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Natasha-Akpabio: What Senate integrity is Ned Nwoko talking about?
Only someone who has not met Godswill Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and now Nigerian Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, would fail to feel a sense of loss at what is happening today within his circle. Anyone who has, especially at close quarters would be touched deeply about the turn of events.
I have had the privilege of meeting him at such quarters many times, enough for me to place him where I believe he reasonably belongs in the political history of Nigeria. That leads me to the conclusion that there are very few, if anybody in that Senate, as presently constituted that could best him for that prime seat of primus inter pares. He is completely fit for purpose as POTS.
I dare say, as governor, Akpabio reflected some of the enchanting qualities of politicians of old – the flamboyance of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abubakar Rimi, the debonair presence of Joseph Wayas, the wittiness of Chuba Okadigbo, the eloquence of Bola Ige, the vision and transformation skills of Obafemi Awolowo. See what he did with Akwa Ibom for starters. The sudden transformation of that hitherto nondescript and unknown space is ample evidence, of what I’m talking about.
How many Nigerians knew of that state before the arrival of Akpabio? For those who might think it was about the sudden huge wealth the state came into by acquiring some big oil wells, the question might be, how many of what Akwa Ibom was in Akpabio’s time is left today after his departure?
When he was there the state was arguably the Nigerian destination of choice for local and international events. Akwa Ibom not only found special place in the hearts of Nigerians but even elevated to the global map.
Is it still the same today? Hasn’t the state returned to its former status obscurity and ordinariness regardless of the wealth? Yes, those who came after him may have achieved some mind-blowing landmarks as well, but without the Akpabio shine, those efforts only revert to the biblical construct of lighting a candle and covering it with a vessel instead of putting it on a candlestand.
Elsewhere, he was clearly to then PDP what Nyesom Wike is today to the APC government without the brusqueness and obtrusiveness, even after office. Yes, there was the loudness, but not the rash, brash, impertinence, associated with the Minister of the FCT. Akpabio obviously didn’t talk down on Nigerians, he rather wooed them like a love-struck suitor and that left a different mark, more positive than negative, as in today’s switch of places.
Not that he did not have his fair share of scandals and nasty stories – who didn’t as a politician? Even Zik and Awo, in their primal attainment, had. But all those were subsumed in the hollows of the flowing gowns. That was also true of Akpabio.
That was before the APC came calling. No doubt that evil hand, made manifest under Muhammadu Buhari has obviously touched the man with uncommon phenomenon. He seems to have been tinkered to shape into the APC structure.
Imagining Akpabio sitting at the Senate today as the primus inter pares under the PDP, and the picture he depicts otherwise, leaves me with a dose of pity and sour taste, knowing what Nigeria must have missed. It confirms how anything and everything APC hammer touches, turns around from smooth and straight to rough and crooked.
So, when Ned Nwoko, Senator representing Delta North came a few days ago with his own version of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in what some people have termed the Akpabiogate, and chose to go after the female Senator for, in his estimation, injuring the “integrity” and “reputation” of the Senate, the question is what integrity? What reputation?
In a piece I just read from the Senator, titled: Defending the Senate’s Integrity Against Emotional Manipulation and Misrepresentation, Nwoko, argued: “The recent outcry over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been twisted into a false narrative of victimisation and suppression. Let it be clear: what was before the Senate was not her petition – something she herself has confirmed – but her conduct on the Senate floor, which violated the decorum expected of lawmakers.”
After making a song and dance about the Senate rules and why they must be respected, he not only implied that it was appropriate that the neck of the Kogi Senator was put on the guillotine, for offending those rules, but emphasised why the allegation of sexual harassment must be concerned to the dustbin.
He even blamed the husband of the Senator for not hushing her up, stressing that he would have done exactly that if it were any of his wives that was involved. But where he seemed to have scraped the wounds of Nigerians was when he began to stress the importance of strong institutions. Instructively, he recognised it as the bulwark of strong democracies across the world.
Hear him: “The Senate must not bow to emotional blackmail or social media outrage fueled by half-truths. Nigeria’s democracy thrives when its institutions are strong, disciplined, and governed by rules – not when they are manipulated to serve personal or partisan interests. We must ensure that the principles of accountability, order, and respect remain the guiding forces of our legislative process. This is not about silencing anyone; it is about ensuring that the Senate remains a place of reasoned debate, not theatrical disruptions.”
