Headline

COVID-19: The World’s Biggest Killer

Published

4 years ago

January 16, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Watching the frail nature of renowned Nigerian broadcaster and Chairman, Biscon Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo, while he tried to dispel the rumours of his death, one couldn’t help but shed a tear or two, and of course curse the spirit behind the deadly COVID-19, which ravaged the entire the world in 2020 while becoming a full blown pandemic.

The disease did not just make an appearance, but devastated businesses, livelihoods, social lives, families and day to day existence. It broke an all time record of the world’s biggest killer.

Much as the world may not claim ignorance of having seen so devastating, so hazardous and uncompromising a disease, one thing is obvious, none of the diseases in the past has appeared so stubborn and persistent that even a nine months lockdown could not drive it away completely. The COVID-19 made a dramatic return, claiming more lives in quick succession now than before. As at the present, newly two million lives have been wasted even as World Health Organisation (WHO) battles the new virus strains.

The killer disease bared its full pangs from inception on December 9, 2019 when it made its notorious appearance in the Chinese town of Wuhan. What started like a child’s play was later to metamorphosed into a full blown pandemic, paralysing the world’s economy, ruining social, entertainment and religious lives of the people as well as creating a distance between one and another.

According to Science Direct, “the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan, China and spread around the world. Genomic analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically related to severe acute respiratory syndrome-like (SARS-like) bat viruses, therefore bats could be the possible primary reservoir.”

By January 2020, the virus had eaten deep into the fabrics of the society, causing nations to systematically declare unspoken sanctions against one another as international travels became totally restricted. No one wanted the other into his territorial space. Apart from the war declared on humanity by the virus, there was also a silent war declared by man against man; do not trespass into my territory. There were dire consequences for defaulters. The world was on lockdown! And the midst of the lockdown, the virus continued its mass slaughter.

In Nigeria, the matter of COVID-19 assumed greater seriousness when on April 17, one of the supposedly strong men of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, who was the Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari died from complications from the disease. This was barely two months after the first case was reported in Nigeria, on February 26, 2020, of an Italian expatriate, who inadvertently recovered from the ailment. Kyari’s death jolted the Nigerian public, especially the elites. This was a disease that has no respect for class or status. The dice was cast. It became obvious that no one was safe. The safest place to hide therefore, became the embrace of discipline with its attendant features that involve hand washing, mask wearing and keeping a safe distance from the public irrespective of how well known or close the other person is to you.

Nigeria was not the only country that lost its CoS, as Guinea also recorded the death of Sékou Kourouma. He was the second high-profile death from COVID-19 within a 24-hour period after that of the country’s elections body head, Amadou Salif Kebe.

From then onwards, there was no looking back as the ailment claimed personality after personality, not to talk of ‘ordinary’ people who did not get a mention as a result of their status.

The killer disease showed no mercy, cutting short prevailing happiness in homes and rendering children fatherless, and motherless in most cases. On June 25, another Nigerian political heavyweight, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, bowed to the disease. He was 70 years. Abiola was a two term governor of Oyo State. Shortly afterwards, Senator Kashamu Buruji followed suit. Struggling with the pangs of death, Buruji had brokered a peace deal with one of his major foes. He knew he was not going to make, and so put through a pathetic call to billionaire businessman, Kesington Adebutu, and made peace. His words were rapid and desperate, and his voice shaky. Though the bitterness of death was severe and obvious in his voice, he must have died a happy man.

Following closely in July, another heavyweight of the Buhari administration, Mallam Isah Funtua, joined the fray of fallen heroes. He was a notable force in Nigeria’s political terrain.

It is worthy of note that almost all the state governors had contracted the virus at one time or another. Some of them are Governor of Oyo, Seyi Makinde, Kaduna State’s Nasir El-Rufai and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Others are Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State among others.

Elsewhere, in July, Naya Rivera bowed out, just as the US Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg died at age 87. It was a moment of emotion as the disease claimed Jeopardy! host, Alex Trebek at age 80. These were men and women regarded as movers and shakers of world’s politics and policy makers.

