Rufai, Abati Clash Over Natasha’s Cash Empowerment Programme in Kogi

Popular Arise Television presenters, Rufai Oseni and Reuben Abati, have expressed differing views over the controversial cash empowerment programme organised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her constituents in Kogi State.

The disagreement followed the circulation of videos showing bundles of naira notes displayed during an empowerment programme organised by the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The initiative, which has generated widespread reactions across social media, became a subject of discussion during Arise Television’s morning programme, where the two journalists offered contrasting perspectives on the lawmaker’s decision to distribute cash rather than business equipment.

While Rufai Oseni defended the senator’s approach, Reuben Abati reportedly raised concerns about the implications of distributing large sums of physical cash under constituency empowerment programmes.

The development has reignited public debate about the effectiveness, transparency and long-term benefits of political empowerment initiatives in Nigeria.

The programme was organised as part of activities marking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly on November 2, 2026.

The lawmaker subsequently explained that her decision to provide direct financial assistance was informed by experiences from previous empowerment programmes, during which some beneficiaries allegedly sold the equipment given to them.

Defending the initiative, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that distributing cash would give beneficiaries greater freedom to address their individual business needs rather than receiving equipment they might not necessarily require.

According to her, she had previously distributed sewing machines to beneficiaries but later discovered that some recipients sold the machines to raise money for other pressing needs, including business expansion and payment of rent.

She said the experience informed her decision to adopt direct cash assistance for those who requested financial support to establish businesses or increase their existing stock.

The senator also disclosed that some beneficiaries would receive as much as ₦5 million through bank transfers.

The empowerment programme reportedly covered small-scale entrepreneurs operating in different sectors, including agriculture, tailoring, content creation and manufacturing.

Beneficiaries received grants ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5 million, depending on their business needs and the nature of their activities.

However, the public display of bundles of cash during the exercise attracted criticism, with some Nigerians questioning whether distributing money in such a manner represents an effective approach to constituency development.

Others argued that direct financial assistance could provide immediate relief and business capital for entrepreneurs struggling with the rising cost of operating small businesses.

The disagreement between Oseni and Abati has further brought the debate into the spotlight, particularly regarding whether lawmakers should prioritise direct cash grants or provide equipment, skills acquisition opportunities and other sustainable economic interventions.

The controversy has also raised broader questions about how constituency empowerment programmes should be structured to ensure accountability, measurable impact and lasting economic benefits for beneficiaries.

Rufai, Abati Clash Over Natasha’s Cash Empowerment Programme in Kogi

DSS Denies Plot to Disrupt ADC Rally, Orders Probe into Atiku’s Allegations

Newstrends.ng – The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally responded to allegations by former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, that the agency was planning to disrupt the party’s campaign rally in Sokoto State.

The secret police denied the allegation, stating that its operatives had been providing security protection to members of different political parties, including the ADC. In a statement issued on Tuesday night and signed by its Deputy Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Favour Dozie, the DSS said its attention had been drawn to the allegations .

The agency cited an incident involving the ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Mannir Daniya, on October 31, insisting that its operatives had rescued him when he was attacked. According to the DSS, its personnel evacuated Daniya to safety without injury, while two operatives were assaulted during the incident and were still receiving medical treatment. The agency further disclosed that Daniya personally contacted the State Director of the DSS in Sokoto to appreciate the operatives for their intervention and requested additional security reinforcement .

The statement read, “For the records, DSS operatives deployed to Sokoto ADC Governorship Candidate, Mannir Daniya, evacuated him to safety unhurt on 31st October 2026 when attacked in Sokoto. Two DSS operatives were assaulted during the incident and are still being treated in the hospital. The governorship candidate called personally to appreciate the State Director of Sokoto Command and even requested for reinforcement from the DSS” .

The agency also referenced its arrest and prosecution of a man, Monday Udeme Steven, in Rivers State on March 2, 2026, for allegedly threatening to attack the ADC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi. It said Steven was prosecuted before a Federal High Court in Rivers State and sentenced to two years in prison. The DSS maintained that its interventions demonstrated its commitment to protecting politicians across party lines, arguing that Atiku’s allegation contradicted the sacrifices of its personnel .

It stated, “Though these operations to protect all political parties are at variance with the elder statesman’s allegation and tend to demoralise our gallant operatives who are risking their lives in the line of duty, the DGDSS has still ordered an investigation into the allegation in deference to the elder statesman” .

Meanwhile, Atiku had accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of using intimidation and administrative obstacles to frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. He alleged that public facilities meant for campaign activities had been blocked and logistical support withheld in Sokoto, describing the developments as deliberate attempts to deny the ADC a level playing field .

Atiku had earlier claimed that protesters were being mobilised from an office behind Zenith Bank on Koko Road, with trucks deployed to strategic locations. He described the alleged involvement of security operatives in the mobilisation as political interference and called on the DSS to remain neutral. He insisted that the ADC would resist any attempt to prevent it from exercising its political rights and confirmed that he would visit Sokoto on Wednesday to address residents .

The former vice president also criticised the government over the rising cost of food, transportation, fuel and electricity, arguing that the administration should be defending its economic record rather than attempting to frustrate opposition campaigns. He urged residents to remain peaceful and avoid being provoked into violence, while calling on security agencies to protect commuters, residents and rally participants without discrimination .

DSS Denies Plot to Disrupt ADC Rally, Orders Probe into Atiku’s Allegations

2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has declared that the most difficult phase of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is over, promising Nigerians a period of economic recovery, growth and prosperity if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secures another four-year mandate in 2027.

