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‎Atiku Celebrates Natasha’s Senate Return, Calls It Victory Over Tyranny ‎ ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

‎Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha has reclaimed her seat in Nigeria’s Senate, six months after her controversial suspension.

The dramatic unsealing of her office at the National Assembly on Tuesday marked the end of a protracted political battle, drawing effusive praise from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who declared that the “voice of reason has prevailed over tyranny.”Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator representing Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6, 2025, for alleged breaches of Senate standing rules, including conduct deemed disruptive during plenary sessions.

‎The six-month debarment barred her from legislative duties and sealed her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate wing, depriving her constituents of representation and sparking widespread accusations of political persecution.

‎The tide turned on July 4, when a Federal High Court ruled the suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” a decision that fueled ongoing legal challenges and public outcry.

‎Despite the court’s intervention, the National Assembly initially resisted her resumption on September 9, citing pending litigation. However, mounting pressure from civil society, opposition figures, and legal precedents forced the hand of Senate leadership under President Godswill Akpabio.

‎On Tuesday, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Alabi Adedeji, formally unsealed the office in a brief ceremony, followed by immediate fumigation and cleaning to prepare for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return. Supporters erupted in jubilation outside the National Assembly, chanting songs of solidarity, though the festive mood was briefly marred by reports of police teargassing a crowd of her backers.

‎Stepping into her office for the first time since March, the senator wasted no time in asserting her unyielding stance. “I have no apology to tender to anybody,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told reporters, dismissing rumors of a potential motion by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro demanding contrition upon the Senate’s full resumption on October 7.

‎She lambasted the suspension as a “deprivation” orchestrated by Senate leadership and vowed to continue her advocacy for Kogi Central’s interests.

‎The former vice president linked Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ordeal to a pattern of institutional weaponization under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and assembly members, as well as the lifted emergency rule in Rivers. “These are not isolated acts,” Atiku warned, accusing the government of subverting democracy to silence opposition voices.

‎Akpoti-Uduaghan echoed this gratitude in her post-resumption address, thanking Atiku, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, the Nigerian Bar Association, Labour Congress, and parties like the Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC). “Their voices created the pressure that made the Senate President realize he just can’t,” she said, crediting the solidarity for her vindication.

‎As the Senate prepares for plenary resumption next month, all eyes remain on Kogi Central’s firebrand senator. Her return not only restores legislative balance but reignites debates on accountability, free speech, and the fragility of democratic institutions in Africa’s most populous nation.

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Bandits Unleash Terror in Kwara: Pregnant Woman, Cleric Among Dead in Deadly Raid; Eight Kidnapped, ‎

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By Prosper Mene

‎Armed bandits stormed three remote villages in Kwara State’s Patigi Local Government Area early Tuesday morning, leaving a trail of devastation that claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and a visiting cleric, while abducting eight residents and rustling dozens of cattle.

The brazen assault, which occurred between 6 and 7 a.m., has forced hundreds of terrified villagers to flee their homes, revealing the escalating insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s North Central region.

‎The attacks targeted Motokun, Egboro, and Fanagun villages, where gunmen, believed to be herder-affiliated bandits, operated with impunity for hours, firing indiscriminately at anyone who resisted. Eyewitnesses described scenes of utter chaos as families scattered into the bush, abandoning homes and livestock. “We woke up to the sound of gunfire and screams. People were running everywhere, carrying their children and whatever they could grab,” recounted Hon. James Ibrahim, a local resident who barely escaped with his family.

‎Among the victims was an unidentified pregnant woman, shot dead in her compound while preparing for the day. A cleric from nearby Patigi, known for his weekly sermons in the villages, was gunned down and mutilated in a particularly gruesome act of violence. Community leader Mallam Mohammed confirmed the kidnappings, noting that the bandits targeted “wealthy individuals whom they know can be extorted.” The abducted include three Fulani herders from Fanagun, whose cattle were also seized, along with at least six others from Motokun and Egboro. Reports indicate the gunmen made off with over 15 motorcycles and hundreds of cows, further crippling the local economy reliant on herding and petty trade.

