₦airaland Forum

ABUJA FEVER: A DISEASE OF POWER, GREED, AND POLITICAL MANIPULATION BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE

Since the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election of May 29, I have been ruminating on one troubling question: Why are party officials withholding the results of the primary election? Whose interests are these leaders serving?

It is wrong to keep the people in darkness. Democracy is founded on transparency, accountability, and respect for the will of the people. In a true democracy, the collective choice of citizens must prevail over the pecuniary interests of an elitist minority.

During my reflections, I arrived at a disturbing observation. Since the advent of the present democratic dispensation, it has become increasingly rare for an incumbent to lose an election, regardless of poor performance. This statistical anomaly suggests that, in many cases, what takes place in Nigeria is not an election but a selection.

These selections have produced a class of individuals who accumulate enormous power at the expense of the very people who voted for them. Elections have increasingly become cultural rituals in which the will of the people is subordinated to the whims of a privileged few. These individuals have evolved into political godfathers who trample upon the rule of law and make a mockery of the democratic process.

If party leaders believe they possess the authority to handpick candidates, why organize primary elections at all? They could simply announce their preferred candidates and spare the people the charade.

Since the refusal to release the results of the primary election, many individuals have been making pilgrimages to Abuja. Why? Are they attempting to negotiate the mandate of voters in exchange for the preferences of unelected party power brokers?

Who are these party leaders? How did they become leaders? It is increasingly evident that many of them were themselves selected rather than elected. Consequently, they remain accountable not to citizens but to their political benefactors.

This is why we continue to suffer. Their loyalty is to Abuja, not to the people. They cannot rock the boat because they are products of the very system they seek to preserve. Their mission is to recruit new acolytes who think alike and who will perpetuate the same culture of obedience to power rather than service to the people.

This is not democracy. Under the rubric of democracy, transparency is indispensable, and the rule of law is supreme. The absence of these values has nurtured the decay that now afflicts our nation. Progress remains elusive because we continue to drink from the toxic brew served in the dirty vessels of failed leadership.

Many of those who should be champions of development have instead become champions of decadence. Under such leadership, every essential public service has been compromised. The hospital in my village has become little more than a mortuary. Electricity is a luxury. Criminals parade our streets with impunity, sometimes in the company of politicians, taunting ordinary citizens because they, like their selected patrons, believe themselves to be above the law.

Politicians now negotiate and hobnob with armed robbers and kidnappers. Nothing appears sacred anymore. The moral foundations of society are steadily eroding. We have all become infected with what I call Abuja Fever—a disease of power, greed, and political manipulation that demands the sacrifice of truth, justice, and the people's mandate.

DR. AUSTIN ORETTE, NDC DELTA SOUTH SENATORIAL CANDIDATE, WRITES FROM OWHELOGBO IN ISOKO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ORETTE DECRIES UNFAIRNESS IN NDC PRIMARY

A Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) aspirant in Delta South, Dr. Austin Orette, on Sunday decried unfairness in the country’s politics.

‘’The future of Nigeria cannot be built upon a foundation of electoral injustice. Our nation deserves better. Our people deserve better. Democracy deserves better. History will judge us not only by the battles we fought, but by the injustices we refused to tolerate’’.

He also alleged that individuals who did not actively participate in the party's internal democratic process may have been favored over those who subjected themselves to the scrutiny of delegates and the electoral process.

‘’I participated in the recent senatorial primary election of our party with absolute faith in the process and with the conviction that the NDC would stand as a credible alternative to the culture of impunity, manipulation, and political brigandage that has weakened our democracy for decades. I believed that our party was founded to defend transparency, fairness, and the sovereign will of the people. Sadly, recent developments have raised serious concerns about whether those principles are being upheld’’.

In a statement released in Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area, Orette described the outcome of the primary process as an assault on the democratic values upon which NDC claims to stand

‘’Information available to us suggests that the outcome of the primary process may not reflect the genuine wishes of party members and delegates who participated in the exercise’’.

He called on the leadership of the NDC to immediately publish and defend the authentic results of the primary election, provide full transparency regarding the selection process, and address the concerns being raised by party members and stakeholders across Delta South Senatorial District and beyond.

‘’The issue before us is larger than any individual ambition. It concerns the integrity of the electoral process, the sanctity of the ballot, and the confidence of ordinary Nigerians who continue to believe that politics can be conducted with honesty and accountability.

