Politics Archives | Page 9 of 13

Tinubu Reveals He Threatened to Sack Wike if His Policies Didn’t Align with APC

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that he once threatened to dismiss Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, if his policies failed to align with the interests of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a recent statement, Tinubu shared that his decision was based on ensuring that the policies of the Rivers State government reflected the broader goals of the ruling party. The statement highlighted the tough stance Tinubu took during his interactions with Wike to ensure party unity and the successful implementation of APC-led policies across the nation. While addressing a gathering, the president clarified that this was part of his leadership style to ensure that party policies were consistently implemented at all levels of government. He added that political decisions often require tough choices, but they are necessary for the progress of the party and the nation. Wike, who is now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been known for his influential role in Nigerian politics, particularly within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but his recent alliance with the APC has raised eyebrows within political circles.

Fubara makes first public appearance after his suspension

Gov. Fubara Reacts to Ex-Rivers HoS Allegations

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Suspended Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara dismissed in its entirety the claims of former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke. Dr. Nwaeke accused Fubara of ordering the bombing of the state House of Assembly complex in 2023 amongst others. Fubara has, however, denied the allegation, asking Nigerians to disregard it. Fubara in statement said; “My attention has been drawn to a press briefing by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke aired on Channels Television on Friday the 28th of March 2025. “Ordinarily, I would not have responded to his claims, but to correct the erroneous impression such allegations may create in the minds of the people, and the disaffection it is bound to cause in the state and the country. “First, on the claim that he was aware of my discussions and plans to support Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, “It is laughable that Dr. Nwaeke would be part of any high level political meeting as Head of Service, much more sitting in my alleged night meetings with Bala Mohammed and militants like he claimed. Howbeit, none of such meetings ever held. “The truth is that the whole world knew when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum visited the State, and there was nothing secret about the visits. “It is also ludicrous for Dr. Nwaeke to claim that he was aware of my meetings to encourage attacks on oil pipelines and other National assets in the State, as there was no time I held any meeting with militants or any criminal group to destabilise the State. “It is on record that I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the State even in the face of obvious provocations. “The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me. “I call on all well meaning Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State to disregard everything said by Dr. Nwaeke as they are mere desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration, and undermine the peace process by Mr. President.”

“I Am Not Under Duress,” Ex-Rivers HoS Nwaeke Responds to Wife

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The immediate past Rivers Head of Service, George Nwaeke, has denied claims by his wife, Florence, that he was kidnapped and under duress. Nwaeke, who recently released chilling allegations against suspended Governor Siminalayi, said contrary to his wife’s emotional outbursts, he was safe in Abuja. He disclosed that he went to Abuja to voluntarily report himself to security agencies over the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. The former HoS spoke in a trending video released early hours of Saturday. He insisted thatwife’s claim was false and suggested that she had been misled and given a script to readHe said: “I am in Transcorp Abuja. I arrived this morning from Port Harcourt to meet security agencies and report myself, as well as the troubling events happening in Rivers State. I resigned as Head of Service on Monday because of these developments”. Addressing his wife, he said: “I just saw a video of my wife trending. She was told I had been kidnapped and given a script to read. I want to make it clear—I am not kidnapped. I am in Abuja, working. “When I was Head of Service, my wife was not involved in my official duties. That script she read is null and void. I am safe and sound. I will report myself to the appropriate security agencies because Abuja houses their headquarters, and I feel safer making my report here.”

Senate Passes Bill for Same-Day General Elections

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

A bill aimed at empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all general elections on the same day has passed its second reading in the Senate. The bill, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022, is designed to reduce the high costs associated with elections, shorten campaign periods, and allow elected officials to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses. Senator Saliu Mustapha, who led the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, pointed out the unsustainable rise in election costs, which have grown from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023. He stressed that the current staggered election system is financially burdensome and inefficient, contributing to voter fatigue and low turnout. According to Mustapha, holding all elections on the same day would save costs, increase voter participation, and reduce political tension. While the proposal received support from several senators, some expressed reservations about INEC’s capacity to manage nationwide elections in a single day. Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned that the reform should not be rushed, urging lawmakers to consider INEC’s preparedness for such an undertaking. He also raised concerns about the potential confusion caused by multiple ballots, particularly for illiterate voters. The bill will undergo further scrutiny in the coming weeks, as the Senate evaluates its implications for Nigeria’s electoral process.

