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We want Women as Governors and Presidents” _ Labour Party Women Leader

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By Prosper Mene 

Labour Party Oshodi-Isolo women held their maiden event of “Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Seminar and Trade Exhibition” at Unfailing Power Hall, Cele- Okota road, Lagos on 24th of November 2025 with Mbonu Assumpta, C.E.O. of Credo Events as chief speaker and other notable speakers from Alliance and General Insurance Plc, Affable Homes Limited and Kedi Health Industry.

Attending the event were Chief John Apati, Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II Leader; Onowu Godwin Ekezie, Labour Party Oshodi-Isolo Chair of Chairs; Engineer Walter, Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II Administrator; Mr. Andy, Labour Party Ire-Akari Ward Chairman and other stakeholders in the local government.

Mrs. Mbonu Assumpta, C.E.O. of Credo Events and other keynote speakers like Mary Udoh, Group Head of Retail in Alliance and General Insurance; Dr. Israel Olushola, partner to Kedi Health Industry; Mrs. Titilayo Ninis, founder of Fredella Foods; Barrister Dr. Esther Ehinosen Ileogben, encouraged the attendees on how to start up a business with little or no capital using themselves as case study.

Mrs. Uyanna Commie, Labour Party Oshodi-Isolo Women Leader, also the convener of the event in an interview revealed her desire to see women hold positions like governor and president in the country.

“This event is a collective effort of all the women in Oshodi-Isolo and I am happy to be their leader because I have passion to see we women grow politically. And you know no politics without funds, reason why we holding this event. To empower our minds with financial solutions so we also can be governors and president in the country, my greatest desire. ”

Speaking on the insecurities in the country, Onowu Godwin Ekezie stated the leaders in power are to be blamed for their inability to resolve issues before turning crisis.

“Banditry started from a town before becoming a national crisis. If our leaders had resolve it at it’s infancy, we wouldn’t be in this state.”

Mrs. Sindret Idika, a cyber security expert advise the government to use advanced technology in combating terrorists responsible for the country insecurity.

“The best way to uncover the faces behind our insecurities is advanced technology. We are in an era where robots and AI are everywhere. And making use of these modern tools will fasten an end to the problems we currently face.”

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Judge Absent: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial Postponed to 2026

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene

The Federal High Court in Abuja has  adjourned the cybercrime trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until February 4, 2026, after Justice Mohammed Umar failed to appear for the scheduled hearing on Monday.

The delay, the third in as many months, has fueled accusations of judicial foot-dragging in what critics call a politically motivated prosecution aimed at silencing a vocal female lawmaker.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, the firebrand senator representing Kogi Central, faces six counts under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024.

The charges come from a viral June 2024 video in which she alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio instructed former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to orchestrate her assassination. Prosecutors claim her statements were “false and injurious,” designed to malign reputations, incite unrest, and endanger lives, offenses punishable by up to 10 years in prison and hefty fines.

The 43-year-old senator, known for her unapologetic advocacy on women’s rights and anti-corruption crusades, was arraigned on June 30 and granted bail shortly after. What should have been a swift trial has devolved into a saga of postponements: September 22’s hearing was derailed by a preliminary objection from her defense team challenging the court’s jurisdiction; October 21 fell victim to chaotic protests outside the court led by activist Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; and now, the judge’s unexplained absence has kicked the can down the road for over two months.

Courtroom drama unfolded even in Umar’s absence. A television screen, prepared for video evidence playback, sat idly as lawyers clashed over the pending objection. Defense counsel Peter Olorunnishola urged the court to resolve the jurisdictional challenge first, arguing it strikes at the prosecution’s foundation. Prosecutor D.E. Kaswe, pushing to proceed, countered that the objection shouldn’t halt proceedings, but Umar’s prior ruling, insisting on a formal response, held sway, showing the judge’s intent to clear procedural hurdles before diving into evidence.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, poised and defiant in a tailored suit, declined immediate comment outside the courtroom, but her allies wasted no time. “This is persecution, not justice,” thundered Sowore on X, vowing renewed protests if delays persist. Supporters, including civil society groups like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), decry the Cybercrimes Act as a draconian tool for muzzling dissent, especially against women in politics who dare to name powerful men. Akpabio’s office has dismissed the allegations as “baseless fabrications,” while Bello’s camp remains silent.

