News
PTD Renews Call To Rebuild NUPENG, Accuses General Secretary, Afolabi Of Destroying Union’s Legacies*

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
One of the prominent elders in Warri Zone of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Blessing Dafinone has accused the General Secretary of the parent body, Afolabi Olawale of destroying the legacies which the forebears of the foremost union built when they were in the leadership saddle.
Dafinone made the remarks on Monday while speaking to members of the union who paid her a courtesy visit at Eko hotel in Lagos before returning back to her base in Delta State.
The union leader also maintained that members and staff of NUPENG are weeping because Mr. Olawale has destroyed the fabric of the union’s unity and growth.
She said, “NUPENG is loaded with man power potentials across board and we are respected for our hard work and intelligence. Such potentials will amount to nothing when not harnessed to effectively bring out greatness for our cherished staff at various zones and the National secretariat of our union.
“The leaders of NUPENG particularly the President, General Secretary and Trustee must show good example by reaching out to all aggrieved individuals across the branches particularly PTD, the preferred choice of the people are Comrade Lucky Osesua, Dayyabu Garga, Humble Obinna Power, Olabisi Akinlolu and others. By imposing Augustine Egbon on them as PTD national Chairman, through a Kangaroo election contrary to the order given by the National Industrial Court which clearly stated the delegates conference should be nondiscriminatory, all-inclusive and transparent, etc. It is regrettable that members and staff of NUPENG are weeping because Mr. Olawale Afolabi has destroyed the fabric of the union’s unity and growth.
“You can never fault the legacies of late Comrade Frank Kokori, he did so well for NUPENG and Nigeria at large and posterity will continue to be kind to him. He was a thoroughbred democrat and activist. He fought for democracy at a great personal cost. He surrendered his liberty to fight for truth and justice. He was the finest among reformers and champions of civil rights in Nigeria.
“We can’t also forget veterans like Comrade Joseph Akinlaja, Comrade Elijah Okuogbo, Comrade Peter Akpatasan, Comrade Igwe Achese and so on. They all wrote their names in gold. Today, unfortunately, NUPENG now has one man, Afolabi Olawale, who.came to our union, took away the peaceful coexistence rooted in humility, integrity, good name, symbiotic relationship, selfless service and hard work. This is a big shame but the man responsible for this seems to be shameless.
“Today what we read about NUPENG on the internet and in the pages of newspapers are very unpleasant and disgusting and every accusing finger is directed at one man, having displayed high handedness and horrific shenanigans in the union affairs; that person is Afolabi Olawale. He practically turned NUPENG to his personal estate. It is unbelievable that NUPENG is no longer producing its legacy magazine, Energy News.
“We also learnt that the President and General Secretary have both moved in to the new secretariat in Jibowu, known as NUPENG tower, without any official notice, and it’s even strange to know that some senior staff are not allowed to the multi-billion naira edifice, which is a waste of money to money. It is high time we called on all the leaders and veterans of NUPENG to collectively come together and resolve the embarrassing and lingering problems of our union before it is too late.”
News
Natasha’s TikTok vibe to Tinubu’s song raises concerns about potential defections

The suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Saturday, sparked controversy of an imminent defection when she shot a viral video of herself vibing to a music praising President Bola Tinubu.
In the 15-second clip posted on her TikTok page, the senator was seen giggling as she repeatedly played the track by popular Kano musician, Dauda Kahutu, otherwise known as Rarara.
The musician had regaled the President with a performance of his new Yoruba song titled ‘Asiwaju Omo Ologo’ at a dinner event held in Katsina during his official visit.
Asiwaju Omo Ologo translates to mean ‘Asiwaju the glorious child’.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action has left her supporters confused, with many wondering if she plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PUNCH could also not independently verify if her subtle action is an affirmation of an imminent defection or another satire deployed to embarrass the APC-led government.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Kogi senator were unsuccessful.
Her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, could also not be reached on the phone for clarification.
As of the time of filing this story, he could not be reached again.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on 6 March following a heated disagreement with the Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she alleged was designed to undermine her.
Tensions rose further when she accused Senate President Akpabio on national television of punishing her for rejecting his purported sexual advances.
During the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.
She also criticised the severe measures imposed on her, including the withdrawal of security, salary cuts, and a six-month suspension from the National Assembly.
Following a series of legal fireworks between both parties, the court barred the duo from talking to the press and commenting on the issue until the legal outcome of the case.
Last Sunday, two days after Akpabio led a Federal Government delegation to the Vatican, the Kogi Central senator wrote a satirical ‘Apology Letter’ directed at the office of the Senate President.
News
Ex-provost AUN, Prof Baba’s loses three children in auto clash

A motor accident has claimed the lives of three children of Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba, the former provost of the American University of Nigeria, AUN, also known as ABTI American University Nigeria, in Yola, Adamawa State.
The tragic incident, which occurred Friday night, has left the academic community and the nation in mourning.
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, who founded AUN, has expressed shock over the tragic incident.
In a statement, he said, “It is with a heavy heart that I condole with the family of Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba, former provost of the American University of Nigeria, on the loss of three children in a ghastly motor accident last night.”
According to him, “It is my wish that we put the family in our prayers at this difficult time, for Allah to comfort them and accept the return of the departed souls. Amin.”
Professor Baba, a respected academic and administrator, previously served as the provost of AUN, an institution renowned as Africa’s first development university.
The loss of his children has sparked an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, students, and the wider community, who are rallying to support the grieving family during the unimaginable tragedy.
News
Girl, Mother Beat Father To Death In Delta Community

A young girl identified as Onyinye and her mother have reportedly beaten her father to death.
The incident occurred along Urhobo Road in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State after the man questioned her daughter’s second pregnancy out of wedlock.
According to the report, the deceased, a commercial tricycle operator, was reprimanding his daughter for the second pregnancy when she became angry and pounced on, beating him to stupor.
Onyinye’s mother was said to have quickly locked the door, joining her daughter in assaulting the husband until he fell and hit his head on the ground.
He was reported to have died instantly, before neighbors could intervene and force the door open.
Sources in the area said residents raised an alarm, inviting the police, who arrested both the mother and daughter.
When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, claimed that the matter had not been reported.
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