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Tens of Imams, Islamic scholars, youth leaders visit Osinbajo
Unity and tolerance are crucial values needed to safeguard peace and stability in a multi-religious society like Nigeria, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Osinbajo spoke when he received on a courtesy call a delegation of Imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim leaders.
The delegation of more than 25 Islamic clerics, intellectuals and leaders of different groups was drawn from higher institutions, National Council of Ulamas, Qadiriyya Movement, Fitiyanul Islam of Nigeria, Dariya Sect, National Council of Muslim Youths, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Jammat Tajdidul Islamy, Salafiyya Youth Movement, and Imams from the National Mosque and Legislative Quarters in Apo, Abuja among others.
Addressing the delegation led by Prof. Siraj Abdulkarim from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the National Chairman of the Community and Youth Development (CYD is a public affairs group of Ulamas), the VP also noted: “Until you engage with the people, you can’t tell what they and others want.
“Engagement is so important.
“I believe very strongly in engagement.”
He narrated his experience since becoming VP on how people welcome engagement by their leaders even in difficult circumstances.
At the meeting, which turned out to be an exciting interactive session between the Islamic leaders and the Vice President, issues such as how to promote Nigeria’s unity were tabled and discussed.
The delegation members also engaged in good-natured banter on how the interaction was one among men of God and how the VP and his guests all belong to the same constituency of religious leaders in the country.
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While welcoming his guests, Osinbajo noted his delight at the coming of the delegation, saying: “It is not often that one gets the honour of such a visit.”
Earlier, one of the leaders of the delegation and Chief Imam of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef, described the VP as a leader who loves all Nigerians, regardless of religious or ethnic differences.
Late added that members of the delegation “are eager to collaborate with Your Excellency.
“We are here in recognition of your love for all Nigerians and your belief in the harmonious existence of our country.
“We understand the kind of love you have for all Nigerians.”
Abdul Lateef, who was formerly Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, also observed that in the VP’S office, no less than 18 Muslims were part of the senior cadre of staff, including the Deputy Chief of Staff, Rahman Ade Ipaye, who is the head of the entire VP’s staff.
Abdulkarim also noted: “We are here because we love this country.”
He added that the unnecessary rivalry between Christians and Muslims has to be doused and called on the VP to initiate a programme to further promote understanding and unity. He also called for a more invigorating fight against corruption in the country.
Also in his remarks, the VP asked members of the delegation to suggest ways for the country to attain more unity and promised that the interaction with members of the delegation and such other groups in the country will not be a one-off.
Having heard from several of the members of the delegation who raised different issues bothering on the unity of the country, good governance, religious harmony among others, the VP stated after about an hour into the meeting.
He said: “I am enriched from what I have heard today and I have noted all the issues.
“I wish we had a bit more time.
“I agree we should engage more.
“The issues you have raised show us clearly that the future of this country lies with the elites, especially religious and political elites.
Prof. Osinbajo urged religious and political elites to show more responsibility in ensuring peace and positive changes in society.
According to him, religious elites, just like the political elites, are responsible for ensuring positive change.
He suggested “the creation of a forum of religious leaders who see themselves more on a rescue mission with the purpose of forging more understanding” among the citizenry.
The VP also observed that Nigeria is a country with both Muslim and Christian population, noting that even in the South West, both religions are practised in many families.
He then said that “as Christians and Muslims we must preach love and tolerance.”
In his own remarks, the Chief Imam of Abuja National Mosque, Prof. Ibrahim Maqari, said that they (as religious leaders) also have “a duty to pray for Nigeria” which they have been doing.
In the same vein, the President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Ustaz Shehu Usman, commended the Vice President for his “invaluable contribution to nation-building,” while another member of the delegation, Sheikh Dr. Haroun Ajah, the South East Coordinator of the Council of Ulama, praised the Vice President for being “sound, exceptional and intelligent.”
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Akpabio sues Natasha for ₦200bn over sexual harassment allegations
Akpabio sues Natasha for ₦200bn over sexual harassment allegations
Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio has instituted a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of spreading malicious sexual harassment allegations that he says have severely damaged his public image.
