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Kogi SDP Governorship candidate, Ajaka calls for removal of Akpabio for clashing with Natasha
Kogi State Social Democratic Party, SDP governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka has slammed the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio for clashing with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangement during plenary onThursday.
In a post on his Facebook, Ajaka called for impeachment of Godswill Akpabio as the President of Senate following the incident involving Natasha, describing Akpabio’s action as “democratic arrogance and rascality”.
Senator Akphoti-Uduaghan had her seat changed without her notice and rose to interject proceedings in the Senate leading to ensuing melee which the Senate President ordered the Sergeant-At-Arms to take her out of the Chamber on Thursday.
The Senator yell and question the rationale behind her changed without her consent.
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“Why was my seat moved without my consent?” she queried, refusing to be silenced.
The situation snowballed into chaos making the Akpabio to order that she should taken out of the Chamber.
Natasha insisted and told Akpabil that she was not afraid of him, “I am not afraid of you, and I will not be silenced.”
The female lawmaker who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District claimed that she was denied several opportunities to present bills for second reading since their last confrontation.
In his comment on the situation, Ajaka said, Akpabio’s action constituted a “display of legislative autocracy and rascality.”
He said, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State was given to promoting undemocratic practices, undermining the Senate’s independence and credibility.
“In a democracy, the legislative arm of government is critical to upholding democratic values such as inclusion and tolerance. However, the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership has shown a troubling pattern of autocratic behavior, as seen in the recent viral video.
“His actions against Senator Natasha not only diminished the dignity of his colleague but also reinforced growing concerns about the Senate’s lack of independence, disregard for the constitution, and violation of the rule of law.
“When elected representatives are silenced or prevented from presenting their constituency’s views at plenary, it reflects a dangerous shift toward tyranny. The future of our democracy is at stake if these undemocratic actions are left unchecked,” Ajaka warned.
According to him, citizens expect a Senate that is accountable, transparent and responsive to the yearning of the people, but under Akpabio, the trajectory was rather against the people and the democratic tradition.
He also alleged that Akpabio failed to exhibit the temperament and leadership skills necessary to foster inclusivity and cooperation within the Senate.
“As a former Governor, Minister, and now Senate President, Akpabio should promote unity and fairness regardless of gender, background, or political affiliations. Unfortunately, his constant bullying of Senator Natasha is both unacceptable and disappointing—and it must stop,” he added.
The Kogi politician called on the upper legislative chamber to take decisive action and replace Akpabio with a more competent and democratic leader who will promote inclusion and fairness among members.
He also warned that failing to address the Senate President’s actions could undermine the principles of justice, fairness, and respect essential to a thriving democracy.
“I call on the Senate to act swiftly and replace Akpabio with a leader who will uphold the values of democracy, treat all members with dignity, and prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people,” he added.
“The focus of the Nigerian Senate should be on improving the lives of its citizens—not engaging in conflicts and power plays that weaken our democratic foundations”, Kogi politician added.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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