‎This latest outrage follows a violent clash on Monday between security forces and bandits in the same area, during which dozens of cattle were rustled and at least four assailants were wounded, according to vigilante commander Gina Gana. “The bandits came back stronger, as if to retaliate,” Gana told reporters, underscoring the porous security landscape that allows such reprisals.

‎Residents expressed deep frustration over the delayed response from authorities. Security operatives, including soldiers and vigilantes, arrived hours after the attackers had vanished into surrounding forests. “By the time help came, our people were gone, and the dead lay in pools of blood,” said another villager, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

‎Bandit incursions have become a weekly ritual in Patigi, ravaging villages like Lata, Ndanaku, Takarfu, Motokun, Egboro, and Lele.

‎ The relentless violence has prompted the Kwara State government to relocate the 2025 Batch B Stream II NYSC orientation camp to safer Ilorin and impose curbs on cattle markets in the north.

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Senator Natasha Resumes Senate Duties After Suspension. ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District, stepped back into her office today after enduring a contentious six-month suspension.

‎The move marks the end of a turbulent chapter that began with allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and escalated into a high-stakes legal and political showdown.

‎Akpoti-Uduaghan, arrived at the Senate wing around 1:10 p.m., her presence met with a mix of subdued anticipation and lingering tension.

‎Earlier in the day, Sergeant-at-Arms personnel, backed by security operatives, unsealed her office, Room 205, which had been locked since March as part of the punitive measures.

‎Although full plenary sessions are slated to resume on October 7 following a recent postponement from September 23, the early access signals a receding tension in the frosty relations between the senator and the chamber’s leadership.

‎Speaking to journalists from her freshly unsealed office, Akpoti-Uduaghan wasted no time in addressing rumors that she would be required to tender a public apology before fully reinstating her privileges. “I owe no apology,” she declared, her voice steady and unyielding. “This Senate has been run like a dictatorship under Senate President Akpabio. My suspension was never about rules, it was retaliation for speaking truth to power.” She accused the leadership of contempt of court, referencing a July Federal High Court ruling in Abuja that nullified her suspension as unconstitutional and ordered her immediate recall, a decision the Senate appealed, stalling her return until now.

‎She extended gratitude to a coalition of supporters, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President Bukola Saraki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and various civil society activists. “Their voices turned the tide,” she said.

‎Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed earlier this month that all legal hurdles had been cleared, with the suspension’s expiration on September 6 rendering ongoing appeals moot. “Everything is in place for her smooth return,” Giwa stated, adding that arrangements with Senate leadership ensured no further obstructions.

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Oluremi Tinubu Says National Library Fundraiser Is Not Political, Raises ₦20.4bn ‎

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

‎Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has firmly dismissed suggestions that her 65th birthday fundraiser for the long-stalled National Library project carries political motives, describing it instead as a heartfelt “love project” fueled by her lifelong passion for education.

Speaking during a luncheon with the State House Press Corps at the Presidential Villa, Mrs. Tinubu announced that the initiative, tagged Oluremi@65 Education Fund, has already mobilized ₦20.4 billion in donations since its launch on September 18, with the account remaining open until December 2025 to encourage further contributions.

‎The fundraiser, aimed at completing the National Library headquarters in Abuja, a project abandoned for years despite its foundational role in preserving the nation’s intellectual heritage, was unveiled ahead of Mrs. Tinubu’s September 21 birthday. Rather than accepting traditional gifts like cards, cakes, or newspaper adverts, she urged supporters to redirect their goodwill toward this cause. “This is not a pet project; it’s a national effort coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education,” she clarified, noting that the account’s signatories are the Minister of Education and the Chief Librarian of the Federation to ensure transparency and accountability.

‎Her role, she emphasizd, is simply to “drive the funds” and amplify the call for collective action.Addressing criticisms that the effort might be linked to President Bola Tinubu’s potential 2027 reelection bid, the First Lady pushed back with characteristic resolve. “What is wrong in doing well or trying to build our country? If I could assist the post-war rebuilding process in Liberia by donating the Oluremi Tinubu Elementary and Junior Secondary School, what is wrong in drawing attention to areas of need in our beloved nation?” she asked rhetorically, referencing her earlier philanthropy in Monte Serrado County. She echoed Former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s famous call to service”Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”.