According to him, a political party that cannot protect the mandate of its own members cannot convincingly promise to protect the mandate of the Nigerian people’’

‘’When internal democracy is sacrificed on the altar of personal interests, political patronage, or backroom arrangements, the credibility of the entire political system is placed at risk.

He promised to pursue every lawful and constitutional avenue available to ensure that justice is done.

‘’We will challenge any action that undermines the democratic process through the appropriate party mechanisms and, where necessary, through the courts of law’’.

The US-based family medicine physician and Nigerian politician urged men and women of goodwill to stand for transparency, fairness, and the rule of law.

‘’This is not a fight for one candidate. It is a fight for every Nigerian who believes that merit should prevail over manipulation, that votes should count, and that democracy should not be reduced to a mere ceremonial exercise’’.

He declared that political parties have no choice but to operate according to the principles they publicly profess.

‘’To all supporters of good governance, accountability, and political reform, this is a defining moment. Silence in the face of injustice only emboldens those who seek to undermine democratic institutions. We must collectively insist that political parties operate according to the principles they publicly profess’’.

EMMANUEL TUNDE AGANBI, CANAAN LAND GOLF COURSE AND COUNTRY CLUB BOT MEMBER, DIES AT 73

A respected trustee of the Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club, Elder Emmanuel Tunde Oludewa Aganbi, has passed away.

Elder Emmanuel Tunde Aganbi died on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Abuja at the age of 73.

In a statement issued on Monday in Koko, the family of Stephen Aganbi described Tunde Aganbi’s passing as a monumental loss, not only to the Itsekiri nation but also to Nigeria as a whole.

According to the family, Elder Tunde Aganbi was a dependable father, a trustworthy brother, and a distinguished gentleman known for his generosity, gratitude, integrity, spirituality, vision, and strong moral values.

A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon. Felix Aganbi, noted that the vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill.

The statement added that Elder Emmanuel Tunde Aganbi left a lasting mark through his unique leadership style within the family, the business community, and the management of the Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club.

The family of the Second Republic politician, Bible translator, and prominent lawyer also praised Elder Tunde Aganbi for his sacrifices, humility, and unwavering commitment to achieving set goals.

They further described him as a man of sound character, wisdom, and understanding who would be remembered for his wise counsel, humility, kindness, and enduring affection for children.

The statement also highlighted his astuteness, leadership qualities, and sense of humour, describing him as a role model who led by example.

The funeral and burial of Elder Tunde Aganbi, according to the family, will take place in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area.

‘‘The funeral programme will begin with service of songs on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Christiana Aganbi Hall, Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club, Koko, scheduled to hold between 4:00 and 7:00pm. An open air service and interment will follow on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club while a memorial golf tournament and traditional burial rites are scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2026, in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area’’.

EMMANUEL TUNDE AGANBI, CANAAN LAND GOLF COURSE AND COUNTRY CLUB BOT MEMBER, DIES AT 73
A respected trustee of the Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club, Elder Emmanuel Tunde Oludewa Aganbi, has passed away.
Elder Emmanuel Tunde Aganbi died on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Abuja at the age of 73.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Koko, the family of Stephen Aganbi described his passing as a monumental loss, not only to the Itsekiri nation but also to Nigeria as a whole.
According to the family, Elder Tunde Aganbi was a dependable father, a trustworthy brother, and a distinguished gentleman known for his generosity, gratitude, integrity, spirituality, vision, and strong moral values.
A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon. Felix Aganbi, noted that the vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill.
The statement added that Elder Emmanuel Tunde Aganbi left a lasting mark through his unique leadership style within the family, the business community, and the management of the Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club.
The family of the Second Republic politician, Bible translator, and prominent lawyer also praised him for his sacrifices, humility, and unwavering commitment to achieving set goals.
They further described him as a man of sound character, wisdom, and understanding who would be remembered for his wise counsel, humility, kindness, and enduring affection for children.
The statement also highlighted his astuteness, leadership qualities, and sense of humour, describing him as a role model who led by example.
According to the family, Christian burial rites will hold on Saturday, June 27, 2027, in Lagos, while a memorial golf tournament and traditional burial rites are scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area.

THE ANATOMY OF FEAR BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE

“We have nothing to fear except fear itself “FDR

The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election was an exercise on how to control the people with fear. The party primaries yielded significant victories for political heavyweights alongside massive upsets for several incumbents.

