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Nasarawa Speakership Crisis: Protesters petition IGP, demand redeployment of CP

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Protesters stormed the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters on Wednesday to demand the removal of the Nassarawa State Commissioner of Police, Maiyaki Baba, over his alleged interference in the State House of Assembly matters.

The protesters besieged the enterance of the Police Headquarters carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Remove the CP now, we call on IG of police to intervene in Nasarawa, Security Agencies must stay clear of politics, CP Maiyaki is a threat to democracy in Nasarawa state, Democracy in Nasarawa is in danger, We demand immediate redeployment of CP in Nasarawa, 7th Assembly Daniel Ogazi is our speaker”.

The group in a petition it filed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), accused the CP of not only meddling in the affairs of the house but also refusing to provide security for principal officers in the House of Assembly.

Recall that at separate sittings of the Assembly held on June 6, 2023, Balarabe Abdullahi representing Umaisha/Ugya constituency and Daniel Ogah Ogazi from Kokona constituency, were purportedly elected as speakers. While Balarabe Abdullahi, the immediate past Speaker, who is seeking a third term as Speaker was elected at a sitting that took place at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ogazi emerged as Speaker after a sitting at the State Assembly complex.

13 members-elect, including those from the opposition political parties, were believed to have supported Ogazi, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress, while 11 members were loyal to Balarabe-Abdullahi, who is also a member of the APC in the state. In the midst of the crisis, the police sealed off the State Assembly Complex.

But addressing Journalists, the group, under the aiges of Concerned Nasarawa State Stakeholders, accused the CP of supporting the minority faction led by the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Balarabe Abdullahi.

According to the petition to the IGP, the group led by David Manga and Ibrahim Saidu, indicated that the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa state is allegedly providing cover and security for the minority faction as against the validly elected House of Assembly Speaker and the other principal members.

“On the 7th day of June, 2023, the Commissioner of Police invited the 13 House members including the Speaker to the State Police Command in Lafia and threatened to detain them. He then warned that they must all not be seen close to the House of Assembly Complex again. Surprisingly sir, the same Commissioner of police that told the majority members not to go to the premise personally led the minority members into the house of Assembly on the following day i.e 8th day of June, 2023 to conduct an illegal plenary and prevented the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Daniel Ogah Ogazi and other 12 members from entering the Assembly complex to perform their constitutional duties.

“Just yesterday, being the 12th day of June, 2023, the Commissioner of Police withdrew the two policemen attached to the Rt. Honourable Speaker of the House of Assembly who had been with him since the time he was the majority leader of the House of Assembly since the last dispensation. The action of the Commissioner of Police in withdrawing his security is tantamount to exposing the speaker to danger. Even an ordinary member of the State House of Assembly is entitled to at least a Police officer not to talk of the Speaker and the number three citizen of Nasarawa State.

“Let it be emphasised sir that the State House of Assembly established pursuant to the Provisions of Section 90 of the Constitution is an independent legislative Arm of government presided over by the Speaker of the House of Assembly. The proceedings and election of the principal members of the house is purely an internal affairs of the members interse. It is not a function the Honourable Commissioner of Police or any member of the executive arm should interfere with.

“It is surprising that the Commissioner of Police who is expected to maintain law and order and to uphold the rule of law has now turned himself to law breaker. We dare say that he is no longer fit to provide safety and security for the good people of Nasarawa State. We, the Concerned Nasarawa State Stakeholders hereby appeal to you sir to use your good office to transfer the Commissioner of Police Maiyaki Muhammed Bala out of Nasarawa State due to his unprofessional conduct. These acts of the Commissioner of Police have the propensity of causing serious civil unrest and political instability in the state”.

An Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kingsley Anyanwu who received the petition from the protesters on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, assured them that their message would be delivered to the IGP and action taken accordingly.

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NUJ at 70: Governor Ododo pledges support for independent, free press

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Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, congratulates the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on its 70th anniversary, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and media independence.

Governor Ododo commended the NUJ for its remarkable contributions to democracy, good governance, and national development over the past seven decades.

