Why we want Natasha out of Senate – Kogi Central constituents
The Constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District has explained why they want to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, their representative in the Nigerian Senate back home.
“For us as Ebira people, we are determined to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan. While she is at home, she may learn the rudiments of representing her constituents better” the indigenes across the five Local Government Areas of the Senatorial district, under the aegis of Kogi Central Elites Forum (KCEF), said in a statement jointly signed by Alh. Ibrahim Abdulazeez Ibrahim (President) and Prince Akerejola Johnson (Secretary) in Lokoja.
The concerned indigenes, who are of Ebira extraction like the embattled senator, said they resolved to bring the embattled senator back home, given the alleged embarrassment she had caused the senatorial district internationally.
They condemned, in strong terms, insinuations that the recall process against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, was not endorsed by majority of the electorate in the area.
They urged Nigerians to disregard the deliberate mischief suggesting that people were deceived to come out for the recall exercise.
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“No one is sponsoring this recall. Our people are largely united on this cause. From the history of Ebiras, you know we cannot be deceived.
“Even some of us that supported Natasha on social media then are no longer with her. We cannot trade the integrity of the state and Nigeria.
“A matter as simple as not taking an assigned seat in the senate should not be one that would warrant a “sexual harassment” national embarrassment of this nature. This is not who we are as Ebiras.”
On the issue of INEC disclaiming the exercise, the constituents said the response was misconstrued.
“INEC has no official role until after this signature collection phase. We are the ones that are doing the recall, the petitioners. We have to ensure that the required threshold is met before formally presenting it for verification. This is where INEC comes in.”
They urged the public to disregard any mischievous interpretation of the recall process, saying some politicians would always release statements based on their leanings and interests.
“Ordinarily, we would never have allowed anyone to intimidate our daughter if she was on her right. But in this particular instance, she disrespected the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which has clear rules and went on to introduce slants that have never been heard of in the history of the senate.
” This is not about content creation like many people have said.”
The national assembly has been hit by allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, after Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan allegedly refused to respect the senate rules and was penalised.
(NAN)
Foreign Intelligence Operations Behind Recent Nigeria Killings – Gumi
Gumi made the allegation in a Facebook post on Tuesday, just two days after the Palm Sunday attack on Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, Plateau State, which left more than 20 residents dead and several others injured. He condemned the shedding of innocent blood, stressing that the attacks “have nothing to do with religion”.
“The pattern suggests a clandestine foreign intelligence operation. Many unscrupulous Nigerians are willing to serve as foot soldiers for these mercenaries,” Gumi wrote. He cited previous violent incidents, including the March 16, 2026, coordinated bomb blasts in Maiduguri, which killed at least 23 people and injured over 100, and the Palm Sunday killings in Jos, highlighting the complexity and coordination of these attacks.
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Gumi warned against reliance on foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security architecture, urging the government to seek support only from benign superpowers for satellite intelligence and military equipment while strengthening domestic security capabilities. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to develop self-sufficient strategies that respect the country’s sovereignty and human lives.
The cleric prayed for the quick recovery of the injured and comfort for families who lost loved ones. He also warned that external interference in Nigeria’s security affairs could exacerbate tensions, especially in conflict-prone regions such as the Middle Belt and North East.
While Gumi’s claims have sparked discussion, security agencies have not verified any foreign intelligence involvement, and some officials continue to attribute the attacks to domestic armed groups and criminal networks. Nevertheless, his statement has reignited debate over the role of external actors in Nigeria’s security challenges and the need for innovative, homegrown solutions.
EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its demand for the retrial of former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, insisting that the case be concluded by the original trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.
At the resumed proceedings before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, EFCC counsel, Chile Okoroma (SAN), informed the court that the commission had formally written to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, seeking a fiat to enable Justice Ojukwu—now serving in the Calabar division—to return and conclude the long-running trial.
