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Petitioners mobilise constituents for fresh Natasha’s recall

Published

1 year ago

April 4, 2025

Lawmaker Representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Petitioners mobilise constituents for fresh Natasha’s recall

Following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) dismissal of the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, some petitioners have pledged to rally more constituents in a renewed effort to remove her from office.

INEC, in a statement issued on Thursday, announced that the petition did not meet constitutional requirements, as it lacked the necessary signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the senatorial district.

Undeterred by the decision, the petitioners insisted they had gathered more than the required 50 percent plus one of registered voters but alleged that INEC’s validation process only recognized 43.86 percent of the signatures, suggesting that many were disqualified.

“Apparently, INEC cancelled not less than 35,000 signatures at the administrative stage,” the constituents said. Reacting to the commission’s statement, the petitioners’ leader, Salihu Habib, reiterated their determination to see the recall through.

“We will liaise with INEC within the full ambits of the Constitution and regulations to demand transparency in the handling of our petition. We have utmost confidence in the commission not to subject the recall process to ambiguity or administrative opacity,” he stated.

Habib also thanked INEC for validating that a significant portion of Kogi Central constituents had turned against the senator.

“We thank INEC for making it clear that the bulk of the people of Kogi Central are behind us and that we did not import a crowd like a desperate, embattled lawmaker,” he added, emphasizing that their resolve to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan remained firm.

The petitioners accused the senator of divisive politics, claiming she made inflammatory remarks during a recent gathering.

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“The whole of Nigeria watched her deceptive rally last Tuesday where she openly made comments capable of setting not just Kogi State, but Nigeria, ablaze.

“How can any patriotic Nigerian accuse other parts of the country of sabotaging Kogi State/the North because LNG plants are sited here? How can a responsible Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria try to pit the North against the South?” they said.

They vowed to continue pursuing all lawful avenues to ensure their concerns were addressed.

“We will pursue all lawful and constitutional means to ensure our voices are heard and respected. After God, power belongs to the people,” they asserted.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, dismissed the petitioners’ insistence on continuing the recall process, describing it as a futile distraction.

“Everything has failed. It is just a distraction. They should focus on the issue of the National Assembly and allow Natasha to do her job as a legislator. We are entering the rainy season. They should focus on their farms. They should wait until her tenure is over before they can think of voting her out,” he said.

Giwa welcomed INEC’s rejection of the petition, suggesting that the commission had been under pressure but ultimately made the right decision.

“I had written to INEC that the proper thing to have done was to reject that petition and told the chairman the same thing when I met him.
“Although they must have been forced to redeem their image, I think INEC has done well. So we celebrate the fact that they have come out publicly to reject that petition,” he stated.

He further expressed hope that the failed recall attempt would pave the way for the Senate to reconsider Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension.

“Of course, this is one of the steps taken to ensure she returns to the Senate. With this rejection now, (Senate President Godswill) Akpabio will know there is no other barrier other than to just quickly withdraw the suspension and allow her to come back to the National Assembly,” he added.

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In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her media team, commended INEC for dismissing what she described as a fraudulent attempt to remove her from office.

She thanked the commission for upholding constitutional principles and criticized former Governor Yahaya Bello and other political figures she accused of orchestrating the recall attempt.

“God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall from the Senate, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC, former governor Yahaya Bello. All along, I did not exercise any fear because I have a God that never fails, and I have people on my side.

“The decision to reject the recall process is justice against injustice. INEC has proven to be truly independent, and history will never forget this justice. I commend the umpire for shaming the shameless agents of darkness and setting the record straight according to the laws of our land.

“To God be the glory, we have defeated them again. This development is another record-breaking victory against those who prefer coming from the backyard—the manipulators, election riggers, the violent merchants, and their allies in Kogi Central and beyond. Bear in mind that your days are numbered in politics. I am out to bring justice to the oppressed and to ensure Nigeria is great again,” she declared.

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, the suspended senator criticized Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo for allegedly interfering in her ability to engage with her constituents.

Responding to Ododo’s directive that she refrain from holding a rally due to potential security concerns, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that her gathering was private and within her personal property.

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“I don’t think the state governor has the right to dictate what I speak and how I communicate with my people. Well, that’s a private gathering. And that’s how my people gather for me every time I’m home.

“So, that’s it. I don’t know what his definition of a public gathering is. But to me, that’s not a public space, that’s not a community hall, that’s my compound. The whole area you see there, it’s owned by me. And that’s where people gather,” she explained.

