BREAKING: Senate rejects Natasha’s petition against Akpabio, gives reasons
BREAKING: Senate rejects Natasha’s petition against Akpabio, gives reasons
Abuja – The Senate has dismissed a petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which she alleged sexual harassment.
Speaking at a probe session on Wednesday, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, declared the petition “dead on arrival,” citing a breach of Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders.
According to Imasuen, Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the petition herself, instead of having it endorsed by another individual, rendering it procedurally invalid. Additionally, he noted that the issues raised in the petition were already in court, making them sub judice.
Despite the committee’s scheduled sitting, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to appear before the probe panel. The session, set for 2:00 PM, did not commence until 2:58 PM when the committee’s chairman arrived after waiting for both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South). While Adaramodu eventually arrived at 2:50 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan was absent as the session began.
The matter was referred to the Ethics Committee two weeks ago following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions during a plenary session. Senate President Akpabio subsequently directed the committee to conduct a thorough investigation and report back within two weeks.
During deliberations, Adaramodu informed the Senate that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public challenge of the Senate President over her seat allocation had damaged the Senate’s image. He also referenced an interview she granted to Brekete Family on Human Rights Radio and TV, where she reiterated her allegations against Akpabio.
Following these discussions, the Senate resolved to push the matter to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, for further review
Emmanuel was arrested after he honoured an invitation of the EFCC on Tuesday to answer allegations of money laundering and diversion of funds preferred against him by the Network against Corruption and Trafficking.
The petitioner alleged that Emmanuel received N3 trillion from the Federation Account in eight years but left a debt profile of N500bn and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300bn. He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700bn.
The EFCC’s investigations are ongoing with Emmanuel being grilled by operatives.
Emmanuel served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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Four Persons crushed to death others injured as trailer collides with several vehicles
Four Persons crushed to death others injured as trailer collides with several vehicles
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra Sector Command, has reported that an accident along the Idemili River near the Second Niger Bridge resulted in four fatalities on Tuesday.
The sector Commander, Mrs Joyce Alexander confirmed the incident to newsmen on Thursday, in Awka, attributing the accident to speeding and loss of control, which led to a head-on collision.
Alexander said the crash involved a brown Mercedes trailer without a registration number, a white commercial bus registered as XED526XA, and four Bajaj tricycles that also lacked registration numbers.
She said that eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the brown mercedes trailer, carrying an unsecured container, was descending a hill at high speed when he lost control and collided with five vehicles parked by the roadside.
“A total of six individuals were involved in the crash—two adult males and four adult females. Four were confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries.
“FRSC officials arrived at the scene to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow. They transported the deceased to Crown Hospital and St. Edward Hospital in Obosi, while the injured victims were taken to Unity Hospital in Obosi,” she said.
While extending condolences to the families of the deceased, Alexander urged road users to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent accidents and ensure safe travel. She also advised motorists to avoid speeding and take precautions that could compromise their safety on the road.(NAN)
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Rivers Assembly issues 48-hour ultimatum for RSIEC chair to appear before it, threatens arrest
Rivers Assembly issues 48-hour ultimatum for RSIEC chair to appear before it, threatens arrest
The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd), to appear before it regarding the conduct of the 2024 local government elections.
The resolution was made during a plenary session chaired by Speaker Martin Amaewhule on Wednesday.
The House warned that if Enebeli fails to comply with the summons, a warrant for his arrest will be issued.
In addition, the Assembly resolved to formally request Governor Siminalayi Fubara to submit the names of all his commissioners who were not screened by the Amaewhule-led Assembly.