businessman said, “There is a lot of round-tripping where people now do documentation and the fuel does not come into Nigeria, and this is a fact.

“Right now, as we have this refinery working, it will show the true consumption of Nigeria. We can track every single loaded truck, and we will try as much as possible to track the loaded ships. Trucks, we can tell you where they are, just as now some of the products that we do, we can tell you exactly the consumption pattern.”

Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja last month, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, disclosed that petrol importation declined from 44.6 million litres per day in August 2024 to 14.7 million litres as of April 13, 2025.

Earlier, the Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure at the same Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum, Ogbugo Ukoha, had said that daily petrol consumption has averaged 50 million litres per day and local refineries could not produce 50 per cent of this.

“The daily PMS supply sufficiency was always in excess of 60 million litres, in fact, averaging about 66 million litres a day for PMS. And following Mr President’s withdrawal of subsidy, the announcement on May 29th, 2023, we immediately saw a steep decline in consumption, and between then and as we speak, we’ve continued to do plus or minus 50 million litres.

“Of these 50 million litres, averaging for each day, less than 50 per cent of that is contributed by domestic refineries and so the shortfall, in accordance with the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), is sourced by way of imports,” the NMDPRA official said.

Our correspondent observed that the figure for daily imported petrol and that of daily consumption provided by the two officials seem to contradict each other.

Ukoha’s revelation indicated that an average of 25 million litres of PMS is being imported daily, if the daily consumption is 50 million litres and more than 50 per cent comes from imports. But the NMDPRA chief executive said importation has dropped to 14.7 million litres.

With the country still struggling to curb fuel smuggling, it may be difficult to get the actual daily petrol consumption figure. Earlier, Aliko Dangote revealed that he was still fighting cabals.

Dangote pointed out that some individuals who “for a very, very long time” have “made a lot of money from” government-subsidised oil imports into Nigeria, were the ones trying to sabotage the 650,000 barrels per day oil refinery situated in Lekki, Lagos.

Dangote was quoted as saying that “those groups have funded resistance to the Bola Tinubu government’s removal of petrol subsidies and are opposed to the refinery operating easily in the country.”

However, Dangote was confident that the battle between him and the groups would be won, priding himself as a long-time fighter.

“We’re fighting, and the fight is not yet finished. But I have been fighting all my life, and I am ready and 100 per cent sure I will win at the end of the day,” he said, disclosing later that the cabals were major marketers and traders.

However, DAPPMAN said there were no cabals, but there were vested interests, stressing that individuals were protecting their investments and trying to prevent a monopoly.

The Senate has debunked viral claims that the newly appointed Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, is the first daughter of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, made the clarification in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday.

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Mrs Akpabio as the Commission’s MD and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche from Rivers State, as its Chairman.

The nominations were contained in a letter from the President, which was read during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by Senator Akpabio.

In the same letter, Tinubu sought Senate confirmation for 16 other nominees to serve as board members of the commission, whose headquarters will be located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Shortly after the letter was made public, speculation spread that Mrs Akpabio is the Senate President’s first daughter.

However, Adaramodu dismissed the rumour as baseless. 

“There is no iota of truth in that report,” he said. “It’s just like hearing someone named Adaramodu in Osun or Ondo and assuming he’s my brother. Things don’t work that way.”

According to him, despite sharing a surname and state of origin, there is no familial relationship between the two Akpabios.

“The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is entirely different from Usoro Akpabio, the MD of the South-South Development Commission. Culturally, people may have similar names, but that doesn’t mean they are related,” he explained.

“This appointment was based on merit and was made by the President. She is not in any way connected to the former governor of Akwa Ibom.

“Of course, that doesn’t mean a qualified member of the Senate President’s family couldn’t be appointed. But in this particular case, there is no relationship whatsoever,” Adaramodu stated.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reversed his earlier opposition and declared full support for the upcoming national security summit being organised by the National Assembly.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Badaru described the summit as “a timely initiative to tackle Nigeria’s growing security concerns” and pledged active participation in the two-day event.