She acknowledged that political tensions had been high among her supporters but said she had actively worked to maintain peace.
“It took a whole lot for me to speak calm to my people in the past one month so that they would not react to my suspension or the harassment claim because they were very upset when I came up on Arise TV then to narrate the challenges I had to face in the Senate the past one year. So, that ordinarily created a lot of anger in the minds of an average Ebira person.

“So, I had to preach calm to them. I’ve told them to be law-abiding citizens, not to take the law into their own hands. And believe me, if you know the history of my people, you actually appreciate the fact that they have remained peaceful,” she said.

Despite her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that she still holds her position as senator and remains committed to engaging with her constituents.

“The fact that I’m suspended illegally does not remove my legitimacy as a senator. I remain a senator. And at every gathering, I owe my people a duty to educate them on politics and their expectations with regards to the situation we face, which was the recall,” she stated.

She also accused Governor Ododo of aligning with Bello to facilitate her recall, alleging that several key petitioners were members of Ododo’s administration.

“To a large extent, I thought he (Ododo) was on my side until he took heed of ex-governor Yahaya Bello’s request, which was to align with my recall. I was actually surprised at that.

“The petitions, the primary petitioners, the 14 of them that submitted the first cover letter, were all signed by special advisors to Ododo himself. He does have a hand. He gave approval. They’re all his staff, all of them. I don’t deal with just rumours, I make sure I verify,” she asserted.

Petitioners mobilise constituents for fresh Natasha’s recall

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Troops Rescue 92 Kidnapped Civilians, Defuse 3 IEDs in Borno

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Troops Rescue 92 Kidnapped Civilians, Defuse 3 IEDs in Borno

Maiduguri, Nigeria – The military high command has announced that troops of the Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully rescued 92 kidnapped civilians and foiled an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ambush mounted by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during a swift rescue operation along the Buratai-Kamuya road in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State . The operation, executed on Saturday, May 23, 2026, demonstrated the military’s enhanced surveillance capability and combat readiness in the ongoing fight against insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the operation followed the detection of terrorists forcibly herding civilians and vehicles off the road into surrounding bushes. The military explained that at approximately 11:22 am, vigilant troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion deployed in Dutse Kura identified the movement of the terrorists through surveillance systems and immediately activated a Quick Reaction Force . Reinforcement troops from the 27 Task Force Brigade Garrison were also mobilized to support the rescue effort, ensuring that sufficient manpower was deployed to overwhelm the terrorist group.

The troops reportedly pursued the terrorists towards the Mangari-Dora general area, engaging them in a fierce firefight that forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee in disarray. The military confirmed that all 92 kidnapped victims, comprising 52 males, 33 females, and seven children, were rescued alongside eight vehicles recovered during the operation. The successful rescue came as a significant blow to the terrorist network, which has increasingly resorted to highway abductions as a tactic to disrupt civilian movement and generate revenue through ransom demands.

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As the fleeing terrorists attempted to slow down the advancing troops and prevent the rescue of their captives, they planted three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along the Bula Zarma-Mangari axis in what was described as a calculated ambush attempt. However, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of Operation Hadin Kai promptly responded to the threat, detecting and safely detonating all three devices before they could cause any harm. The successful clearance of the IEDs enabled troops to continue their pursuit for approximately five kilometers beyond the Mangari area , demonstrating the military’s ability to overcome terrorist obstacles in real-time.

The military confirmed that subsequent search operations conducted across the area verified that the terrorists had abandoned their captives, vehicles, and operational objectives before fleeing in confusion. Notably, Operation Hadin Kai troops recorded no personnel or equipment casualties throughout the entire rescue operation, a testament to the professionalism and tactical superiority of the Nigerian military forces involved. The rescued civilians were immediately consolidated, provided with welfare support including food, water, and medical attention, and escorted safely to Damaturu, where they were released to continue their journey.

The military noted that the successful operation further demonstrated the operational reach, surveillance capability, and combat readiness of Operation Hadin Kai. The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians and denying terrorists freedom of action across the North-East Theatre , issuing a stern warning to terrorist groups that attempts to kidnap or intimidate civilians will be met with “swift and overwhelming force.”

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This successful rescue operation comes amid intensified military offensives against terrorist groups in Borno State. Between May 15 and 21, 2026, troops neutralized terrorists during clearance operations in Gwoza Local Government Area and arrested suspected collaborators involved in insurgent logistics. Several terrorists and their family members have also surrendered to troops due to sustained operational pressure, indicating that the military’s strategy of continuous offensives is yielding results.