The senator’s journey to the spotlight has been anything but smooth. A Delta State native who clinched her Senate seat in a bruising 2023 rerun amid vote-rigging claims, Akpoti-Uduaghan has clashed repeatedly with establishment figures, earning her the moniker “iron lady of Kogi politics.” Her cybercrime saga, they argue, is payback for exposing alleged corruption in the National Assembly and challenging patriarchal gatekeepers.

Legal observers warn that the extended adjournment could erode public trust in Nigeria’s judiciary, already battered by backlog scandals. “Adjourning to 2026 on a non-complex case like this raises red flags about external pressures,” said a source close to the bench, speaking anonymously. The next hearing promises fireworks: resolution of the objection, potential witness testimonies, and perhaps a deeper probe into the video’s origins.

 

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‘I Didn’t Kill My Husband’ — Christy Akingboye Breaks Silence on Husband’s Death Amid Family Feud and Murder Allegations

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By Prosper Mene

During a tearful press conference that laid bare the raw wounds of grief, betrayal, and vicious family infighting, Christy Akingboye, the widow of prominent businessman and politician Bamidele Akingboye, vehemently denied any involvement in her husband’s tragic death. “My hands are clean.

I didn’t kill my husband. I loved him and stood by him through everything,” she declared, her voice steady despite the visible toll of weeks of silence and scrutiny.

Bamidele Akingboye, fondly known as OBA, passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age of 60 in their Victoria Garden City (VGC) residence in Lagos. The oil magnate and philanthropist, who had just contested as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State’s November 2024 election, his fifth political bid,left behind a legacy of maritime ventures, community upliftment, and unyielding ambition. But his death, initially shrouded in mystery, has spiraled into a public scandal, with police investigations, family accusations, and whispers of foul play turning what should have been a time of mourning into a courtroom drama.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Monday, Christy, 58, recounted the 34-year love story that began in faith and blossomed into a partnership of equals. “He was my Sweetheart, my husband, my best friend, my gossip partner,” she said, her eyes welling up. The couple, married since the early 1990s, weathered political storms, business battles, and personal hardships together. Yet, in his final months, Akingboye grappled privately with bipolar disorder, a condition exacerbated by mounting debts, including a N360 million land dispute refund and aggressive bank loan recalls, and the bruising defeat in Ondo.

CCTV footage from the morning of his death captured the heartbreaking truth: Akingboye, in a moment of profound despair, stepped off the balcony of their home. “My son Melvin screamed when he saw the footage. The police officers there saw it too. My husband jumped. It was his illness,” Christy revealed, echoing details from an emotional interview she gave in October.

But sympathy evaporated almost immediately. Enter Samuel Akingboye, Christy’s stepson from her husband’s first marriage, whom she raised as her own for decades. Samuel, now estranged, publicly accused her of orchestrating the death, igniting a firestorm that led to Christy’s detention alongside her biological children at Panti Police Station in September.

In harrowing accounts shared earlier this fall, Christy described the ordeal as a nightmare of dehumanization. “I was stripped, my clothes torn, my dignity shredded,” she alleged, claiming police, at the behest of family members, subjected her and her son to beatings and suffocation by inmates.abdb43 Samuel’s allegations, she insists, stem not from grief but greed, a calculated bid by extended family to seize control of Akingboye’s sprawling estate, including prime properties and business interests. “This is cruel, false, and deliberately orchestrated to smear me and my children,” Christy fumed during the press conference, vowing to pursue justice through legal channels.

The Lagos State Police Command, which treated the case as a potential homicide from the outset, has faced mounting pressure to release Christy and her children, citing insufficient evidence. A source close to the investigation told reporters that forensic reviews corroborated the suicide narrative, with no signs of external involvement. Yet, the family rift persists, with Samuel standing firm on his claims, reportedly backed by other relatives eyeing inheritance shares.