In a democratic exercise that was supposed to be peaceful, there was gun fire, mayhem and murder. As usual, the police will not investigate these assaults on citizens because lawlessness is their insignia and this is also a telescope of the most powerful weapon of incumbent politicians of the APC stripe.

Fear is their weapon and they will deploy it for the harvest of power. They have nothing to show for the high office they hold. Fear has always been the weapon of dictators and outlaws. This is also the weapon the kidnappers have used effectively in Nigeria without any hindrance despite the overwhelming electronic signatures and footprints. The Colonial masters used it. The military used it and threw the country into a civil war that we are still grappling with. They made Nigeria a fear-based society. Fear based existence is a mechanical existence that makes every citizen interaction adversarial. This is who we are now. We have become a people with contracted dreams and limited aspiration. Our limited dreams take us everywhere but here.

Any kind of leadership that induces this kind of behavioral changes must be voted out to save our republic. This is what patriotism demands. We have a duty to vote out this bunch of leaders who have no understanding of constitutional order and a democratic society. They perambulate like peacocks and want us to consider their irrational drivels as law of the land.

After many years of civilian administrations, you will expect that those who rule will abide by the laws and govern with reason. Not so fast. The people in power today were the acolyte of the military cadre that ruled and destroyed Nigeria. They have adopted military tactics to force obedience. Damn the law and damn civility. Nigerian leaders are yet to come across a situation they cannot resolve without violence and intimidation. The citizen must be made to be afraid, very afraid and pliable. Keep him hungry and he will always be afraid. There is no law they cannot break in order to physically maim or kill a citizen who is not in tandem with obeying before the complaint format of governing.

If you close your eyes and listen to the way some of these politicians talk, you will think they got their position through a military coup. They use sirens to drive citizens from roads they did not construct, and they have thugs on their payrolls. They use the army and the police to harass citizens during the day and use their thugs to harass them at night. This is Nigeria where fear has been distilled to render the citizen impotent and unreasonable.

Activities in most cities come to a halt at about 5pm, because the citizens have become very afraid of the dark. The Night now belongs to the kidnappers, robbers and thugs. This anatomy of fear envelops the whole nation that everyone is distrustful of each other. This atmosphere has created a situation where we think the worst of each other, and we become easy to offend and manipulate.

Without a little nudge, we become participants in orgy of hatred for anyone who does not share the perimeter of our thoughts. The defensive actions we take in response to these fears clouds our judgement and out of proportion to the point of irrationality.

How do you explain a burglary proof in the window of the fifth floor of a building? Who is that robber who will come at 2 am with a ladder to climb into the window of the fifth floor and descend with his loot? That is the irrationality of fear.

There was a time in Nigeria when criminals were afraid of the citizens. At this time of writing, Nigerians are afraid of the criminals. The fear is so morbid that a lynching mob assembles immediately to kill a hungry person who stole a loaf of bread. No one has empathy for anyone anymore. That is how a society dies.

We are too afraid to come to rational judgement. How do we deal with ourselves when we have just taken the life of someone who needed our help? In the same breath, we celebrate leaders who made these conditions happen. These contradictions push us into a state of mass psychosis as we cannot rationalize these behaviors.

Fear has made our society afraid of human compassion. Whether we know it or not, we have become dogs in Ivan pavlov’s experiment where our reactions become instinctual, and rationality is held in abeyance. We begin to equate the ability to induce fear as the strength of politicians and we use the ability to hurt or kill people as ennobling. Sooner or later, we surrender the society we love to the psychopaths amongst us. They will mimic our civility and make laws that will set the criminals free and imprison the innocents. This is what guarantees the silence of the masses in the presence of overwhelming criminality.

A person was killed during a primary election. No one is talking because they have been enclosed in a cocoon of fear. These fears keep us divided. As long as we are afraid of something, the mediocre leaders are empowered. The fear is their oxygen. A village is wiped out by marauding soldiers, and my governor pays a courtesy call to the president. Dead voters are of no use to him as long as those alive are still afraid. The leaders who enable this kind of atmosphere should never be entrusted with power. They are the problem and we should vote them out.

We must wake up and remember that even though the road to Samaria was very bad, there was a Good Samaritan who chose love over fear and saved someone he did not know.

