By Francesca Hangeior

Suspended Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), seeking the disbarment of Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Nedamwen Bernards Imasuen, over alleged professional misconduct.

In her petition titled IN THE MATTER OF THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS ACT 2004, she stated:

“I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Adult, Female, Christian, Nigerian citizen of No. 3 Dala Hills Maitama, FCT, Abuja, apply that Nedamwen Bernards Imasuen (SCN007069A) of Suite 1.03, New Senate Building, National Assembly Complex, Three Arm Zone, Central Business District, 900103, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, be required to answer the allegations contained in the Statement/Affidavit which accompanies this application and that such order(s) be made as the Committee shall deem appropriate.”

According to the petition she signed on March 20, 2025, a key issue in her complaint is Senator Imasuen’s alleged past disbarment from the New York Bar and his actions regarding a valid court order. She referenced an online report stating:

“I read an online report wherein it was reported that the Petitioner was permanently disbarred from the New York Bar for professional misconduct, having misappropriated client funds and evaded disciplinary proceedings. A copy of the People’s Gazette online reportage dated March 9, 2025, downloaded using my MacBook Air Laptop with Serial Number C02P54QOG5RP 2016 and an HP LaserJet Printer 30085 on March 18, 2025, which were in good working condition during duration and was receiving constant supply of information in the ordinary course of business, is herein annexed as Exhibit NATASHA 1.”

According to her petition, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, permanently disbarred Imasuen on May 10, 2010. She asserted:

“The Respondent, Senator Neda Imasuen, was disbarred by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, on May 10, 2010, for fraud, misappropriation of client funds, and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities. A copy of the Justia New York Case law 2010 title Matter of Imasuen is herein annexed and Marked as Exhibit NATASHA 2.”

She stated her intention to present further evidence at trial, adding:
“I will lead further evidence from official records of the Respondent’s disbarment at the trial of this case.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Imasuen’s disbarment was due to a formal complaint filed by his former client, Daphne Slyfield, who accused him of misappropriating legal fees.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that democracy in Africa is failing, citing the frequent use of courts as a tool to deny justice rather than uphold it.

Speaking on the state of governance, Obasanjo criticised politicians who dismiss grievances by telling people to “go to court,” even when they know the legal system is incapable of delivering true justice.

He made this statement on Monday at an event in Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Intercontinental Hotel.

Obasanjo stated that Africa’s adoption of Western-style democracy has not served its citizens effectively, arguing that the system is alien to African values and governance structures.

“Democracy in Africa has failed because it is not African,” he declared.
He expressed concerns that democracy in its current form had devolved into mere representation rather than true governance for the people.
“Democracy has now become representative democracy, and it hasn’t taken care of everyone,” Obasanjo said

He contrasted this with the traditional African systems of governance, which he claimed were more attuned to the needs of the people.
“Abraham Lincoln described democracy as government of the people, by the people, and for the people. But what do we have today? The Greek democracy affected everyone. Now, democracy has become representative democracy, and it has not taken care of everyone,” he stated.

The former president further criticised the lack of justice in the democratic process, particularly regarding electoral disputes.

He lamented the common refrain of “go to court” when citizens seek redress, despite the prevailing lack of confidence in the judiciary.
“You will say, ‘go to court’ when you know that you can’t get justice. Democracy is dying in Africa, and to save it, it should be made in the context of Africa,” he added.

Obasanjo called for a redefinition of democracy that aligns with Africa’s cultural realities and historical governance systems.

“We should remember that in Africa, we had a form of government which attended to the needs of the people. That is democracy,” he added.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has sharply criticized those responsible for managing the AirtelTigo transaction, describing them as “enemies of the state” over the sale of the telecommunications company.

He raised concerns over the decision to sell AirtelTigo—burdened with a GHC3.5 billion debt—for a token price of just one dollar.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, the Minister questioned the patriotism of those who oversaw the process.

“Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism. So for anybody to have told us that they bought AirtelTigo for 1 dollar, and now that we have taken over the ministry, ATC (American Tower Company), just one of the companies AirtelTigo owes, has presented us with a bill of 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis,” he stated.
He further disclosed that discussions with the American Embassy brought to light concerns over AirtelTigo’s financial liabilities.