Fresh details revealed in Senator Natasha’s petition against Godswill Akpabio
Fresh details revealed in Senator Natasha’s petition against Godswill Akpabio
There are new information regarding a petition that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan filed with the Senate, alleging Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, official abuse, and obstruction of legislative duties.
The petition, which was filed on March 4, 2025, and was formally sent to the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 10th Senate on Wednesday, lists a number of grave accusations against Akpabio.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, on December 8, 2023, when she was with her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, in Akpabio’s home in Akwa Ibom, he made unwanted approaches. Akpabio allegedly requested that she “spend quality time” with him, she remembers.
The petition further details an incident in May 2024, when Akpabio invited Akpoti-Uduaghan to his private residence in Abuja, ostensibly to discuss legislative matters.
During the meeting, Akpabio allegedly told her, “You know I am the Senate President; I will give you whatever you want, all you have to do is make me happy.”
He reportedly added, “Senator Natasha, you can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy.” Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that after rejecting these advances, she found her motion to discuss the Ajaokuta Steel Company consistently removed from the Senate’s Order Paper.
Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan accuses Akpabio of calling her a “nightclub girl” on the Senate floor, a remark he later apologized for, but she insists it was part of a larger pattern of intimidation.
She also alleges that Akpabio abused his office to orchestrate her removal as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, accusing him of undermining her efforts to establish mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects in Ajaokuta in favor of projects in the Niger Delta.
The petition also highlights previous accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, notably from Dr. Joi Nunieh, the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in 2020.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is calling for a thorough investigation into these ongoing allegations, urging the Senate Committee to take action and ensure accountability.
The petition also referenced a tense confrontation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio on February 20, 2025, during a plenary session. Akpoti-Uduaghan claims Akpabio maliciously refused to let her respond to a point of order, eventually calling for her removal by the Sergeant-at-Arms and suspending her from the Senate.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions dismissed the petition as “dead on arrival.”
In response to the allegations, Akpabio denied ever abusing any woman during the plenary session, stating, “I was raised very well by my late single mother, and I have always upheld respect for women.”
While reacting to the raging issue in Abuja on Thursday, Mrs Tinubu said that the senate, being the apex legislative chamber in the country, should not be a place where such things should happen.
“I know what is going on in the Senate; you will say why am I not taking a position; I believe that the senate is doing what is needful.
‘This is because the senate is a mature chamber and it should be treated with respect.
“It is also an honour for anyone who happens to be there; I was there for 12 years,” she said.
Meanwhile, the senate has suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan over what it called ‘total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023, as amended’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, led by Sen. Neda Imaseun, during the plenary. (NAN)
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Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years – Medical expert
Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years – Medical expert
Dr Ibrahim Wada, a medical expert, has suggested that advancements in modern medicine could extend human lifespan by up to 250 years within the next 40 years.
Wada, Founder of Nisa Medical Group, made this assertion while delivering the Second Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture Series at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) on Thursday.
Speaking as the guest lecturer on the topic ‘The Longevity of Man,’ Wada stated that such feat could be realised as scientists continued to make rapid progress in medical technology and genetic engineering.
He highlighted the breakthroughs in genetic science that have enabled researchers to create artificial eggs and sperm from human saliva, which could then be used to grow babies in artificial wombs.
“This technology has already produced live rats. It is only a matter of time before humans benefit from similar advancements,” he disclosed.
Wada, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi, further emphasised the potential of stem cells, artificial organs, and genetic reprogramming in prolonging human life.
According to him, science has now reached a stage where human genetic codes can be understood and manipulated to enhance longevity.
“Recreating stem cells from a person’s genes and reintroducing them into the body can regenerate dead cells and significantly extend lifespan.
“In another 30 to 40 years, it will be normal for individuals to expect to live for 200 or even 250 years.
“This will happen because humanity has now entered the age of computer reprogramming,” he added.
Wada lamented the fact that such advanced medical technologies are not yet available in Nigeria.
He also stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate rest in achieving longevity.
“Rest is essential for brain function. So, when it is time to rest, you must allow the brain to rest – no compromise,” Wada advised.
Reflecting on the legacy of Prof. Briggs, UNIPORT’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, described Briggs as a visionary leader, philanthropist, and academic giant.
He questioned whether longevity was merely a measure of biological persistence or encompasses something more profound.
“This is because it is not the breath we take, but the fire we ignite,” Georgewill remarked.
Prof. Ngozi Orazulike, Chair Occupant of the Nimi Briggs Professorial Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, noted that Briggs made immense contributions to the medical and teaching professions.
She stated that the late medical icon had a multifaceted career as a doctor, teacher, researcher, mentor, and philanthropist.
In response, the late icon’s son, Nima Briggs, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition of his father’s contributions in the country.
“It is humbling to see my father’s legacy live on, with events still being organised to honour his memory,” Briggs concluded. (NAN)
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Two Pakistani National arrested by Police for alleged kidnapping
Two Pakistani National arrested by Police for alleged kidnapping
Operatives of the police command in Lagos State have arrested two Pakistanis for allegedly kidnaping a fellow Pakistani in the Ikeja area of the state.
The command Spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said, in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, that the arrest of the “vicious and notorious Pakistanis” was a huge success.
According to Hundeyin, a distress call was received by the police at the Ikeja Division on Wednesday about the kidnap of a 48-year-old Pakistani within the area.
“An anti-crime patrol from the division was swiftly deployed, leading to the rescue of the victim and arrest of two of the captors, aged 19 and 28 years, while five other Pakistanis escaped,” he said.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was lured to Lagos State from Kano.
“The two suspects and five others (allegedly)lured the victim to Lagos from his base in Kano under the pretext that they have a job for him as a chef.
“The suspects booked the victim’s flight to Lagos and lodged him in a hotel on Feb. 28.
“The next day, the seven suspects visited the victim, overpowered him, tied his hands and legs and sent a message to his boss in Kano to pay the sum of N50 million as ransom for his release or else he would be killed.
“The boss paid N1 million three days later to buy time and thereafter alerted the police, ” Hundeyin said.
The police spokesperson said that an operational vehicle, a grey coloured Toyota Camry salon car was recovered from the suspects.
“Also recovered was $2000 cash, three Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, green card, driver’s licence and National Identity Number (NIN) slip.
Hundeyin said that concerted efforts were on to arrest the fleeing suspects and arraign them in court.
According to him, the rescued victim is in good condition and has established contact with his family.
Hundeyin quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, as commending officers and men of Ikeja Division for a job well done.
Hundeyin said that the CP assured residents and visitors to the state of the command total commitment to their safety and security at all times.
Hundeyin said that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had directed all police commands to stamp out kidnapping and other violent crimes throughout the country.(NAN)