Christy’s emergence from silence marks a turning point, not just for her but for a narrative too often twisted by ambition and loss. As she fights for exoneration, her plea resonates beyond the courtroom: “I only want the truth to prevail.” For a woman who built a life on love and resilience, the battle now is to reclaim her husband’s memory from the shadows of suspicion and to remind the world that even titans fall, not by treachery, but by the quiet cruelties of the mind.

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AAC Guber Candidate Vows to Scrap Anambra’s Controversial Security Outfit If Elected

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By Prosper Mene 

In a bold campaign promise ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, Chioma Grace Ifemeludike, the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, has pledged to dismantle Anambra State’s vigilance group, Agunechemba, citing its ineffectiveness and alleged human rights abuses.

Speaking at a recent town hall engagement, the 36-year-old Nollywood actress-turned-politician lambasted the current administration under Governor Chukwuma Soludo for failing to prioritize residents’ safety. “Lives haven’t mattered in Anambra,” Ifemeludike declared, questioning the state’s reliance on external interventions. “Are we waiting for the US to come and save Anambra State? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Ifemeludike, the youngest among the 16 candidates vying for the state’s top job, positioned her eight-point agenda as a roadmap to “transform Anambra into a beacon of progress, prosperity, and good governance.” Central to her vision is a complete overhaul of the security architecture. She vowed to scrap Agunechemba, a vigilante outfit launched earlier this year to combat rising insecurity and replace it with a more effective, accountable system.

“I’ll scrap it [Agunechemba] because it’s not effective,” she stated. The promise echoes her earlier criticisms of the group, which she has described as a “nightmare to Ndi Anambra” (Anambra citizens). In April, Ifemeludike called for an immediate probe into alleged extrajudicial killings, criminal activities, and human rights violations by its operatives, urging the establishment of a supervisory board to curb excesses.

The controversy surrounding Agunechemba has simmered since its inception, with reports of rogue elements engaging in harassment and unlawful arrests drawing public ire. Soludo’s administration has defended the outfit as a necessary response to kidnappings and armed robberies, promising measures to weed out bad actors. However, Ifemeludike’s accusations have resonated in a state plagued by insecurity, where voters are desperate for tangible solutions.

Ifemeludike, hailing from Idemili South Local Government Area in Anambra Central Senatorial District, has emerged as a fresh voice in the race. A former beauty queen and advocate for youth empowerment, she recently dazzled audiences at a gubernatorial debate organized by the Creative Mind Centre for Youth and Community Development, outlining plans for inclusive governance, economic revitalization, and STEM education. Her running mate, Kingsley Mgbemena, complements her ticket with experience in community development.

Critics, however, have pointed to an old photograph of the candidate that sparked debates about “sexualizing politics,” though Ifemeludike has dismissed it as a distraction from substantive issues. Undeterred, she positions herself as “the people’s choice,” challenging the state’s power rotation tradition and calling for merit-based leadership.

The November 8 election pits Ifemeludike against heavyweights like incumbent Soludo (APGA), APC’s Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, who promises to convert kidnappers’ dens into industrial hubs and ADC’s John Nwosu, who claims he can end insecurity in four months. With 21 local government areas at stake, the race is expected to be fierce, with security topping voters’ concerns.

As polls open in two days, Ifemeludike’s pledge has ignited discussions on whether scrapping Agunechemba is a radical fix or a risky gamble. “Anambra deserves better than vigilante nightmares,” she concluded. “Elect me, and we’ll build security that serves, not terrorizes.”

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China Stands Firmly with Nigeria, Condemns Trump’s Invasion Threats as Sovereignty Breach

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By Prosper Mene 

China has thrown its weight behind Nigeria, denouncing U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating threats of military intervention as a blatant violation of sovereign rights.