He described the media as a critical pillar of democracy, playing a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.

“For seventy years, the NUJ has been at the forefront of promoting responsible journalism, defending press freedom, and shaping public discourse. A free and independent press is the foundation of a thriving democracy, and my administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment where journalists can operate without fear or intimidation,” he stated.

The governor acknowledged the resilience and dedication of journalists in delivering credible information despite challenges.

He emphasized the need for media professionals to uphold the ethics of journalism, combat misinformation, and embrace technological advancements and innovation to enhance their professional excellence.

Governor Ododo also assured media practitioners in Kogi State of his government’s continued support in strengthening the press as a force for positive change.

He called on the NUJ to remain steadfast in its mission to uphold journalistic integrity and professionalism.

“As we celebrate this milestone, I commend the leadership and members of the NUJ for their steadfast commitment to truth and accountability. I am confident that the union will continue to set high standards in journalism, contributing to the progress of our great nation,” he added.

He wished the union continued success in its pursuit of a free, independent, and responsible press.

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BREAKING: Rivers House of Assembly serves Governor Fubara impeachment notice, alleges misconduct

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After a long legal battle between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and 27 State House of Assembly legislators loyal to the former governor, Nyesom Wike which was fought up to the Supreme Court in favour of lawmakers, a notice of impeachment has been served on the Governor on Monday in Portharcourt,

The notice a copy of which was obtained by CAPITAL POST alleged gross misconduct against Governor and his Depuy, Ngozi Odu, thereby escalating fresh crisis in the oil rich city.

The alleged infraction if proved is constitutionally strong to orchestrate impeachment which has been the focus of the lawmakers since they won at the Supreme Court and were back to sitting in the State parliament as all entreaties by the governor was rebuffed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule.

In the heat of post Supreme Court crisis, the political godfather of the 27 lawmakers, Nyesom Wike who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said he will not put a stumbling block to the Assembly members if they chose to do their work.

In the long drawn battle, allies of Nyesom Wike insisted that the governor has 80% gone out of the office, hence, Monday’s letter only goes to show the Assembly’s resolution to remove governor Fubara out of office. This is despite Fubara’s effort to present the 2025 budget of Rivers State to the Assembly after he was put under pressure to do by the lawmakers.

The notice, submitted to the Speaker through the Clerk of the Assembly, cites reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds among other allegations, that will put the governor under tight corner of not being able to defend the allegations.

Reacting, some political figures have called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment, others, including the Ijaw National Congress, have warned against such actions, citing potential instability in the region.
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is suspecting President Bola Tinubu’s support to lawmakers impeaching Fubara, saying, the plot would not be possible without getting green light from the presidency.

The impeachment process involves several legal steps, including the formation of a Committee to investigate the allegations. If found guilty, Fubara and his deputy could face removal from office.

The situation remains volatile, with governance in the state effectively stalled due to the political impasse.

Read Full Details Here: https://nujfct.ng/breaking-rivers-state-house-of-assembly-serves-impeachment-notice-on-governor-Fubara-and-deputy

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Natasha uncovers arrest plot after reported Akpabio to IPU in New York

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Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has uncovered plot by security agents to arrest her upon arrival to Nigeria from Interparliamentary Union, IPU where she reported alleged sexual harassment against Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District was suspended for six months for flouting the purported Senate Rules and Order, after which she claimed sexual harassment and proceeded to the IPU.

She revealed that she faces arrest by Nigerian government as Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria, claiming that the planned arrest was like ked to her participation in the IPU meeting in New York on March 11, 2025

On Sunday the Kogi female Senator was quoted as saying
that she was aware of plots.

“I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja,” Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is still in the US after the IPU meeting, said.

Though she didn’t disclose details of the planned arrest by 2hich of the security agencies, her participation has however considered an embarrassement to the Nigerian government and since her appearance at IPU on March 11, 2025, things were no longer at ease within the government circles.

A source within security domain confirmed that a probe has been launched into Natasha’s participation at IPU.

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