ABIOLA,TINUBU, DAJI, ADABENEGE, OTHERS FOR HONORARY DOCTORATE AWARDSIN LAGOS

A Cross-Section of the past awardees in a group photograph at the University of Lagos last year.

In this forth coming Leadtimes Africa Magazine’s leadership Summit billed for University of Lagos come last week of March, outstanding Nigerians’ technocrats, professionals, business men and women are listed for honor by the Highestone Global University, Texas, USA.
Prominent among the awardees are Surv.Mrs Mapaderun Aminat Abiola,Managing Director of Racer Tracers Global Services who is primed to bag Doctor of Estate Management(honoris causa);Managing Director/CEO of Primero TSL,Lagos,Fola Tinubu will bag Doctor of Human Services and Public Leadership during the ceremony;as the speaker of Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarki Daji and the Kogi State Auditor General for Local Government, Hon.Yakubu Adabenege will bag Doctor of Business and Corporate Governance and Doctor of Public Policy and Administration respectively.


According to the press release credited to chairman of the Advisory Board Members,Professor Buba Mshelia,”This year’s Leadtimes Africa ‘s Leadership Summit is slated to hold at the University of Lagos before the end March 2025 by 10.30.At the end of this summit,few selected captains of industries and professionals will be conferred upon with honorary doctorate degrees awards of Highstone Global University, Texas,USA”.Professor Mshelia,further stressed, “the participants of this year’s edition will be a historic event as awardees were selected based on merit by the team of award Selection Committee under his guides.They were drawn from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.” Mshelia further opined, “apart from the honorary doctorate award conferment,this year’s edition of the program will also recognize few selected Nigerians for Leadtimes Africa Grand Leadership Prize for Integrity, Transparency and Accountability in Service, conferment of fellowship award as Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arts Professional(FCIAP), and conferment of the prestigious Leadtimes Africa Businessman of the Year respectively.

“According to the university don,
“The theme of this year’s event is titled:Taming Poverty & Hunger through Good Governance in Leadership-Pathway to Curbing Security Challenges and Enhancing Sustainable Peace and Development in Africa,” Mshelia stated.
“At the end of the summit,prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in leadership and service to humanity will be decorated with various honorary doctorate degrees of Highestone Global University, Texas, USA. This recognition will be done by the team of representatives from the institution during the ceremony”, Mshelia stated.


Prominent among them include the co-Founder and Vice President of the Board of Directors at the Irvine Global Investment Group, Barr. Mrs Efehi Sylvia Nwangwa who will bag honorary doctorate degree in International Law and Diplomacy;Mr Emeka Michael Ayaunor, a UK- based Nigerian business magnet is expected to be decorated with honorary doctor in Business and Corporate Governance(honoris causa)by the Highestone University, Texas, USA later this month.

Frm R-L:Chief Dr. Madugba Kelechi;Dr.Ifeanyi Madu,Fciap;Evang.Emmanuel Ezeani at the ceremony last year at Unilag.
Chief /Dr/ Mrs /Barr
Veronica Safiya Ndanusa,
CEO of Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management & Dr. Engr. Maiwada Sarki Bello,G.M, Shiroro Transmission in ceremony last year at the University of Lagos.


Interestingly, the Chairman/CEO of Gemnka Limited who also doubles as current chairman of Ship’s Bunkers’ Association of Nigeria Chief Dr.Kelechi Madugba will be conferred with honorary doctorate degree in Petroleum Economics of the institution as Arch. Dr Aisha V. Dawal will be honored with doctorate degree in Financial Engineering by the institution this month at the University of Lagos.


Others to be honored during the ceremony include the Managing Director/CEO of Accion Microfinance Bank,Mr.Taiwo Joda will be conferred with Doctor of Banking and Finance(honoris causa);two other reputable Nigerians including the Director of finance in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN), Mr. Ayodele Olatiregun and the Managing Partner of Blueshied Financial Services Ltd, Mrs Amaka Onwughalu will be decorated with doctor of Financial Management(honoris causa) respectively.Shehu Usman Osidi,MD/CEO, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria(FMBN) will bag doctor of Banking and Finance(honoris causa);as Florentina Agu, founder and Creative Director of Hertunba is expected to bag doctor of Fashion and Designs(honoris causa).Also listed for the honor by institution includes the Managing/CEO of Rural Electrification Agency, Engr.Abba Aliyu is expected to bag honorary doctorate degree in Human Development and Strategic Management at the summit.Also, Engr. Wole Ogunsanya, the chairman of Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria will be conferred upon with doctor of Human Development and Strategic Management (honoris causa).The CEO of FON APPLE Integrated Services Limited will be decorated with honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration at the ceremony at the University of Lagos.Added to the list of honorary doctorate degree awardees include a prominent Nigerian including the rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Navy Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effeduo(rtd)a who will bag honorary doctorate degree in Human Development and Strategic Management(honoris causa).
Other notable Nigerians listed for honor include the State Controller of CBN, Kaduna State, Mr. Ahmed M. Wali;Bauchi State Controller of CBN, Bauchi, Alhaji Halidu A. Idris;Controller of Jigawa State CBN, Dutse,Mr.Bazallahi Mohammed;and Kano State Divisional Head of Keystone Bank, Mr. David Obasa will all bag Doctor of Banking and Finance during the ceremony respectively.