In a separate operation along the Ngoshe–Amuda axis in Gwoza Local Government Area, troops recently rescued four abducted persons, including a three-year-old child, who had been kidnapped during an attack on the Ngoshe community on March 3, 2026. So far, a total of 65 abducted persons have been rescued in ongoing operations across the theatre, highlighting the military’s sustained focus on hostage rescue as a core component of its counter-insurgency strategy.

Additionally, on May 23, 2026, troops of the 153 Task Force Battalion and allied forces repelled an attack by suspected terrorists who attempted to infiltrate a military position in Kirawa town along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. At least 12 suspected terrorists were killed in the ensuing gunfight, and troops recovered weapons including AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and a machine gun. The successful border defense operation further underscores the military’s ability to secure Nigeria’s international boundaries against terrorist incursions.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have intensified ongoing military operations across the country, recording significant successes against terrorists, kidnappers, gunrunners, and other criminal elements. Under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, troops continue to dismantle insurgent camps, intercept logistics supply routes, recover weapons, and rescue kidnapped victims. The military has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities or objects to security agencies, emphasizing that community collaboration remains essential in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

As of May 25, 2026, Operation Hadin Kai maintains its commitment to restoring peace, security, and economic stability in the North-East region, assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to neutralize threats and safeguard lives and property. The successful rescue of 92 civilians serves as a clear message that the Nigerian military remains a formidable force against terrorism and will not relent until every captive is freed and every terrorist is brought to justice.

Troops Rescue 92 Kidnapped Civilians, Defuse 3 IEDs in Borno

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BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

Published

13 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Trends Admin

BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

Former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna has released screenshots of alleged WhatsApp conversations in which social activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) appears to make crude sexual advances toward her, including a message that read: “If we fuck, fine; if we don’t, bye.” The reality star, whose full name is Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, accused the outspoken online critic of later turning against her after she rejected his overtures.

In the screenshots shared via her official social media handles, a contact saved as “Vdmmmm” sent a series of sexually explicit texts. Among them: “Growing up I just say I’m sexually attracted to you,” “I always add sexually,” and “Make we fuck.” Phyna’s responses in the chat show her declining the alleged request. She replied: “I wasn’t interested” and accused the activist of lying and manipulation.

Phyna further claimed that after she turned him down, VeryDarkMan weaponized unrelated personal matters to damage her public image. “All this time I’ve been saying you lied, you refused to reply,” she wrote. “Can’t wait for your downfall because you are EVIL.” She also alleged that VDM involved a mutual contact—referred to as “friend blacky”—to pressure her, and later exploited a controversy involving her sister and a Dangote truck accident as a means of retaliation. “The worst lie a man can tell is to lie to someone to get their feelings,” Phyna wrote. “You choose my sister’s birthday of all days to divert attention.”

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The leaked exchanges have ignited fierce debate online. Some social media users condemned the circulation of private chats, while others argued that the messages, if authentic, reveal a pattern of coercive and manipulative behavior. As of press time, VeryDarkMan had not issued any formal response to the specific WhatsApp screenshots or the allegations of romantic advances. His representatives could not be reached for comment.

The controversy adds to a growing list of public confrontations between Nigerian celebrities and online activists. Phyna had previously sought VDM’s help regarding a legal issue involving her sister, but that relationship has since collapsed. Observers note that allegations involving rejected advances followed by online retaliation often raise serious questions about privacy, consent, and the misuse of digital influence.

While the screenshots have circulated widely, no independent forensic verification of the WhatsApp exchanges has been conducted. Both parties have not provided call recordings or additional metadata to authenticate the timeline of messages. The development remains a he-said-she-said dispute, though Phyna has urged the public to review the chats and draw their own conclusions.

BBNaija’s Phyna Exposes Alleged WhatsApp Chats, Accuses VeryDarkMan of Sexual Advances, Retaliation

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Nigerian Troops Deployed to Cotonou as Benin Republic Swears in President Wadagni

Published

15 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian Troops Deployed to Cotonou as Benin Republic Swears in President Wadagni

COTONOU – Nigerian military personnel have been stationed at key locations across Cotonou, Republic of Benin, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Romuald Wadagni, which began at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, marking a significant political transition for the West African nation. Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagozola Makama, citing informed sources, disclosed that Nigerian Army troops were positioned as part of the frontline security architecture for the event. The deployment is aimed at protecting the inauguration venue and other vulnerable and strategic locations within Benin’s commercial hub. “The deployment forms part of coordinated regional security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free inauguration ceremony expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, heads of government, diplomats and foreign delegations from across Africa and beyond,” Makama said.

