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Senator Natasha Suspended for Misconduct, Not Harassment: Senate Clarifies Position to IPU.

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Image: Honorable Ogbara during the press briefing in New York on Wednesday.

In a recent development that has sparked widespread debate, the Nigerian Senate has clarified its stance on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that her suspension was due to misconduct and not linked to any harassment claims. This clarification comes in response to inquiries from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), as reported by Punch News on March 13, 2025.

Senator Natasha, a prominent figure known for her vocal stance on transparency and accountability, was suspended last month following allegations of breaching Senate protocols. While rumors circulated that her suspension was tied to a harassment claim, the Senate has categorically denied this, stating that the decision was purely based on her failure to adhere to legislative rules and procedures.

According to the Senate’s official response to the IPU, Natasha’s suspension followed a series of incidents where she allegedly disrupted proceedings and violated the Senate’s code of conduct. The Senate maintains that the action was taken to uphold

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In a recent statement that has sparked widespread debate, former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara should face impeachment if found guilty of any wrongdoing. This bold assertion has reignited discussions about accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria's political landscape, according to a report by Punch News on March 12, 2025.

Governor Fubara, who assumed office in 2023, has been under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of state resources and questionable policy decisions. While no formal charges have been brought against him, Wike's call for impeachment underscores the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. Wike, known for his no-nonsense approach to governance, emphasized that no one, regardless of their position, should be above the law.

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In a week marked by high-stakes political engagements, Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed two significant developments that could shape the future of the Niger Delta region and the broader national polity. President Bola Tinubu met with leaders from the oil-rich Niger Delta, while Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced plans to convene with lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. These parallel events underscore the delicate balancing act required to navigate Nigeria’s complex political terrain according to a report by Punch News on March 12, 2025.

Tinubu’s Niger Delta Outreach: A Bid for Stability and Collaboration

President Tinubu’s meeting with Niger Delta leaders was a strategic move aimed at addressing long-standing grievances in the region, which remains pivotal to Nigeria’s economic fortunes. The Niger Delta, home to the country’s vast oil reserves, has historically been a hotbed of unrest due to issues such as environmental degradation, underdevelopment, and perceived marginalization. Tinubu’s engagement signaled a commitment to dialogue

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In a bold move signaling a significant shift in Nigeria's policing strategy, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has redeployed 25 senior officers across the country. This decision comes amid a wave of compulsory retirements that have swept through the force, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to reform and reposition the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) according to a report by Punch News on March 12, 2025.

The redeployment, which affects officers of the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) and Commissioner of Police (CP), is part of a broader initiative to inject fresh perspectives and enhance operational efficiency within the force. The IGP emphasized that the reshuffling is aimed at ensuring that the right personnel are in the right positions to tackle the country's evolving security challenges, from insurgency and banditry to cybercrime and communal clashes.

The mass compulsory retirement, on the other

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In a recent legal development that has captured the attention of political and legal observers in Nigeria, Senator Godswill Akpabio has challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear a suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding her suspension from the Senate. The case, which has sparked significant debate, raises critical questions about the separation of powers, the role of the judiciary in legislative matters, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic processes.

Background Of The Case

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended by the Senate in 2023 over allegations of misconduct and breach of legislative rules. The suspension, which was met with widespread criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties, was seen by many as politically motivated. Natasha, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has consistently maintained her innocence, arguing that the suspension was an attempt to silence her vocal opposition to certain policies and actions of the ruling party.

In response to her suspension, Natasha filed a suit challenging the legality of the Senate’s decision.

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In a dramatic turn of events in Rivers State politics, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vowed to resist any attempts to remove him from office, as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issues a stern warning to loyalists of former Governor Nyesom Wike. The political landscape in Rivers State has been tense in recent weeks, with rumors of an impeachment plot against Governor Fubara gaining traction. This development has sparked a fierce battle for control of the state’s political machinery, pitting the current administration against forces aligned with Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Impeachment Threat

Speculations about a possible impeachment of Governor Fubara have been rife, with sources suggesting that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike are behind the move. The alleged plot is believed to be a reaction to Fubara’s perceived independence and his efforts to steer the state in a direction that diverges from the political legacy of his predecessor. Critics argue that the impeachment threat is a calculated attempt to undermine Fubara’s administration and reassert Wike’s influence over the state’s affairs.

