Headlines
As Buhari Embarks on Another Private Visit to London
By Eric Elezuo
Having spent a large chunk of October criss crossing foreign lands, President Muhammadu Buhari will again from today embark on another 15 days trip to London in what he described as ‘private trip’. The trip will see the President departing Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Saturday to England. The reason for the private visit, as usual, is not known.
Nigerians have read through the lines, captured the innuendos involved and analysed the irony of the situation. This is imagining a President who only recently read riot acts to his ministers and other public officers as regards foreign travels. Buhari had said while placing embargo on foreign travels that the reduction in the number and duration of foreign trips for ministers and other categories of government was a ‘cost-saving measure’ to achieve fiscal prudence. Does Buhari make separate laws for his officers, and a different kind of laws for himself. It is obvious we are dealing with a ‘King Don’t Tell Me’, who is well versed in the theory of ‘do as I say, not as I do’. Otherwise, is it not proper to lead by example. One may not begin to count numerous promises that hit the walls as the administration of Buhari took off in 2015. But one may not also forget to remember that the President questioned the rationale behind traveling out of the country at every given opportunity and beat his chest to do away with it; one may not also forget in a hurry that the President promised to convert all planes on the presidential fleet to national carriers, and within one year add more aircraft; or is it the promise that the office of the first lady will be abolished as it adds nothing to the economy.
Well, those were integrity-back promises, but which of them has been fulfilled till date. If you ask me, na who I go ask. Maybe, ‘the matter we you see so, e get as e bi’. We can only count our teeth with our tongiue to ascertain if the man at the helm of affairs is actually the much awaited Mr. Integrity. Buhari must understand that those that live in glass houses, don’t throw stones. In the same vein, it is not mature to talk the talk when you cannot walk the walk.
In April, Buhari was also on a 10 days private visit to London and has budgeted the sum of N1.75 billion for personal foreign trips for the year 2020 in the proposed 2020 appropriation bill. That appears like the image of one who is taking his countrymen for granted. And funnily enough, the people have become dumb and no longer responsive to external stimuli, so everyone is silently eating the bread of sorrow, waiting for the coming of 2023 when the President not a few has termed irresponsible to the plight of the masses leaves office. But nothing in the horizon shows that 2023 may ever come.
For 20 days and counting that Buhari will away, the government will practically shut down as the instrumentality of transferring power to the vice president was invoked. As a result, the vacuum will remain until his return on November 17 as Femi Adesina announced .
As the years are running into months, and to weeks and days for the president, it is imperative that he amends what is left of his ways. Stop speaking tongue in cheek – speak the truth somethings and regain the people’s confidence if he ever he had it; walk the talk and as Punch editorial will put it, stay at your duty post.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has once again brought before the Senate a petition alleging sexual harassment from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. But this time, it was signed by her constituents.
During the plenary on Thursday, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law. But she said it was not. Following protocol, the lawmaker was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The committee has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report to the Senate.
This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegation in the chamber. A previous petition was dismissed on Wednesday owing to procedural irregularities.
During the plenary on Thursday, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law. But she said it was not. Following protocol, the lawmaker was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The committee has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report to the Senate.
This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegation in the chamber. A previous petition was dismissed on Wednesday owing to procedural irregularities.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
