The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, arrived in Milan, Italy, today, ahead of a series of official engagements, particularly meeting with the President of Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana.

The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement in Milan, on Wednesday, that Wike departed Abuja on Tuesday night, and arrived in Milan at about 4:30am today, and was received by the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy of Nigeria in Italy, Ambassador Mustapha Mohammed.

In a statement by Lere Olayinka Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister (Public Communications and Social Media) said “while in Milan, the FCT Minister will hold a meeting with the President of Lombardy Region on Thursday, and also meet agribusiness investors.”

Lombardy is adjudged as the first region of Italy in terms of economic importance, with population of about 10 million people. It is the second most populous region of the European Union (EU) and the second region of the European Union by nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The FCT Minister’s meeting with Attilio Fontana will center on seeking collaboration and evaluating possible prospects in the areas of Agriculture and Vocational Education, as well as strategic development partners with the Lombardy Region.

“Subsequently, Wike will meet investors in agribusiness and experts in vocational training, with a view to unlock new opportunities.

“The FCT Mandate Secretaries for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo and Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam, as well as Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Udo Samuel Atang and Senior Special Assistant on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu, accompanied the Minister on the trip.”

The Benue State House of Assembly has rebuffed insinuations by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, that it acted without due regard to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution in the suspension of the Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, insisting the Assembly acted within the ambit of the law.

This was contained in a letter dated March 5th, 2025, signed by the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, and addressed to the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Recall that the Senate had in a letter signed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adegbanmire Adeniyi Ayodele, SAN, and addressed to the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, expressing deep concern over the purported removal of the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, insisting that the action was carried out without due regard to the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly in respect to the tenure and removal of judicial officers under the provision of Section 292 of the 1999 constitution.

Senator Ayodele, had urged the members of the Benue State House of Assembly to take necessary steps to address the issue, ensuring that all the decisions regarding the suspension of Justice Ikpambese, were in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

But in its response, the Benue State House of Assembly through the Speaker, Hon. Aondona Dajoh, said the state Assembly remained deeply committed to the rule of law and fully understands the constitutional safeguards surrounding the tenure and removal of judicial officers as enshrined in Section 292 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Speaker Dajoh, however, asked the Senate to consider the constitutional doctrine of federalism and separation of powers, insisting that matters concerning the appointment and removal of judicial officers fall within the jurisdiction of the state government, subject to constitutional requirement.

According to the Speaker, the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters can only play an advisory role, emphasizing that any of their directive or resolution which encroaches on the constitutional autonomy of the State Assembly can only be persuasive, especially as the constitution does not give them the right to superintend over the affairs of the State Assemblies.

“A careful examination of the constitution and relevant National Assembly statues does not expressly vest the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters with direct supervisory or oversight authority over State Houses of Assembly in matters that are exclusively within their jurisdiction. See Section 4(2) and 88 of the 1999 Constitution.

“The Benue State House of Assembly recognizes the sanctity of the judiciary and the necessity of ensuring that all actions conform strictly to the due process provisions of the constitution. To this end, the House remains steadfast in ensuring that its resolutions align with constitutional provisions.”

He said the Assembly acted in compliance with the constitutional provisions regarding the removal of Justice Ikpambese, stating that after receiving a letter from the Executive, the matter was put to vote with a two-thirds majority vote secured, thereby fulfilling its constitutional role in the removal process.

The Speaker insisted that any concerns regarding the procedural compliance of the matter should be judicially adjudicated rather than subjected to extra judicial interventions that may undermine the autonomy of the State legislative institutions.

While appreciating the Senate Committee for its concern and insights over the matter, the Speaker reiterated that the Benue State House of Assembly acted well within its constitutional mandate in the case and as such, its decision remains lawful, final, and conclusive, except set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction.

A group called the Virtuous Women of Delta (VWD) has given the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a 14-day ultimatum to tender an unreserved apology to Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The group made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Deaconess Eguolo Oghenekevwe.

In the statement, the group expressed their outrage over Akpabio’s alleged disrespectful behavior towards Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing his actions as sacrilegious according to Delta’s cultural traditions.

The statement read, “We have patiently watched as the Senate President has dragged our sister through the mud. In our tradition, such actions are considered sacrilegious and carry severe consequences.”

The group further emphasized their disapproval of Akpabio’s behavior, particularly his decision to have Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan removed from a public space, which they found deeply disrespectful.

“The fact that he had our wife walk out of a public place is enough to make us march to the National Assembly in protest,” they stated.

The group gave Akpabio 14 days to issue an unreserved apology, warning that if he fails to do so, they will be compelled to take action and express their anger in person at the National Assembly.

The controversy stems from previous comments Akpabio made, including the use of inappropriate language referring to a nightclub, despite the fact that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is married to a prominent Delta man.

Akpabio had earlier apologized for his remarks, acknowledging their sacrilegious nature.

“Such words are unacceptable, especially when a married woman is involved. Our men are like lions and will not tolerate such disrespect,” the statement continued.

The Virtuous Women of Delta emphasized that, as Akpabio hails from the same geopolitical zone, he should be aware of the importance of their cultural values and traditions, which cannot be disregarded.

“We politely ask the Senate President to apologize, or face the consequences within the next 14 days,” the group said.