I couldn’t agree more. In fact, Nwoko would not be the first to make the point of strong institutions being the vortex of democratic practice. On 11 July, 2009, Barack Obama, then President of the United States of America, while addressing the Ghanian Parliament, on his first visit to Africa, told his audience: “Africa doesn’t need strong men, it needs strong institutions.”
But then, where he failed, and fatally so, was in his rating of the suspension of Natasha among the ways to achieving this. No way! The issue of Natasha doesn’t even merit any reckoning considering what the situation in Nigeria and where the Senate comes in or ought to have come in, in that regard.
See what a strong institution looks like. On February 4, 2020, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, tore the State of the Union address presented by Donald Trump in the presence of the President of the United States and before global television cameras. How about that? Was she afraid that the entire roof of the capitol would collapse on her head? There was a strong bulwark to protect her. Otherwise, she wouldn’t dare.
Juxtapose that with the Ned Nwoko parliament in Abuja, where then of the PDP, he joined other opposition colleagues in singing – on your mandate we shall stand – for Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its hallowed chambers, just to lullaby and serenade the President. Imagine that! Imagine what people in sane climes would be thinking of that selfsame Senate.
Imagine too what would happen if the same Trump picked up his bag one hot afternoon in Washington, heads to Air Force One, and zooms off to Singapore and cause the White House to issue a statement telling Americans that the POTUS, would be spending the next two weeks in the country – on working visit – without prior notice and full details of the benefits to Americans. Imagine what the US congress would do.
But today, the same Tinubu is in France for 14 days on the same account. He did not even make a national broadcast to try and convince Nigerians on the raison d’etre for the trip and the critical nature of the choice. No! It was Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman that would deliver the fait accompli in the usual take-it-or-leave-it manner.
Yet, the same Senate that is craving integrity and reputation, sees no reason not to bark, even if it couldn’t bite, at least to demonstrate its presence. Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time. This was just few weeks after committing the blunder of approving the State of Emergency imposed in Rivers State and the demolition of the democratic institutions that come with it, for which the entire globe is still at a loss today.
So, that Nigerians sneer at not only the Senate, but the entire National Assembly today, cannot be because it failed or was unable to curtail the excesses of Natasha, as Nwoko attempted to infer, but because they know that it is completely bereft. It is neither representative of the people nor does it care about the country as a whole. Where then are the reputation and integrity to protect?
In the first place, such a mundane issue of seating arrangement bruhaha would not have arisen. In a serious Senate Natasha wouldn’t have had the temerity to put up the act of February 20, 2025 if she believed it was home to serious business. That she did, is a demonstrable example of what that critical institution has been reduced to.
So, either way – whether Akpabio actually wanted her to warm his bed or she simply made up the story – exploiting feminism sentiments, it still ends up an adumbration of the parlous state of the NASS as a whole and its notorious image particularly.
Moreover, Nwoko’s other arguments hold no water. I’m sure that he has heard that hell hath no fury than a woman scorned. The day the whole world would hear his dark secret is when he quarrels with his delectable Regina Daniels. Nobody knew that Churchill was a one-minute-man, until the day he called it quits with Tonto Dike.
So, asking why Natasha is just coming out to reveal what happened a year ago, resembles a naïve question a child would ask. Only a rookie would fail to know that in the heart of a woman lurks millions of secrets, which only she could reveal at the time that suits her. Place a mirror in that heart and see how much the inelastic capacity of a woman to conceal.
So, assuming, but not conceding that the Senate President actually toasted her, would it not be normal for her to keep it away from the husband in this context? And if she decided to squeal, wouldn’t it be an extra?
Even ugly women, married or single, get courted daily at the malls, markets, buses, airports and all manner of places. A woman, who comes home daily to regale her spouse of the number of men on her matter, is even more likely to be seen as flippant and unserious, especially in this clime, where women are expected to take care of themselves.
Natasha gave the impression that she had to come out because she felt the harassment was taking a toll on her job as a Senator because Akpabio, who would not take no for an answer decided to punish her for refusing his advances.
Might well be true. Might also be that she indeed sucked the attention and the munificence that came with it and might even have caved in later if the Senate President was patient enough and not have taken the said juicy committee away from her.
It might be, as many have also advanced that she was telling outright lies and simply leveraging on her endowments to hoodwink the unwary – a gambit her traducers accuse her of being adept at to make her public pitch.
Nobody knows. But what is clear is Natasha’s case would have paled to insignificance and reduced to the backwaters of national discourse if the Senate actually had a enough reputation and integrity. It is more likely to be the deficit of same that is at play.