According to documents filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Akpabio is seeking substantial damages, public retractions, and nationwide broadcast apologies. He argues that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s televised, radio, and online interviews portrayed him as a sexual predator who abused his office for personal gratification—claims he insists subjected him to widespread ridicule and reputational harm.
The lawsuit includes a comprehensive statement of claims and a list of witnesses. Akpabio is also asking the court to compel the removal of all online materials containing the disputed allegations and to order repeated public apologies across major media outlets.
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A court order issued on 6 November 2025 granted permission for substituted service through the Clerk of the National Assembly after initial attempts to reach Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan directly were unsuccessful. The case is now moving forward and is expected to become one of the most closely watched political legal battles in Nigeria.
Responding on 5 December 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed receipt of the suit and expressed readiness to defend her allegations before a competent court. She stated that she had previously been prevented from presenting a petition before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges due to claims that a related case was already in court—an action she believes protected the Senate President from legislative scrutiny.
In a strongly worded response, the Kogi Central senator maintained that the court proceedings will finally provide the platform to substantiate her claims. She reiterated her stance that she experienced sexual harassment and that her refusal to comply with the alleged advances prompted sustained political retaliation.
“See you in court, Godswill Akpabio,” she declared.
Akpabio sues Natasha for ₦200bn over sexual harassment allegations
News
NLC threatens nationwide protests as insecurity worsens, withdraws support for Labour Party
NLC threatens nationwide protests as insecurity worsens, withdraws support for Labour Party
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that it will no longer remain passive as criminal gangs intensify violent attacks across the country, declaring its readiness to hold a national day of mourning and mobilise nationwide protests over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the country was “under siege,” condemning the latest school kidnapping and the reported withdrawal of security personnel before the attack. He demanded a full investigation to expose any possible compromise within the nation’s security architecture.
“The NLC cannot stand idly by and allow criminals to take over our country—never again. We want to know who ordered the withdrawal of security operatives from that school. We will not allow kidnappers and bandits to overrun our nation,” Ajaero said.
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He stressed that the labour movement would soon announce details of the planned protests and national mourning, insisting the lives of teachers, students and workers were in grave danger. “It is getting out of hand. We can no longer bear this,” he added.
Ajaero also revealed that the NLC had withdrawn its representatives from the Labour Party, accusing them of pursuing personal interests rather than representing workers.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who addressed the meeting, warned that the country was in “serious trouble” over rising kidnappings and attacks. He rejected calls for foreign military intervention, cautioning that such a move would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Falana criticised recent statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing them as unacceptable. He urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to protect citizens, saying: “We want to let the world know that we are not a conquered people.”
He called on labour unions, civil society organisations and Nigerians to prepare to resist any further decline in national security.
NLC threatens nationwide protests as insecurity worsens, withdraws support for Labour Party
News
Boris Johnson Hails Kemi Badenoch as “Future UK Prime Minister” During Visit to Nigeria
Boris Johnson Hails Kemi Badenoch as “Future UK Prime Minister” During Visit to Nigeria
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has praised UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, describing her as a “future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom” during his visit to Nigeria for the Imo State Economic Summit 2025.
Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his efforts to boost economic development and improve security, noting that he felt “perfectly safe” despite earlier warnings about Nigeria’s security situation.
Johnson highlighted the state government’s push to deliver 24-hour electricity, stressing that reliable power and clean, sustainable energy are essential for economic growth as the world moves into an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future.
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He also emphasized the strong historical and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, praising the exchange of goods, services, and highly skilled professionals between both countries.
In a humorous remark that sparked applause, Johnson said: “We send you former UK prime ministers, and you send us future UK prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch.”
The summit, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, business mogul Aliko Dangote, and other top government and private-sector leaders, focused on strategies to accelerate Imo State’s economic transformation.
Boris Johnson Hails Kemi Badenoch as “Future UK Prime Minister” During Visit to Nigeria
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