The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, has pledged to mediate in the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended from the Senate for six months on Thursday following recommendations by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.

The committee cited her alleged violation of Senate rules as grounds for the suspension.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a press conference marking International Women’s Day, the minister expressed disappointment over the situation, calling it unfortunate.

“It’s an unfortunate incident that should not have happened. In the last Assembly, we had nine female senators. Now, we have only four. We don’t want to lose any more female representatives; rather, we want to increase our numbers,” she said.

Suleiman Ibrahim emphasized the need for reconciliation, stating that efforts were already underway to engage all stakeholders and encourage a fair resolution.

“We are working to broker peace. I was at the National Assembly yesterday for the International Women’s Day event, and the Senate President himself mentioned that they are open to reconciliation. We will serve as intermediaries between both parties to ensure that justice is tempered with mercy,” she added.

The minister also underscored the importance of collaboration between male and female lawmakers, calling for continued sensitization and unity within the legislature.

A federal High Court sitting in Abuja has scheduled May 8 to rule on the admissibility of a judgment concerning school fees paid by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to the American International School, Abuja.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the matter on Friday after hearing arguments from both parties in Bello’s ongoing trial for alleged money laundering.

The judgment in question was delivered by an FCT High Court in a case between Ali Bello and the Incorporated Trustees of American International School, Abuja (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/2574/2023).

It relates to the refund of $845,852, which had been paid in advance for the former governor’s children’s admission.

During the cross-examination of the EFCC’s third witness, Nicholas Ohehomon, an official of the school, Bello’s counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), sought to tender the judgment as evidence.

However, the EFCC’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), objected, arguing that the prosecution had not yet closed its case.

He cited Section 232 of the Evidence Act, stating that only prior written statements of a witness could be introduced during cross-examination to challenge their testimony.

Daudu, in response, insisted that the admissibility of evidence in both civil and criminal cases is determined by relevance.

He cited Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the Evidence Act, 2011, stating that once a document is deemed relevant, it should be admitted.

The court will now rule on the matter on May 8.

The Labour Party (LP) and its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson and political strategist.

Okupe, who previously served as the Director-General of Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, passed away in a Lagos hospital following a battle with cancer. He was 72 years old.

During his political career, Okupe was the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He later resigned from the Labour Party in 2024, citing ideological differences, and faced criticism for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

Reacting to his death, Obi took to his X handle on Friday, describing Okupe as a dedicated political figure who was committed to building a better Nigeria.

“With great sadness, I received the shocking news of the death of my dear elder brother, Dr. Doyin Okupe. On behalf of my family and the Obidient movement, I sincerely mourn his passing,” Obi wrote.

He urged supporters to pray for Okupe’s family, adding, “His death is a profound loss not just to his family but to all of us. May God grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.”

Similarly, Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, described Okupe as a charismatic leader whose impact on Nigerian politics would be deeply missed.

“The Labour Party leadership was jolted this morning by the news of Dr. Okupe’s sudden passing. Before joining the LP in 2022, he had played key roles in Nigeria’s political landscape, serving as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and later as an adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan,” Abure stated.

He highlighted Okupe’s significant contributions to the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential campaign, calling him an inspirational leader who remained committed to Nigeria’s progress.

“Though he resigned from the party last year, he continued to offer us valuable advice. He was lively, energetic, honest, and creative—qualities we will sorely miss,” Abure added.

He concluded by describing Okupe’s death as a great loss to Nigeria, saying, “Though he had much more to offer, death has forced him to write the final chapter of his life. We bid him a sorrowful farewell.”

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

During Thursday’s plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan reintroduced the petition after her initial attempt was rejected by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.

This time, she stated that the petition was brought forward by her constituents, led by Zubairu Yakubu.

Following her presentation, Senate President Akpabio asked whether there were any legal barriers to accepting the petition, to which she responded that there were none.

Subsequently, Akpabio directed her to formally lay the petition before the Senate.

It was then referred to the Ethics Committee, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, with instructions to review the matter and report back within four weeks.

The resubmission follows the controversy that erupted on Wednesday when Akpoti-Uduaghan first presented the petition.

At the time, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) raised a point of order, citing Senate Standing Order 40.

He argued that the petition could not be entertained as the matter was sub judice due to an ongoing legal dispute involving Akpoti-Uduaghan and Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President.

Monguno further contended that since the petition was personally signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, it should not be considered.

As a result, the Senate Ethics Committee initially dismissed it, declaring it inadmissible.

With the petition now resubmitted on behalf of her constituents, the matter has once again been placed before the Ethics Committee for legislative review.

The Senate has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) for six months following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Her suspension was approved during Thursday’s plenary after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended disciplinary action against her.

As a result, she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises, and her salary, security details, and office privileges will be withdrawn for the duration of the suspension.

Additionally, her legislative aides will not receive their salaries.

The Senate ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension will remain in effect for six months unless she submits a formal written apology.

The decision follows a tense standoff in the Senate, which began when Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio.

Upon arriving at a recent plenary session, she discovered that her nameplate had been removed and her seat reassigned, which she saw as an attempt to silence her.

Her protest led to a heated exchange on the Senate floor.

The matter was referred to the Senate Ethics Committee for review, and after deliberation, the committee initially recommended a six-month suspension.

However, following an appeal from Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), the Senate considered reducing the suspension to three months before ultimately upholding the original six-month penalty.

During the plenary, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, presented a report highlighting the negative impact of the incident on the Senate’s public image.

He noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions had caused significant disruption and called for decisive action to maintain order.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) West Idahosa has condemned the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) despite a court order restraining the chamber from taking any disciplinary action against her.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Idahosa described the Senate’s disobedience to judicial orders under Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a damaging precedent.

“The most damaging is the blatant disobedience to a court order. It is very untenable for a law-making body,” he stated.

Citing Section 4, Subsection 8 of the 1999 Constitution, Idahosa argued that the Senate’s actions were unconstitutional, as legislative conduct is subject to judicial review.

He further referenced the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act, stating that courts generally hold that lawmakers cannot be suspended for more than 14 days.

According to Idahosa, Akpoti-Uduaghan was not given a fair hearing, and the Senate’s decision appeared predetermined.

“A few days ago, a court order was served on the Senate and the Ethics Committee through the Clerk. Despite this, they rushed a committee report and went ahead with the suspension, even in the senator’s absence,” he said.

He added that the Senate’s refusal to comply with judicial directives undermines the judiciary’s authority.

“If I were the judge and the appropriate applications were brought before me, I would take strong measures to uphold the court’s authority,” he declared.

The longstanding dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio escalated on March 6, 2025, when the Senate suspended the female senator for six months.

The move followed her allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of office against the Senate President, which she made after a seat reassignment conflict on February 20, 2025.

Akpabio denied the allegations, while Akpoti-Uduaghan responded by filing a N100 billion defamation lawsuit against him. Meanwhile, the Senate referred her to its disciplinary committee.

Seeking legal redress, the Kogi senator obtained a restraining order from the Federal High Court in Abuja, preventing the Senate from proceeding with disciplinary actions. The case is set for hearing on March 10, 2025.

On March 5, 2025, the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed her sexual harassment petition against Akpabio, citing procedural and legal constraints.

Undeterred, she resubmitted the petition the following day.

This is not the first clash between Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In July 2024, the Senate President publicly apologized to her over a controversial remark he made about her at a nightclub.