Politics
Natasha/Akpabio feud: Senate fast progressing in error -Ex-lawmaker, Teejay Yusuf
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/images-2024-06-02T125039.311-452x600.jpeg&description=Natasha/Akpabio feud: Senate fast progressing in error -Ex-lawmaker, Teejay Yusuf', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/images-2024-06-02T125039.311-452x600.jpeg&description=Natasha/Akpabio feud: Senate fast progressing in error -Ex-lawmaker, Teejay Yusuf', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
…says Natasha’s voice and similar others will impact Senate
…feud was needless if Senate had applied maturity, proper reasoning
A three -term former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Teejay Yusuf has said the Senate is fast progressing in error over the feud between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate.
The lawmaker who is fondly called Teejay by his political acolytes and childhood friends represented Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives; 2011 to 2023.
In a statement he personally signed, Teejay examined the feud and gave cogent reasons why it was needless and the way forward.
“As a former federal lawmaker, who had the privilege of representing my constituency, and Nigeria for twelve years in the House of Representatives, I feel disappointed at the way, and manner the disagreement between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is being managed.
” Initially, one had thought that the Senate; with experienced lawmakers in the leadership, and membership will apply more wisdom, tact, and restraint in handling the issues.
“But alas, the reverse is the case! Fact is, the Senate seems to be progressing in error, on a needless matter that should not have led to a full-blown crisis; as been witnessed if the leadership had exhibited genuinty, sincerity, transparency, fairness, and true comradeship ab initio.
“Perhaps it is necessary to ask; why go to war when proper reasoning would have saved the situation? Perhaps one should reiterate that the Senate leadership should know that might; as being displayed is not necessarily strength.
“Indeed, the relocation of seating arrangement; which was the initial matter should not have been allowed to snowball into other bigger issues if handled with care, fairness, and understanding.
” Somehow, as events unfold it appears there is more to the matter. First, Akpabio, not realizing the microphone was on, allegedly gave directive for the suspension of Natasha; whilst discussions were still on-going.
” Two, it took public outcry before attending to the Petition by Natasha’s constituents. Three, the swiftness, and hurried nature in which the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petition completed its assignment, and submitted the Report gave serious concerns. Four, the numbers of weighty recommendations, and severity gives the impression that the Committee may be “dancing to the rhythms of some drummers.” Five, reports of alleged manipulation of the Committee’s attendance list were not taken with seriousness, and may have been consigned to history.”
He explained: “It should be reiterated that Parliament, all over the world is naturally a place of contestation. That Akpoti-Uduaghan complained about the seating arrangement is not out of the ordinary. Such would have been resolved peacefully and amicably; without recourse to brickbats, and emotional outbursts by all parties.
” In any case, similar (and possibly worse) incidents had happened in Nigeria’s Legislature which did not lead to what we are witnessing.
” Recall Akpabio’s disagreement with Senator Saraki (then Senate President over seating arrangement; Saraki and Senator David Mark (then Senate President) over some issues; Femi Gbajabiamila (as Opposition Leader); Rep. Chinda Kingsley, Rima Shawulu, and my humble self with Gbajabiamila (as Speaker). In all of these situations, despite fierce protestations, and arguments they were resolved amicably; it did not lead to the suspension of any member or senator. That is the beauty, and significance of the Legislature.
“It is imperative to counsel Akpabio, and the leadership of Nigeria’s Senate that they should learn to accommodate dissenting voices as much as practicable and possible. Senators who are new, and others should be allowed to ventilate their opinions, and make contributions to debates; even when the leadership have different positions. That is what makes the Legislature vibrant and dynamic.
” Undoubtedly, with the voices of Akpoti-Uduaghan, and similar others making valuable contributions to national issues, at this time will bring positives to the Senate. Also, the Senate can leverage on the popularity of Akpoti-Uduaghan (and others) to generate positive public perception about the Legislature, and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
“While I congratulate Akpoti-Uduaghan for being dogged, steadfast, and refusing to be cowed in the midst of harassment and intimidation, I wish to appeal that she should continue to stay committed towards impacting positively on the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District who have consistently invested their total support for her not minding the crude theatrics and propaganda by few people.
“I strongly advise the Kogi state government not to internalize the crisis, which has external origination. That the government is allegedly involved in the matter is very unfortunate.
“Also, reports that the government was behind the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan is outrightly condemnable, preposterous and cowardly.
” I appeal to those behind the recall to backtrack, and stop forthwith by not overheating the political system in Kogi state. Elections are over, though of different political parties, Akpoti-Uduaghan is representing the state at the National Assembly.
“The best Kogi state government can do is to seek ways towards resolving the crisis, and not taking sides, and embarking on actions that will end in failures.