The disease was no respecter of persons. It claimed the heavyweight and paperweight, the young, the not very young as well as the aged in its sweeping movement.

As at April, 2020, the virus had cleared over 1000 African personalities from former presidents, prime ministers and lawmakers, to entertainment icons and top sportsmen. The agony of the of the deaths was that most of these greats could not get the send-off they would have been accorded in “normal times.”

Dr. Anastasie Akamba, head of a district hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon, died from COVID-19. In the same vein, 56-year-old South African Queen Noloyiso Sandile, widow of the late King Maxhobha Sandile, passed away on 8 July 2020 following a short illness.

Ghana was not spared as it lost prominent medical experts in one fell swoop including an Orthopaedic Surgeon, a General Surgeon, a paediatrician and a Consultant Physician/Academic.

The casualties were Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule, Dr. Harry Boateng, a Specialist Paediatrician and Medical Superintendent at the Kwadaso SDA Hospital. A retired Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Emmanuel Twagirayesu as well as Dr. Richard Kisser, a Consultant Surgeon with the Trust Hospital in the capital Accra.

On the political scene, Anthony K. K Sam, the Mayor of the Western Region’s oil-rich twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi had succumbed to the disease on Friday, June 12 before enigmatic leader, John Jerry Rawlings fell to the virus as well days after giving his mother a befitting burial.

Across Africa, and the world at large, the story remained the same; a tale of deaths and untold crises.

In Nigeria, three phases of lockdown were recorded yet the disease has maintained an upper hand, making a mincemeat of all efforts previously put in to curtail it. The impact of the virus did not only waste human lives, it also has a debilitating effect on economies with Nigeria, among a few other economies sliding into recession, the second in less than five years, and the worst since 1987. The country is still neck deep in it..

Just before the turn of the year, Nigeria announced that it has unceremoniously entered a fresh phase of the pandemic. The chairperson of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, gave the indication, lamenting the risk of not just losing the gains from the hard work of the last nine months, but also losing precious lives of citizens.

Speaking through the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Mustapha said: “the events and statistics of the last two weeks, within and outside Nigeria, have been very mixed.

“On the one hand, the cheering news of the COVID-19 vaccine, while on the other hand, we have witnessed spikes in the number of infections at home and abroad.

“The real threat is upon humanity and the progress made in the global health sector in the last five decades or more.

”In Nigeria, the indication is that we have entered a second wave of infections and we stand the risk of not just losing the gains from the hard work of the last nine months but also losing the precious lives of our citizens.

“The PTF believes that if we do the right things, adhere to the NPIs and step up our testing and detection, loss of lives will be minimised and the rising curve will begin to flatten”, the chairperson said.

Mustapha further stated that “we are in a potentially difficult phase of the COVID-19 resurgence; accessing the hope offered by the arrival of the vaccine is still some time ahead.

”Vaccines alone cannot cure the virus, rather, but a combination of initiatives, including the NPIs; that more than ever before, we need compliance.”

The SGF lamented lost lives and vow to ‘escalate our risk communication and community engagement strategies to higher levels’.

As at Friday, Nigeria has recorded a total of 107, 345 cases with 84, 535 recoveries and 1, 413 deaths. There are presently over 20, 000 active cases, and the figures keep rising. On the global stage, about two million deaths have been recorded while there 93.3 million infections with 51.5 million recoveries. Consequently, about 42 million COVID-19 active cases is still being managed as today.

While the virus has sent a whole lot to their early graves, a lot has survived the scourge and its deadly attacks which involve dry cough, loss of taste, difficulty in breathing among others. The survivors have sorry tales of near death experiences – an experience they unanimously agreed that no one should go through.

Among some Nigerians, who had gone through the hell of COVID-19 and survived include Mrs Laila Saint Matthews-Daniel, veteran broadcaster, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Ali Baba, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Retired Police AIG,Tunji Alapini, Seun Fakorede, Ivuoma Tom, Seun Osowobi, presidential aide, Babafemi Ojudu, Chairman, DAAR Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi and entire family and others.

