Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called for an open and transparent investigation into the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He stressed that the integrity of the Senate must be protected above individual interests.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Saraki expressed concern over the impact of the controversy on the public perception of the Senate, warning that it could erode confidence in the institution.

“I have observed with concern the recent developments in the Senate involving the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This situation saddens me because of its potential negative impact on the integrity and image of the Senate,” he stated.

Saraki emphasized that those involved in the dispute should be mindful of their actions and reactions, ensuring that they do not undermine the credibility of the Senate.

He urged adherence to constitutional provisions, Senate rules, and parliamentary conventions in addressing the matter.

To resolve the controversy, Saraki recommended that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

He insisted that both parties must fully cooperate and present their cases transparently.

Citing a precedent from his tenure as Senate President, Saraki recalled how he voluntarily appeared before the Ethics Committee when allegations were made against him regarding the importation of an official vehicle.

He noted that his decision to submit to the investigation helped clarify the matter and maintain the credibility of the Senate.

“The leadership of the 10th Senate should follow this example. In my case, the investigation was conducted openly, and I stepped aside during the debate on the report to ensure transparency. This approach reassured the public that due process was followed,” he added.

Saraki further warned that failure to handle the situation properly could create the perception that the Senate tolerates misconduct, including sexual harassment, gender bias, and abuse of office.

He clarified that his call for an investigation was not an indication that Akpabio was guilty or that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims were valid.

Rather, he stressed that uncovering the truth through due process was essential to upholding the Senate’s integrity.

“For me, the Senate is a sacred institution that must be protected at all costs. No leader or member should act in a way that undermines its credibility. All lovers of democracy should work to strengthen it,” Saraki concluded.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has lauded the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified the October 5 local government elections and ordered the re-presentation of the 2024 budget.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur declared the election void, citing gross violations of the Electoral Act.

In a separate ruling, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

The Supreme Court directed Amaewhule and the lawmakers to resume legislative activities immediately and mandated Governor Fubara to re-submit the 2024 appropriation bill to the Assembly.

Reacting to the verdict, APC Rivers State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chibike Ikenga, described the decision as a victory for democracy and the people of the state.

“We urge Governor Fubara to respect the judgment without delay to restore peace and drive development in Rivers,” Ikenga said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.

He called on stakeholders to prevail on the governor to align with the ruling for the state’s progress.

“The Supreme Court’s decision marks a crucial step in resolving the political crisis between the executive and legislative arms in Rivers,” he added.

Ikenga reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to holding the government accountable and advocating for good governance in the state.

The ongoing political crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, which began with the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, has escalated into a major power struggle within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s home base.

With the 2027 presidential election on the horizon, political analysts suggest that this turmoil could have far-reaching implications for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Although the president has not officially declared his intention to seek a second term, the political landscape is already shifting, with alliances being formed and rivalries reignited.

Tinubu, who lost Lagos State in the 2023 presidential election, may face an even tougher challenge in 2027 if divisions within his stronghold continue to deepen.

Obasa’s impeachment by 36 lawmakers, while he was reportedly on vacation in the United States, sent shockwaves through Lagos’ political circles.

The legislators accused him of gross misconduct, highhandedness, intimidation of colleagues, financial misappropriation, and abuse of office, allegations he has denied.

Upon his return to Nigeria on January 24, Obasa dismissed his removal as illegitimate, claiming it did not follow due process.

President Tinubu, reportedly displeased with the development, was said to have directed efforts to reinstate him.

However, the move has met resistance from lawmakers loyal to his successor, Mojisola Meranda, who insist that Obasa’s tenure is over.

Beyond the internal Assembly dispute, the crisis signals cracks in the political machinery that Tinubu has built over two decades.

Some political observers argue that if he cannot maintain unity in Lagos, it could weaken his influence across the Southwest and beyond.

Additionally, there are signs of discontent in the North, where Tinubu secured significant votes in 2023.

Critics, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and political figure Dr. Usman Bugaje, have voiced dissatisfaction with his administration’s performance, warning that he could face a fate similar to that of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

With internal struggles brewing within the ruling APC, particularly in Lagos, Tinubu may have to work harder to consolidate his support base.

His son, Seyi Tinubu, is rumored to be eyeing the Lagos governorship in 2027, adding another layer of political tension in the state.

In a bid to resolve the crisis, Tinubu reportedly deployed the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex decision-making body of the Lagos APC.

However, for the first time, the council appears deeply divided, with some members supporting Obasa’s reinstatement while others back Meranda.

The failure of the GAC to reach a resolution prompted the involvement of senior APC figures, including former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba.

Sources suggest a compromise was being considered—allowing Obasa to return temporarily before stepping down—but lawmakers backing Meranda have refused to budge.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has largely remained silent on the crisis, but some insiders claim he played a key role in Obasa’s impeachment.

Allegedly, tensions had been brewing between the governor and the former speaker, with Obasa seen as a political threat.

Reports suggest that Sanwo-Olu may have influenced lawmakers to remove Obasa, further straining relations between him and President Tinubu.

The emergence of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker has also reignited an indigene-versus-settler debate in Lagos politics.