In our previous editions, the institution has honored enviable personalities including Chief Mike A. A. Ozekhome, SAN, who bagged professorial chair of the institution for his success story as a renowned Constitutional lawyer and human rights activist.Also, his wife, Lady Chief Dr Josephine Mike Ozekhome bagged doctor of International Law and Diplomacy (honoris causa). Other past honorary doctorate awardees of the institution include Dr Omoh Atsenokhai who was recognized with honorary doctorate in Information Management of the institution few years ago;other past awardees of Highestone Global University, Texas, USA, include the chairman/CEO of Tonypeters Industries PLC, Chief Dr. Anthony Chukwuemeka Onyeakusi, who was conferred upon with Doctorate of Business Administration (honoris causa).Also included in the list of past awardees was the CEO of HIIMA International Education, Dr. Barr. Omonike Marian Agunbiade who bagged honorary doctorate degree in International Law and Diplomacy(honoris causa);others were Amb. Captain Emmanuel Lordsgreat Oluwatobi, founder and CEO of Tourism Business Synergies International who bagged doctorate degree award in Human Development and Strategic Management including the founder and General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya who was also decorated with Doctorate degree in Human Development and Strategic Management few years ago, among others.
In one of the ceremony, Dr. Anthonia Ada Utomi, a past awardee was conferred with the prestigious Real Estate Woman of the Year by Leadtimes Africa Magazine.

Group to Elrufai: Ignore Corruption Allegations Against Uba Sani, Account for N423 billion kaduna’s money

Kaduna Good Governance Forum(KGGMG)has asked citizens of the State and the general public to ignore the recent allegations of corruption raised by former former Kaduna Governor Malam Nasir Elrufai against Governor Uba Sani.

According to the forum, instead of Elrufai jumping from one media house to another seeking for relevance, he should present himself to the relevant anti-graft agencies to account for the 423 Billion Naira looted Kaduna money under his administration.

El-Rufai, had appeared on a radio programme where he accused his successor, Uba Sani, of diverting local government funds to buy properties in Seychelles, South Africa and United Kingdom.

However,the forum in a press statement made available to journalists today asked Elrufai to stop finding faults and evil machinations to pull down the good image and works of Governor Uba Sani.

The statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Ibn Mohammed explained,” Governor Uba Sani How can Uba Sani who enjoined local government chairmen to be transparent and accountable in the handling of public finances during their swearing in ceremony at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House will later turnaround.

“As a good governance group, we have frequently followed the allocation from the Federation Account over the past one year and discovered a high level of transparency and accountability.

“We also make bold to ask how did Uba Sani achieved over one thousand per cent (1000%) revenue performance in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) with over fifty billion naira (N50bn) achieved if he is corrupt.

“Governor Uba Sani’s administration Under Sani’s leadership has emerged as a national frontrunner in public sector reform, demonstrating an unbeatable commitment to efficiency, transparency, and professionalism.

“It is unfortunate that a former Governor with case of corrupt acts while in office, could be so careless to name a prudent and accountable leader such as Uba Sani corrupt”.

” At this juncture, we dare Elrufai to present evidence of corruption against Uba Sani or we file a case of character assassination against him . “

Kaduna Group Hails Arrest of Elrufai’s Ex Commissioner

…Says Looted funds must be recovered

Kaduna Good Governance and Monitoring Forum has commended the security operatives in the State for the recent arrest of Malam Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, a commissioner who served under the administration of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai.

According to the group, there is nothing wrong with the arrest and subsequent arraignment of a public office holder on allegations of corruption and money laundering.

The Kaduna Good Governance and Monitoring Forum in a statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Ibn Mohammed, urged the State government to intensify efforts to ensure that all those linked to the funds Looted under the previous administration must be arrested and prosecuted without delay.

Though the charges have not been made public, information gathered by group after preliminary investigation revealed that Jafaru Sani is now facing money laundering charges .

The statement reads: “Recalled the Kaduna House of Assembly Committee probed alleged corruption and financial irregularities during the tenure of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai and did submit its report, revealed that a total ₦423 billion was allegedly siphoned under his administration leaving the state with huge liabilities.