“Finally, as an advocate of peace, unity, and development, I believe that the needless crisis between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan can still be resolved. Fact is, the image of the Senate has been bruised, and battered. Something immediate, and timely needs to be done. Going forward, I call on credible, and patriotic Nigerians; in or out of government to step up, and intervene on the lingering feud in the overall interest of the country.
Politics
Tinubu Administration Cannot Be Trusted With State Police, Says PRP
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has raised concerns over plans by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to establish state police through a constitutional amendment.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the opposition party said the Tinubu administration’s credibility and competence were at an unprecedented low in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The party acknowledged the need for a major review and overhaul of Nigeria’s security, law and order institutions to address insecurity and strengthen citizens’ confidence in leaders and critical institutions.
However, it argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration lacked the moral standing and public trust required to undertake a major restructuring of the country’s policing system.
“Going by precedent and record, this administration will almost certainly secure what is needed to amend the constitution and actualize its desire to establish State Police,” the statement said.
“While Nigeria needs major review and overhaul of its security and law and order institutions to address national security and create an environment that should raise citizens’ confidence and faith in leaders and critical institutions, this administration lacks the moral assets and the trust of Nigerians to undertake a major shift in the policing structure of the country.
“The APC administration has failed to manage our security structure and institutions. Its plan to engineer the emergence of State Police is suspicious and it should be rejected.”
The PRP said the forthcoming election should serve as a test of credibility and popular acceptance before the country takes decisions on major issues such as the creation of state police.
It also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure citizens and bring an end to the insecurity facing the country.
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday transmitted to the Senate a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police services across the federation. The upper chamber passed the bill on Wednesday.
Politics
Peter Obi advises Tinubu to consider quitting like UK PM
The Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning his position, having failed woefully in discharging most of his campaign promises. And having failed to improve the standard of living of the citizens.
Reacting to the announcement of the British Prime Minister’s resignation, which is not unconnected with the complaints of British citizens about their deteriorating standard of living under his watch, Obi, in a tweet he titled “owning up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility”, advised Tinubu to emulate the British PM and save the country from the worsening economic situation.
Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer said, “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.
“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.
“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.
“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.
“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible”
Politics
Enugu North by-election: APC candidate emerges winner
Chief Ikeje Asogwa, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has emerged the winner of the June 20, 2026 Enugu North Senatorial District by-election.
Asogwa polled 162,360 votes to defeat his closest rival, Chief Nestor Ezeme of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who scored 9,299 votes.
The by-election was conducted to replace late Senator Okey Ezea, who was representing the district at the time he died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62.
Announcing the result on Sunday in Nsukka, the Returning Officer of the election, Prof Christian Ezeibe, the Dean, Department of Students Affairs at University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, said Asogwa scored the highest votes in the election to emerge the winner.
“Asogwa having satisfied the requirements of the law in this election is hereby declared the winner and is returned.
“I thank you all for your cooperation, support and maturity that made the by-election a success,” he said.
According to Ezeibe, the number of registered voters in Enugu North Senatorial District was 727, 340 while 184,094 were accredited in the election.
A breakdown of the result scored by five other candidates showed that Chika Idoko Emmanuel of the African Democratic Party, ADC, polled 1,676 votes while Kingsley Aneke of Boot Party, BP, got 1607 votes.
Other candidates are Ejike Simon Eze of Labour Party, LP, 1,027 votes, OssElias Okwudiri Ossai of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, 3,129 votes and Charles Ugochukwu of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, 667 votes.
In his acceptance speech, Asogwa, the senator elect, said the outcome reflected the overwhelming support of the residents of the six local government areas that made up the Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
He promised to give the senatorial zone quality and effective representation to justify the massive support and confidence residents had expressed through their votes.
-
News22 hours agoYou Clearly Didn’t Read the State Police Bill — Akpabio’s Aide Fires Back at Obi
-
News22 hours agoPeter Obi Reacts To court Ruling Nullifying NDC’s Registration
-
News22 hours agoMy Dad’s Wife Needs Money To Maintain Her Lavish Lifestyle- Mr. Ibu’s Son
-
News22 hours agoEdo CJ constitutes special court to try cultists, kidnappers
-
Metro22 hours agoTwo killed in fresh Imo bomb explosion
-
News22 hours agoArmy to recruit 28,000 additional soldiers to combat insecurity
-
News22 hours agoXenophobia: “South Africa is nothing without Africa — MTN Group Chairman, Mcebisi Jonas
-
Metro22 hours agoAlakija Building Collapse: Sanwo-Olu Directs Demolition Of Distressed Structures, Owner To Be Prosecuted

Warning: Undefined variable $user_ID in /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/comments.php on line 49
You must be logged in to post a comment Login