The pronouncement, delivered amid rising global tensions over alleged religious persecution in Africa’s most populous nation, underscores Beijing’s deepening strategic ties with Abuja and its staunch opposition to Western-style interference.

The drama unfolded on Tuesday when Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed a packed press conference in Beijing. Responding to queries about Trump’s provocative statements, Ning declared: “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions.” She didn’t mince words, adding, “China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”

Mao’s remarks came hot on the heels of Trump’s fiery rhetoric. On October 31, the U.S. leader designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over claims of threats to Christian communities, a label that has long been wielded by Washington to justify sanctions or worse. But Trump upped the ante over the weekend, posting on Truth Social that if Nigeria “continues to condone the killing of Christians,” America would halt all aid and launch military strikes”fast, vicious, and sweet” to root out “Islamic terrorists.”

He reiterated the warning on Sunday, framing it as a defense of Christianity facing an “existential threat” in Nigeria, amid pressure from U.S. evangelical groups amplifying reports of violence.

Nigeria’s government has fired back vehemently, dismissing the accusations as “inconsistent with facts.” In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials emphasized the country’s commitment to combating violent extremism, protecting all citizens, and upholding religious diversity under its constitution. President Bola Tinubu echoed this on Saturday, rejecting any notion of an “existential threat” to Christians and vowing adherence to international norms.

China’s intervention is a crucial moment in the escalating superpower standoff. Beijing, which has poured billions into Nigerian infrastructure, from the Lekki Deep Sea Port to high-speed rail projects views the U.S. threats as a cynical ploy to undermine a key Belt and Road partner. “We oppose the wanton threat of sanctions and the use of force,” Mao stressed, calling for global respect of Nigeria’s autonomy.

Analysts see this as more than rhetoric; it’s a strategic countermove in the U.S.-China rivalry, with Nigeria caught in the crossfire of great-power chess.

The Chinese Embassy in Abuja amplified the message on X, reposting Mao’s full response and drawing over 3,500 likes and hundreds of shares within hours. Nigerian voices flooded the platform in support, with users hailing Beijing’s stance as a “wake-up call” against neo-colonialism.

One prominent post urged: “China Must Support Nigeria to Counter this USA Invasion by Trump,” reflecting a mix of defiance and apprehension.

Nigeria, long plagued by insurgencies like Boko Haram that claim victims across faiths, insists the violence is terrorism, not targeted genocide and calls for cooperative global efforts, not unilateral threats.

China’s backing could embolden Abuja diplomatically, but it also risks drawing Nigeria deeper into the Sino-American fray.

For now, Mao Ning’s words hang in the air like a diplomatic shield: Sovereignty isn’t negotiable, no matter the pretext.

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Clears Air: Invitation to Akpabio and Senators ‘Procedural Courtesy,’ Not Reconciliation Bid

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By Prosper Mene 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has emphasized that her recent invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and fellow lawmakers for a project inauguration in her constituency was strictly a matter of legislative protocol, not a personal overture amid their past tensions.

The clarification comes just days after Akpabio publicly read Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter during Thursday’s Senate plenary session, extending an invitation to her colleagues to join the commissioning of several constituency projects in Kogi State. The event, timed to coincide with her second anniversary as a senator, was framed in the letter as an opportunity to showcase “what the Lord has done in my life” through public service initiatives.

However, the gesture quickly sparked online chatter and media interpretations suggesting it was an attempt at reconciliation, especially given the senator’s rocky history with Akpabio. Their clashes date back to February 20, when a heated exchange over chamber seating arrangements escalated into a broader confrontation, and more recently on October 22, during debates over amendments to the Criminal Code Bill. Akpoti-Uduaghan was also suspended earlier this year before her reinstatement in August, with ongoing court cases related to her election victory still pending.

Taking to her social media platforms, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the rumors with a mix of frustration and resolve. “Announcement by protocol don turn to ‘Olive Branch, Reconciliation’. If I didn’t invite you all to ‘see what the Lord has done in my life’, you’d say I’m ignoring the institution,” she posted cryptically, underscoring the no-win scenario she faced.