“We also recalled that some commissioners and aides of Elrufai that were invited and interrogated such as Former Finance Commissioner, Bashir Saidu, was arrested and arraigned for embezzling state funds.

“But instead of Elrufai to allow the law to take it course,he took to his Facebook page on Thursday to accuse the government of day of setting up the arrested, even when evidences have been provided in court.

“As concerned citizens and residents of the State,we are happy and have hope that our looted funds would be recovered and use for development. We are also elated that the two other arms of government are doing their job.However, the judiciary should under no circumstance, succumb to any propaganda within this period of prosecution of anyone found wanting.

“There is no where any country can develop without instruments of checks and balances ,the Kaduna State House Assembly has done great job and now the judiciary is working in line with our desire to recover funds stacked in the hands of corruption politicians.

“Let the people of Kaduna Join hands together with Governor Uba Sani led administration to recover our looted funds”.

Kaduna Shippers Association President Commends Uba Sani for Revisiting Abandoned Kabala Coastain -Aliyu Makama Link Road

The President, Kaduna State Shippers Association and Executive member of NACCIMA, Chief Augustine Achilike has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for his resolve to flag off the completion of the abandoned Kabala Costain to Aliyu Makama Link Dual Carriage Road.

According to Chairman of the Association in charge of importers and exporters, the flag – off no doubt marked a significant milestone that will boost effective transportation of good and services in the State .

The Chairman, who made the commendation in a statement personally signed said, the new the Kabala Coastain -Aliyu Makama Road and Bridge will not only alleviate the suffering of residents, who face daily traffic jams on River Kaduna Bridge,but also ease transportation of goods and services because it linked Kaduna south to Kaduna north.

The statement further reads :”We concur with the Governor when he said the road “… Is more than a mere infrastructure project; it is a lifeline for our people, a channel for commerce, and a pathway to opportunity with hope that importers and Exporters will sigh of relief over challenges of road congestion and make up for delay in supply time .”

While noting that the completion of the road will ease the pressure exerted on the road by heavy trucks and lorries on the Kaduna Bridge, he said the greatest advantage of new road is the enhancement of traveling from the northeastern and northwestern parts of the country to the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

“We are happy to identify with Governor Uba Sani’s administration for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development since he assumed office

“We in the business sector appreciate the Governor for revisiting the abandoned project. As business men ,we like to identify with this kind of laudable projects because it promote growth and development.

“Shippers Association has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for the bold move to flag off the completion of the abandoned Kabala Coastain to Aliyu Makama link dual carriage road .” he stated

Achilike however, urged the contractors to! adeliver on schedule considering the fact that the project is a very vital and of benefit to all the Kaduna residents and environs .

Day after Shehu Sani declared support for Uba Sani,Elrufai left APC for SDP

Less than 24 hours after the former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District,Senator Shehu openly declared support for Governor Uba’s reelection bid, the former Kaduna Governor, Mal. Nasir Elrufai out of alleged fears of the unknown,officially dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party(SDP).

Information gathered revealed that the return of Shehu Sani and other prominent politicians in the State such as Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi; Senator Danjuma Laah , Former Governor Ramalan Yero and others to APC recently unsettled the Elrufai.

Shehu Sani had said his major political interest in 2027 is to see Governor Uba Sani reelected as Kaduna State governor.

Unwilling to face the heat, Elrufai in a Facebook Post today formerly resigned from APC.

He declared: “Today, 10th March 2025, I have submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately. Prior to this step, I had concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues and loyalists across the country about the future. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.

“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God.

“I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race.”

Meanwhile,in a reaction via telephone call , Shehu Sani said leaving APC for SDP wouldn’t make any difference for someone with no political relevance again. But one thing is sure , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu And Governor Uba Sani will be voted again.

US VARSITY TO HONOR NIGERIANS AT GOOD GOVERNANCE SUMMIT IN LAGOS

The annual Leadtimes Africa Magazine’s Strategic Leadership Summit will hold at the University of Lagos later this month.At the end of this summit,few selected captains of industries and professionals will be conferred upon with honorary doctorate degrees awards of Highstone Global University,Texas,USA.In a press release credited to the Advisory Board Chairman of Leadtimes Africa Magazine,
Professor Buba S. Mshelia, stressed, “apart from the honorary doctorate award conferment,this year’s edition of the program will also recognize few selected Nigerians for Leadtimes Africa Grand Leadership Prize for Integrity, Transparency and Accountability in Service, conferment of fellowship award as Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arts Professional(FCIAP), and conferment of the prestigious Leadtimes Africa Businessman of the Year respectively.