INEC Makes U-turn, Accepts Senator Natasha Recall Petition

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the contacts of the petitioners for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have been provided. The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday. “Further to the statement issued yesterday, Tuesday 25th March 2025, the Commission hereby confirms that the contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission dated today Wednesday 26th March 2025. “As provided in Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a letter has been written to notify the Senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address. The same letter has been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the Commission’s website. “The next step is to scrutinise the list of signatories submitted by the petitioners to ascertain that the petition is signed by more than one half (over 50%) of the registered voters in the Constituency. This will be done in the coming days. The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission. “We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent,” the statement reads.

INEC Rejects Senator Natasha Akpoti Recall

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the recall process of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the 10th Assembly. The Commission’s National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, stated this in a statement signed and made available on Tuesday. Olumekun revealed that the Commission held its regular weekly meeting on Tuesday 25th March 2025. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District. “The process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the Commission’s detailed Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, available on our website. All petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework. “The petition from Kogi Central Senatorial District was accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from over half of the 474,554 registered voters spread across 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas (Wards) in the five Local Government Areas of Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi and Okene. “The Commission’s immediate observation is that the representatives of the petitioners did not provide their contact address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es) in the covering letter forwarding the petition through which they can be contacted as provided in Clause 1(f) of our Regulations and Guidelines. The address given is “Okene, Kogi State”, which is not a definite location for contacting the petitioners. Only the telephone number of “the lead petitioner” is provided as against the numbers of all the other representatives of the petitioners. “The Commission wished to reiterate that the recall of a legislator is the prerogative of registered voters in a constituency who sign a petition indicating loss of confidence in the legislator representing them. Once the petition meets the requirements of submission, as contained in our regulations, the Commission shall commence the verification of the signatures in each Polling Unit in an open process restricted to registered voters that signed the petition only. The petitioners and the member whose recall is sought shall be at liberty to nominate agents to observe the verification, while interested observers and the media will also be accredited. At each Polling Unit, signatories to the petition shall be verified using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). “Consequently, if the petitioners fully comply with the requirements of Clause 1(f) of the Regulations and Guidelines regarding the submission of their petition, the Commission will announce the next steps in line with the extant laws, regulations and guidelines. In the absence of a definite contact address, the Commission is making efforts to use other means to notify the representatives of the petitioners of the situation,” the statement reads. The Commission reassured the public that it will be guided by the legal framework for recall. The public should therefore discountenance any speculations and insinuations in the social media.

National Assembly: Senator Natasha apologies to Oby Ezekwesili

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Suspended Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has apologied to the former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili following a heated exchange with Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, senator representing Ebonyi North, during a senate hearing on Tuesday. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan took to her official twitter handle now X to tender the unreserved apology. “Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership. “Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy continues to inspire generations. “A champion of accountability… “Nigerians appreciate you. “I celebrate your brilliance, resilience and selfless service. “You are a hero,” she stated. In her response, Dr. Ezekwesili wrote; “Very kind words, dear Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan “Yet to me, a torrent of insults from any source is but a little price to pay in our resolve to see a Nigerian that Becomes. “Our daughters and granddaughters must never inherit battles and wars we should have fought and won for them. “An unjust society that silences women and vulnerable people can never Become. “We all must refuse that for Nigeria. “We STAND ON!”

Natasha’s Constituents Submit Petition To INEC For Her Recall

Natasha’s Constituents Submit Recall Petition to INEC

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The lawmaker was suspended by the Senate for six months for misconduct after a seat row with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senator Natasha had in the wake of a seat dispute with Akpabio accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment. X@NatashaAkpoti Some constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District have submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the recall of Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, the suspended lawmaker representing the district in the National Assembly. The petition, presented by Charity Ijese, on behalf of the constituents, was received at the INEC headquarters, by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Anthony, on Monday, March 24, 2025. The petition was titled, ‘Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’. The constituents said, “In particular, this petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions.” They affirmed that Akpoti-Uduaghan emerged by virtue of an Appeal Court decision in October 2023 but said the petition arose as a result of their loss of confidence in her representation. “This petition arises from our loss of confidence in the Senator on the grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, evasion of due process, and a pattern of deceitful behaviour that has not only embarassed the people of Kogi Central but has also tarnished the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and our nation’s democratic institutions. “By this petition, which we have made sure is signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central, we hereby demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) immediately commence the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant,” the constituents said. The female federal lawmaker was involved in a seat arrangement dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The lawmaker accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Senate subsequently suspended her for six months for misconduct.