News
Appeal Judgement on Natasha Akpoti’s Reinstatement, 1,000 Women Groups Tell Senate
The Coalition of Concerned Women for Legislative Integrity (CCWLI), a group of over 1,000 women-focused civil society organisations, has urged the Nigerian Senate to immediately file an appeal against the Federal High Court ruling that ordered the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, the coalition described Friday’s judgment as “deeply troubling” and “a potential threat to the sanctity of parliamentary discipline and democratic integrity.”
The coalition’s national president, Barr Nana Amina Abdullahi, called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the leadership of the Red Chamber to defend the legislature’s autonomy and “not allow populist sentiment or external pressure to override the duty of enforcing accountability within the chamber”.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja had ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Senate was excessive and without legal foundation. She ordered the Kogi Central senator’s immediate return, saying the Senate had no power to impose such an extended suspension that would effectively silence a constituency.
But the women group warned that the judgment, if left unchallenged, could “open the floodgates of indiscipline, misinformation, and abuse of legislative privilege” in Nigeria’s parliament.
The group noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension followed her total disregard for senate rules and the leadership of the red chamber.
“We are women. We are mothers. But we are not blind to recklessness paraded as courage. A woman who gets elected into the hallowed chamber must carry that privilege with honour, not use it to wage vendettas or cast aspersions on her state without due diligence,” Abdullahi said.
The coalition maintained that the Senate acted within its disciplinary powers and described the six-month suspension as “a proportionate response to the gravity of Natasha’s conduct”.
The group also rejected Justice Nyako’s assertion that the suspension infringed on the rights of Kogi Central constituents.
“The people of Kogi Central were not suspended — their representative was. And they deserve better than a lawmaker whose interventions often descend into provocation rather than policy,” the statement read.
Abdullahi accused some international organisations and local activists of “weaponising feminism” to shield bad behaviour and undermine institutional standards.
“It is not feminism to excuse indiscipline. It is not women’s empowerment to encourage the abuse of parliamentary immunity. If a male senator had made such allegations without evidence, the punishment would have stood without debate. This selective outrage is hypocritical and dangerous,” she said.
The coalition acknowledged the court’s role in adjudicating disputes but insisted that judicial restraint was needed in matters relating to internal legislative discipline.
They urged the Senate to appeal the judgment all the way to the Supreme Court, saying the long-term health of Nigeria’s democracy depends on clarity over the limits of judicial intervention in legislative processes.
“Any attempt to back down now would amount to surrendering the Senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members. We are calling on the Senate to file a prompt appeal, not just in defence of the Natasha case, but in defence of its institutional dignity.”
The group further criticised what it described as “a pattern of political exhibitionism” by Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of turning every disciplinary issue into a gendered media spectacle.
“Natasha’s entire political career has been built on confrontation and provocation. It may earn applause on social media, but governance is not performance art,” Abdullahi said.
Reacting to the N5 million fine imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan by the court for violating its prior gag order, the coalition said it was a “mild but symbolic rebuke” and urged the senator to show more restraint in her public conduct.
“We hope she pays that fine quietly and uses the time to reflect. Democracy is not a theatre for constant drama,” the group said.
The coalition said it will be writing formally to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and copying all presiding officers to demand a swift move toward filing an appeal.
“Our position is firm: until a higher court says otherwise, the Senate must stand by its decision. That judgment should not be the last word,” Abdullahi declared.
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NSITF restoring hope, dignity of workers through ECS, says MD Faleye
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has underscored the role of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) in restoring hope and dignity to Nigerian workers who suffer injuries in the line of duty.
He made the remarks in Abuja during the presentation of prosthetic limbs to 10 beneficiaries of the scheme.
Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensation, Mrs. Nkiru Ogunnike, the MD said the initiative continues to put smiles on the faces of injured workers by supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
According to him, the ECS goes beyond statutory compensation, reflecting a humane commitment to restoring confidence and preserving the dignity of workers affected by occupational hazards.
He noted that workplace accidents often result not only in physical injuries but also emotional trauma and uncertainty about the future.
Faleye explained that for many Nigerian workers, a single workplace incident can permanently alter the course of their lives.
He however said the intervention of the NSITF through the ECS provides a second chance for victims to rebuild their lives and regain independence.
Highlighting specific cases, he cited the experiences of two beneficiaries, Daniel Etim, a staff of University of Uyo Printing Press and Festus Opkara of Tower Aluminium Laos, as evidence of the scheme’s impact.
Daniel lost his arm in May 2024 after it was trapped in an industrial machine during a routine workday, an injury which led to amputation.
“However, through the intervention of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as administrators of the ECS, Daniel received medical support, with his treatment expenses fully covered under the Scheme.
“Beyond the payment of medical bills, the Fund extended further rehabilitative support by providing him with a prosthetic arm, reaffirming its commitment not only to compensation but also to restoring dignity, confidence, and functionality to injured workers.
“Daniel’s story underscores the broader mandate of the Employee Compensation Scheme, a social protection mechanism designed to ensure that Nigerian workers who suffer workplace injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases, or death are not abandoned in moments of vulnerability,” the NSITF MD explained.
“Similar to Daniel’s is the story of Festus, whose workplace accident dates back to 2015. Having lost his hand in a workplace incident, Festus lived for years with the emotional burden that accompanied his physical condition.