Fear is a limiting factor that stops the growth of a people. People who are afraid cannot dream and be creative. We must get rid of these fears because fearful people cannot be free. This fear precludes us from knowing each other and doing business with each other in a terrain that lacks legal safeguards.

These leaders who love power without any sense of responsibility must be voted out of power. They have used their limited vision to put our people in bondage of ignorance, disease and poverty.

We are obligated to reclaim our humanity. Voting them out will remove the blanket of fear that has stifled the energy and productivity of the Nigerian youth. We must remove this fear that has programmed us not to be kind to each other. We must make them answerable to us. This is what the 2027 election is all about. They must be held accountable for the decay in our society.

AUSTIN ORETTE WRITES FROM OWHELOGBO IN ISOKO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

SAPELE STATE CONSTITUENCY: MY CHANCES ARE BRIGHT – KINGSLEY AKPEDERIN

Delta lawyer, Kingsley Akpederin, on Wednesday formally declared his intention to run for the Sapele State Constituency election in 2027, saying he has a bright chance of winning the House of Assembly election.

"The advantage I have over my rivals is that I have more experience in grassroots mobilization and reach. I also have the confidence of the majority of people who have continually been reaching out to me to go into the ring again"

He also said his decision to contest in 2027 was informed by the need to shift from top-down directives to participatory governance where citizens define, track and influence policy implementation.

Akpederin, a contestant on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), spoke to journalists in Asaba on his House of Assembly bid, 2027 elections and plans for the wonderful people of Sapele.

He identified economic and social development, security, welfare, accountability and digital governance as key pillars of a genuine people-centered agenda.

"Decisions are made daily by those in government which affect all of us. If we neglect to participate in politics, we would have got ourselves into a situation whereby the worst of us decide so much which affects our lives and those of our children and our future. Politics determines whether public resources would be directed to the welfare of the people or would be misappropriated for matters not beneficial to the people or even squandered. So in a nutshell, my decision to participate in politics is to contribute to having a government that has an agenda for the people"

The renowned community leader labeled participation as the hallmark of representative democracy.

"It is good that many persons are interested in contesting for the position of House Assembly position. It means if we have a free and fair election, there would be an array of candidates that the people can choose from. Participation is the hallmark of representative democracy"

He scored the National Assembly high for the introduction of biometrics and electronic processes in the country’s elections.

"This is the fourth time I am running for the same office. Unfortunately, most of the time, the Electoral Process did not always afford the people the opportunity to choose the person they truly desire. There was a time that one person could have several voter cards and vote several times. There was even a time that figures were just capriciously allotted to candidates by compromised presiding officers of Polling Units. But with the introduction of elements of biometrics and electronic processes in our elections, we hope to get a more credible process and outcome"

DELTA SOUTH YOUTHS BACK ORETTE, WARN AGAINST PROLONGING AGONY OF THE PEOPLE

Youths in Delta South on Friday demanded for better representation in 2027.

‘’The future of Delta South rest on a rigorously vocal, vibrant and honest lawmaker’’

They also described the ambition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate in Delta South, Dr. Austin Orette, as the best possible path in 2027.

‘’Dr. Austin Orette’s ambition is plainly not for himself. It is to serve the wonderful people of Delta South’’

At a meeting of the representatives of youth groups in Delta South, the youths applauded Orette for showing solid legislative and administrative gifts.

‘’Dr. Austin Orette is a resourceful and persistent organizer. He is hospitable to new ideas’’

The youths laid before newsmen and the public an extensive agenda, including a fast start on federal projects in the district, low interest loans to encourage local projects, stable budget, unemployment benefits, monetary standards and new constitution.

Orette’s agenda, the youths said, is fighting off insecurity, despair, dangerous feelings of helplessness and dependence.

The Leader of Delta South Youth Movement (DSYM), Amos Ebiakpo read the statement aloud to journalists in Warri with admiration of Orette’s blueprint.

‘’Dr. Austin Orette will lobby persuasively in the corridors, create jobs, improve roads and schools, develop parks and clear waterways. He will also ensure the building of hospitals, gas, sewage disposal and electric power plants, dams and canals, reclamation, irrigation,, levees and flood control projects, bridges and viaducts, docks and tunnels’’

The youths scolded those shouting continuity as if they were perverse and backward school boys.