Okoroma explained that the request was in compliance with the directive of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which had earlier ordered a retrial of the defendants. He emphasised that the prosecution had already made substantial progress in the case, having called at least 17 witnesses, and argued that justice would be best served if the same judge continues the matter.
According to him, the EFCC is currently awaiting an official response from the Chief Judge regarding the request.
Counsel to the defendants, Joe Agi (SAN), did not oppose the application for adjournment, paving the way for the court to defer proceedings.
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Justice Lifu subsequently adjourned the case to April 30, 2026, for re-arraignment or further proceedings, stating that the decision was made in the interest of justice.
The planned re-arraignment had earlier been stalled on March 13 due to the absence of Lamido and his co-defendants in court.
The development follows a major ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on January 16, 2026, which ordered a fresh trial after overturning earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal.
A five-member panel of the apex court, in unanimous judgments, set aside the July 25, 2023 rulings of the appellate court, which had upheld a no-case submission by Lamido and others and struck out the 37-count charge on jurisdictional grounds.
In its lead judgment delivered by Justice Abubakar Umar, the Supreme Court reinstated the earlier decision of Justice Ojukwu, which dismissed the defendants’ no-case submission and directed them to enter their defence.
The EFCC’s case centres on allegations that Lamido, during his tenure as governor of Jigawa State between 2007 and 2015, abused his office and laundered funds obtained as kickbacks from contractors awarded state projects.
Other defendants in the case include his sons, Aminu and Mustapha Lamido, as well as Aminu Wada Abubakar and two companies—Bamaina Holdings Ltd and Speeds International Ltd.
Legal analysts note that the EFCC’s push for the original trial judge to continue the case is aimed at avoiding a fresh start (trial de novo), which could prolong the already protracted proceedings and require recalling witnesses.
The outcome of the Chief Judge’s decision on granting the fiat will determine whether the case proceeds seamlessly or restarts entirely before a new judge.
EFCC Pushes for Sule Lamido Retrial Before Former Judge
Fresh Killings, Panic as Curfew Relaxation Backfires in Jos
Heightened tension has returned to parts of Jos on Wednesday following the relaxation of the 48-hour curfew earlier imposed by the Plateau State Government after the deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba.
The curfew was initially enforced in Jos North Local Government Area after gunmen stormed Angwan Rukuba on Sunday, killing no fewer than 28 residents in one of the latest outbreaks of violence in the state.
In a bid to restore normalcy, the state government announced a partial relaxation of the restriction. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, disclosed that residents would now be allowed to move freely between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
However, rather than easing tension, the development appears to have triggered fresh unrest.
Reports from multiple areas indicate that hoodlums and irate mobs took advantage of the relaxed curfew to unleash attacks on motorists, commuters, and passers-by, leading to widespread panic across the city.
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A particularly disturbing incident occurred along the road leading to the Permanent Site of the University of Jos, where a young man was reportedly hacked to death by suspected hoodlums.
Eyewitnesses also reported that several vehicles were vandalised, with windscreens smashed in areas including Terminus, Bauchi Road, and Gangare. Other flashpoints identified include Farin Gada, Tina Junction, Chobe, and parts of the University of Jos axis.
The renewed violence paralysed commercial activities in affected areas, forcing banks, shops, and other businesses to shut down abruptly amid fears of escalation.
“We are scared to open our shops. We don’t know what might happen,” said Joy Bature, a trader at Terminus Market, reflecting the anxiety gripping residents.
Many residents have expressed frustration that the curfew relaxation, which was intended to provide relief and allow people to attend to daily needs, instead created a security vacuum exploited by criminal elements.
Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association has raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation, warning that students and staff are increasingly at risk.
In a statement signed by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, the association called on the state government and security agencies to urgently strengthen security deployment across all university campuses, student hostels, surrounding residential areas, and major access roads.
The group emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety of the academic community.
Security agencies have reportedly intensified patrols in some affected areas, while residents continue to call for a review of the curfew framework to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Government had not announced any further adjustments to the curfew, despite mounting concerns from residents and stakeholders.
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