In a detailed statement, the senator elaborated that the invitation adhered to standard National Assembly practices: routing the letter through the presiding officer for official reading on the floor. “Today, as is customary for announcements of this nature, I submitted my letter through the presiding officer for the Senate President to read on the floor,” she explained. “This is not about personal recognition but about celebrating the achievements of public service.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, known for her advocacy on women’s rights and community development, stressed her commitment to institutional norms despite personal and legal hurdles. “I’m a progressive person. Even with ongoing court cases, I continue to carry out my duties in the chamber and follow proper procedures,” she affirmed, positioning the event as a testament to collaborative governance rather than rivalry.

The projects slated for inauguration include infrastructure and social initiatives aimed at bolstering Kogi Central’s development, reflecting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s focus on tangible deliverables for her constituents. Her approach, she noted, avoids the isolation of solo celebrations while upholding due process, a nod to the collegial ethos of the Senate.

Political observers see this as a mature pivot from confrontation to cooperation, though Akpoti-Uduaghan’s words leave little room for misinterpretation: protocol first, personalities second.

The event is scheduled for the coming weeks in Kogi State, with invitations open to all senators as a gesture of inclusivity. Whether Akpabio attends remains to be seen, but for now, Akpoti-Uduaghan has reclaimed the narrative on her terms.

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Invites Akpabio, Colleagues to Commission Constituency Projects in Kogi

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By Prosper Mene

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has formally invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio and all senators to the official commissioning of her constituency projects in Kogi State, marking her second anniversary in office.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area. The central gathering point will be her residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street. Senators traveling by air are advised to use the Obajana Airstrip, followed by a short road trip to the venue.

During Thursday’s plenary session, Senate President Akpabio personally read the senator’s handwritten invitation letter to the chamber. “In celebration of my two years as a serving Senator, I warmly invite my distinguished colleagues to join me in commissioning development projects in Kogi Central,” the letter stated.

Akpabio responded with a smile: “Congratulations in advance, Senator Natasha. We wish you a successful event.”

The invitation comes just two months after Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to the Senate on September 24, 2025, following a controversial six-month suspension imposed on March 6, 2025. The suspension stemmed from a heated dispute over her assigned seat in the chamber, which she claimed was changed without due process. Critics called the action politically motivated to silence her outspoken advocacy.

Since her return, the senator has been actively engaged in legislative work. She recently:

Sponsored an amendment to the Criminal Code Act (2025) to strengthen penalties for gender-based violence.

Introduced a bill to establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centers for early diagnosis and support.

The projects to be commissioned include:

Solar-powered boreholes for rural communities

Women’s skills acquisition and training centers

Youth empowerment and vocational programs

Political observers view the invitation as a strategic gesture of reconciliation. “By bringing the Senate President to her home state, Senator Natasha is not just showcasing results, she’s rebuilding bridges,” said a senior legislative aide.

The event will highlight her focus on grassroots development despite past political battles. Elected in 2023 amid legal challenges, Akpoti-Uduaghan has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for women, youth, and rural infrastructure in Kogi Central.

Whether Senate President Akpabio will attend remains to be seen, but the invitation has already sparked positive reactions in the Red Chamber.

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Rivers Women Protest Against Emergency Rule, Demand Removal of Police Commissioner and Reinstatement of Governor Fubara

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By Prosper Mene, April 16, 2025 

Hundreds of women in Rivers State took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Monday, intensifying their call for the immediate reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the removal of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Adepoju, amid a controversial state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The protesters, organized under the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group, also demanded an end to what they described as an “unconstitutional” emergency rule that has gripped the oil-rich state since March 18, 2025.

Clad in red attire and wielding placards with messages such as “Bring Back Governor Fubara,” “We Are Gagged,” and “Rivers Economy Suffers Under Ibas,” the women marched through major roads, including Aba Road, before advancing to the Rivers State Government House. Their chants of “We want Fubara” and solidarity songs underscored their frustration with the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly, which followed Tinubu’s appointment of Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.