Speaking exclusively to The Boss, famous public speaker, Mrs Matthews-Daniel said that the experience should not be wished any living soul. She narrated in her own words:

THE ATTACK WAS VICOUS, BREATHLESS – Mrs. Laila St.Matthew-Daniel

Laila St.Matthews- Daniel

My journey started on the 26th December, 2020, with a tickling cough and then a heaviness by the evening. By the 27th, December, I had a deep chesty feeling like a chest cold, and got in touch with my doctor…who told me to make sure I took the test on Monday 28th December, 2020. Meanwhile he prescribed some drugs, and vitamins C, Zinc, and D. Then my blood was taken to check all my vitals to know the state of my organs etc., before thinking of what other drugs to prescribe.

Then the weakness set in and my PCR came in on the 29th December, 2020 as positive.

I was isolated in my house…. and the saga began. I didn’t lose my sense of taste or smell, didn’t have a fever, but the attack was viscous – breathless when I tried to move to the toilet in my room, could not stand, could not eat (food was brought in disposable plates), vomiting, couldn’t retain anything. pounding headaches, disorientation, sweating profusely

I was being monitored remotely by my Doctor…. and of course, prayers from my pastor and friends. I had to get an Oximeter to measure my oxygen 3 times a day, a thermometer and a BP machine.

The critical thing is not to self medicate or take advice from well meaning friends. Administration of drugs should be by evidence.

My oxygen saturation was fluctuating between 89 and 91. And on January 6, Oxygen had to be brought in which I was on for about 6 hours and it stabilized me.

By January 8, a turnaround began and I began to get stronger and heal, and able to retain water, and eat a bit.

COVID-19 is VERY REAL and it attacks everyone differently. There is no one ‘size fit all’ symptoms…taking drugs that are not needed could actually cause more damage.

God’s mercy saw me through the very dangerous stages… Psalm 23 says ‘though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil.’ We are meant to walk through and not stay there….that is why FEAR must not be allowed to take control. The body whilst being administered to with drugs, the mind must be positive….that it is not unto death.

I was lucky also that from the onset of the pandemic, I had been building up my immune system – that is key to the fighting of this kind of debilitating viscious respiratory disease. I took my ginger, turmeric, garlic hot tea every morning before anything else. When I went out, I will steam a little for about 10 minutes when back. I keep my mask on and didn’t go out if I didn’t need to.

As a Behavioural Trainer and Consultant – and a Therapist, I had been working online for a while and this I turned to during the lockdown and after. Rarely did I meet clients one on one – it depends on one’s industry but even if you have to be at work, all precautions need to be taken.

Recovery is critical to being whole again – people who have had the attack must not compromise that side, even if your attack was mild. Changes happened within. Age also is important in recovering.

What I will advice is to take this issue of the pandemic very seriously, walking in denial puts other people at risk.

There should be lifestyle changes. Our pastimes here is to attend parties – this should be changed. Our eating and drinking habits should change – so our immune system won’t be compromised. Loads of people have underlying issues which they may not know about, or have a lax attitude towards.

Life is only as you treat it – with respect. A lot of people needn’t have died over the COVID-19 attacks but for the attitude. We can be quite unserious about serious issues and those who should know better are the ones breaking the rules.

I thank God for a new lease of life and intend to be more wise. Mask up, distance yourself, read more about all that is being said about the elusive COVID-19 attacks, live a healthy lifestyle, keep your mind positive, know that God has you covered once you know what His promises are for you – do not self medicate and above all do not be FEARFUL. Stay calm and believe you will beat the virus.

The cost of testing actually is what causes some issues where people will try to treat themselves without realizing they have the virus and there are immediate things to be done before the lungs begins to have issues.

Heaven helps those who help themselves – and may God have mercy and allow the wind of healing to blow this COVID-19 pandemic away.

COVID-19 IS NOT A JOKE, NOT A SCAM – Ali Baba

For stand-up comedian, Atunyota Akpobome, known as “Alibaba”, Nigerians must be cautious and keep safe. He maintained that COVID-19 pandemic is real.