‎Mrs. Tinubu framed the initiative as a civic duty, free from partisan undertones.

‎Mrs. Tinubu expressed gratitude to key donors, including her husband, President Bola Tinubu; Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife; former President Muhammadu Buhari; several former First Ladies; the leadership of the National Assembly; governors and their spouses; security chiefs; and prominent entrepreneurs such as Aliko Dangote, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Arthur Eze, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, and Femi Otedola. She highlighted her personal connection to libraries, crediting them for shaping her as a former teacher and 12-year senator on the Senate Committee on Education. “The impact of the library on my life while growing up motivated this call for donations,” she shared.

‎The project, which Mrs. Tinubu assured would be completed within two years under the current administration’s backing, comes amid earlier pushback from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In early September, the opposition party argued that the National Library is a “national priority” warranting direct budgetary allocation rather than reliance on private charity, urging the First Lady to leverage her influence for executive funding.

‎While acknowledging such views, Mrs. Tinubu’s response today positioned the fundraiser as a complementary bridge, mobilizing resources while advocating for sustained government commitment.

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Senator Natasha’s Defamation Case Against Akpabio, Bello Postponed to October

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

‎An Abuja High Court has adjourned the high-profile defamation trial of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until October 27, 2025. The decision came after the court heard arguments on a preliminary objection raised by the senator’s legal team, aiming to address procedural fairness in the case.

‎Justice Chizoba Oji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court presided over the session, where Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel filed a motion challenging aspects of the prosecution’s approach. The judge ruled that the trial must be postponed to allow the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to file a response to the objection, emphasizing the need for a balanced hearing before proceeding further.

‎Akpoti-Uduaghan, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator representing Kogi Central, faces a three-count charge under Section 391 of the Penal Code for allegedly making harmful imputations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. The charges originates from statements she made during a television interview and public address in May 2025, where she accused Akpabio and Bello of plotting her assassination. Specifically, count one alleges that she claimed Akpabio instructed Bello to ensure any harm against her occurred outside Abuja to avoid scrutiny, thereby damaging Akpabio’s reputation as Senate President.

‎The senator, who was granted bail of N50 million with one surety upon her arraignment on June 19, 2025, has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

‎Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ehiogie West-Idahosa, has argued that the case represents political persecution and an abuse of prosecutorial powers by the AGF. They contend that the federal government has shown “double standards” by swiftly pursuing charges based on Akpabio’s petition while ignoring Akpoti-Uduaghan’s own prior complaints against the Senate President and others.

‎Supporters, including opposition figures, have decried the proceedings as an attempt to silence her vocal criticism of political elites, while proponents of the prosecution argue it upholds laws against reputational harm in public discourse.

‎The October 27 hearing will focus on resolving the preliminary objection alongside the AGF’s response, potentially determining whether the trial advances or faces dismissal.

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Dolphins Women Dedicate Zenith Bank League Title to Late Founder ‎ ‎

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‎By Prosper Mene.

‎The Dolphins Women’s Basketball Club won the 2025 Zenith Bank/NBBF Women’s Premier League and dedicated the victory to their late founder, Gbadebowale Wayne “Wale” Aboderin, who passed away in 2018.

‎In a thrilling final on September 20 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Dolphins defeated First Bank 61-55 in overtime. The win earned them a spot in the 2025 Africa Women’s Basketball League qualifiers and a N7.5 million prize.

‎Coach Peter Akindele praised the team’s effort, saying, “This is for Wale Aboderin, who built this team. His vision made this possible.” Director Olumide Oyedeji added, “Wale’s dream was to uplift women’s basketball, and this title honors him.”

‎Aboderin founded Dolphins in 1997, creating Nigeria’s first private women’s basketball club. He built a clubhouse and gym, supported players’ education, and led the team to their first Zenith Bank title in 2015.

‎His legacy continues to inspire the team.The final, attended by Zenith Bank CEO Adaora Umeoji and NBBF Chairman Musa Kida, celebrated Aboderin’s impact on Nigerian basketball. Dolphins now aim to shine in Africa, keeping their founder’s dream alive.

