Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has pledged to respond to the criminal defamation case filed against her by the Federal Government with what she calls “factual and statutory defences.”

The legal action follows her remarks made during a live broadcast of Politics Today on Channels Television, which aired on April 3.

Her legal representatives, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Ehiogie West-Idahosa, confirmed receiving the court summons on Friday.

The case, filed under the reference CR/297/25, was instituted on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

According to the government’s filing, Akpoti-Uduaghan is charged under Section 391 of the Penal Code, which addresses defamation and imputations made with intent to damage reputation.

The prosecution alleges she made certain statements “knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person.”

Prominent individuals expected to testify include Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Also listed are Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Sandra Duru, Maya Iliya, and two investigating police officers, Abdulhafiz Garba and Maya Iliya.

In a statement released late Friday, Dr. West-Idahosa said “We received the court notice this (Friday) afternoon on behalf of our client, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The charges leveled against her are rooted in alleged defamatory statements against the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“We shall take all necessary legal steps to defend our client. We intend to adequately prepare with all relevant facts and present the same before the court during the trial,” he added.

Hon. Ngozi Okolie, the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has announced his resignation from the Labour Party (LP), citing internal instability and lack of strategic direction within the party.

At a press briefing held at his country home in Asaba on Friday evening, Okolie declared his official exit from the Labour Party and announced his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I am no longer a member of the Labour Party,” he stated. “I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I believe this decision will bring progress and more good things to my people.”

Okolie, who gained political prominence under the LP banner, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the party’s state of affairs, both structurally and operationally.

“To be honest, the Labour Party is disorganised. There is no direction, and the problems are too many. I don’t think we can make progress in the National Assembly with all that confusion,” he said.

He emphasized that his defection to the APC was not a sudden move but a calculated decision driven by consultations with political allies and traditional institutions in Delta State.

“I spoke with many traditional rulers and people in my area before making this decision. Some people agreed with me, and some didn’t. But sometimes, a leader has to make tough decisions,” he explained.

Okolie also revealed that the move was supported by influential figures, including Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and various traditional leaders, whom he described as instrumental in shaping his decision.

“So, instead of waiting for the Labour Party problem to be solved, which seems unending, I think it will be best to join the APC for the interest of my people,” he added.

His main motivation, he noted, is to secure more development for his constituents.

He highlighted his intention to leverage his new political alignment to deliver on infrastructure, education, and security.

“I have two years left as a lawmaker, and I want to use this time to do great things for Aniocha/Oshimili. I want to be remembered for the good things I did, not for staying in a party that was not working,” Hon. Okolie said.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has applauded Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his innovative and transformative leadership, describing his two-year tenure as marked by unprecedented infrastructural, economic, and human capital development.

In a congratulatory message issued in Enugu, the Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot Unit, Mr. Chinedu Anyaso, commended Gov. Mbah for living up to the expectations associated with IPMAN’s values of service excellence.

Anyaso highlighted that the governor’s remarkable achievements within just two years in office have brought pride to the association and demonstrated his capacity for impactful governance.

“According to him, Gov. Mbah has achieved unprecedented development strides in two years and made us (every member of IPMAN) proud and be able to speak interestingly on achievements of our life patron.”

He attributed the improvement in petroleum marketing operations across the state to the enabling environment created by the Mbah administration.

“Today, filling stations and other petroleum marketing platforms sell virtually round the clock and this conducive and flourishing business environment will never be possible if not for the huge security investment and technological innovation he put in place.”

Speaking further, Anyaso outlined the governor’s extensive investment in security infrastructure.

“Gov. Mbah has invested heavily in security by procuring 150 vehicles fitted with 360 degree surveillance cameras, fully equipped with communication gadgets; as well as placed surveillance cameras and search lights in the whole Enugu and built a security Command and Control Centre.”

He also praised the massive infrastructural development initiatives, especially in road construction and rehabilitation.

“Constructing and reconstruction of virtually all roads within Enugu metropolis and hundreds of new access roads outside the metropolis to make for ease of movement and opening up rural areas, local farming communities and local economic businesses.”

“Today, Enugu is secured, motorable and livable; making it the first choice destination for leisure and tourism as well as international conferences and engagements attracting thousands of high networth individuals,” he said.

On education and healthcare, Anyaso pointed to several state-wide projects.

He noted, “everyone can spot the ongoing 260 Smart Schools; 260 Smart School Farms; and 260 Smart Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres springing up in the 260 political wards in the state.”

In agriculture, he said, the establishment of a tractor assembly plant and smart farm estates are revolutionizing the sector.

“We have the tractor assembly plant rolling out 1,000 farm tractors and will train youths on tractor’s repair and maintenance as well as establishment of 260 Smart Farm Estates and lots of farm inputs and improved seedlings distributed already to farmers.”

He also acknowledged the administration’s youth empowerment efforts through digital skill development programs.

“Thousands have enrolled and more thousands are waiting to be enrolled and join the ongoing technological soft skill and upscale skill training, which holds lots of promises of future engagements and livelihoods for the teeming youths.”

Anyaso further lauded the state’s progress in areas such as water supply, tourism, rural development, and tax system modernization.

“Gov. Mbah has virtually touched all sectors i.e. urban water supply and reticulation within Enugu; culture and tourism development; rural empowerment and welfare; and put in place digital-driven tax system.”

He also emphasized the governor’s policy innovations.

“Through people-oriented laws and Executive Orders opened up the state for electricity market, farm produce and aviation space among others,” he noted.

Concluding, Anyaso urged Gov. Mbah to sustain the momentum, praising the significant improvements in Enugu’s human and capital development indices.