The women’s demands come on the heels of a series of protests, including one last week where security operatives, including police, used tear gas to disperse approximately 200 women in Ahoada East, some of whom were elderly. Reports indicate that one elderly protester fainted during the clampdown, prompting condemnation from Fubara’s aides, who accused the police of excessive force. “The police tear-gassed them to the extent an old woman fainted,” an aide told Naija News, highlighting the heavy-handed response to peaceful demonstrations.

The Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group specifically called for the removal of Commissioner of Police Adepoju, accusing him of overseeing the suppression of peaceful protests. “We are here to tell President Bola Tinubu that since he declared a state of emergency, it has not been easy,” one protester stated, as captured in a viral video circulating on X. The group argued that the emergency rule, which they claim lacks constitutional backing, has caused economic hardship and stifled democratic governance in Rivers State.

The protesters also expressed dismay at the appointment of Ibas, who has suspended all political appointees and heads of government agencies, further deepening the sense of disenfranchisement. “Rivers people deserve better than this undemocratic arrangement,” a leader of the protest told Channels Television. They urged prominent Nigerians, including former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, and Goodluck Jonathan, to intervene and restore democratic institutions in the state.

The emergency rule stems from a protracted political crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Tinubu’s decision to suspend elected officials and impose a sole administrator has drawn widespread criticism, with Fubara’s kinsmen in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area and the Opobo Council of Chiefs labeling it a “blatant affront to democracy.” They argue that Rivers, a relatively peaceful state, does not warrant such measures compared to states like Borno or Zamfara, which face severe security challenges.

While some women in Port Harcourt, led by former Commissioner Inime Aguma, have rallied in support of the emergency rule, praising its restoration of peace, the majority of protesters remain defiant. Their placards also questioned the rationale behind targeting Rivers, with one reading, “Is the law different for Rivers State?” The women’s resolve was evident as some sat on the ground, refusing to disperse despite security presence, chanting, “No Sim, no Rivers State.”

Fubara, in a recent statement, expressed depression over the crisis but vowed a stronger comeback, urging residents to remain peaceful. “We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to justice. His administration’s projects, such as the reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Trans Kalabari road, have been cited by supporters as evidence of his effective governance, further fueling calls for his reinstatement.

The Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group has called for international and civil society support to defend democracy in the state. The ongoing protests signal a growing resistance to the emergency rule, with the women’s voices amplifying a broader demand for justice and democratic restoration in Rivers State

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Women in Port Harcourt Divided: Protests Highlight Tensions Over Rivers State Emergency Rule.

by Women Times on

Women protesting in Port Harcourt

By Prosper Mene, April 14, 2025, 

The streets of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, buzzed with emotion as hundreds of women took part in rival protests today, revealing the deep rift over the state’s ongoing political crisis. The demonstrations focused on a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Sole Administrator. The women, split into two camps, voiced starkly different views on the emergency rule, reflecting the broader struggle for stability and democracy in Rivers State.

On one side, a large group of women, many dressed in white, marched peacefully along Aba Road toward the Government House, singing songs of solidarity and carrying placards with messages like “State of Emergency Is Constitutional,” “No More Fubara,” and “We Need Peace.” They expressed strong support for President Tinubu’s decision, arguing that the emergency rule has brought calm to a state rocked by political tensions. “Since the emergency was declared, we’ve seen peace,” one protester told reporters, echoing the group’s belief that the Sole Administrator’s leadership is a step toward stability. Some women also called for an investigation into alleged “inflated contracts” from Fubara’s administration, signaling frustration with past governance. Their rally was described as a show of unity, with participants emphasizing their desire to move past ethnic divisions and unrest.