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United Capital Announces Memorial Service for Six Staff Lost in Tragic Afriland Towers Fire

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By Prosper Mene 

‎In a tribute to colleagues whose lives were cut short by one of the city’s most devastating workplace tragedies, United Capital Plc has announced plans for a solemn memorial service honoring six dedicated employees who perished in the inferno at Afriland Towers just six days ago.

‎The fire outbreak occured on Tuesday, September 16, in the basement inverter room of the six-storey commercial building on Broad Street in Lagos Island’s bustling financial district and claimed a total of 10 lives.

‎Among the victims were the six United Capital staff members, who occupied the third and fourth floors of the tower, as well as four employees from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on the sixth and seventh floors.

‎The blaze quickly engulfed the structure in thick smoke, trapping occupants and forcing desperate escapes, including leaps from upper levels.”It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers,” the company stated in an official announcement shared on its verified social media channels.

‎The firm extended deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, vowing ongoing support during this unimaginable time of loss.

‎Preparations for the memorial service are underway, with the event designed to celebrate the victims’ contributions and mark their passing “with dignity and solemnity,” according to United Capital. While specific details on the date, time, and venue have yet to be finalized, the company emphasized that the gathering will serve as a space for reflection, shared memories, and communal healing. “We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives,” the statement added.

‎The tragedy has sent ripples of sorrow through Nigeria’s corporate and political spheres. President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were among the prominent figures who publicly mourned the losses. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, whose branch also operates in the building, expressed his grief, stating, “We plus odas lost colleagues for di fire for Afriland Towers,” underscoring the shared devastation across the business community.

‎Afriland Towers, owned by Afriland Properties Plc, is a key hub for financial and governmental operations, also housing UBA and other entities. The building remains under inspection as authorities, including the FIRS, probe the incident and push for stricter building safety compliance.

‎Preliminary reports point to electrical faults in the basement as the ignition source, but a full investigation is ongoing.

‎Tributes from colleagues and the public have flooded social media, with many sharing photos and stories of the vibrant professionals lost. Among the confirmed victims from United Capital are individuals whose ages ranged from their late 20s to mid-40s, including key roles in audit, operations, and client relations.

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial Delayed to October 20 Over Jurisdiction Dispute

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on cybercrime charges until October 20, after a preliminary objection from her defense team questioning the court’s jurisdiction over the case.

‎The adjournment came during a scheduled hearing on Monday, where the prosecution, led by Federal Government lawyer David Kaswe, was prepared to call its first witness and kick off proceedings on the six-count indictment.

‎However, defense counsel Ehiogie West-Idahosa, SAN, raised the jurisdictional challenge, arguing that the court lacks the authority to entertain the charges.

‎Justice Mohammed Umar agreed that the objection must be resolved first, halting the trial and setting the new date for both the hearing on the motion and potential commencement of evidence.

‎Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her outspoken advocacy, was arraigned on June 30, 2025, before Justice Umar. She was granted bail on self-recognition shortly after. The charges, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, invoke the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

‎Prosecutors allege that between April and May 2025, the senator intentionally transmitted false and defamatory statements via electronic means, specifically during public addresses in Ihima Community, Kogi State, aimed at maligning high-profile politicians and inciting public disorder.

‎Key allegations include claims that Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of plotting her assassination in collusion with former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello. One count reads: “Akpabio told Yahaya Bello ‘He told him that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, it should be done here, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me here…’ And you, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, knew this contained a threat that could harm the reputation of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON.” Similar accusations target Bello, with the statements purportedly damaging their reputations and breaching public order, punishable under Section 24(2)(c) of the Act.

‎Kaswe pushed back against the delay, insisting the objection was baseless and that the court has clear jurisdiction over federal cybercrime matters. “The prosecution is ready to prove its case,” he told the court, urging an immediate start to the trial.

‎ Critics view the charges as politically motivated retaliation for her vocal criticisms of Senate leadership, while supporters of the prosecution frame it as a necessary enforcement of laws against online defamation and threats. Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied the allegations, maintaining that her statements were protected political speech.

