S3xual harassment cannot happen in Senate – Senator Ita-Giwa slams Natasha
Sexual harassment cannot happen in Senate – Senator Ita-Giwa slams Natasha
Ex-Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, a former presidential adviser, has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations of sexual harassment, claiming that women are immune from harassment once they join the Senate.
In a recent live television appearance, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had blocked her attempts to introduce motions on the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State and demanded sexual favors in return for her speaking rights.
Responding to the allegations during an appearance on Arise TV on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Ita-Giwa, who represented Cross River South Senatorial District, said it was inappropriate for female senators to claim sexual harassment after attaining such a high political office.
She described such complaints as a sign of weakness, implying that women in the Senate should be empowered and confident enough to avoid such situations.
She said, “By the time you contest elections and get to Senate, you have passed that stage of your life of being sexually harassed. You go there to serve, and you are all equal in that place. And again, it shows weakness; you don’t allow it. It (sexual harassment) can not happen in the Senate.
“I am not saying the lady is lying, but when you get to the Senate, you’re there as a person. You’re not there as a woman.
“At that stage in politics, if you come out and say someone is sexually harassing you, it is a weakness.”
When questioned whether female lawmakers should remain silent if they are sexually harassed by colleagues, Ita-Giwa firmly stated that accusing fellow lawmakers of making advances is a sign of weakness for female senators.
“I do not agree with Senator Akpoti on this issue. It is the worst sign of weakness for a woman to come forward and accuse a man of making advances at that level,” she said.
Ita-Giwa emphasised that female senators should view themselves as equals to their male counterparts, noting that securing a senatorial seat is no easy feat for anyone, regardless of gender.
Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, revealed that Parradang was abducted early Tuesday morning in the Area 1 area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to reports, Parradang was trailed by his assailants after withdrawing money from a bank. The kidnappers reportedly seized the cash before ultimately taking his life.
The incident has sparked renewed concern over the rising trend of kidnappings and targeted attacks within Abuja.
Parradang, who had a distinguished 30-year career in the Nigerian Immigration Service, held various key positions across Nigeria, including serving as the Comptroller General. His career spanned several states, including Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory.
He was also a graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) for his services.
The Nigerian Immigration Service has yet to issue an official statement confirming the tragic news.
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Catholic Priest, Seminarian kidnapped by suspected gunmen, Policemen begin manhunt
Catholic Priest, Seminarian kidnapped by suspected gunmen, Policemen begin manhunt
The Police Command in Edo has launched a manhunt for suspected herdsmen who allegedly abducted a Catholic Priest and a Seminarian from St. Peter Catholic Church, Ivukwa community, in Etsako East Local Government.
In a statement in Benin on Tuesday, the command’s Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, said the incident occurred about 11:30 p.m. on Monday, when armed men stormed the church and kidnapped Rev. Father Philip Ekeli and Seminarian Peter Andrew.
According to him, a swift response by the police, in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters under Operation Rescue, led to a gun battle with the attackers.
“One of the suspects, whose identity remains unknown, was neutralised during the operation, and his corpse has been deposited at the General Hospital, Agenebode,” Yamu stated.
Yamu noted that items recovered from the suspect included a Tecno button phone with two SIM cards, a power bank, a dagger jacket, a bag containing biscuits and Nescafé beverage, and the sum of N168,850.
The police spokesperson asserted that four suspects, names withheld, were arrested during the operation.
He said that the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, had ordered reinforcements from the anti-kidnapping unit and Police Mobile Force, working alongside the military, to secure the victims’ unconditional release and capture the remaining abductors.
Yamu urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to aid ongoing rescue efforts. (NAN)
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Obey 48 hours ultimatum issued by Lawmakers to re-present 2025 budget- Group advices Fubara
Obey 48 hours ultimatum issued by Lawmakers to re-present 2025 budget- Group advices Fubara
The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM), an interest group, has called on Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to comply with the 48-hour ultimatum to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly.
Johnson Georgewill, the Director General of the group, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the ultimatum issued by the State House of Assembly was in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, the Supreme Court directed Fubara to re-present the Appropriation Bill to the duly recognised legislature led by Martin Amaewhule.
The apex court also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing funds to the state government until the budget was properly re-submitted to the House.
Georgewill urged Fubara not to defy the ultimatum, since failure to comply with would constitute grounds for impeachment.
He advised the 10th Rivers Assembly House of Assembly not to hesitate to initiate impeachment proceedings if Fubara failed to re-present the budget within the 48 hours deadline.
He alleged that the budget (presented before the Oko Jumbo-led factional House) lacked substance in terms of proper budgetary presentation, saying that the governor must re-submit the budget.
Georgewill criticised the governor’s decision to proceed with a 10-day series of project inaugurations across the state.
He described the decision as illegal, provocative and a clear indication that the governor has chosen to defy valid court rulings.
“We, therefore, question the source of funding for these 10-day project inaugurations, given that both the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Bills have been declared illegal,” Georgewill stated.
He urged the Amaewhule-led Assembly and the Nigerian Police to take decisive action to uphold democracy in Rivers.
He also called on lawmakers to ensure that all illegal appointments, non-budgetary expenditures, and government operations cease until a legitimate appropriation bill was presented before the House.
Georgewill urged leaders across the state, including the clergy, politicians, opinion leaders, and traditional rulers, to speak the truth and advise the governor to uphold democratic principles.
“We backed former governor Nyesom Wike in ensuring Fubara emerged as governor against all odds.
“Therefore, we firmly oppose all forms of betrayal and illegal actions by the state government because truth and justice will always prevail over illegalities,” he stressed.
Georgewill also congratulated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the 27 lawmakers on their victory at the Supreme Court. (NAN)