In a video, which was uploaded on his Instagram page (alibabagcfr), the laugh merchant claimed that he just survived the deadly virus, and urged doubting Thomases to desist from describing COVID-19 pandemic as a scam.

“COVID-19 is real. Don’t let anyone tell you it is a scam. I just came out of isolation, several people died, while I was there.

“Some of my close friends know and they were very supportive.

“I thank the Lagos State Governor, the Commissioner of Health, Managing Director of the COVID-19 Isolation Centre in Yaba, doctors, especially Dr Nifemi, who are risking their lives to keep us alive. Thanks also to the nurses.

“COVID-19 is real. Observe all the protocols, people are dying, and it is not a joke.

“In fact, anyone who says COVID-19 is a scam, is a compound idiot and a fool,” he wrote.

I NEVER BELIEVED I WOULD MAKE OUT ALIVE – Ivuoma Tom

Speaking with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), a registered nurse based in Benin, Ivuoma Tom, said her survival represents a second chance to live for which she is grateful.

Ivuoma narrated in part as follows:

“Although the hospital where I work did the best that they could to ensure our safety, I was exposed to the virus when I came into contact with a patient who we didn’t know had been exposed. My colleague and I went into self-isolation for fourteen days after the exposure. My test result came out within the period and I tested positive for COVID-19. I thought everything was alright because I was asymptomatic, but on the sixteenth day, this deadly disease got a hold of me

“The sixteenth day after exposure, I started having difficulty breathing. I called NCDC, they came to pick me up and took me to the isolation centre in Lekki, Lagos. That night was horrible. I was wheezing like somebody who has asthma and at some point, I could not talk. I was so scared. Luckily, an oxygen cylinder was brought in and I was able to breathe through it before I was transferred to the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba. I stayed on oxygen for five days. Those five days were days of restlessness, sorrow and depression.”

“I am very fortunate to have a strong support system. My fiancé, my sister and her husband were strongly there for me,” Ivuoma said.

“On the third day of being on oxygen, I sent a message to my fiancé. I told him I didn’t know if I was going to make it and whatever happens, he should stay strong. He called me immediately and told me I was not going anywhere. He played a vital role in ensuring that I was transferred to Infectious Disease Hospital for proper management.”

“I am not a careless person, yet I contracted the virus. COVID-19 has taught me to be much more careful in observing all precautions, such as handwashing, wearing a facemask and keeping physical distance. Now I hardly go out except to work. I feel really bad whenever I see someone who still thinks coronavirus is a scam in Nigeria.”

IT WAS AN EXPERIENCE I DON’T WISH ANYONE TO HAVE – Seun Osowobi

And for those, who erroneously believe that being young exempts them from the virus, it is imperative to note that anti-rape campaigner, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, was 29 years old when she fell victim of coronavirus during the early days. She narrated that the symptoms began shortly after she returned from a trip to London.

She told Al Jazeera genesis of her traumatic experience

“It feels great to have survived COVID-19. If you see the data of people who have passed away due to the virus, they are alarming. I’m really grateful to be alive but also grateful for the experience as I am able to share with people that COVID-19 is not a hoax like many people may believe in Nigeria.

“I had high fever, was coughing heavily and had loss of appetite. I had a lot of symptoms on the COVID-19 list so I knew I had to get tested just to be sure of what the situation was because I was feeling really sick and wasn’t getting better.

“The virus kicked my system. It made me very weak. I was dizzy every second, I was throwing up. I lost my sense of taste but my sense of smell heightened so I could smell everything like water, food, even soaps. Everything was just disgusting to me. It was a very tough period, a very tough moment for me but I am happy I beat it. It was an experience I don’t wish anyone to have.

“The first thing that came to my mind was, “Am I going to die?” I feared that am I going to be one of the people to be counted as dead. I was asking myself, “Is Nigeria ready to handle the situation? Is Lagos state capable to handle the situation as of now?”

Many people still deny the existence of COVID-19, and many Nigerians go about their business every day without putting on a facemask or maintaining physical distance, but survivors say such people are playing with their lives.