As a princess from the Oniru royal family, Meranda enjoys significant support from indigenous Lagosians, many of whom view her leadership as a long-overdue recognition of native Lagosians in governance.

Additionally, her rise has been celebrated as a victory for women in politics, with some supporters arguing that she should not be forced to step down.

This sentiment has strengthened her position, making it even harder for Obasa to reclaim the speakership.

The crisis has now moved to the courts, with Obasa challenging his impeachment.

A Lagos High Court has ordered that all Assembly members be joined as parties in the case, setting the stage for a legal showdown on March 7.

Meanwhile, the House remains divided, with Meranda’s allies rejecting Obasa’s attempted return, calling it an affront to legislative authority.

The outcome of this power struggle could have significant implications for the future of Lagos politics and Tinubu’s hold on his political empire.

As the crisis drags on, it raises critical questions about Tinubu’s ability to maintain control over Lagos politics.

If the dispute is not resolved swiftly, it could weaken the cohesion of his support base ahead of 2027, making his re-election bid more challenging.

Observers argue that Tinubu must urgently engage in political reconciliation to prevent further fragmentation within the APC.

Otherwise, the Lagos Assembly crisis could be a warning sign of bigger political troubles to come.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on Mrs. Unoma Akpabio, wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to stay out of the sexual harassment allegations leveled against her husband and allow him to respond personally.

The dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio intensified after a Senate floor incident where she refused to sit in a designated seat, citing Order 10 of the Senate Standing Rules.

Matters escalated further when she alleged on Arise News that Akpabio had blocked her legislative motions, intimidated her, and harassed her after she rejected his advances.

In response, Mrs. Akpabio held a press conference dismissing the accusations as baseless, insisting that there had always been a cordial relationship between her husband and Akpoti-Uduaghan.

However, in a letter dated March 1, 2025, and addressed to Mrs. Akpabio through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan advised her to refrain from intervening in the matter. The letter, titled “Stay Away from Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sexual Harassment and Intimidation Allegation Against Sen. President Godswill Akpabio; To Safeguard Your Sanity and That of Your Family,” stressed that the allegations were directed at the Senate President and should be addressed by him alone.

“Our Client does not wish to involve you in the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her allegations against the Senate President and urges you to restrain yourself from interfering,” the letter stated.

Akpoti-Uduaghan further claimed she had endured repeated harassment from Akpabio and was now compelled to speak out, asserting that she possessed “concrete evidence” to support her claims.

She urged Mrs. Akpabio to stay out of the controversy for the sake of her “sanity and family” while reaffirming her commitment to defending Nigerian women and promoting family values.

A group of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Imo State has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to unseat Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere from the House of Representatives following his expulsion from the party.

The suit, filed by their lawyer, Johnson Usman (SAN), argues that Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, should lose his seat in the National Assembly since he is no longer a PDP member.

The plaintiffs also demand that he refund all salaries, allowances, and emoluments received since his expulsion.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/358/2025, was filed on February 27 and names Ugochinyere, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.

The plaintiffs—Imo PDP Chairman Austine Nwachukwu, Ideato North PDP Chairman Thankgod Okeke, Umuopia/Umukegwu Ward PDP Chairman Agatha Onyejisi, and Imo PDP Vice Chairman Carl Nwokoma—argue that Sections 65(2)(b) and 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution automatically disqualify Ugochinyere from holding his seat since he has lost his party membership.

They also insist that the Speaker of the House has a constitutional duty to declare the seat vacant and request INEC to conduct a bye-election within 90 days.

According to Nwachukwu’s affidavit, Ugochinyere was expelled due to alleged anti-party activities.

He was reportedly invited to appear before the PDP Disciplinary Committee twice in late 2024 but failed to do so.

Following his absence, his ward suspended him on October 14, 2024.

The suit is yet to be assigned to a judge.

The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will continue to steer governance in Rivers State despite Friday’s Supreme Court ruling.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere emphasized that the court’s decision, which ordered the reinstatement of the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, does not affect Fubara’s authority as governor.

He also reassured that governance at the grassroots level would remain intact, despite the court’s decision to nullify the local government elections.

The Supreme Court’s verdict reinstated an earlier judgment barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing statutory allocations to Rivers State.

The ruling also directed the pro-Wike faction of the state assembly to resume legislative duties immediately.

However, opposition lawmakers expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that the decision could have negative consequences for the people of Rivers State.

Ugochinyere pointed out that the court did not address the legality of the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a case currently before the Appeal Court.

Ugochinyere criticized the Supreme Court for appearing to legitimize the pro-Wike lawmakers, insisting that their defection remains unconstitutional and is still being contested in court.

“It is surprising that the Supreme Court faulted the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal for lifting the initial order that stopped the release of funds to Rivers State on the grounds that Governor Fubara did not re-present the 2024 budget before the sacked faction of the House of Assembly,” Ugochinyere stated.

He maintained that until the Appeal Court delivers its judgment on the legality of the lawmakers’ defection, Fubara remains firmly in charge of governance in Rivers.

“To those who are power-hungry, let it be clear that the 27 defected lawmakers have lost their legitimacy. They should not celebrate yet—it is not yet uhuru!” he declared.