He also assured that the outcomes would be translated into tangible reforms.

The minister’s latest stance contrasts with his remarks last Wednesday during an inter-ministerial briefing, where he argued that developing a comprehensive security strategy was more effective than convening a summit. He had also disputed claims by the House of Representatives that insurgents possessed superior weaponry compared to the Nigerian military.

His comments drew criticism from the Senate, which on Thursday cautioned him against making statements that could stoke tensions between the executive and legislative branches of government.

Addressing the reversal, Badaru acknowledged the value of dialogue in shaping effective policies.

“When you hold a summit, you hear people speak, gather perspectives, and take those insights back to review and strengthen our strategy, which is translated into action. That’s how change happens,” he said.

He also praised the National Assembly for the initiative and committed to championing the implementation of the summit’s recommendations.

“It is a commendable move towards inclusive policy-making,” Badaru added.

Media personality Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya has accused Prof. Sandra Duru, popularly known as Prof. Mgbeke, of paying her the sum of N300,000 to manipulate audio recordings against suspended Senator of Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

In an explosive interview with investigative journalist Adeola Fayehun, Ogbonnaya claimed she was approached by Duru during the Easter holidays and paid N300,000 to produce a manipulated audio clip aimed at damaging the Senator’s reputation.

“She sent me a script and asked me to use my voice to narrate it, but I refused to include parts that could not be defended,” Ogbonnaya said. “I couldn’t put myself or my registered company at risk by promoting lies.”

According to Ogbonnaya, the script was intended to falsely portray Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as someone making inflammatory remarks, including an unsubstantiated claim that she wanted to “bring down the Yoruba government.”

“How do you think Sen. Natasha will bring down the Yoruba government?” she asked during the interview. “A Kogi person is a minority Nigerian. They don’t have alliances like that. Sometimes they are more tilted to the Yorubas. Sometimes, the Igalas are even taken to be Igbos.”

Ogbonnaya said Duru became angry after the final audio edit excluded false claims and demanded a refund. “When I edited out lies, she got upset and said I was sabotaging her plans.”

LEADERSHIP reports that the controversy followed a viral video in which Duru claimed Senator Natasha admitted to fabricating sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The video was met with public skepticism and has now drawn further scrutiny following Ogbonnaya’s revelations.

Ogbonnaya also alleged that Duru had long boasted about her ability to manipulate voices and once sent her a tutorial on voice cloning in 2020. “She once sent me a video on how to clone voices back in 2020,” Ogbonnaya revealed. “So when she came back this year with this plan, it wasn’t new to me.”

To back up her claims, she presented screenshots of WhatsApp conversations, payment receipts, and an alleged script titled “Light Mask: The Politics of Blackmail and Emotional Manipulation” during the interview.

When asked whether Duru acted alone or was politically backed, Ogbonnaya said, “She told me plainly that she was promised a political position if she could pull this off. She said she was once offered deputy governor of Imo State. So maybe she thinks this will bring her back to relevance.”

Fayehun, who conducted the interview, described Ogbonnaya’s decision to come forward as courageous and dangerous. “This is dangerous for her,” she said. “We should be grateful she came out at all. It shows how desperate this entire situation has become.”

Calling Duru a “pathological liar and serial blackmailer,” Ogbonnaya said she is willing to submit her evidence including audio recordings and WhatsApp chats to security agencies, but only on the condition that Duru is present to face the allegations.

Importantly, she clarified that there is no direct evidence linking Senate President Akpabio to the plot. “I don’t have the evidence to say Sandra is working with Akpabio,” she said.
Ogbonnaya, who previously ran for a seat in the Imo State House of Assembly, said she chose to speak out to protect the reputations of both Senator Natasha and Senate President Akpabio, as well as to safeguard public discourse from manipulation.