In his message to the people of Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu cautioned that a way must be found “to delicately balance the imperatives of life and livelihood. With this in mind, the only solution available to us is to take responsibility for all our actions, and to understand that we must stay safe not only for ourselves but for the sake of the entire society.”

Headline

Natasha vs Akpabio: Time to Sheath the Swords

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

For weeks, the loggerhead between the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial zone, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on one hand, and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate on the other hand, has lingered, creating ugly scenarios and dirty muds, which the gladiators have to waddle through.

The situation, which has questioned the integrity of each of the persons and the institution of the senate as whole, has proved that this is not the best of times for the Nigeria’s number three citizen, as accusations of sexual and moral malfeasance have continued to hang around his person, the Senator herself, who is representing Kogi Central senatorial district, for his accusations, which so far have not been proven, a situation that may at some point, withdraw the public sympathy she is enjoying at the moment, and the institution of the senate, that has continued to wane in popularity and status.

Natasha, for good measure, is the wife of Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is somehow related to a former governor of Delta State, and has made it abundantly clear that she is endowed with the evidence of all her accusations. This is against the Senate President’s constant denial of all accusations. Who is right? While there’s no far-reaching answer, the public still looks on, amused at the unfolding drama.

However, it is worthy of note that since the 15th of February, when a minute issue of seat change arose, tempers have risen, plots have been woven to end each other’s political empire, and counter accusations have followed.

Natasha had refused to proceed to her new seat apparently because she felt disrespected and that the change was an aftermath of what she perceived as undermining her rights and womanhood by the senate president. She had, to the surprise of everyone, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment on national television. Akpabio and the Senate retaliated, and slammed the Senator with a six months suspension from the senate, withdrawing her entitlements and aides.

In the heat of the melee, Natasha took her case to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) while a group, initiated a recall move for the Kogi Senator. A recall that failed woefully. The war has remained unabated.

But days after the first clash, salvos are still being exchanged between feuding parties causing some Nigerians to sue for calm, and let peace reign in national interest.

For people like veteran journalist, Chief Dele Momodu, Akpabio needs to let bygone be bygone, give Natasha a call to settle the whole matter or else everything he has labored to build will likely come crashing without redemption. The same advice is given to Natasha, who though is enjoying public applaud and sympathy, may likely lose it if the battle continues, especially as her constituency is losing their representation at the Senate at the moment. A time will come when it is no longer bearable.

For everyone in the know of the Natasha, Akpabio imbroglio, the password is time to sheath the swords. So the time to end the fight is now.

BACKGROUND OF THE CRISES

Natasha had clashed with Akpabio on February 20, 2025, when she protested a reassignment of her Senate seat, sparking a heated plenary confrontation. The incident, rooted in a reshuffle following defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led to her referral to the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee on February 25 for disciplinary review. The move prompted her to seek legal redress against Akpabio, demanding N100.3 billion as damages for infringement on her fundamental human rights, at the FCT High Court.

Natasha’s damning accusations came soon afterwards, and were broadcast live before millions of television viewers across the nation and beyond on the Arise News Channel. Ever since, the media space has not been the same with divergent voices taking sides, and queuing behind the two senators, depending on either reasoning, sentiments or alliance.

Speaking a matter of factly, Mrs Uduaghan narrated what appears to be a ‘tale out of school’ holding Nigerians spellbound at how a ranking public officer would descend to the level of asking another man’s wife for sexual gratification, and victimizing her at her refusal.

Natasha claimed that Senate President Akpabio subjected her to sexual harassment and subsequent victimization after she rebuffed his advances.

But since both gladiators belong to different parties, the matter has since developed into a political firestorm with a majority of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calling for Akpabio’s probe and resignation, while the members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has remained more silent and condemning of the Kogi Senator.

The Senate President, yet embattled on the physical side, had had his various camps coming out in staunch defence of his integrity, saying he was being lied against. Akpabio’s denial through his camp, has further fueled the ensuing public debate, and blames and counter blames.

