Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has expressed heartfelt sympathy over the demise of Hon. Suleiman Muhammed, the Kogi East Zonal Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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In a condolence message to the family of the deceased and members of the APC in Kogi state, described the sudden passing of the APC Zonal chairman as a loss not only for the party in Kogi East but the entire APC family in the state.

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According to the Governor “The late Hon. Suleiman Muhammed was a man of peace, humility, and one who demonstrated commitment to the service of the state and the APC as a party. He carried the aspirations of his people with dignity; his leadership was widely respected and his contributions deeply valued within and beyond the APC in Kogi East”.

“He was instrumental in strengthening party cohesion and promoting inclusive dialogue. His presence in every party engagement brought stability and thoughtful leadership to our consultations in the zone.”

Governor Ododo further noted that Hon. Suleiman’s calm temperament, sense of fairness, and ability to listen distinguished him as a unifying figure in the party.

The Governor also extends condolences to the family of the deceased, the leadership and members of the APC in the state, the people of Dekina local government area and the entire Kogi East Senatorial District.

He prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanatul Firdaus.

The late APC zonal chairman who served as the APC coordinator in Odu Ward 2 before becoming the zonal chairman of the party in Kogi East died at the age of 45 and has been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

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President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio has accused the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of manipulative theatrics on the sensibilities of the Nigerian public to whip sentiments.

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He said his attention has been drawn to claims by the embattled lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District that he recruited the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello to plot her assassination outside Abuja.

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In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Senate President, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh and made available to CAPITAL POST on Friday in Abuja, Akpabio described Natasha’s claims as inflammatory and highly condemnation.

Denying the accusation, Akpabio noted that the outrageous and false accusation in Natasha’s address to her constituents on Tuesday 1st April, 2025 was meant to malign him lately.

Part of the statement read: “The Office of the President of the Senate strongly condemns the recent baseless, false and inflammatory accusation made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in which she falsely alleged that the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was involved in a plot to assassinate her.

“While speaking in Kogi State on April 1, 2025, the suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recklessly and maliciously claimed that Senator Godswill Akpabio “recruited” former Governor Yahaya Bello to “assassinate her in Kogi State rather than in Abuja.”

“This outrageous accusation is not only false but a complete fabrication and deeply irresponsible and dangerous attempt to provoke public unrest, attract media attention, and discredit the person and office of the President of the Senate for ulterior motives.

“It is important to remind the public that this same individual had previously made an unsubstantiated accusation of sexual harassment against Senator Akpabio—a claim she seem to have abandoned without explanation.

“Having failed to gain traction with that narrative, she has now escalated her campaign of misinformation to a deadly and defamatory dimension. 

Akpabio further explained how Natasha had engaged in this troubling pattern in years past, hence, attention of Nigerians have been drawn to such filthy games that shouldn’t be taken seriously.

“This pattern of deliberate falsehoods and manipulative theatrics reveals a troubling willingness to exploit public sensitivities through recurring victimhood narratives.

“It is a matter of public record that she has previously made assassination allegations against former Governor Yaya Bello and others in 2019 and 2023, along with multiple unsubstantiated claims of sexual harassment against other dignitaries.

“Her recurring persecution narrative and evident lying complex should not be weaponized to malign individuals or destroy hard-earned reputations.

Interestingly, this latest reckless allegation is not occurring in isolation”, he concluded.

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The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, on Friday inaugurated the newly appointed Board of Trustees for the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Golf Club. The board is to be led by Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal.

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During the inauguration ceremony at the Minister’s official residence in Life Camp, the Minister emphasized the FCT Administration’s commitment to restoring order and efficiency to the prestigious club, which has recently experienced internal challenges.

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“Let me on behalf of the FCT Administration thank members of the Board of Trustees that was inaugurated this afternoon for responding to the call. There has been crisis in the IBB Gulf Course and as the owner of that Gulf Course, we cannot fold our hands and see things deteriorate,” stated Minister Wike.

He highlighted the necessity for the new board to conduct a transparent and credible Executive Ccommittee election, amend the club’s constitution, and ensure its proper registration. The Minister also clarified the ownership status of the club, reiterating that it remains the property of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

“You must know that we are still the owners of the Gulf Course. It is not privatized. Some of you have held the view that because government gave you C of O, it means that the property belongs to you. No. government has set up agencies and universities. Government give them C of O just to protect the property. But that does not mean that because we gave you C of O as University of Abuja, the government does not own the University of Abuja. This is not correct. Even us in FCT, we own Abuja Investment Company, we give them land, we give them C of O, but that does not mean that the agency does not belong to us. It still belongs to us,” he explained.

Barr. Wike also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Trustees, assuring him of continued recognition as a patron of the club.

“Let me thank our dear leader who has been piloting the affairs of the Board of Trustees before crisis came up. Leadership is not easy. I know what you have passed through. We want to thank you for all your efforts and to let you know that government will not allow your services to go in vain”, he said.

The Minister expressed confidence in the new board, particularly under the leadership of Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, and pledged the FCT Administration’s support in resolving existing issues and enhancing the club’s facilities.

“So, for us to have a Board of Trustees that could be led by the President of the Court of Appeal, you know that we are not joking at all. We will do everything we can to give the club the necessary support,” he affirmed.

He further urged the board to demonstrate commitment to improving the club’s infrastructure and services, stating that the FCT Administration is ready to assist once tangible progress is observed.

“Let it come back to what it used to be,” he concluded, emphasizing the need to restore the IBB Golf Club’s international reputation.

In her response, Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed the board’s gratitude to the FCT Minister for his prompt action in addressing the recent challenges faced by the club. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the club’s prestigious standing within the Federal Capital Territory, highlighting its international significance, excellent facilities, and vast potential.

Justice Dongban-Mensem acknowledged the contributions of past leadership, expressing appreciation for their efforts. She also gave special recognition to the immediate past Chairman of the Board, General I.B.M. Haruna, for his dedication to the institution. She pledged the readiness of the new board to uphold the club’s integrity and work diligently.

The Board Chairman recognized the significant responsibility placed upon the board, acknowledging the government’s high regard for the club. She assured that the board would strive to restore harmony and unity among members.

“We know that we’ve been given a tall order to watch over the club and it is not a mean assignment. The importance attached to the club by the government is proper and we shall not disappoint or take for granted the confidence reposed in us. We shall try our best to ensure that all frayed nerves are calmed” she stressed.

She also emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative environment within the club, promoting intellectual engagement, and showcasing Nigeria to the world through the club’s activities.

Highlighting the economic potential of golf, she noted the club’s natural beauty and environmental consciousness, including the protection of local wildlife. She pledged to promote these principles and enhance the club’s visibility.

JustIce Dongban-Mensem appealed for cooperation from the board members and sought guidance from the outgoing leadership. She expressed confidence in the FCT Minister’s commitment to providing support and pledged to manage the club’s resources effectively.

“I appeal to my colleagues on the board to cooperate so that we can work as a body to uphold the confidence that has been reposed in us. I also appeal to our outgoing Chairman and other members of the Board to stay with us and guide us. Let’s work together as a team”, she said.

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