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Benue NASS Caucus hails youths for shunning protest, acknowledges Akume, Utsev efforts

The Benue National Assembly Caucus and Federal Appointees Forum, has commended the youths of Benue State for shunning the nationwide protests.

Nigerian youths had on Thursday, began a 10-day nationwide protest, to demand for good governance, cut in the price of petroleum products and general cost of living.

The protest which was meant to be peaceful, snowballed into violence in some parts of the country, with reported cases of killings, wanton destructions of property, majorly government owned facilities, looting, and other criminal activities.
But the youths in Benue State outrightly rejected the protest, as commercial and social activities were seen on top gears in Makurdi, Otukpo, Gboko, Katsina-Ala and other major towns in the state.
This, the Benue National Assembly Caucusol
and Federal Appointees Forum ascribed to the good “leadership and guidance” provided by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev.
The statement signed Friday morning by Hon. Philip Agbese, the Spokesperson of the Forum, also expressed the Forum’s confidence in the leadership qualities of the duo, while expressing optimism that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership would bring the progress and development Benue yearns for.
“We applaud their wisdom and maturity in avoiding the temptation to engage in destructive activities that could have led to the loss of lives and property. Their decision is a testament to the peaceful and law-abiding nature of the Benue people.
“We are proud of our youths for choosing the path of peace and stability. They have demonstrated that they are true ambassadors of the state and we urge them to continue on this path. Their actions have saved the state from the destruction and chaos that was witnessed in other states.
“The Benue youths have shown that they are committed to the development and progress of the state. We urge them to continue to work towards building a better future for themselves and the state.
“Regrettably, other states were not fortunate. Arson, violence, and destruction of property were witnessed, leaving a trail of devastation and loss of lives. We condemn these acts of violence and urge those responsible to seek peaceful means of resolving their grievances.
“The events in other states are a stark contrast to the peace and stability that was maintained in Benue State. We attribute this to the wise decision of our youths to shun the protest and the leadership provided by our leaders.
“We wish to thank the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, for providing leadership and guidance to the youths. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed and we urge them to continue to provide direction and support to the youths.
“We reiterate our unwavering loyalty and support to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. We have absolute confidence in his leadership and vision for Benue State and Nigeria as a whole. We are also firm believers in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria. We are convinced that under their leadership, Benue State and Nigeria will reach new heights of development and progress”, the statement said.

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‘Your malicious campaign of calumny against me will not work’ – Akpabio blasts Senator Abbo
The President of the Nigerian Senate Godswill Obot Akpabio said, he will not be distracted by the baseless allegation and antics of Elisha Abbo who formerly represented Adamawa North Senatorial District in the Senate, stating that it was unfortunate that the ex-lawmaker has started another round of malicious campaign against him.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, declaring that Elisha Abbo’s outbursts are those of a failed politician who fraudulently represented Adamawa North Senatorial District before the Court intervention cleared him out of way.