But the Senate President, through his media consultant Kenny Okulogbo, vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them “tissues of lies” concocted by a disgruntled senator, and saying the Senate President is innocent of all accusations. He noted that Natasha’s accusations stems from her removal as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, suggesting that her claims were a retaliatory smear campaign.

“She is just angry because she was removed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content,” the Aide opined

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan unveiled that her troubles with Akpabio began in December 2023 during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State. The visit, which coincided with celebrations for their shared birthday, turned uncomfortable, according to her, when Akpabio allegedly made inappropriate advances.

The Kogi Senator further said that the Senate President held her hand while showing her around his home, with her husband trailing behind, and suggested she spend “quality time” with him there, implying a romantic liaison.

“He said, ‘Now that you are a Senator, you are going to create time for us to spend quality time here and you will enjoy it,” she recounted.

She added in her allegations that Akpabio’s harassment continued in the Senate, where he reportedly blocked her motions, with special reference to the Ajaokuta Steel Company in her district unless she acquiesced to his demands. She described a specific encounter where, after being advised by colleagues to meet him privately, Akpabio told her, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy,” and quoted the Senate President, equating her situation to “a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.”

She categorically stated that her refusal led to persistent marginalization, including a recent seating dispute, which uncovered the can of chill crawling worms, and even saw her being referred to the Senate’s Ethics Committee.

The Senate President’s office was prompt, amd shortly after the revelation, released a statement that dismissed the claims as baseless, alleging they stem from Natasha’s frustration over her removal from a key committee post.

While recalling that in 2020, Akpabio was involved in similar misdemeanor when he was slapped by a former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Joy Nunieh, when he was the Minister of Niger Delta Affair for sexually assaulting her, most Nigerians have faulted the Senate President, saying he may have the capacity to behave inappropriately with the Kogi Senator.

It was also through Arise News interview that the former NDDC boss made her disclosure, stating boldly that that she is the only Nigerian woman who has slapped the then minister. The incident, she said, happened at his guest house in Abuja.

“Why did he not tell Nigerians that I slapped him in his guest house at Apo? I am the only Ogoni woman, the only Nigerian woman that has slapped him. I slapped him because of his plan B. Since he couldn’t get me to take that money, he thought that he could come up on me.

“He didn’t know that I’m a Port Harcourt girl. Port Harcourt girls are not moved by money…by somebody telling me that he will make me the substantive MD. Akpabio’s meetings with me were either at Apo or Meridien…Yes, I am accusing him of sexual harassment,” Nunieh boasted.

But Akpabio escaped prosecution, and became the Senate President, the nation’s third most powerful person.

Natasha and Akpabio however, apart from a a history of undeveloped affair, have been embroiled in cat and rat imbroglio before the present.

In July 2024, Akpabio sparked outrage by telling Natasha not to speak like she was in a “nightclub” during a plenary session, a remark that was frowned at by commentators, who labeled the first among equal Senator a misogynist. But Akpabio was humble enough as he ate the humble pie, and apologize to Senator Natasha though that was an aftermath of public backlash and pressure from Nigerians, notably, women’s groups.

But while Akwa Ibom women have protested against Natasha for her accusations, most women groups, not including APC, whose Women leader could not categorically condemn the act, have risen to condemn Akpabio. In the same vein, sympathizers of Akpabio have risen in her support, and condemned Senator Natasha

Among backlashes for Akpabio’s action are the ones from the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki. Both leaders advised Akpabio to step down, and face a disciplinary committee.

The incidents of harrassment, both present and past, has placed Akpabio on the radar of one is averred to the progress of women.

But the Senate President’s wife, has stood up for her husband, describing him as a disciplined man, who can do what he has been accused of. She dismissed Natasha’s allegations as lies, dragging her to court for N250 billion damages.

As divergent opinions continue to thrive in the public space with the Senate declaring what they will do about about the matter until a petition is brought before it, Natasha’s allegations remain allegations until proved.

If and when the matter is finally brought for adjudication, it is obvious that a head or heads will roll. Akpabio, as Senate President, may likely lose his power, influence and position if Natasha’s allegations is proven to be accurate. But if on the other hand, Natasha’s allegations happen to be, as some said, a mere figment of her imagination, her slim political relevance will crash like a pack of cards.