Shettima gave the assurance on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State, while addressing party supporters at the APC presidential campaign rally, where he canvassed votes for President Tinubu, himself, Governor Bassey Otu and other candidates of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Vice-President described the economic reforms implemented since the administration assumed office in May 2023 as difficult but necessary decisions that had laid the foundation for a stronger Nigerian economy.

According to him, the sacrifices Nigerians have endured under the reforms would begin to yield greater benefits in the coming years, insisting that the next four years would be dedicated to translating the government’s economic policies into improved living conditions for citizens.

He maintained that the administration had already undertaken the most challenging aspects of its economic restructuring programme and argued that opposition parties lacked the capacity to significantly change the country’s economic direction.

“We have rescued the economy, and the road ahead is one of harvest. This second term is one of harvest, for you and all Nigerians,” Shettima declared.

He urged Nigerians to renew the mandate of Tinubu and himself, while also appealing for another term for Governor Otu and his deputy, Peter Odey, describing the APC leadership as partners committed to progress, prosperity and opportunities for the people.

The Vice-President said the party was seeking another mandate because it believed its administration had more work to accomplish, adding that those entrusted with political authority must return to the electorate with an account of their stewardship and a convincing programme for the future.

Shettima, however, acknowledged that citizens had legitimate questions and concerns, stressing that political support should not prevent Nigerians from demanding accountability from their leaders.

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to listen to complaints about economic hardship, address neglected communities and correct policies or actions that failed to serve the public interest.

A major highlight of his address was the Federal Government’s infrastructure plans for Cross River State, particularly the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he described as a transformative project capable of opening up the state’s economic potential.

Shettima said the decision to embark on the coastal highway was informed by the administration’s determination to connect Cross River and other coastal communities to wider economic opportunities.

He explained that the project would facilitate the movement of people and goods, promote tourism, attract investments and generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The Vice-President expressed confidence that Cross River would become one of the major beneficiaries of the infrastructure-driven economic agenda of the Tinubu administration.

He also highlighted the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port, disclosing that the project had received Federal Government approval and support.

According to him, the administration is committed to ensuring that the long-awaited maritime project becomes a reality and positions Cross River as an important international shipping and commercial destination.

He said the deep seaport would attract shipping companies, stimulate industrial development, create employment and provide opportunities for businesses, factories and households through increased commercial activities.

Shettima further identified the proposed location of the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat in Calabar as another opportunity to strengthen the state’s international profile.

He noted that hosting the regional institution would attract diplomatic and commercial activities, boost hospitality and tourism, create jobs and improve Cross River’s participation in regional economic cooperation.

On the longstanding dispute involving 46 oil wells, the Vice-President said the Federal Government recognised Cross River’s littoral status and appreciated the state’s efforts towards resolving the matter.

He assured that the government was prepared to work towards a resolution, which he said could strengthen the state’s maritime identity and create opportunities for greater participation in the blue economy, maritime investments and potential derivation benefits.

The Vice-President also highlighted the Federal Government’s education intervention programmes, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying Cross River had benefited from the disbursement of funds under the initiative.

He explained that the programme was designed to ease the financial burden on parents, prevent students from abandoning their education because of financial difficulties and expand access to higher education.

Shettima insisted that no parent should be forced to watch a child’s educational potential go to waste because of a lack of money.

He linked the initiative to Project HOPE Education, which he said was aimed at strengthening foundational learning, improving teacher development, enhancing school management and expanding access to quality education.

Earlier, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, urged the people of Cross River to support the party at all levels in the 2027 elections, describing Tinubu as a change agent deserving of another opportunity to lead the country.

Yilwatda cited the Federal Government’s support for the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, efforts to revive the Calabar Port and the proposed Trans-Sahara Superhighway among the reasons Cross River residents should support the APC.

In his welcome address, Governor Bassey Otu praised Tinubu for what he described as the courage and foresight demonstrated in steering Nigeria through difficult economic circumstances.

Otu said the President’s policies in agriculture, education, industry and security were laying the foundation for sustainable national development.

He expressed confidence that Cross River residents would support Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that the benefits of the administration’s policies were already emerging and would become more evident in the years ahead.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, declared that Tinubu had performed creditably and deserved a second term.

Yari also dismissed suggestions that the North would not support the President’s re-election, expressing confidence in the ruling party’s chances in the forthcoming presidential election.

The campaign activities also included a courtesy visit to the palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, where Shettima and other APC leaders paid homage to the traditional ruler.

The Vice-President said the visit was intended to familiarise the monarch with the party’s aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections and demonstrate respect for the traditional institution.

He commended the Obong for his commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and values of the Efik people, describing his dedication as worthy of emulation by political leaders.

Governor Otu also sought royal blessings and support for the APC and the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

Responding, the Obong of Calabar thanked the delegation for the visit and commended the President’s willingness to undertake difficult economic reforms, which he said could produce long-term benefits for the country.

The monarch also called for greater unity and peaceful coexistence among traditional rulers and residents of Cross River State.

Prominent political figures at the rally included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Monday Okpebholo of Edo and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, alongside members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council and party leaders from across the South-South and other parts of the country.

The rally forms part of the APC’s mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the party seeking to consolidate its political support across the country and secure a fresh mandate for the Tinubu administration.

2027: ‘Hardest Part Of Economic Reforms Over, Next Tinubu Term Will Be Harvest’ – Shettima