Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, representing Ebonyi North, has accused former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, of disrespecting him as a red cap chief after she allegedly told him to “shut up” during a Senate hearing.

The confrontation occurred at the hearing on the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, raised by the suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Nwaebonyi claimed that Ezekwesili not only told him to shut up but also called him a hooligan.

A video of the incident captured Nwaebonyi responding by stating that Ezekwesili was “an insult to womanhood.”

During an interview on AIT’s Kakaaki programme on Monday, Nwaebonyi expressed his displeasure and vowed to report Ezekwesili to traditional leaders in Igbo land.

He said, “As a person, I can’t talk to my wife like that in public. I can’t talk to my driver like that in public. I can’t talk to any woman like that, I have never done that in my life. I respect women.

“I am one of the people that has been championing the rights and privileges of women.

“As a legal practitioner, I won so many cases for women that were denied their rights of inheriting their father’s properties because their father had no male child.

“I won so many cases pro bono. The facts are there. If you go to Ebonyi, you would see them.

“I am one of the leaders from the south-east that has a programme for building houses for widows, sponsoring their children in school. I have over 300 of them. All these are to show the respect, and regard, and love I have for women.

“But, for a woman to get up in public, and tell me to shut up my mouth and call me a hooligan, a red cap chief in Igboland that has made his mark…

“I have made my contribution. I stood for election, I had the votes of over 500 people to be in the Senate.

“And for somebody who has never won a ward councillorship election to come to my office and tell me to shut up my mouth and call me a hooligan… this is unacceptable.

“I am going to take her up within the Igbo traditional leadership because it has never happened.”

Former Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, George Nwaeke, has accused the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of overseeing an unprecedented theft of public funds.

However, his kinsmen from Omuma Local Council have distanced themselves from his allegations, calling them an attempt to destabilize the state.

In a press briefing over the weekend, Nwaeke, who recently resigned as Head of Service, stated that he would provide evidence to security agencies when required.

“I cannot also give all my evidence to the media; some are sensitive. I will give details to the proper authorities when required of me,” he said.

“The level of stealing of public funds and assets witnessed in the last two years is mind-boggling. I have never experienced it in the history of the state, as we also had the highest allocation ever within this period.”

During an earlier briefing in Abuja, Nwaeke alleged that Fubara instructed his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers House of Assembly.

Reacting to the allegations, Fubara dismissed them, stating that Nwaeke had been “compromised” and was being “coerced” into making false claims against him.

Speaking with journalists on Friday evening, Nwaeke’s wife, Florence, said she had lost communication with her husband after he granted an interview about the Rivers political crisis.

She alleged that he had been kidnapped and that his interview was given under duress.

Nwaeke, however, refuted claims that he was forced to make the allegations, stating, “Fubara did not address the allegation of plotting to bomb the Assembly Complex.”

He further added that his wife was not in a position to speak for him regarding state civil service matters.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Omuma stakeholders, Maximus Nwafor dismissed Nwaeke’s allegations as false and unfounded, pledging loyalty to Governor Fubara.

“A sad day for the people of Omuma and Rivers in general as Dr George Nweke displays his true nature. It is with a heavy heart that we, as Omuma stakeholders, address you today in reaction to the actions of one of our sons.

“We are not all together astounded by Nweke’s recent propaganda against our dear governor, Fubara. We never imagined that it would take this dimension of peddling blatant falsehood against an innocent man who is his benefactor and who has prioritised the well-being of Omuma after eight horrific years of the last administration.”

The immediate past Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources alleged that Nwaeke had sought financial assistance from the governor and his Chief of Staff shortly after his resignation.

“We are in good authority that Nweke, who a few days ago had reached out to the Chief of Staff and governor for financial assistance, out of impatience, sought other means to get it, including blackmailing the governor and some top officials in the state.

“From his press briefing, it is obvious that he has been compromised to proclaim this level of falsehood. We state categorically that there is no element of truth in all Nweke said in his press briefing, as he was not a member of the local government inner caucus, much more being part of the state caucus.”

Picture from the scene, 

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) has strongly condemned the lynching of 16 northern travelers in Uromi, Edo State, describing the act as horrific and a serious violation of human rights.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by CSSLN Chairman and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, the speakers denounced the mob violence, stressing that it undermines the rule of law and poses a threat to societal stability.

“The CSSLN strongly condemns the horrific lynching of 16 northern travelers who were, on transit, accused of possessing dane guns (local firearms),” Ogundoyin stated.

“These individuals were tragically killed by a mob in Uromi, Edo State, on Friday, March 28, 2025.

“The actions of the so-called Vigilante group members responsible are barbaric and unjustifiable.

“Such extrajudicial killings undermine the rule of law and contribute to the erosion of societal values.

“We commend the prompt response of the Edo State government and security agencies in addressing the situation, but we urge them to intensify efforts to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”

The CSSLN also called for greater oversight of state-backed community policing efforts to prevent abuse of power.

“It is essential to ensure that these local security operatives operate with professionalism, respect for human rights, and in line with the rule of law. Effective oversight will safeguard the integrity of these initiatives and ensure they do not become instruments of injustice.”