Across town, another group of women took to the streets to oppose the emergency measures, demanding Fubara’s immediate reinstatement. Waving banners with slogans like “Bring Back Fubara” and “End Injustice,” they criticized the state of emergency as an undemocratic power grab. “We voted for our governor, and that choice should be respected,” one protester said, her voice rising above the crowd. These women, some of whom had protested days earlier on April 11, argued that the suspension of Fubara and the imposition of a Sole Administrator undermine the will of Rivers State’s people. They called the emergency rule “unconstitutional” and urged Nigeria’s leaders, as well as the global community, to intervene in defense of democracy. Their march was part of a series of demonstrations that began last week, with similar protests on April 11 drawing hundreds to demand the restoration of elected institutions.

The protests come against a tense political standoff in Rivers State, sparked by a feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now a key figure in Tinubu’s administration. The crisis escalated in March when Tinubu cited a “breakdown of governance” to justify the emergency declaration, suspending Fubara for six months. Since then, Rivers State has been a centrepoint for debates about democracy, power, and local autonomy.

For the pro-emergency protesters, the focus was on moving forward. “We’re tired of the fighting,” said a marcher in her 50s, clutching a sign that read “No Ethnic War in Rivers State.” Her group praised the Sole Administrator for restoring order and urged residents to support Tinubu’s plan. Meanwhile, the anti-emergency protesters framed their rally as a fight for justice. “This isn’t about one man—it’s about our rights,” a young woman declared, pointing to her placard demanding “Save Our Democracy.” Their frustration was palpable, building on earlier demonstrations that had seen tear gas used against protesters in Port Harcourt just a week ago.

Both marches remained largely peaceful, though the contrasting messages underscored the challenge of uniting Rivers State. The pro-emergency group’s rally was seen as a counter to the earlier anti-emergency protests, with some onlookers noting the organized turnout on both sides. “These women are speaking for all of us,” said a local trader watching the demonstrations. “But they want different things, and that’s the problem.”

The women of Port Harcourt have made it clear they won’t stay silent. Their protests, whether for stability under emergency rule or for the return of elected leadership signals a deep commitment to their communities and a call for leaders to listen to the people’s voice.

 

 

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INEC Rejects Recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially rejected a petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, citing its failure to meet constitutional requirements.

 

In a statement released on Thursday, INEC disclosed that the petition, submitted by some constituents of Kogi Central, did not satisfy Section 69(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

This section mandates that a recall petition must be supported by signatures from more than half of the registered voters in the constituency. With Kogi Central having 474,554 registered voters, the petition required at least 237,278 valid signatures to proceed. However, after a thorough verification process, INEC confirmed only 208,132 signatures, equating to 43.86%—falling short by 29,146 signatures.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the matter,” INEC stated via its official X account, @INECNigeria.

The recall effort stemmed from controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate on March 6, 2025, for alleged “gross misconduct” following a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Some constituents, citing her suspension and dissatisfaction with her conduct, initiated the recall process, submitting the petition to INEC on March 24. The commission had initially acknowledged receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents purportedly containing over 250,000 signatures.

Despite the petitioners’ claims, INEC’s verification revealed discrepancies, including the cancellation of approximately 35,000 signatures during the administrative review. The constituents, led by spokesperson Salihu Habib, expressed frustration but vowed to persist, asserting that the validated 43.86% still reflected widespread discontent with the senator. “We will liaise with INEC within the full ambit of the constitution to demand transparency,” Habib said in a statement, hinting at potential further action.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, celebrated the decision as a victory for democracy. In a post on Social Media, she praised INEC, stating, “INEC Nigeria, you did well. Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Proudly Kogi Central.” In a subsequent statement, she took a swipe at her detractors, including former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, claiming, “God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall, including one of the most wanted persons by the EFCC.”

INEC emphasized that the review adhered to its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall, ensuring fairness and due process. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, defended the commission’s impartiality on Channels Television’s Politics Today, dismissing allegations of bias. “The petitioners failed to meet legal requirements. There’s no partisanship here,” he said.

The rejection marks the end of this recall attempt, though questions linger about whether the process could be reinitiated. Oyekanmi noted that the law does not explicitly limit repeat petitions, leaving room for speculation about future political maneuvers in Kogi Central.

 

 

 

 

 

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