Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has urged Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to refrain from intervening in the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation leveled against her husband.

The conflict between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio began when she declined to sit in an assigned seat during a Senate session, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules.

Tensions escalated when she appeared on *Arise News* on Friday, accusing Akpabio of obstructing her motions, defaming her, and intimidating her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances.

In response, Mrs. Akpabio held a press conference in Abuja, dismissing the accusations against her husband.

She maintained that both families had enjoyed a long-standing cordial relationship, even before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s marriage, and described the claims as unfounded.

However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, and addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan advised her to stay out of the matter.

Titled *”Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family,”* the letter emphasized that the allegations were personal to the Senate President and that he should be allowed to defend himself.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she had endured persistent harassment from Akpabio but was now compelled to speak out.

The letter partly read:

> “Our Client does not wish to draw you into the unfortunate controversy surrounding her allegations against the Senate President and urges you to refrain from engaging in the matter. While she has tolerated repeated harassment from the Senate President, she has now been left with no choice but to expose the distress and victimization she has faced in the Senate under his leadership.

> “Therefore, we emphasize that our client’s allegations are directed solely at the Senate President, and she firmly believes he is fully capable of defending himself against these claims.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan asserted that she possessed sufficient evidence to support her claims and urged Mrs. Akpabio to allow her husband to respond to the allegations for the sake of her peace of mind and that of her family.

> “Our client has substantial evidence to validate her claims. We advise that you allow the Senate President to handle his defense to safeguard your well-being and that of your family.

> “As an advocate for Nigerian women and a family woman, our client remains committed to upholding shared family values and preserving our common heritage.”

The ongoing verbal dispute between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio took a new turn on Saturday as her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, called on Akpabio to treat his wife with the respect and dignity she deserves.

Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, stated in a press release in Warri, Delta State, that he had initially chosen to remain silent but felt compelled to speak due to recent developments.

“I would never trade her for anything, as she is the greatest joy of my life,” he affirmed.

Expressing concern over the sentiments surrounding the issue, he noted that they were diverting attention from the core matters at hand.

“Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I want to emphasize that my wife was elected by her people due to the immense love, respect, and confidence they have in her.

“She remains committed to providing quality representation for her district and the nation as a whole,” he said.

Uduaghan described Natasha as a devoted wife and a truthful person, even in challenging circumstances.

He revealed that she had confided in him about her interactions with the Senate President, whom he regarded as a family friend.

“In response, I handled the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility. As a traditional leader who upholds family values and respects constituted authority, I sought to promote peace and harmony,” he stated.

He disclosed that he had personally met with Akpabio, urging him to treat his wife with the respect she deserves while also preserving their friendship.

According to him, both parties had initially agreed to resolve the issue amicably.

“However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President,” Uduaghan added.

Reaffirming his unwavering trust in his wife’s loyalty and their marriage, he called on the Senate and Akpabio to treat Natasha with respect while the relevant authorities and the court address the underlying issues.

The National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, Eniola Olajuni, has regained freedom after spending 12 days in captivity.

The National Secretary of the Youth Council, Biodun Aderohunmu, confirmed his release in a brief WhatsApp message to our correspondent on Saturday.

“He has been released,” the message read.

Olajuni was abducted on Monday, February 17, 2025, while traveling to Abuja for a meeting.

His captors had initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million and two tricycles for his release.

On Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the Intelligence Response Team to intervene following the circulation of a viral video showing Olajuni at gunpoint, pleading for Nigerians to help raise funds for his release.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has pledged to collaborate with Senator Muntari Dan-Dutse, who represents Funtua Senatorial District in Katsina State, to push for the creation of a new state, “Karaduwa.”

Jibrin emphasized that the establishment of new states would drive development and economic prosperity for the people of Katsina.

“I will work alongside my brother, Senator Muntari Dan-Dutse, to ensure the creation of Karaduwa State in Katsina. The demand by the Karaduwa people is valid—they are an agrarian community with all the necessary requirements for statehood. While it may be challenging, it is achievable, and I fully support them,” he stated.

He made these remarks in Funtua during the official launch of Ramadan food distribution and empowerment programs for thousands of women and youths, an initiative spearheaded by Senator Dan-Dutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TetFund.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, urged beneficiaries not to sell the distributed items and called for continued prayers for the government, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Represented by his deputy, Hon. Faruk Jobe, Radda highlighted key achievements of his administration across various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and the economy.

“We have invested ₦120 billion in education, building 152 new secondary schools and renovating primary schools. Additionally, we have awarded scholarships to 109 underprivileged students to study medicine, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology abroad,” the governor revealed.

Senator Dan-Dutse reaffirmed his commitment to progress despite economic and security challenges.

