President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a distinguished delegation to Vatican City to participate in the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The ceremony is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Senate President Godswill Akpabio heads the five-member Nigerian delegation, which includes: Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away a day after participating in the Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican. His passing marks the end of a distinguished papacy dedicated to advocating for the poor and promoting peace across the globe. The Nigerian delegation’s primary role will be to deliver a letter of sympathy and condolences from President Tinubu to the Acting Head of the Vatican. This gesture honors Pope Francis’s legacy and reaffirms Nigeria’s solidarity with the global Catholic community. President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow upon hearing the news, describing Pope Francis as a “humble servant of God, a tireless advocate for the poor, and a beacon of hope for millions around the world.” In his message, President Tinubu emphasized the significance of Pope Francis’s passing, coming so soon after Easter, as a symbolic return to his Creator, aligned with the Christian message of resurrection and hopeFor further insights into Pope Francis’s life and legacy, refer to Vatican News. BUY ANYTHING ON KONG BUY NOW Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
LAGOS—Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has voiced concerns that the ongoing political developments in Rivers State and the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio could threaten the stability of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. He warned that similar events in the past led to the downfall of Nigeria’s First and Second Republics. George, speaking in Lagos, criticized the Nigerian government for what he termed as unconstitutional actions, including the controversial voice vote used to approve President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. He also condemned efforts to recall Natasha from the Senate, calling the situation shameful and indicative of deeper flaws in Nigeria’s democracy. In his remarks, George drew parallels to past political crises, stating, “Today, we are seeing the same mistakes that led to the collapse of our earlier republics, now being repeated by the APC-led government. The unconstitutional decisions, including the handling of the Rivers State crisis and the treatment of Natasha, are not just harmful to Nigeria’s democratic institutions, but they also bring international disgrace.” He further criticized the deployment of security forces to protect a deposed speaker in Lagos while security was withdrawn from the elected speaker, and the National Assembly’s rubber-stamp approval of the state of emergency in Rivers without the required two-thirds majority. Manipulation of Political Processes One of the most contentious issues raised by George was the Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha’s allegations have sparked a political battle, with George accusing the Senate of partisan misconduct, further eroding public trust. He pointed out the lack of an independent investigation into Natasha’s claims, instead opting for punitive actions against her, including her suspension. “There is a serious risk that these actions are part of a political conspiracy to recall Natasha using the machinery of state. The attempt to manipulate the political process, such as the unsubstantiated gathering of signatures at the INEC office, is a gross injustice,” George said. He also warned that such actions signal a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s future. “This is not democracy, it’s a clear case of manipulation. We are heading toward a very dangerous path,” George added, referring to the government’s interference in the Kogi State and Bayelsa State political situations. Global Embarrassment and Growing Tensions While George condemned these actions as threats to Nigeria’s democracy, he also emphasized the international embarrassment caused by these moves. The global community has been closely watching Nigeria’s political developments, with criticism coming from various quarters, including from notable figures like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently warned that democracy in Nigeria was under threat. Looking ahead, George expressed his concern that these tensions could escalate as the 2027 elections approach. He warned that, with rising insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, the government’s focus should be on resolving these issues rather than engaging in political conflicts. Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Transparency George concluded his statements with a call for accountability and transparency in the country’s political system, urging the government to respect democratic norms and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. He also called on Nigerians to resist attempts to manipulate the democratic process, stressing that the country’s future depends on the actions taken today. For more information on the political climate in Nigeria and the challenges facing its democracy, you can read this insightful article from The Guardian on the state of Nigerian democracy here. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Senate Rules Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Petition Procedurally Invalid Abuja – The Nigerian Senate has officially dismissed a petition submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which she alleged misconduct. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), declared the petition invalid due to procedural errors and legal constraints. During the probe session on Wednesday, Senator Imasuen stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition was “dead on arrival” as it failed to comply with Order 40 of the Senate Standing Orders. He explained that the senator personally signed the document rather than having it endorsed by another party, which rendered it procedurally flawed. Additionally, he emphasized that the allegations contained in the petition were already being addressed in court, making them sub judice and beyond the Senate’s purview. Despite being scheduled to appear before the committee at 2:00 PM, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to attend the session, which eventually commenced at 2:58 PM. Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), who was also expected at the meeting, arrived late but was present when the deliberations began. The petition stemmed from an earlier plenary session incident involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. Following the incident, the matter was referred to the Senate Ethics Committee for a detailed review. The committee was mandated to conduct a thorough investigation and present its findings within two weeks. Senator Adaramodu highlighted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public dispute with the Senate President, particularly regarding seat allocation, had adversely impacted the Senate’s image. He further referenced an interview she granted on Brekete Family via Human Rights Radio and TV, where she restated her claims against Akpabio. Following these deliberations, the Senate reaffirmed its decision to reject the petition based on the procedural violations and legal restrictions surrounding the case. For further updates on Nigerian legislative affairs, visit Premium Times and stay informed about developments in the National Assembly. Premium Times – Nigerian Legislative Updates READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has filed multiple legal cases against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of defamation and seeking N250 billion in damages. The lawsuits stem from comments Akpoti-Uduaghan made during an interview on Arise TV, where she claimed that Senate President Akpabio had made inappropriate advances toward her, both in his office and at his residence in Akwa Ibom. In response, Ekaette Akpabio strongly denied these allegations, emphasizing that her husband is a man of integrity. She dismissed the claims as “false and baseless.” Taking legal action, Ekaette filed a fundamental rights lawsuit at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. She argued that the senator’s statements subjected her and her children to “emotional and psychological distress.” As part of the lawsuit, she has requested a restraining order to prevent Akpoti-Uduaghan from making any further “malicious and defamatory” remarks that violate her fundamental rights. The legal claim also includes a demand for N250 billion in exemplary, punitive, aggravated, and general damages. Ekaette Akpabio insists that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements have significantly tarnished her reputation and that of her family, causing public disgrace and personal harm. Additionally, she has petitioned the court to compel the senator to issue a public apology, which should be published in two widely read national newspapers. The lawsuit further requests an additional N1 billion in punitive and exemplary damages to compensate for the harm caused by the defamatory claims. She has also called for a perpetual injunction to permanently restrain Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further damaging statements against her family. As of now, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has not publicly addressed the accusations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan. Learn more about defamation laws in Nigeria READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