Someone, who craved anonymity had chipped in that come what may Natasha’s end as a senator is fast approaching. But thanks to the failed recall move, she still have another day in the House of Politics.

“If she manages to complete this particular tenure, she’s definitely not coming back; the powers that be will ensure that,” he said. But again, her rising profile can prove that assertion wrong. Recently, and against all odds, she visited her constituency, and received a grand reception. This was in defiance of the both the Police and Kogi Governor Ododo’s ban on gathering, convoy and rally.

The story is developing, but whichever way one looks at it, the feud must be quenched now so that peace, respect and integrity can return to the nation’s highest law making institution.

Headline

Why FCT Was Removed from Treasury Single Account – Tinubu

Published

1 week ago

March 30, 2025

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu explained on Sunday in Abuja that his administration removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to expedite development and enhance resident participation in governance.
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The President, who received FCT residents at the Presidential Villa for Sallah homage, said the bureaucracy associated with the TSA was hampering infrastructure growth in the capital city and had to be reviewed for impact and progress.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, led the residents during the homage.

President Tinubu highlighted that freeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has swiftly catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.

“I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more. I said show me what you are about to do, and he presented his thinking and belief.

“And everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence that was abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for school children, and provided furniture.

President Tinubu thanked the FCT Minister for proving that liberation from the bureaucracy was necessary and for restructuring the FCT public service so that civil servants could aspire to higher positions and provide leadership.

“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not because of the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu encouraged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious colourations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.

“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.

“We are not looking for magic. We are looking for results. We are looking for comfort. We are praying for good health. We are looking for someone who cares,” the President noted.

“The job is not just about Wike or me, but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof,” the President said.

President Tinubu urged more tolerance, broadmindedness and patriotism.
“All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far. We have learnt some lessons from Ramadan. May the lessons continue to be with us,” he said.

The FCT minister thanked the President for hosting the residents in the State House.

“This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first time the FCT residents can extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are genuinely delighted to be here”.

Wike pledged his loyalty to the President and committed himself to developing the capital city, assuring that the FCT would soon complete many projects.

“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, attended the ceremony.

The FCT delegation included members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs and women and youth groups.

Source: State House Press Release

Headline

Eid-El-Fitr Celebration: Tinubu, Shettima Join Nigerian Muslims in Prayers

Published

1 week ago

March 30, 2025

Eric

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, joined others for prayers at the National Eid ground in Abuja, as Nigerian Muslims mark the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations together with millions of others around the world.

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and some ministers also observed the prayer at the same venue.

Eid-El-Fitr, meaning the festival of breaking the fast, is a time of gratitude, charity and communal harmony.

It began with special prayers known as Eid prayers held in Mosques and open spaces. Following the prayers, families share festive meals, exchange gifts and extend warm greetings.

Eid is a time to remember those less fortunate and to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood. A key component of Eid is Zakat al Fitr, a mandatory charitable donation intended to ensure everyone irrespective of their financial situation can participate in the joy of the celebration.

This act of giving embodies the spirit of compassion and solidarity that Ramdan emphasizes. From the elaborate feast of South Asia to the festive clothing of Nigeria and the African continent and the warm gatherings of the Middle East, Eid celebrations vary across cultures, showcasing the rich diversity of the Muslim world.

However, the underlining message of unity, gratitude and compassion remains universal.

Saudi Arabia and some other Gulf Arab states are celebrating the Eid al-Fitr holiday from today, but other Middle Eastern countries will not do so until Monday.

“The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Sunday, March 30, 2025, is the first day of Eid al-Fitr,” the Saudi Royal Court said in a statement carried by official media.

The timing of the holiday, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar.

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar also announced Sunday would be the first day of the holiday.

But neighbouring Oman and Jordan, as well as Shiite-majority Iran, said that Eid al-Fitr would not begin until Monday because the crescent moon had yet to be sighted. Egypt and other North African countries followed suit.