The deployment of Nigerian soldiers to Benin Republic follows an official announcement by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who disclosed that troops were deployed under Operations Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 to defend democracy, ensure security, and support peaceful electoral processes in the West African sub-region. Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2026 in Abuja on Monday, May 18, 2026, Shaibu stated: “Consequently, we have continued to disrupt criminals network, degrade adversary capabilities and restore relative calm in previously volatile areas. We are also not oblivious of the security situation around our contiguous countries with Nigeria, which necessitate the deployment of troops for Operation Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 to restore democracy, ensure security, and the peaceful conduct of elections in the Republic of Benin.” The army chief emphasized the importance of sustaining collaboration among security agencies and regional partners in addressing evolving security threats across the sub-region. “Equally important is the need to deepen joint and interagency cooperation while integrating technology, innovation, and real-time intelligence into our operations,” he added. The Nigerian Army would continue to promote intelligence sharing, strategic partnerships, and collaborative mechanisms designed to deny criminal and terrorist groups freedom of action within Nigeria and across neighbouring countries.

Sources further revealed that security had been reinforced around major roads, public institutions, strategic facilities and the Presidential Palace district in Cotonou ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. Surveillance activities and patrol operations were also stepped up before the commencement of the ceremony. The swearing-in ceremony represents Wadagni’s assumption of a seven-year constitutional term as President of the Republic of Benin. Benin’s official inauguration ceremonies typically follow a traditional state protocol, comprising the official handover of power and transfer of the presidential sash and insignia at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou, followed by a ceremonial motorcade procession to the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo, the country’s constitutional capital. Wadagni’s running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, was also sworn in as Vice President during the ceremonies.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has meanwhile arrived in Cotonou on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the inauguration ceremony. Shettima, accompanied by senior government officials and aides, is participating in the event as a special guest of the Beninese authorities. Upon arrival at the Cardinal Bernadin Gantin International Airport, he was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, S.E.M Olushegun Adjadi Bakari; Ambassador-designate of Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Amb. Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim; and other senior diplomatic staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou. In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, the Nigerian delegation is expected to join other African leaders and international dignitaries attending the ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou. The statement added that the occasion highlights the enduring diplomatic, economic and socio-cultural relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. Both countries maintain longstanding bilateral ties built on regional commerce, border management, security cooperation and shared ECOWAS objectives.

The deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic fits within a broader framework of regional security cooperation. The Nigerian government has emphasized that regional peace, stability and deeper integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) remain key priorities for President Tinubu’s administration amid evolving political and security challenges across the sub-region. “Of importance to Nigeria is also the stability, peace, and deepened integration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to which President Tinubu has remained committed since assumption of office despite its challenges,” the Presidency stated. In addition to military deployment, Nigeria has been actively seeking stronger cross-border cooperation mechanisms to tackle terrorism and transnational crime. At a recent ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation meeting in Abuja, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission emphasized that deeper regional integration would enhance joint security operations, improve resource sharing and promote socio-economic development among border communities across West Africa. The ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation programme, first adopted by Heads of State and Government in January 2006, provides opportunities for joint security operations capable of guaranteeing peace, security and stability within border areas.

Security analysts note that north-eastern Benin shares a border with north-western Nigeria, where armed jihadist groups have expanded their operations in recent months. The troop deployment follows Senate approval granted in December 2025, when the upper legislative chamber endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic as part of a regional peace-stabilisation mission aimed at protecting democratic institutions and preventing an “unconstitutional seizure” of power. This is not the first time the countries have collaborated on security matters. In February 2026, high-ranking military officials from both countries met in Cotonou to formalise bilateral security cooperation to counter terrorist groups along their shared border, with the security strategy reportedly including coordinating border patrols, sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and increasing monitoring of cross-border flows.

Vice President Shettima is expected back in Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration events. President Tinubu has repeatedly affirmed Nigeria’s support for regional stability, democratic governance and deeper integration within West Africa. As President Wadagni assumes office for his seven-year term, the presence of Nigerian troops under Operation Atileyin Alaafia 1 and 2 is expected to continue, focusing on restoring democracy, ensuring security, and maintaining peaceful processes in the Republic of Benin.