“In terms of infrastructure, we have facilitated the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Funtua. The Katsina State Government has already committed ₦3.5 billion to the project, and despite its exclusion from the 2024 budget, we fought to have it reinstated in both the 2024 and 2025 budgets,” he explained.

He noted that a vice-chancellor and governing council had been appointed, and recruitment efforts for staff were underway.

“For the 2025 budget, ₦5.7 billion has been allocated for capital projects at the university, along with a ₦5 billion TETFund takeoff grant and an additional ₦2.9 billion in regular intervention funds,” he added.

Dan-Dutse described the university as a crucial step toward advancing education not only in Katsina State but across the Northwest, as Funtua serves as a strategic hub connecting Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa.

As part of the Ramadan empowerment initiative, essential supplies were distributed across the 117 polling units in 11 local government areas (LGAs) of the senatorial district.

The items included:
– 8 trailers carrying 5,439 bags of fertilizer
– 4 trailers loaded with 3,795 bags of rice
– 1 trailer containing 1,100 bags of maize powder
– 100 tricycles
– 350 motorcycles
– 3,795 bags of maize
– 384 sewing machines
– 110 grinding machines
– 1,650 assorted rice seedlings
– 3,000 cartons of bottled water
– 11,700 bags of table water

The benefiting LGAs were Bakori, Musawa, Kankara, Kafur, Faskari, Matazu, Danja, Funtua, Dandume, Malumfashi, and Sabuwa.

The Nigerian Army has renamed the Ikeja Cantonment in honor of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stated that the decision was made to recognize Lagbaja’s bravery and dedication to the nation.

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“This renaming is more than just a change of title; it symbolizes our deep respect, appreciation, and recognition of the courage and sacrifices of one of Nigeria’s finest military officers, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“By naming the cantonment after him, we honor a leader who embodied discipline, patriotism, and bravery.

“His remarkable contributions to the Nigerian Army, especially in counterinsurgency, internal security, and peacekeeping efforts, deserve to be acknowledged.

“I commend the Nigerian Army and the Ministry of Defence for this initiative, which fosters a culture of celebrating our heroes and assures all patriots that their sacrifices will never go unnoticed.”

The Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, also paid tribute to his predecessor, highlighting Lagbaja’s infrastructural improvements during his time as Commander of the 9 Brigade.

Oluyede said the cantonment was the most fitting place to immortalize Lagbaja’s legacy.

Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, until his passing on November 5, 2024, at the age of 56 due to an illness.

Appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the successor to Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Lagbaja was remembered for his professionalism and sacrifice throughout his 17-month tenure.

The Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers has bestowed President Bola Tinubu with its highest traditional title, “Otuekong,” Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom.

The title was conferred on the President at the State House in Abuja on Friday by Nteyin Solomon Etuk, President General of Okuibom Ibibio III.

A 104-member delegation, led by Governor Umo Eno, attended the event. Among them were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, his wife Ekaette, religious leaders, former ministers, lawmakers, and representatives from women and youth groups.

Expressing his gratitude, President Tinubu accepted the honour and recalled his time in Eket as an auditor for Mobil, emphasizing his connection to the state.

Read Also: Things To Know About ₦54.99 Trillion 2025 Budget Tinubu Signed Into Law

He highlighted the importance of prioritizing national service over party politics, attributing Akwa Ibom’s development to a shared vision and commitment to progress.

“I have just signed the 2025 budget. The uncertainty over the economy is fading, and hope is rising. Thank you for your continued support. We must work together to build the nation,” Tinubu stated.

The President also praised Governor Eno’s leadership, describing him as selfless, visionary, and committed to the welfare of his people.

“I have listened to the governor’s concerns about the deep-sea port and a state visit. You have a very good governor, one who fears God and loves his people. I watch the Arise programme of the state and have been following developments,” he added.

Senate President Akpabio acknowledged Governor Eno’s efforts in fostering unity and assured Tinubu of the state’s full support in national development.

During the meeting, Eno outlined his administration’s achievements and reiterated Akwa Ibom’s commitment to partnering with the federal government on key infrastructure projects, including the Ibom Deep Sea Port and tackling ecological challenges.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for their support during his time of bereavement.

Senegal will summon former President Macky Sall to court following revelations of financial irregularities in the country’s treasury records during his tenure, a government spokesman announced on Friday.

Sall is accused of overseeing a “catastrophic” mismanagement of public funds after an independent audit report challenged official figures from his administration, significantly increasing both debt and the public deficit.

Currently residing in Morocco since leaving office last year, Sall has dismissed the controversy surrounding the report as politically motivated.

