Headlines
Lamido Lambasts APC at Commissioning of Wike’s Road Project in Rivers
Former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, on Monday, declared that the last five years of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government has been characterised by division and insecurity.
Lamido described APC as an assemblage of persons drawn from defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), saying the APC was propelled by hate, moved by anger, envy and malice.
He stated this yesterday while inaugurating the Rumuji-Ibaa-Obelle-Isiopko Road in Rivers State, adding: “When APC came on board, they had no programme or plan. Their main aim was to flush out PDP from government because we were performing, organised, committed, compassionate and humane.”
He explained that remodeling of the airports, rehabilitation of railway and reform of the power sector were all PDP initiatives and not that of APC, saying: “They can’t think. They have no vision, feeling and compassion, they are there for power and the power is now tormenting them, because it was abused.”
He expressed delight that development projects were not only being executed in the Port Harcourt alone but also in hinterland of Rivers State.
Lamido said leaders like Governor Nyesom Wike have continued to demonstrate that it is only PDP that loved the people that would do things to improve their wellbeing and work for a united country.
On his part, Governor Wike explained that his projects were being implemented to transform the rural areas, boost economic activities and create a conducive environment that offers Rivers people more opportunities to actualise their potential.
He said politicians had used the Rumuji-Ibaa-Obelle-Isiopko Road for political campaign, adding that they usually promise to rehabilitate the road if the people supported them, but would fail to fulfill their promise after elections.
“The people of Isiopko, Obele, Ibaa and Rumuji, who will reflect on how this road was, will not forget it easily. Today, we can come back home. All of us can go to the market. We can all drive freely and those from Isiopko can pass through to Emohua, while those from Rumuji and all of us can easily go to the airport.
“This is what development entails. Development is not about giving people money. It is all about making the environment conducive for economic activities to thrive,” he said.
Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, said the road linked Emohua and Ikwerre Council areas and would provide the people the benefit of accessing the Port Harcourt International Airport easily and transport their farm produce without stress.
The Guardian
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.
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