Akpabio through his aide was reacting to Elisha Abbo’s blame on Akpabio, suggesting that he was responsible for his electoral woes in an interview he granted on Arise Television on Wednesday while he featured on politics today.
Part of the statement read: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to another round of spurious and malicious accusations by Mr. Elisha Abbo, who unlawfully represented Adamawa North Senatorial District save a judicial intervention.
“He has again sought to blame the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for the travail of his judicial sanction that occasioned his ouster from the Senate.”
Akpabio said he was perturbed the more over Elisha’s outburst on him over an issue he has regretted and apologized to him publicly in 2023—after admitting that his earlier accusation was “premature and based on the available information at his disposal.
He noted further that Abbo had once discussed with him last year and acknowledge that “he was not involved in the judicial process that led to his ouster from the Senate.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal, after a thorough legal process, ruled unequivocally that Mr. Abbo’s presence in the Red Chamber was in error. The court determined that he was not validly elected as the Senator for Adamawa North, and consequently, he was removed.
“The court acted in accordance with the extant laws and the Constitution within its sacred duty to uphold the rule of law. Senator Akpabio, a seasoned lawyer and democrat, holds the independence of the judiciary in the highest regard and would never interfere in its processes.”
Given that Abbo has exonerated him, Akpabio said he found it illogical and irresponsible for him to now turn around and heap blames on him.
“Mr. Abbo has also sought to create the impression that he was unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster. He claims entitlement to salaries, allowances, and even an official vehicle, despite the court’s declaration that his tenure was null and void ab initio.”
Akpabio noted that he has no executive fiat to approve finances, except such has been duly vetted and forwarded to him by the appropriate administrative units in line with the public finance guidelines.
If any of Mr. Abbo’s claims for payment did not reach the desk of the Senate President, it is because they failed to meet these lawful standards—not because of any personal or political vendetta.
It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political failings, Mr. Abbo continues to resort to media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing. Even more telling is his record of public conduct. Nigerians will recall that in 2019, he was caught on video assaulting a female citizen in Abuja—an incident for which he was ordered by a competent court to pay N50 million in damages. This is a matter of public record and speaks volumes about his temperament and disposition.
His recent outbursts about unpaid travels and imagined plots further reinforce the conclusion that his actions are driven not by facts or principle, but by bitterness and desperation to remain politically relevant. These claims are not only baseless, but they reek of grievance and a refusal to accept personal responsibility for his removal and loss of public trust.
Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the noble task of nation-building, providing purposeful leadership in the Senate, and strengthening democratic institutions—especially the independence of the judiciary. He will not be distracted by the antics of individuals who seek to rewrite history to mask personal failures.
We urge Mr. Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents if he hopes to return to public life. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when its actors show maturity, responsibility, and an abiding respect for the truth.

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Caveat Emptor: Firm Issues warning against Hampton Harbour property transactions

Structured HQ Legal, (SHQ) has issued a public notice warning against any transactions involving the buying, selling, leasing, or letting of the Hampton Harbour landed property.

The landed property measuring at 19.5 hectares is located at Elegushi Royal Family Land, Ikate Ancient City, Eti Osa, Local Government Area, Lagos State with reference number 376/376/2777GC and belongs to the Baggeren International Company.

In an official press statement issued to the news men, the firm disclosed that the property is currently under legal scrutiny, cautioning that any individual or entity engaging in transactions related to Hampton Harbour does so at their own risk. They also emphasized that unauthorized dealings could lead to significant financial loss and expose parties involved to legal consequences.
SHQ further noted that any person(s) who proceeds with any dealings in relation to the Hampton Harbour property risks both financial loss and potential legal actions noting that such transactions may result in criminal and civil liabilities for trespass or fraud.
The public is strongly advised to exercise caution and ensure due diligence before engaging in any transactions concerning Hampton Harbour. Prospective buyers, investors, or stakeholders must seek formal confirmation and approval from Structured HQ Legal or Baggeren International Company Limited to avoid financial and legal risks.

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BREAKING: INEC rejects recall petition against Natasha for lack of requirements

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Thursday said, requirements for recalling Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District were lacking in the petition.

In a statement to update circumstances surrounding a purported petition against Natasha, the INEC said, it has rejected the petition.

The Commission said, Natasha is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and there are requirements to recall her or any other Senator, but it cannot consider the petitions that lack merits.
Earlier the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, acknowledged receipt of petition against the embattled lawmaker from her constituents after submitting it to the INEC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District was the former Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Contents, but was suspended from the Senate over alleged breach of Senate Standing Rules.
Natasha disclosed that she has approached the Court to quash her suspension which she claimed was illegal.
According to the petitioners, over 250,000 constituents’ signed the petition, out of about 480,000 registered voters in the senatorial district.
The petition was titled Constituents’ Petition for the Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Grounds of Loss of Confidence’.
In a brief statement on Thursday, the Commission said, “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
The female lawmaker also on Tuesday defied ban by Kogi State Government and visited her Senatorial District in what she said, was a Sallah visit to felicitate with those who gave her their mandate.

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