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‎BBNaija’s Vee at 29: “Two Heartbreaks Left Before I’m Done With Love” ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎As she approaches her 29th birthday, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) alumna Victoria Iye, better known as Vee, has laid bare her guarded heart in a candid social media reflection that’s sparking conversations across Nigeria’s entertainment scene.

‎The former Lockdown housemate, who rose to fame alongside ex-boyfriend Neo Akpofure in 2020, shared her “strict dating rules” and raw fears about pregnancy, declaring she has just “two tries left” before swearing off romance for good.

‎In a recent Instagram post that’s already amassed thousands of likes and shares, Vee opened up about the emotional toll of past relationships and her determination to protect her peace. “I’m turning 29 soon, and I’ve learned myself too well to let the wrong energy in,” she wrote. “Dating is scary, one wrong move, and it’s mental health on the line. I won’t let the wrong man get me pregnant. That’s non-negotiable.” Her words echo a broader sentiment among young women navigating love in the high-stakes world of Lagos dating, where she previously described the scene as “more complicated than ever.”

‎The couple, who captivated fans with their showmance – complete with a infamous pregnancy scare when Vee missed her period in the house, parted ways in March 2023 amid accusations of infidelity and family interference. ‎

‎Neo has since moved on, linking up with fellow BBNaija star Beauty Tukura, while Vee has kept her personal life low-key, fueling rumors with artists like Mavin’s Bayanni that she quickly shut down. ‎

‎The pregnancy fears Vee articulated hit especially close to home for fans familiar with her journey. During BBNaija Lockdown, whispers of intimacy between her and Neo led to on-air tension when she confided in him about her delayed cycle, sparking nationwide speculation.

‎ ‎Now, years later, Vee is flipping the script, emphasizing self-preservation over vulnerability. “I’ve got goals, a career, and my sanity to protect,” she added in the post. “No more forgiving the unforgivable cheating? Gutter behavior? That’s an instant out.”

‎Her stance comes hot on the heels of a podcast appearance where she recounted a betrayal: an ex who liked private photos from another woman, exposed by a vigilant fan who sent her screenshots. ‎

‎ “I can’t forgive that,” she said emotionally. “It looks bad, and I won’t accept it as my fate.”

‎Vee’s strict rules extend beyond infidelity red flags. She’s vocal about avoiding partners who drain her energy or compromise her ambitions as a singer, actress, and VEEVALE fashion brand founder. In a Lagos dating landscape she once called “harder than usual” due to superficial connections and high expectations,

‎Vee is prioritizing therapy-informed boundaries. “I’m not ready for another heartbreak,” she confessed earlier this year.

‎Fans have flooded her comments with support, with one writing, “Queen energy! Protect that heart at all costs,” while others debate if her stance signals the end of her romantic era.

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Maryamu Idris, NNPC Trading Boss, Named Nigeria’s OPEC Representative

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Maryamu Idris, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, has been appointed as Nigeria’s National Representative to OPEC, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) announced on Wednesday.

‎This makes her a key voice for Nigeria in the global oil organization. NNPC Ltd celebrated the news on X, stating, “Congratulations to Maryamu Idris, Managing Director of NNPC Trading Limited, on her appointment as Nigeria’s National Representative at OPEC.” In this role, Idris will join OPEC’s Economic Commission Board, helping shape oil production and pricing policies while continuing to lead NNPC Trading.

‎Idris, an experienced economist, holds degrees from the University of Abuja and the University of Dundee in Scotland.

‎ She has worked in Nigeria’s oil sector for over 20 years, starting at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, then moving to roles at NNPC, including advising Nigeria’s OPEC team and serving as Executive Director before becoming MD in April 2025.

‎Her new job involves working with Nigeria’s OPEC Governor, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NNPC Ltd, and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to boost Nigeria’s oil industry and align with OPEC’s goals. This comes as Nigeria tackles issues like oil theft and global energy changes.The announcement has sparked excitement online, with many praising Idris as the second woman in this role after former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke.

‎Idris’s appointment is seen as a step toward stronger leadership in Nigeria’s energy sector, as the country works to maintain its role as Africa’s top oil producer.

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