A civil rights group, Action Collective, has exposed an alleged scheme to fabricate a list of fictitious individuals calling for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate.

According to a report by DAILY POST, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently under a six-month suspension following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Group Condemns Alleged Recall Strategy

In a statement released on Wednesday, the group’s Coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, condemned the reported recall attempt. He described it as a calculated effort to silence the senator and block her from seeking justice.

“We have obtained credible intelligence that a former governor of Kogi State has been approached to execute this devious plan,” Ibrahim stated.

“This operation involves mobilizing anonymous individuals across Kogi’s local government areas and paying them to forge signatures on a fabricated recall petition,” he added.

Call for Public Vigilance

Action Collective stressed the urgency of exposing the alleged plot, urging civil society organizations, human rights advocates, the media, and security agencies to scrutinize any recall-related documents thoroughly.

“The public must remain alert to prevent the success of this unlawful scheme. If left unchecked, it could undermine democratic integrity,” the statement warned.

The group emphasized that transparency is crucial in preserving Nigeria’s democratic process, calling on relevant authorities to take decisive action.

Growing Controversy Surrounding the Suspension

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked significant debate, with many viewing it as a politically motivated move. Her supporters argue that she is being targeted for speaking out against powerful figures within the government.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders await further developments regarding both the alleged recall attempt and her ongoing suspension.

Reference: DAILY POST

Last Updated on March 19, 2025 by news

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has dismissed sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as an opposition strategy to disrupt the productive relationship between President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the National Assembly.

The Forum cautioned against attempts to incite unrest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and destabilize President Tinubu’s government. This warning follows the ‘Akpabio Must Go’ protests at the National Assembly and parts of the FCT, where supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan demanded Akpabio’s resignation pending an investigation into the allegations.

Protesters, who gathered at the National Assembly gate early Wednesday, carried banners with messages like ‘Akpabio Must Go’ and ‘Protect Women’s Rights.’ They called for accountability and urged the Senate to investigate Akpabio over the accusations.

In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, the North-Central APC Forum, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, a member of the APC presidential campaign council in the 2023 election, claimed the protesters were mobilized to cause unrest and advance the opposition’s political agenda. The Forum issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the protesters to leave the FCT streets.

“We are alerting the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies about the plot to incite unrest in the FCT by sponsored protesters aiming to further the opposition’s political agenda,” the statement read. “We give the protesters and their sponsors 24 hours to vacate the FCT streets.

As stakeholders of the North-Central, including the FCT, we cannot stand by and watch as hoodlums and anarchists disrupt the peace and tranquility of the capital city, which has been maintained since President Bola Tinubu’s administration began.”

The Forum threatened to mobilize its members to counter the protests if the ultimatum is ignored.

Insisting that the sexual harassment allegations are part of a plot to blackmail Akpabio and discredit the APC government, the Forum stated there is no evidence supporting the claims against the Senate President.

The Forum noted that records show Akpoti-Uduaghan was not the only senator to have her seat reallocated in the chamber. They questioned why she did not raise the sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio until she was to be investigated by the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for breaching Senate rules.

“Does it mean that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan would have kept silent on the purported sexual harassment if Senate President Godswill Akpabio had not referred her to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigation for breach of Senate Rules?” the statement queried.

The Forum praised Akpabio’s effective leadership of the National Assembly, which has fostered a harmonious and productive relationship between the executive and the legislature, enabling President Tinubu’s government to implement transformative reforms.

They warned that current events in the Senate are part of an opposition script to destabilize the National Assembly and, by extension, President Tinubu’s administration by disrupting the fruitful working relationship between the executive and the legislature.

The Forum called on all party members and well-meaning Nigerians to oppose this plot, emphasizing that it should not succeed.

They also urged the Senate and the National Assembly not to be distracted by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, which they believe aim to destabilize the system for selfish political interests.

Although Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the North-Central zone, the Forum stressed that stakeholders in the region do not support her actions.

“Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is from our zone, but as stakeholders of the North-Central, we disown her actions, which we believe are not in the interest of the progress and development of the region and the country as a whole,” the statement declared.

During Wednesday’s plenary, Akpabio denied the sexual harassment allegations, stating he never harassed any woman. Earlier, Akpoti-Uduaghan had submitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio on the Senate floor after the chamber resumed plenary. The Senate had previously stated it was not investigating the allegations due to the absence of a formal petition against Akpabio.

Source: DailyPostNg

Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by news

Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), has emphasised the need for accountability and improved service delivery among civil servants as Nigeria enters 2025. Her call, made in her New Year message to workers, stresses the importance of a more efficient and citizen-centred Civil Service.

Promoting Accountability and Efficiency in the Civil Service

In her goodwill message, Walson-Jack expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering dedication and professionalism shown by civil servants over the past five months. She acknowledged their significant contributions to national development and the progress made in improving service delivery. She added that these efforts have fostered a culture of accountability and efficiency within the Civil Service.

Walson-Jack urged workers to renew their commitment to advancing the Civil Service by focusing on building an incorruptible, productive, and effective system. By working collaboratively and embracing growth opportunities, she believes civil servants can achieve a world-class service that will accelerate the nation’s development.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead to the new year, Walson-Jack encouraged civil servants to continue striving for excellence and to work together to create an efficient system that drives change. She envisions a Civil Service that will be the envy of the nation, with a reputation that inspires admiration and respect.

FAQs

What is the primary message from Walson-Jack for 2025?
Walson-Jack calls for enhanced accountability and improved service delivery among civil servants, urging them to focus on efficiency and professionalism.

How does Walson-Jack view the contributions of civil servants?
She appreciates the dedication and professionalism of civil servants, acknowledging their role in advancing national development and improving service delivery.

What is Walson-Jack’s vision for the Civil Service?
Her vision includes creating an incorruptible, productive, and efficient Civil Service that contributes to national growth and inspires admiration.

What actions does Walson-Jack suggest for civil servants in the year ahead?
She encourages civil servants to renew their commitment to building a world-class service and work together for national development.

Why is accountability important in the Civil Service?
Accountability ensures that public servants act with integrity and efficiency, ultimately improving service delivery and fostering trust among citizens.

References

• Civil Service Reforms in Nigeria
• National Development and the Role of Civil Servants

Last Updated on January 2, 2025 by news