“Beyond the trauma of the accident itself was the constant public attention, the quizzical looks, and the pitying stares that made social interactions difficult,” he stated, adding that “NSITF provided Festus with a silicone prosthetic hand, helping him regain not only physical confidence but also a renewed sense of inclusion and self-worth”.
Highlighting the significance of the ECS, the MD restated that “For beneficiaries like Daniel and Festus, the interventions of the NSITF have become more than institutional obligations; they represent hope, restoration, and reassurance that injured workers are not left to navigate tragedy alone”.
To the MD, these examples speak to a frequently overlooked dimension of workplace injuries: the psychological and emotional scars that persist long after physical wounds may have healed.
“These interventions highlight the critical role of the NSITF in implementing the Employee Compensation Scheme, which continues to serve as a vital safety net for Nigerian workers in both the public and private sectors”, he concluded.
While reflecting on how his life was transformed, one of the beneficiaries, Festus Okpara enthused: ‘I thank NSITF for coming all this way to help. At least with this (a silicone artificial hand), I can go out in public and feel free. NSITF has reduced the level of trauma'”.
It would be recalled that the ten beneficiaries were among the 78 who recently got fitted with artificial limbs in the ongoing rehabilitation and reintegration program of the NSITF.”
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Atiku Chairs historic wedding ceremony in Marrakech as 2 distinguished families unite
Former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, yesterday chaired the wedding ceremony of Cherina and Muna Okey Ezeibe in the enchanting city of Marrakech, Morocco, in what was a remarkable celebration of love, friendship, family, and African unity.
The wedding, which took place on Saturday, 9th May 2026, brought together dignitaries, family members, and close associates from across the continent in a ceremony marked by elegance and profound symbolism.
At the heart of the celebration were the proud parents of the groom, Mr. and Mrs. Okey Ezeibe, who watched with immense joy as their son began a new chapter of life.
The occasion held special significance given the longstanding friendship and enduring relationship between Mr. Okey Ezeibe and His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, a bond built over many years of mutual respect and camaraderie.
Also present were the bride’s proud parents, including her father, Mr. Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, whose distinguished presence underscored the significance of the union as a beautiful convergence of respected families and shared African heritage.
Chairing the occasion, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar described marriage as a sacred institution built on love, sacrifice, patience, and mutual respect, while offering prayers for the enduring happiness, peace, and prosperity of the newly wedded couple.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Marrakech, the ceremony was not merely the union of two individuals, but a celebration of friendship across borders, cultural harmony, and the timeless values that bind families together.
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Dr Enenche, Wife Takes the Gospel Message To Managua, Nicaragua, Bwari, Abuja, Douala, Cameroon
The senior pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr Paul Enenche and Wife, Dr Mrs Becky Enenche have successfully taken the gospel (goodnews) and message of salvation, healing, deliverance, free medical outreach and welfare ministeration to Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, Bwari, Abuja and Doula, Cameroon respectively.
The crusades began in Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, on the 1st-2nd May 2026 with the Revival Fire Crusade, after which, the revered clerics proceeded for the Healing and Deliverance crusade with the theme; ‘THE GOD OF MERCY to Bwari-FCT, Abuja on the 7th-8th May 2026 and concluded on Saturday 9th May 2026 in Douala-Cameroon, West Africa respectively.
The crusade witness a deluge of miracles, signs, wonders, healings, diverse deliverances, intense worship and praise.
In Nicaragua, the power of God was tangible, lives transformed, yokes broken, destinies released and hearts set ablaze for God. This is a clear move of revival; unstoppable, undeniable and spreading across the land and Nicaragua shall never remain the same again.
While In BWARI, Fct-Abuja, An atmosphere of divine glory; mercy poured out richly, saturating the air, as God’s presence overwhelmed the congregation with healings, deep restoration, uncontainable joy, true liberty and the day 2, was a sacred encounter; calm yet powerful. Hearts were lifted, burdens were broken, and destinies were realigned in the presence of God. Indeed, when mercy speaks, everything changes.
Beyond the crusade, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing of the people. While the spiritual transformation was profound, the clerics were privileged to reach out through free medical and welfare ministrations, ministering to the spirit while also caring for the body, with several relief materials, clothings and other food items were distributed.
For instance, In BWARI-Fct, Abuja, 956 Persons were medically attended to and given various treatments and medications, 46 Chest X-rays were conducted, 6 medically emergencies were handled, and 3 patient were taken to the hospital for further medical care.
The total number of Dental patients seen were 374. with 5 tooth extraction successfully done, while 306 scaling and polishing were also conducted.
The week long respective programs concluded and climaxed on Saturday in Douala-Cameroon, where the atmosphere was saturated with faith and the presence of God as multitudes gathered for a divine encounter, and Healings erupted, Lives were transformed, Burdens were lifted and destinies encountered the touch of God. It was evident the God of mercy visited Cameroon in a mighty way. What a fitting climax to a time of divine visitation in Douala.
Worthy of note, the revered clerics remained intentional about caring for the total wellbeing and needs of the people and to the glory of God, every available space at the various crusades venue were filled with people.
Also, No offering was taken or collected at the crusades, as this is the principle of the ministry for every crusade that is conducted by the revered clerics. We return all the glory to the God of mercy for what He has done, Dr Enenche declared.
The revered clerics remain intentional and committed to Kingdom advancement, soul winning and global Evangelism, as they prepare for the 2026 Destiny Recovery Convention (DRC), coming up on the 26th-31st May 2026.
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