If this were the same Senate under the NASS that displayed bribe money in its chambers or the one that killed that infamous Third Term Agenda, Natasha might not have been of any issue at all. She wouldn’t even dare.
Not only that nobody would believe her, but not a few would have derided it with the dismissive comment with which they treat everyday man-woman issue – so what?
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, on Friday, pushed back against reports quoting him as promising to retrieve tickets from winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in lieu of sitting senators, who failed at the party’s primaries recently.
He also spoke on the issue of the comprehensive probe called by Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, now Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, clarifying his position on the matte, which has since raised a lot of dust within the polity.
The twin issues, dominated the outcome of proceedings on Thursday, on the day the Senators returned after going on recess to participate in the party primaries that took place across board in Nigeria in line with the electoral outlay of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of the Niger Delta and now Chairman of the National Assembly, who conveyed his position through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, denied ever making such promise to his colleagues, as it went against the grain of democratic ethos, which he had vowed to uphold.
Regarding the probe of the military, Akpabio, in the statement, stressed the need not to distract the institution, but provide it with all the needed support, giving the parlous security situation in the country, its personnel had been battling relentless.
The statement read in full: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise.
“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathise with senators who were affected by the outcome of their primary elections.
“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents. While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.
“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria.
“Senator Akpabio urges the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.”
No candidate was imposed neither was any member barred from participating in the process, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Thursday, which defending the integrity of the exercise, which ended on May 29.
In a statement by Ikenna Enekweizu, National Secretary, party said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process, adding that the selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
Stressing that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries, the statement added: “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.
“Aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities. In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region.
“These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others. The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states.
“Aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not excluded from the process but were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries. This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process.
However, it maintained that such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
The statement also highlighted the party’s commitment to affirmative action and greater female participation in politics, noting that efforts had been made to encourage women to seek elective offices while also considering the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to begin a broad reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity after the conclusion of the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of its commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
According to the NDC, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as it continues preparations for future elections.
Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), on Friday, prayed for a legislation to establish a special court to try those caught in the business of stealing crude oil in Nigeria, saying the current general law was not too helpful in stemming the tide.
It was also a day he claimed that the powerful forces behind the syndicate had a way of projecting fronts while remaining behind the scene, which made it almost impossible to track them to face justice.
In fact, Abbas, a Vice Admiral, revealed that the operation was so perfect that those arrested at illegal refining sites were usually low-level operatives with little knowledge of the larger criminal network.
A guest on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, the Naval Chief noted that many of those apprehended during operations are merely workers paid small sums, adding that such a complex structure of oil theft syndicates made it difficult to identify and prosecute the individuals who orchestrate the criminal enterprise.
“Most of the faces behind these thefts are not really known or are not the ones we always catch. The ones we get at most of the illegal refinery sites are just being given some paltry sum, while the big masquerades are the ones that make the real money. Prosecuting suspects is often complicated by the fact that many of those arrested have little or no information about the people directing the operations.
“In trying to prosecute some of these people that we get, some of them don’t even know who they are working for. So, the network is a very delicate one.
“But despite the challenges the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies are continually refining their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of oil thieves. As they are evolving strategies, we are also evolving new strategies. Like I keep saying, technology is the way forward. With that, we have been able to reduce the level of theft.”
Stating that the adoption of technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring systems had significantly enhanced efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining operations against oil theft, stressing that collaboration among security agencies, stakeholders and host communities remains essential to safeguarding the nation’s oil resources.
The naval boss while assuring that Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are relatively safe, said the Nigerian Navy had made significant progress in reducing threats along the coast, particularly illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery.
“As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe. While crude oil theft and isolated cases of sea robbery remain areas of concern, the Navy has been largely successful in containing such activities through intensified surveillance and enforcement operations.
Hear him: “What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail. There is need for the establishment of a special court dedicated to prosecuting maritime crimes.
“This court will focus exclusively on cases involving crude oil theft and other maritime-related offences, helping to address delays associated with the conventional judicial process. The establishment of such a court would significantly accelerate the dispensation of justice and reduce the burden currently placed on the Navy in maintaining seized vessels and other exhibits pending the conclusion of lengthy court processes.
“If we have that in place, I believe the dispensation of justice will be done much faster and then ease the burden of keeping and maintaining some of the arrested vessels, which will be taken off from us because we spend a lot to maintain those vessels under our custody.”
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