Local Contractors under the umbrella of All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding payment of debts allegedly owed them by the federal government.

The protesters, led by the association’s national president, Jackson Ifeanyi Nwoss, yesterday carried banners and placards calling on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to release funds for executed constituency and federal projects.

The contractors, who converged in large numbers at the National Assembly main gate around 10 a.m., caused a heavy traffic gridlock that forced security operatives to lock down the complex’s main entrance.

Staff and visitors were later diverted to the back gate, which also became congested, with vehicles barred from entering the premises.

Speaking during the protest, Nwosu accused the federal government of insincerity and neglect, saying many contractors have been pushed into debt and poverty despite completed projects across the country.

Multichoice has slashed the price of the DStv decoder from N10,000 to a N7,900, while the GOtv decoder price dropped to N6,500.

MultiChoice’s Executive Head of Marketing, Tope Oshunkeye, explained that the move is to ensures that entertainment remained affordable for all Nigerians as the festive season approaches.

He emphasised that this would be a great opportunity for more families to spend quality time together, enjoying local and international programming without putting too much pressure on their pockets.

According to the company, this second major adjustment in months, effective since November 1, is part of the company’s commitment to serve customers better and provide affordable access to premium entertainment.

The new price adjustment follows an earlier reduction in June, under the company’s “We’ve Got You” campaign. Then, MultiChoice adjusted the price of a DStv decoder by 50 percent from N20,000 to N10,000, and the GOtv decoder went from N18,600 to N9,900.

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has returned the passport of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after a wave of public outcry and condemnation on social media.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, was stopped by immigration officers on Tuesday morning, and her passport was withheld without any official reason or explanation provided.

The lawmaker, who was visibly frustrated, had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of ordering the seizure, alleging it was a move to prevent her from traveling and carrying out her senatorial duties.

“I have committed no offence and there is no order from the court to withhold my passport and deny me travelling. The last time this happened, the officer in charge told us that the Senate President, Godswin Akpabio instructed them to withhold my passport and prevent me from travelling because he said each time I travel out of the country, I spoil the country’s image by granting interviews out in international media.

“Please, can you tell them to release my passport and this embarrassment should stop? You have no right to withhold my passport.

“You have no right to deny me exit and entrance into my country. I have not committed any offence and this must stop. No, this must stop.

“As a matter of fact, I think I have to sue you for continuously embarrassing me. No, don’t tell me sorry. Can I please have my passport? You can’t keep doing this to me all the time,” she said.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan views the incident as part of a recurring pattern of harassment, pointing out that her passport was previously seized under similar circumstances, only to be released after intervention from influential figures.

She continued, “There is no reason why. You have no right to do that, madam. You have no right. You are taking laws into your hands. There is no court order. I have not missed any of my court appearances.

“I have attended all my court sessions. I am not a flight risk. I am not a risk to my country. So why are you treating me like a criminal? Can I have my passport, please? Thank you very much. Sometimes I think you just have to be a rebel to get things right. Then you keep asking Nigerians to be good citizens.

Minutes after her public protest gained traction online, the NIS reportedly bowed to pressure and released her passport.

“If I had not gone public, would you have given me my passport,” she added.