‘’They should perish the dream of a second term’’

They said they would have nothing to do with the ruling party and groups supporting the old order.

‘’Backing the incumbent or any member of the ruling party in the district could only prolong the agony of the district.

MEDIA PROFESSIONALS PRAISE ABDULRARAQ, TASK KWARA CENTRAL PEOPLE ON 2027

The Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRaraq, has been lauded for developing a new moral climate, unlocking new energies in a people who had lost faith in government’s ability to meet key challenges and bringing about political and economic reorganization in the state.

‘’History will record the administration of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the most important and far-reaching in Kwara State’’

They also applauded him for unifying the people, improving farmers’ condition, reducing unemployment, giving strength to organized labour, establishing decent working conditions and switching the people from an ox-cart to an airplane.

‘’The more enduring achievements of AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq lay in the economic and social fields. He accomplished a fantastic series of reforms. He provided infrastructure, delivered the dividends of democracy and gave new status to the people''

The commendation came from media professionals in Nigeria.

At a press conference in Lagos, the Nigerian Media Professionals emphasized the governor’s great depth of feeling concerning the destiny of the state, the intelligent state management, governor’s penchant for solving problems, inexhaustible drive and energy and his passion for the life and needs of the good people of Kwara State.

The position of the group was presented to newsmen by the Chairman of the Nigerian Media Professional Group, Daniel Okeme, on Wednesday.

The professionals challenged critics of the present administration.

‘’Nothing like it has ever happened in the history of Kwara State’’

Particularly, they praised AbdulRaraq for his largeness of vision and transformation in the finance, health, education, sports, housing and tourism sectors.

‘’This is the most joyous period in the life of Kwara State. It is a rebirth after a dark age’’

The prominent media professionals stressed on human capital development, ideas and programs, dedication to public service, courage and capacity to condense complex problems into simple and telling statements’’

They urged the wonderful people of Kwara Central to make AbdulRaraq a senator in 2027.

‘’AbdulRazaq has the qualities which the senate position requires. He is moderate and practical in approach. He is brilliant, competent, efficient and more honourable in money matters. He will continue to work for the interest of the good people of Kwara State’’

ORETTE BLOWS HOT, CHIDES NUHU USMAN OVER MENE OGIDI

· LECTURES PSC CHAIRMAN, IGP ON RECRUITMENT

Delta South Senatorial Candidate, Dr. Austin Orette, on Thursday appealed to the Police Service Commission (PSC) to make sure sadists and senseless people are not recruited to the Nigeria Police Force.

‘’It is an invitation to barbarism when those charged with the duty to enforce laws become the chief violators’’

He also described ASP Nuhu Usman, the police officer involved in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Delta State, as a person of depraved mind.

‘’I just watched the execution of a citizen by a policeman whose job is to serve and protect the citizens. This glaring abnormality must never be looked at in isolation. For this policeman to execute a citizen who is handcuffed in the glare of the public shows he is a person of depraved mind’’.

Orette in a statement urged the authorities to investigate the past activities of Nuhu Usman.

‘’He must have done a lot of killings that are not just in the purview of the public. His career must be investigated. He must be punished to the full extent of the law.

He urged Nigerians to raise money and litigate the case against the Nigeria Police Force.

‘’When those who are entrusted to enforce the laws become the violators of the law, society must issue punishment that deters any person of this ick’’.

He also emphasized the need for compensation to support the family of Mene Ogidi.

‘’The family and the loved ones of the victim must be fully compensated from the police pension and any earned income of this killer who has been fronting as a policeman’’.

The Delta South senatorial hopeful urged the police to prove to Nigerians that they are not hired killers.

‘’As we deepen our democratic practices, police must as a matter of urgency embrace democratic ethos. They must get rid of the anti-democratic culture they inherited from military dictators that wasted Nigeria’s best years’’.

Akpoti-Uduaghan to Kogi Judge: Well-done

Heads to Appeal Court

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Friday instructed her legal team to file an appeal to overturn the High Court decision awarding N1billion to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

"We are appealing the judgement. I don't have N1billion. We will drag the matter to the Supreme Court"

The Kogi Central Representative accused the court of ignoring the evidence presented by her legal team.

The Kogi State Government in 2022 called for the arrest of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The government in different national newspapers accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of sponsoring terrorism and orchestrating the July 2022 Kuje Prison break and the Owo Church massacre.