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

Speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-el-Fitr visit, Fubara acknowledged the distress caused by the current tensions but expressed faith in divine intervention.

“This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose,” he said.

Fubara also cautioned against falling into the trap of those trying to instigate violence, urging his supporters and the people of Rivers State to resist provocation.

“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he stated.

Reaffirming his commitment to justice and equality, Fubara emphasized that his administration stands for fairness.

“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he said.

While regretting his inability to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations, Fubara assured that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.

He also promised to address their pending requests after the crisis subsides.

“If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor reaffirmed their support for Governor Fubara, assuring him of their prayers during this challenging period.

According to Uhor, the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Fubara due to his inclusive leadership, which contrasts with the previous administration’s declaration of Rivers as a 100% Christian state.

Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor emphasized that patience is rewarded in Islam and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the emergency rule in Rivers State, restoring full authority to Governor Fubara.

He noted, “The Governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis, and we urge the federal government to ensure justice prevails.”

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has announced his plan to contest for a return to the Senate in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at his residence in Kaduna on Sunday during his Eid-el-Fitr message, Sani confirmed his intention to reclaim the seat he held during the 8th National Assembly.

“Any politician contesting an election depends on the political equation that determines the position to vie for. If the conditions are right and the equations are favorable, I will offer myself to contest specifically for the Kaduna Central senatorial district,” he said.

However, he noted that his immediate focus is on securing a second term for Governor Uba Sani.

“For now, our priority is to see that the incumbent governor, Uba Sani, is re-elected. We will work with all our might and strength to achieve this. We know there will be challenges and opposition, but we are well prepared for all forces,” he added.

Sani also urged Muslims to use the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations as an opportunity to pray for Nigeria’s peace and unity.

Addressing recent security concerns, he condemned the killing of hunters in Edo State and called on authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“If citizens cannot move freely across the country, then we are not truly a nation. If individuals take the law into their hands for any reason, it means there is no government or authority,” he lamented.

He further urged Nigerians to commit to national unity and democracy despite prevailing challenges, while calling on the government to uphold fundamental human rights, especially the right to life, as a key step toward stability and development.

Rt. Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, the former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, has officially rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Edeoga, who previously held key positions in the PDP, including serving as a House of Representatives member and as commissioner for local government affairs and environment—praised Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership during his return to the party at the PDP secretariat on Monday.

“I am impressed by Governor Mbah’s visionary, innovative, and transformative leadership, which has inspired me to return to the PDP,” he said.

Acknowledging that his decision might not sit well with everyone, Edeoga emphasized the importance of unity ahead of the 2027 elections.

“I know that my decision to return to the PDP may not be appreciated by some, but I believe it is time for us to unite as a family and form a formidable front,” he said.

Welcoming him back, the state PDP Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunwike, described Edeoga’s return as a reflection of Mbah’s leadership.

“We are excited to have Edeoga back in the PDP fold, and we are confident that more former members who had left the party would soon return,” Chukwunwike stated.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that the Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Obiora Obegu, hailed the move as beneficial to the party’s unity.

“With Edeoga’s return, the PDP will now become stronger and more united, free from distractions and rancour,” he said.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media office has dismissed circulating rumours suggesting that her planned visit to Kogi Central for the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations has been cancelled.

In a statement released on Monday, the senator’s media team affirmed that the visit would go ahead as scheduled, despite a ban on rallies in the state.

They urged the public to disregard any misinformation regarding its cancellation.

“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central senatorial district will proceed as planned,” the team said.

“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”

The senator’s team assured that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth and joyous celebration.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her media team, reiterated her commitment to engaging with her constituents and promoting unity within the senatorial district.

The statement further emphasized that the senator remains dedicated to fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among the people of Kogi Central.

The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will on Wednesday deliver its judgment in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State.

The PDP and Ighodalo are contesting the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Sen. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election.

They argue that the process was marred by irregularities.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had reserved judgment on March 3 after all parties presented their final written addresses.

The tribunal will rule on three petitions identified marked EPT/ED/GOV/01/2024, EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, and EPT/ED/GOV/03/2024.

A key aspect of the case was the presentation of 148 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines, which were admitted as evidence on January 31.

These devices were brought forward by Anthony Itodo, a Senior Technical Officer in INEC’s ICT Department, following a subpoena by the petitioners.

The machines were reportedly used in 133 polling units where results are being disputed.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that NEC had declared Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, while Ighodalo received 247,655 votes.

However, the PDP and its candidate have asked the tribunal to nullify this result, citing alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022.

On the other hand, the APC and Okpebholo dismissed the petition as baseless, arguing that the PDP and Ighodalo failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims.

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections in Enugu State, Barr. Chijioke Edeoga, has officially returned to the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Edeoga, who was accompanied by notable political stalwarts, was warmly received by the state leadership of the party, led by the Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunwike, along with other key party figures.

The development has sparked widespread jubilation among PDP supporters, who view Edeoga’s return as a significant boost for the party ahead of the 2027 election’s.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that the Party loyalists and stakeholders gathered at the PDP secretariat in Enugu to welcome him and his entourage back into the fold.

Detail shortly….