Governor Fubara, who assumed office in 2023, has maintained a relatively low profile since his inauguration.

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to promptly reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to a report by Punch News on March 9, 2025, SERAP described the suspension as "patently unlawful" and a clear violation of Akpoti-Uduaghan's fundamental right to freedom of expression.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months last week over allegations of "speaking without permission" and refusing to occupy her newly assigned seat in the Senate chamber. Alongside the suspension, her salary and allowances were withheld, and she was barred from identifying herself as a senator during the suspension period.

In an open letter dated March 8, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization cautioned that it would initiate legal action if the Senate President failed to reverse the suspension within 48 hours. The letter emphasized that no one should be punished for "speaking without permission," noting that holding a public office does not strip anyone of their fundamental human rights.

A statement released on Sunday, titled
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Christian Pulisic was the hero for AC Milan on Saturday, scoring twice to help the Rossoneri end a three-match losing streak in Serie A. According to a report from ESPN News on March 8, 2025, Pulisic played a crucial role in Milan’s comeback victory against Lecce.

The United States international, nicknamed "Captain America," first won and converted a penalty to equalize at 2-2 after Lecce had taken an early 2-0 lead. Later, he netted the decisive goal, securing a 3-2 win for Milan. His performance lifted the team to eighth place in the Italian league, while Lecce remained just three points above the relegation zone.

In his second season with Milan, Pulisic has now scored eight league goals—four short of his tally from the previous campaign. Speaking to DAZN after the match, he acknowledged the team’s struggles but emphasized their unity. "It's a very difficult moment for us, and this was a very important victory," he said. "[But] we are a very united group, and we demonstrated it with this win."

The goals marked Pulisic’s return to the scoresheet after more than a month without scoring. Milan coach Sergio Conceição praised his versatility, noting how he thrives when cutting inside from wide positions. "Starting from the wing, he feels very comfortable in the central corridor, then it depends on the game," Conceição told DAZN. "Today, he started on the left. He is a player with great technical qualities and is very intelligent. He can play behind the striker or on the wings, but coming inside is his best position."

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A former presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has passed away. He reportedly died in a Lagos hospital from a recurrence of cancer, according to a report by Daily Trust News on March 7, 2025.

Dr. Okupe, who served as the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to former President Goodluck Jonathan, died at the age of 72. His passing has left a significant void in Nigeria's political landscape.

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, confirmed his death in a statement on Friday, describing it as a personal loss. Okupe’s death comes shortly after the passing of another prominent figure, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo.

Tribute from Governor Abiodun

Governor Abiodun paid tribute to Dr. Okupe’s lifelong service to Nigeria, acknowledging him as a patriotic statesman and a dedicated member of the progressive political family. He expressed deep sorrow over his passing, noting that it came at a difficult time.

“Receiving the news of the passing of my elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has left me with a profound sense of personal loss, especially coming so soon after the transition of the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo," Abiodun said. "Without a doubt, Dr. Okupe’s departure leaves a void that will not be easily filled.”
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Nigerian music sensation Tiwa Savage has opened up about why she does not sign up-and-coming artists. According to a report by Daily Post News on March 7, 2025, the award-winning singer shared her reasons during an interview with Forbes Africa.

Tiwa explained that she does not possess the “gift” required to manage artists and their behavior. The 45-year-old singer admitted that handling emerging artists can be stressful, and she prefers to support them in a different way.

“People always ask me, ‘When are you going to sign an artist?’ But I don’t think I have the talent for that. Managing artists can be stressful. Imagine waking up and seeing that my artist is trending for the wrong reasons,” she said.
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Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson to ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, has passed away. According to Punch News, his death was confirmed on March 7, 2025.

Okupe, who hailed from Iperu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, had reportedly been battling an illness for some time. He died in the early hours of Friday in Lagos at the age of 72.

The Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Jamiu Ashimi, confirmed his passing in a conversation with our correspondent. Expressing his condolences, he said, "I just confirmed the tragic news of the passing of Dr. Doyin Okupe. May his soul rest in peace."

A close associate of the deceased, Chief Michael Adesanya, the Asojuoba of Isara Remo, also confirmed the news via a phone conversation. He stated, "Dr. Okupe has been confirmed to have died early Friday morning in Lagos."

Okupe served as Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and later as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan. Additionally, he played a key role in Nigeria’s political scene, serving as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign.

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