Reacting to the allegations of terrorism, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was out of the country when the Kuje Prison incident and the Owo Church massacre took place.

"I was never connected to Safiyu at that time "

She recounted how Yahaya Bello prompted the security agents to arrest her.

"Yahaya Bello accused me of sponsoring terrorism because he wants me out of the ballot. He took the reports to the DSS. He was a constant visitor to DSS, telling them to arrest me. The person Yahaya Bello hangs out with is the sponsor of terrorism, not me. Safiyu was a close ally of Yahaya Bello. He was told to carry out a bad task against me. He said he wasn't going to do it. The young man refused to mobilize people to hurt me"

Akpoti-Uduaghan recalled the Arise Television interview.

"I shared these pictures with Arise Television presenters. I didn't know Safiyu. Safiyu was a close associate of Yahaya Bello. If anybody should be questioned about terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello. If anybody is guilty of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello. He is the one who knows how I am involved "

She urged the former Kogi State Governor to file more defamation charges against her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who is still consulting on her political future emphasized violence, fear and a high rate of missing people in Kogi State.

Akpoti-Uduaghan to Kogi Judge: Well-done

Heads to Appeal Court

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Friday instructed her legal team to file an appeal to overturn the High Court decision awarding N1billion to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

"We are appealing the judgement. I don't have N1billion. We will drag the matter to the Supreme Court"

The Kogi Central Representative accused the court of ignoring the evidence presented by her legal team.

The Kogi State Government in 2022 called for the arrest of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The government in different national newspapers accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of sponsoring terrorism and orchestrating the July 2022 Kuje Prison break and the Owo Church massacre.

Reacting to the allegations of terrorism, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was out of the country when the Kuje Prison incident and the Owo Church massacre took place.

"I was never connected to Safiyu at that time "

She recounted how Yahaya Bello prompted the security agents to arrest her.

"Yahaya Bello accused me of sponsoring terrorism because he wants me out of the ballot. He took the reports to the DSS. He was a constant visitor to DSS, telling them to arrest me. The person Yahaya Bello hangs out with is the sponsor of terrorism, not me. Safiyu was a close ally of Yahaya Bello. He was told to carry out a bad task against me. He said he wasn't going to do it. The young man refused to mobilize people to hurt me"

Akpoti-Uduaghan recalled the Arise Television interview.

"I shared these pictures with Arise Television presenters. I didn't know Safiyu. Safiyu was a close associate of Yahaya Bello. If anybody should be questioned about terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello. If anybody is guilty of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello. He is the one who knows how I am involved "

She urged the former Kogi State Governor to file more defamation charges against her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who is still consulting on her political future emphasized violence, fear and a high rate of missing people in Kogi State.

Akpoti-Uduaghan to Kogi Judge: Well-done

Heads to Appeal Court

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Friday instructed her legal team to file an appeal to overturn the High Court decision awarding N1billion to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

"We are appealing the judgement. I don't have N1billion. We will drag the matter to the Supreme Court"

The Kogi Central Representative accused the court of ignoring the evidence presented by her legal team.

The Kogi State Government in 2022 called for the arrest of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The government in different national newspapers accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of sponsoring terrorism and orchestrating the July 2022 Kuje Prison break and the Owo Church massacre.

Reacting to the allegations of terrorism, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was out of the country when the Kuje Prison incident and the Owo Church massacre took place.

"I was never connected to Safiyu at that time "

She recounted how Yahaya Bello prompted the security agents to arrest her.

"Yahaya Bello accused me of sponsoring terrorism because he wants me out of the ballot. He took the reports to the DSS. He was a constant visitor to DSS, telling them to arrest me. The person Yahaya Bello hangs out with is the sponsor of terrorism, not me. Safiyu was a close ally of Yahaya Bello. He was told to carry out a bad task against me. He said he wasn't going to do it. The young man refused to mobilize people to hurt me"

Akpoti-Uduaghan recalled the Arise Television interview.

"I shared these pictures with Arise Television presenters. I didn't know Safiyu. Safiyu was a close associate of Yahaya Bello. If anybody should be questioned about terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello. If anybody is guilty of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello. He is the one who knows how I am involved "

She urged the former Kogi State Governor to file more defamation charges against her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who is still consulting on her political future emphasized violence, fear and a high rate of missing people in Kogi State.