“On behalf of the entire members of the IPMAN Enugu Depot Unit, we wish you well. We will continue to pray for your sound health and wisdom as well as progress of Enugu State.”

“May God’s Light always illuminate your path as you continue to move Enugu State in the path of fast progress and development,” he added.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has emphasized the need for stringent legal action against oil thieves, citing their devastating impact on Nigeria’s economy and energy sector.

Hosting the Senate Committee on Incessant Crude Oil Theft, chaired by Senator Ned Nwoko, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Ibas called for stronger prosecution frameworks to deter criminal networks sabotaging national revenue.

According to a statement by his media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas described the current punishment for offenders as too lenient, saying it emboldens further criminal activity.

“Your presence here is both significant and timely. Crude oil theft strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s economic survival, undermining President Bola Tinubu’s reforms to boost oil production and fund national infrastructure,” Ibas stated.

He applauded the committee’s efforts to investigate the extent of crude oil theft across states and terminals, expressing optimism that their findings would fortify Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Highlighting progress in Rivers State, Ibas cited ongoing efforts to tackle pipeline vandalism through enhanced intelligence and inter-agency collaboration.

“As a major oil-producing state, we are committed to eliminating threats to production. Our goal is a secure, tech-driven monitoring framework to safeguard assets and boost output,” he said.

“Strict prosecution of offenders will ensure convicted oil thieves face deterrent penalties,” he added.

Responding, Senator Ned Nwoko reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to tracing and dismantling theft operations.

“We need Rivers State’s support to end this menace. Big-time thieves operate in international waters, and we must collaborate to secure Nigeria’s resources,” Nwoko said.

In a surprising turn of events, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Patrick Obianyo, has officially resigned from the race, citing personal health concerns and the strain of the campaign.

His resignation came during the party’s Governorship Substitution Primary Election held at Hyton Hotel in Awka, the state capital.

Obianyo, who previously served as Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Anambra, explained his decision was made in good faith and with optimism for the party’s future.

“Please, stop calling me His Excellency. That name has stopped today, not regrettably, but happily because I’m happy to have resigned and hand over the baton to a more capable hand, Mr. John Nwosu, to lead us to victory in the November 8 governorship race in the state,” he stated, noting that stress from the candidacy had affected his blood pressure.

The substitution primary, overseen by officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), concluded with John Nwosu being elected unopposed.

Nwosu, who had previously aspired to the governorship under the Labour Party, was selected via a voice vote conducted by the returning officer, Chief Anayo Arinze, in accordance with party procedures and electoral regulations.

In his acceptance remarks, Nwosu pledged to bring transformative leadership to Anambra.

“Today marks another important junction in our efforts to rescue Anambra. We will partner with ADC, her alliance, and coalition partners to form a formidable opposition that will dislodge the incumbent administration,” he announced.

Highlighting continuity in his political objectives, Nwosu assured party members and supporters of his unwavering commitment.

“I am glad to be part of the larger ADC family. Much work remains to be done. Let’s go and get the job done,” he said.

Ben Chuks Nwosu, John Nwosu’s campaign director and legal adviser, also spoke at the event. He portrayed his principal as a humble leader with vast experience.

“John Nwosu is an ICT guru and a billionaire in different currencies, but humble like the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi,” he said, drawing a comparison to one of the state’s most respected political figures.

Saraki,

In a bid to resolve ongoing internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a high-powered delegation led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki visited Enugu State on Friday for a crucial meeting with Governor Peter Mbah, who is regarded as the Southeast leader of the party.

The delegation, operating under the banner of the PDP Special Reconciliation Committee, included prominent members such as former Bayelsa Governor Senator Seriake Dickson and former Gombe Governor Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo.

The closed-door session took place at the Enugu Government House and comes amid rising discord following the nomination of Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye to complete the tenure of the party’s National Secretary.

The recent decision by the PDP’s Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) sparked controversy, with regional leaders warning they might withdraw their loyalty if their position is not respected.

After the meeting, Saraki briefed reporters, outlining the committee’s mission to stabilize the party and ensure cohesion ahead of major national events.

“We are here as members of the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, set up by the PDP Governors’ Forum, to ensure that the coming NEC and convention are smooth and free of rancor,” he explained.

He emphasized the strategic significance of the Southeast, stating: “This is the first state we are coming to because we appreciate the importance of the Southeast in our PDP family. As you all know, the Southeast has played a key role as the bedrock of the popularity and the strength of our party.”

Saraki further praised Governor Mbah for his role in maintaining party unity and governance in Enugu State.

“In recognition of that, we are here to consult with him and first to commend him on the leadership role he has been playing in the party. More importantly also, to commend what he is doing in Enugu State, which is a reflection for Nigerians to see what happens when you have a PDP government,” he said.

He affirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring a productive and harmonious national convention.

“In doing that, we discussed how we will ensure that we carry out the assignment given to us and go ahead to have our NEC and our convention. We will have one that is rancor-free and smooth, peaceful and lays the foundation for the PDP that we all are wishing for,” he added.

Describing the engagement as fruitful, Saraki concluded: “We have had a very good discussion. Frankly, we have had a very, very useful discussion.”

“We are going away with some of the suggestions that we have here and hopefully work on that. With this, we can say here in Enugu we laid the foundation for a greater new PDP that is coming.”

He noted the optimism among party stakeholders in the region: “What we have also seen today is that there is nothing insurmountable in the challenge ahead and the spirit, the commitment of all of us, especially our leaders, is very very inspiring.”