Its a show of shame; Lagos Speaker Meranda faults Obasa’s plenary with 4 lawmakers
Its a show of shame; Lagos Speaker Meranda faults Obasa’s plenary with 4 lawmakers
The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has described the impeached speaker, Mudashiru Obasa’s plenary with four lawmakers and the disruption of the assembly as a ‘show of shame’.
Speaking to journalists after the court hearing at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on Friday, Meranda said that a quorum in the Assembly required more members.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obasa and his security details stormed the assembly complex on Thursday and entered the Speaker’s Office.
Obasa also presided over a four-man member after he took the Lagos Assembly and the speaker to court over what he termed as “unlawful removal”.
Meranda told journalists that plenary could only be held when they had numbers that formed a quorum, “so if Obasa was sitting with three or four members, then he was only doing theatre”.
The speaker said that Obasa still held a seat in the Assembly and had the right to come, noting that his invasion to her office was unacceptable.
According to her, I think he is still a member of the House of Assembly so he has every right to come but the invasion and breaking into my office, that is really a big one.
Meranda emphasised that the legal battle was only beginning, and urged all parties to allow the legal teams to handle the matter.
“This is actually just the beginning. Just like what happened in there, both parties have their representatives and I think we should allow the legal team to do their job,” she said.
The speaker, who disclosed that her initially withdrawn security detail was restored, said it was a contrast to the usual level of protection she received.
According to her, presently I have three or four policemen, whereas my normal security details are 12 policemen, four DSS, and two anti-bomb units. But I don’t have up to that presently.
Meranda said the party leadership was taking their own steps in resolving the speakership tussle.
She said: “We are definitely consulting with our leaders and all rightful things will be done at the right time. Let us assure the people of Lagos that we are still committed to our party.
“We are still committed to our leadership and we are still committed to serving the people of Lagos state. That is what is more important.
“I want to assure them that we are very law abiding and we are doing everything within our power just to make sure that we don’t take it more than this level.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that Obasa was sighted at the assembly complex on Friday with his team while the 35 members that were earlier at the assembly drove out of the premises.
NAN reports that the legislative workers avoided the premises for fear of victimisation. (NAN)
The Sultan made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country.
He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.
“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.
“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” the Sultan declared.
He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.
Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, refers to abstinent from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah.
NAN also reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month. (NAN)
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Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and maltreatment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, he said the allegations are grave and deserve to be investigated.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections affirmed that the Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.
“Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.
Atiku noted that as the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles,” Atiku stated.
He admonished that the handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” Atiku concluded.
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Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, The wife of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, has strongly refuted the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as entirely false and unfounded.
In a statement to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, describing him as a disciplined and respectful individual, known for his good humor and deep respect for women.
She stressed that the allegations were baseless and did not reflect the true nature of her husband, asserting that they were a misrepresentation of the man she knows.
The allegations were initially raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that her challenges in the Senate began after she turned down inappropriate advances from Senator Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio quickly dismissed these accusations, emphasizing the longstanding cordial relationship between both families. She firmly rejected the notion that any such incident took place, asserting that it was merely a product of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s imagination.
Recalling the events of December 8, 2023—the date the alleged incident supposedly occurred—Mrs. Akpabio pointed out that she had been present at their family residence on that day. She also stressed the enduring relationship between their families, which had existed long before Natasha’s marriage, further underlining the improbability of the allegations.
Moreover, Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s track record in championing women’s participation in governance, citing his unwavering support for female inclusion long before he became Senate President.
In a stern message, she urged women to avoid making unfounded accusations and vowed to pursue legal action to address the matter.