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)
Couple Jailed 15 Years for Selling Infant, Toddler in Calabar
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Cross River State Command, has secured convictions against a husband and wife for selling their children for monetary gain in Calabar. The couple, Esther Ini Udo (32) and Eyo Stephen Udo (34), were sentenced to 15 years in prison each and fined ₦2 million, following a four-count charge for child trafficking and exploitation.
The Federal High Court, Calabar heard that Esther sold her newborn baby to a trafficker, Oluchi Judith (at large), for ₦300,000, while the couple also bought a one-year-old baby from accomplices, Blessing and Uduak, for ₦150,000 and resold the child to the same trafficker for ₦400,000. The court strongly condemned the actions, describing them as a gross violation of child rights and anti-trafficking laws.
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Both defendants initially pleaded not guilty, but the court found them guilty on all counts. Justice I. Ojukwu, presiding over the case (Suit No: FHC/CA/19C/2025), sentenced Esther and Eyo Stephen to 15-year jail terms, to run concurrently from April 1, 2026, the date of judgment.
The court also directed NAPTIP to arrest Oluchi Judith, who is wanted in connection with this and other human trafficking cases. Authorities emphasize that child trafficking remains a serious offense in Nigeria, with law enforcement intensifying efforts to dismantle networks involved in the sale and exploitation of infants and toddlers.
NAPTIP hailed the convictions as a significant victory against human trafficking, urging communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children. Officials stressed that such harsh sentences serve as a deterrent to traffickers and perpetrators of child exploitation across the country.
IGP Orders Massive Security Deployment in Plateau After Deadly Jos Killings
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has ordered a large-scale deployment of security personnel to Plateau State following deadly attacks in Jos North Local Government Area, where gunmen killed multiple residents in Angwan Rukuba over the weekend.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the IGP condemned the attacks, describing them as tragic and unacceptable. He extended condolences to the Plateau State Government, victims’ families, and residents, and stressed the urgent need to restore peace in the affected areas.
As part of the response, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Umar Shehu Nadada, was deployed to Plateau State to coordinate security efforts and assess the situation firsthand. The IGP also directed all operational commanders to ensure visible policing and actively engage with vulnerable communities.
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The deployment includes Police Mobile Force units, tactical teams, and intelligence operatives, working alongside other security agencies to restore order, prevent further violence, and apprehend perpetrators. Authorities have warned residents to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel, and report suspicious activities, discouraging any vigilante actions.
Following the attacks, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew in parts of Jos North to contain unrest and enable security operations. Although partially relaxed to daytime hours, tensions remain as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
President Bola Tinubu postponed a scheduled trip to Ogun State to visit Jos, offering condolences and emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to supporting security measures. Meanwhile, the Senate has directed the IGP to conduct a thorough investigation, stressing the importance of justice and stability in the state.
Efforts to identify and arrest the attackers are ongoing, with law enforcement initiating a manhunt for suspects and making arrests in connection with the killings. Security agencies continue to work to restore calm and ensure the safety of Plateau residents.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Disowns ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ Installation in South Africa
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected the controversial installation of an “Igwe Ndigbo na East London” in East London, South Africa, stating that the title is not recognised and lacks legal backing. The apex Igbo socio-cultural group clarified that the purported installation “only amounts to a mere nominal observance” and has no legitimacy under Igbo traditions or laws.
The organisation’s National Publicity Secretary, Ezechi Chukwu, expressed concern over reports of violence and unrest triggered by the coronation. He condemned attacks on innocent persons and the destruction of property, urging South African authorities to take swift action to restore law and order. “We express deep concern over the resulting disturbances, condemn the unwarranted attacks on innocent persons and destruction of property and call on relevant authorities to take necessary steps to prevent further escalation,” the statement read.
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The unrest in East London escalated after protests against the alleged coronation, with demonstrators reportedly torching vehicles and looting shops owned by foreign nationals. Video footage circulating on social media showed several vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreigners set ablaze, prompting increased security measures to restore calm.
Ohanaeze stressed that the Igbo are globally known for their peaceful disposition, enterprise, and respect for host country laws. The organisation dissociated itself from any actions that contravene local customs or disrupt public peace. It further noted that, consistent with the position of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, the conferment of the “Eze Ndigbo” title outside Igboland is not recognised.
The group advised Igbo communities in the diaspora to adopt non-kingship titles like “Onyendu” for internal coordination to prevent misrepresentation and misunderstanding. Ohanaeze also appealed to all parties involved to exercise calm, mutual respect, and constructive engagement while urging the South African government and citizens to uphold peaceful coexistence.
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has also clarified that the gathering was intended as a cultural event to promote Igbo heritage, not an official coronation, and warned Nigerians in South Africa to be cautious, respect local laws, and avoid public unrest.
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