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Natasha/Akpabio feud: Senate fast progressing in error -Ex-lawmaker, Teejay Yusuf

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…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.

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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.

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“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.”

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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.

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” 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.

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” 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.

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PDP: Anyanwu declares Govs’ move a ‘Coup’, illegal, insists he’s authentic National Secretary

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Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has rejected a resolution by the PDP Governors Forum appointing an Acting National Secretary, labeling it unconstitutional and a direct violation of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution and a Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Comrade Daboikiabo Z. Warmate, Anyanwu described the governors’ move as a “draconian” attempt to usurp party structures, calling it a “coup d’état” against the PDP.

Warmate noted that the PDP Constitution, specifically in sections 45, 47, 49, 57, and 59; the appointment, election, replacement, or removal of a national officer must follow due process. He maintained that Senator Anyanwu has neither resigned nor vacated the office of National Secretary, making the appointment of an acting secretary baseless. “Only the National Convention holds the authority to appoint or remove national officers, Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary until December 2025’, he said.

Warmate warned of dire consequences if the resolution is not immediately reversed, accusing the governors of acting beyond their constitutional powers and stirring internal party conflict, particularly one linked to alleged personal rifts with the FCT Minister.

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He emphasized that only a national convention—not the governors’ forum—has the authority to appoint or remove national officers, slamming the move as illegal and a dangerous precedent for the party’s integrity.

Anyanwu called for calm and urged the governors to adhere to due process, warning that failure to reverse their decision could severely damage the PDP’s credibility and unity.

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Igbo Youths Set To Mobilize 5 Million Man-March In Support Of Tinubu, Kalu

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The Coalition Of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone after a meeting of its leadership have perfected arrangements and plans to organize a 5 million man grand endorsement rally in support of our esteemed president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Distinguish Senator representing Abia North senatorial zone in the Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in the upcoming elections come 2027.

In an official press statement signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem (President General) and Comrade Okey Nwaoru (Publicity Secretary) which was made public on Monday, 14th April, 2025, the group noted that Kalu has impacted the lives of people in the southeast via his leadership prowess and henceforth it was time to pay him back by mobilizing and overwhelming support on his behalf.

You will recall Kalu has won the best Performing Senator in Nigeria, an award given by Senate Press Corp. He has won this award three times consecutively.

COSEYL through the letter confirmed that they will mobilize, sensitize and deliver over 90% of votes to Kalu in Abia North and President Tinubu across the Southeast geopolitical zone.

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“The rally is scheduled to take place in Abia State, and we will mobilize 5 million citizens from across the South East geopolitical zone. Our group is committed to ensuring a well-organized event that will serve as a platform to highlight the outstanding leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu .

“We aim to mobilize the masses, showcasing the positive transformations led by Senator Kalu in Abia North constituency and reinforcing the president’s vision for our nation’s continued progress.”

This event is crucial in building momentum for the 2027 campaigns and ensuring that the South East remains a strong pillar of support for the President and Senator Kalu come 2027 general elections.” The Group opined.

The group further said that the huge and novel infrastructural developments Klau has attracted to Abia North and by extension Southeast has never been felt by the people of the zone.

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“Truly, the people of South East are very pleased and very certified with the exceptional leadership and transformational contributions of Distinguish Senator Orji Uzor Kalu the Senator representing Abia North senatorial district in the Senate, which have significantly impacted the South East geopolitical zone, and will contribute immensely to securing a 90 percent electoral victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming elections come 2027.

“Senator Orji Kalu has proven to be a beacon of progress, consistently working toward the betterment of our region through building and renovations of schools, massive road construction, huge investment in agriculture for food sufficiency, youth empowerment programs and other democracy dividends too numerous to mention.

“Their unwavering commitment to the people has led to notable improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other areas, fostering a sense of unity, trust, and development that has resonated deeply with constituents.

“Given this track record of success, it is clear that the Senator Kalu’s efforts have laid a strong foundation for ensuring that our geopolitical zone will overwhelmingly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election come 2027.

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“Their transformational performance has created a groundswell of support, positioning us to achieve a remarkable 90 percent electoral victory in favor of the President.

“We are confident that with Senator Orji Kalu leading the way, the future is bright for both our region and the nation as a whole. Together, we are poised for success in the upcoming election, and we look forward to the continued progress under President Tinubu’s leadership,” COSEYL asserted.

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Bauchi gov, Atiku’s sons in war of words over 2027 electoral race

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A political spat has erupted between the sons of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over their fathers’ presidential ambitions.

Atiku’s son, Mohammed Abubakar, accused Governor Mohammed of failing to support the ex-VP in both the 2019 and 2023 elections.

Mohammed, who also chairs Atiku’s Presidential Support Organisation, alleged that Governor Mohammed’s presidential ambition is at the heart of the PDP’s internal crisis.

Atiku’s son was reacting to an earlier statement by Governor Mohammed’s son, Shamsudeen Bala, who said his father would not back Atiku’s presidential bid again.

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Shamsudeen had on Friday accused Atiku of undermining Governor Mohammed’s 2023 re-election campaign by aligning with the opposition and rallying political elites in Bauchi against him.

“Honestly, it would be difficult,” Shamsudeen said. “Because even if he (Atiku) wins, there’s nothing he would do for us except settle old scores. He didn’t support us in 2023—he backed the APC candidate and used Bauchi elites to oppose us. We barely survived it. He’s made it clear he doesn’t value us enough to engage in dialogue.”

But reacting on Monday, Atiku’s son fired back, accusing Governor Mohammed of secretly working with the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“Let it be known to Shamsu that never has Atiku dissipated an ounce of energy towards his father’s political travails,” Mohammed Abubakar said in a statement. “Atiku’s politics transcends such shenanigans—he has always remained above the fray.”

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He added that any political tension Bala Mohammed faced in the lead-up to the 2023 election was purely local and had no link to Atiku.

“At no point has Shamsu’s father ever supported Atiku Abubakar in his political journey,” he said. “On the contrary, Nigerians still remember the ignoble role he played in 2023, when he clandestinely worked against his party’s presidential candidate.”

Atiku’s son also referenced recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who claimed that Governor Mohammed worked behind the scenes to thwart Atiku’s 2023 bid.

According to him, the Bauchi governor’s personal presidential ambition has impaired his leadership of the PDP Governors’ Forum and weakened unity among the governors.

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“We are also not unaware of his secret hobnobbing with Tinubu’s government,” the statement continued.

Concluding, Atiku’s son advised Shamsudeen to focus on constructive political dialogue.

“The focus of every patriotic Nigerian should be on promoting political discourse that moves our country forward—not on needless rantings.”

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