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NASS Minority Leadership: Wike plots Upset, meets Akpabio

Published

3 years ago

June 23, 2023

256 Views

The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has on Thursday held a meeting with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for over six hours ahead of the Senate resumption on July 4, 2023.

It was gathered that the marathon meeting was Wike’s move to block the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, hierarchy from nominating the Senate Minority leaders at the upper and lower legislative chambers of the National Assembly.

The meeting, which held in the office of the Senate President, had the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau in attendance, the newly appointed Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel, Senator Jibrin Isah representing Kogi East Senatorial District, and Senator Salihu Mustapha representing Kwara Central Senatorial District.

It was learnt that Wike insisted on nominating the Minority leader of the 10th Senate from his faction rather than allowing the PDP national organ to handle the nomination.

Though he declined speaking with journalists after the meeting ended at about 6.30 pm, and drove away in the convoy of the Senate President, a source, who spoke under anonymity, revealed that the former governor explained reasons his faction should be allowed to produce the Senate and House of Representatives Minority leaders.

It could not be confirmed, if the Senate President agreed to Wike’s proposal.

Recall that the choice of Majority and Minority Leaders of the upper and lower legislative chambers have been traditionally handled by the political party organ.

He said, “Wike was only serious in his faction producing the principal officers, but never revealed names of those he was targeting.

“He is very serious about getting the required support from the leadership of the National Assembly, as well as membership of the other minority political parties in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”

Meanwhile, the APC has 59 Senators, PDP 36, Labour Party 8, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) 2, Social Democratic Party (SDP) 2, APGA 1 and YPP 1.

News

Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026, in picture

Remembering the fallen heroes and the living soldiers

Published

14 hours ago

January 15, 2026

OCHEFA

12 Views

Location: Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Thursday, 15 January, 2026

News

FG releases Senator Akpoti- Uduagan”s travel document after withdrawal of defamation charges

Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

Published

15 hours ago

January 15, 2026

OCHEFA

15 Views

• Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduagan feeling happy in the court room.

‎Following the Senate president ‘s Goodwill Akpabio ‘s New Year forgiveness, the Federal Government on Thursday officially withdrawn the criminal charges of defamation levelled against Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The government, through the Attorney General’s office, discontinued the case

at the High Court in Abuja.

‎The AGF had filed a notice of discontinuance on 12 December 2025.
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Justice Chizoba Orji , during Thursday’s proceedings, struck out the suit and discharged the defendant.
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‎The trial judge also made further orders releasing the Senator’s travel papers as well the title deeds of her sureties.
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‎This ends a protracted legal battle that began in July 2025, sparked by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusations against Akpabio during Senate plenary sessions.
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‎The withdrawal caps months of litigation that caused a rift in the 10th Senate and fueled debates on political accountability versus personal vendettas.

Reacting, senator Akpoti- Uduagan said that the development vindicated her position and reaffirmed her confidence in the rule of law.

“Today’s outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

She expressed gratitude to her legal team, constituents, and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the legal process.

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News

Delta Governor Oborevwori gifts 65 SUVs to traditional rulers

In response, the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Major General Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), Orhue I, described the gesture as a timely and symbolic intervention that strengthens grassroots governance and peace-building across the state.

Published

22 hours ago

January 15, 2026

OCHEFA

18 Views

•Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has presented 65 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs, to traditional rulers across the state.

During the presentation of the 60 brand new Prados and five Land Cruisers to the beneficiaries, Oborevwori described traditional fathers as “tools of service” for guardians of peace and stability.

Governor Oborevwori said that the decision to provide rugged SUVs was deliberate, given the rural and difficult terrains in which many traditional rulers operate.

He emphasised that traditional rulers are not merely custodians of customs, norms and traditions but vital intermediaries between government and the people at the grassroots.

Oborevwori explained that the state’s traditional rulers have made governance easier and more effective for him.

He assured the governor of the traditional institution’s unwavering support for his administration.