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BREAKING: Senate Suspends Natasha for Six Months

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The Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months in connection with her face-off with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The Red Chamber’s Sergeants at Arms escorted Natasha out of the chamber .

Her suspension was put to a vote after she was denied the opportunity to speak, with the majority siding with the Ethics Committee’s report.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro supported the committee’s recommendation, stating that her actions warranted disciplinary action. He likened the move to “correcting a child,” referencing Nigerian cultural norms.

To appeal the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan must submit a written apology to the Senate for allegedly violating its rules.

The Ethics Committee originally recommended a six-month suspension but later reduced it to three months after the Senate considered the plea of Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), who had requested a reduction.

Earlier, the Senate committee on public conduct, ethics, privileges, and public petitions has recommended the suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, lawmaker representing Kogi central, for six months.

Speaking at the plenary on Thursday, Neda Imaseun, chairman of the committee, said the panel’s report followed an investigation that found her in “total” violation of senate rules.

The panel also recommended locking her office, barring her from the national assembly during suspension, and withdrawing her salary and that of her legislative aides.

“That the Senate do suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023 as amended for bringing the President, the Presiding Officer, and the entire Senate in general to public app…,” Imaseun said.

“That for the Senate to consider lifting the suspension or to reduce the term of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before the reconsideration by the Senate.

“The Senate do suspend Senator with effect from 6 March 2025 from all legislative activities forethought.

“Her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and hand over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

“That for the duration of her suspension she cannot come close, or be seen within the vicinity of the National Assembly, including her staff.

“That her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended and withdrawal of all security detail for the duration of her suspension.

“For the period of her suspension, she be barred from representing herself to the public locally and internationally as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

”The controversy began when Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.

On Wednesday, the senate panel rejected the sexual harassment petition submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio, citing due process breaches and legal limitations.

The panel, which described the petition as “dead on arrival”, said the Kogi senator personally signed the document instead of securing another person’s endorsement, rendering it “invalid”.

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Nigeria’s National grid collapses plunge 36 cities into darkness

The Nigeria National Grid, reported on its X handle that the megawatt (MW) generated dropped from 2,917.83 (MW) to 1.5 (MW) between 11 am and 12 pm on Wednesday, adding, “System restoration is in progress.

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The Nigeria national grid collapsed again on Wednesday.

Consequently, the Disco loads of all power distribution companies across the country aside Ibadan DisCo have come down to zero megawatt.

The Nigeria National Grid, reported on its X handle that the megawatt (MW) generated dropped from 2,917.83 (MW) to 1.5 (MW) between 11 am and 12 pm on Wednesday, adding, “System restoration is in progress.”

The statement read, “Dear Valued Customers, Please be informed that the power outage currently being experienced is due to a loss of supply from the national grid at 11:23 hrs today, affecting electricity supply across our franchise areas.

“Rest assured, we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure power is restored once the grid is stabilized. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

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15 die While Returning from Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention

The accident occurred at about 6:45 p.m. when a trailer driving against traffic collided with a bus carrying the victims.

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Tragedy struck yesterday as 15 Jehovah’s Witness worshippers lost their lives in a fatal road crash at Awomama Bridge in Imo State.

The accident occurred at about 6:45 p.m. when a trailer driving against traffic collided with a bus carrying the victims.

The witnesses from the Agwa community in Oguta Local Council, were returning from the annual Jehovah’s Witness Assembly Convention in Uli, Anambra State.

All passengers in the bus reportedly died on the spot. Their remains have been deposited in a morgue.

The Chairman of Oguta Local Council, Ifeanyi Nnani, expressed shock over the incident.

In a statement signed by his aide, Orum Desmond, he commiserated with the families of the deceased and prayed for God’s comfort and strength for them in their time of grief.

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Bayelsa Viral Assault: Court Orders 21-Day Remand for Three Female Suspects

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Three young women linked to a disturbing assault captured in a viral video have been remanded at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. The suspects — identified as Kadi Blessing, Becky, and Miracle — appeared before a Magistrate Court on Tuesday, where they were formally arraigned on multiple serious charges.

The case, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media and across the country, involves allegations of a violent physical attack that was recorded and circulated online, drawing the attention of both the public and law enforcement authorities.

During the court proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested additional time to allow investigators to conduct further inquiries into the incident. Granting the request, the presiding magistrate ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody for an initial period of 21 days at the Okaka Correctional Centre.

The three women are currently facing a slew of charges, including assault, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, attempted murder, and other related offenses. Legal experts suggest that the gravity of the allegations could potentially lead to a transfer of the case to a higher court, depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, human rights advocates and child protection groups have called for a thorough and speedy investigation to ensure justice is served, not just for the victim but as a deterrent against similar acts of violence.

Bayelsa State Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring that all parties involved in the incident are held accountable in accordance with the law.

The court is expected to reconvene after the 21-day remand period to review the findings of the investigation and determine the next phase of legal proceedings.

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