Government spokesman Moustapha Sarre alleged that Sall, who led Senegal from 2012 to 2024, “could even be considered the leader of a criminal gang.”

“He will inevitably face justice. He bears primary responsibility for the extremely serious acts that were committed,” Sarre told RFM radio, emphasizing that legal action was unavoidable.

The audit report, published on February 12, uncovered significant accounting discrepancies, including a revised 2023 budget deficit of 12.3%—more than double the 4.9% previously reported under Sall’s leadership.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March, has vowed to distance his administration from the practices of the Sall era.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a longtime critic of Sall, had pledged last September to investigate what he described as “widespread corruption” under the previous government.

In recent months, several former officials have been arrested and charged, including a lawmaker closely associated with Sall, who was detained on Thursday for fraud and money laundering.

Rodri has resumed training as the Manchester City midfielder aims to return earlier than expected following a serious knee injury in September.

Initially ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, the 28-year-old’s absence has significantly impacted Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The reigning English champions have struggled in his absence, sitting 20 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and suffering eliminations from both the Champions League and the League Cup.

However, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner may make a quicker-than-expected comeback after being spotted in an individual training session at the club’s Etihad Campus, as shown in a video released by City on Friday.

Rodri, a key player for Spain, had initially hoped to recover in time for the Club World Cup, set to begin in the United States on June 14.

Guardiola has refrained from setting a definite return date for the midfielder.

Speaking earlier this month, the City manager stated, “The most important thing for him is to recover properly. He’s not a teenager, but he still has many years ahead of him, and that will only be possible if he heals well.”

Ruben Amorim revealed on Friday that Alejandro Garnacho will take his teammates out for dinner as an apology for heading straight down the tunnel after being substituted in Manchester United’s Premier League win over Ipswich.

Patrick Dorgu’s red card just before halftime on Wednesday prompted a tactical reshuffle, leading to 20-year-old Argentina international Garnacho being replaced by defender Noussair Mazraoui. Instead of taking a seat on the bench, he immediately walked off the pitch.

Speaking after United’s 3-2 victory, Amorim said he would address the issue with Garnacho. However, the winger took the initiative and approached the manager himself the following morning.

“He came to me,” Amorim said ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Fulham. “It was funny because the next day he came to my office.

“I did some checking, and he actually went to the dressing room, changed his clothes because he was wet, and watched the rest of the game from a different location—not on the bench. At the end of the match, he was there, then he went home, so there’s no issue.

“But I told him that at Manchester United, everything matters. Perception at a big club is very important. So, he’s going to treat the whole team to dinner, and that’s that.”

Amorim downplayed the situation, noting Garnacho had also shared an Instagram story of himself looking disappointed after being substituted.

“He’s a young player who will learn,” Amorim said. “The important thing is that he came to speak with me the next morning.”

Former United manager Erik ten Hag, who guided the team to FA Cup success last season before his dismissal in October, recently commented that modern footballers struggle with criticism.

Amorim acknowledged the difficulties players face in today’s social media-driven world.

“It’s completely different for players now,” he said. “Before, there were just two newspapers and nothing more. Now, with social media, everything is different.

“They are so focused on it. You can’t open social media without seeing news, a photo, or a comment. Even if you have 100 positive messages, one negative comment can grab all your attention.”

With United enduring a disappointing Premier League campaign, retaining the FA Cup remains a crucial target this season.

During Friday’s press conference, Amorim was also asked about former United captain Roy Keane’s harsh criticism of Bruno Fernandes. Keane, now a pundit, had questioned Fernandes’ leadership, claiming “talent is not enough” and labeling him “not a fighter.”

Amorim defended his captain, saying, “I heard about that. I have a different opinion. Bruno is really important for us, especially for me.

“I know sometimes his body language—raising his arms—might look like he’s criticizing teammates, but I think it’s mostly frustration with how things have gone this season and last.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion. Roy Keane has high standards from his playing days, so it’s normal.

“But my opinion is the opposite—and I think mine matters more than Keane’s because I am the coach. I believe Bruno is doing a good job.”

Former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maharazu Tsiga, has regained his freedom after spending 22 days in captivity.

A source confirmed to *Channels Television* on Friday night that Tsiga had been released.

The former NYSC DG is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital for security reasons.

The kidnappers, led by notorious bandit kingpin Babaro, had initially demanded ₦250 million for his release. However, it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid.

As of now, government officials and security agencies, including the Katsina State Police Command, have not issued any statements regarding his release.

Tsiga was abducted on February 6, 2025, by an unknown number of bandits who stormed his residence in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

During the attack, two individuals sustained injuries, while one of the gunmen was accidentally shot dead by a member of his own gang.