“According to the university don,
“The theme of this year’s event is titled:Taming Poverty & Hunger through Good Governance in Leadership-Pathway to Curbing Security Challenges and Enhancing Sustainable Peace and Development in Africa,” Mshelia stated.
At the ceremony,many outstanding business men and women including Dr. Ifeanyi Madu, Managing Director/CEO of Enamal Orthopaedic; Olorogun Barr/Dr.Joshua Oghenejiru Muwhen, Executive Director, Human/Administration Delta Trust Mortgage Bank Limited;Chief Dr.Kelechi Madugba,Chairman /CEO, Gemnka Limited and Dr.Christopher Atu Iyennoman, CEO of Freightliner Logistics Services Limited will serve as special guests at the ceremony.Others listed for guests of honor include Dr. Isaac Chukwudi Ndupuechi,Managing Director/CEO of PIE Management Technology & Educational Consultancy and Advisory Board member of Leadtimes Africa Magazine;Hajia Dr. Aishatu Ngulde, former Executive Secretary, Borno State Education Endowment Funds. At the occasion,the Vice Chancellor of the Highestone Global University,Texas ,USA, Professor Innime Righteous will lead his team to the ceremony including the President of Highestone Global University,and the Africa Vice Chancellor of the institution Professor Amb. Maurice Azubuike Odiete and Professor Amb. Valentine Iheukwumere respectively.Adeoye Babatunde, SAN,legal consultant to Leadtimes Africa Magazine will be in attendance during the summit and will be honored with Leadtimes Africa Grand Leadership Prize for Integrity, Transparency and Accountability in Service.

Amb.Prof.Valentine Iheukwumere, Africa Vice Chancellor, HGU,Texas,USA.
Arc.(Dr.)Aisha Valerie Adebisi Lawal
Chief(Dr)Madugba Kelechi, Chairman/CEO, Gemnk Nig.Ltd.
Barr. Mrs. Efehi Sylvia Nwangwa, Co-President & Vice President, Board of Directors, Irvin Global & Investment Group


“At the end of the summit,prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in leadership and service to humanity will be decorated with various honorary doctorate degrees of Highestone Global University, Texas, USA. This recognition will be done by the team of representatives from the institution during the ceremony”, Mshelia stated.
During the program,several Nigerian industrialists,professionals, and entrepreneurs will be conferred with honors spanning across diverse disciplines.Prominent among them include the co-Founder and Vice President of the Board of Directors at the Irvine Global Investment Group, Barr. Mrs Efehi Sylvia Nwangwa who will bag honorary doctorate degree in International Law and Diplomacy;Mr Emeka Michael Ayaunor, a UK- based Nigerian business magnet is expected to be decorated with honorary doctor in Business and Corporate Governance(honoris causa)by the Highestone University, Texas, USA later this month.


Interestingly, the Chairman/CEO of Gemnka Limited who also doubles as current chairman of Ship’s Bunkers’ Association of Nigeria Chief Dr.Kelechi Madugba will be conferred with honorary doctorate degree in Petroleum Economics of the institution as Arch. Dr Aisha V. Dawal will be honored with doctorate degree in Financial Engineering by the institution this month at the University of Lagos, among others.


In our previous editions, the institution has honored enviable personalities including Chief Mike A. A. Ozekhome, SAN, who bagged professorial chair of the institution for his success story as a renowned Constitutional lawyer and human rights activist.Also, his wife, Lady Chief Dr Josephine Mike Ozekhome bagged doctor of International Law and Diplomacy (honoris causa). Other past honorary doctorate awardees of the institution include Dr Omoh Atsenokhai who was recognized with honorary doctorate in Information Management of the institution few years ago;other past awardees of Highestone Global University, Texas, USA, include the chairman/CEO of Tonypeters Industries PLC, Chief Dr. Anthony Chukwuemeka Onyeakusi, who was conferred upon with Doctorate of Business Administration (honoris causa).Also included in the list of past awardees was the CEO of HIIMA International Education, Dr. Barr. Omonike Marian Agunbiade who bagged honorary doctorate degree in International Law and Diplomacy(honoris causa);others were Amb. Captain Emmanuel Lordsgreat Oluwatobi, founder and CEO of Tourism Business Synergies International who bagged doctorate degree award in Human Development and Strategic Management including the founder and General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya who was also decorated with Doctorate degree in Human Development and Strategic Management few years ago, among others.
In one of the ceremony, Dr. Anthonia Ada Utomi, a past awardee was conferred with the prestigious Real Estate Woman of the Year by Leadtimes Africa Magazine.

Planned Protest: Nigerians in Diaspora Divided Over Akpabio, Natasha 

Nigerians in Diaspora Forum (MDF) appeared divided about the planned protest against Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the recent face-off with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

According to information gathered in the communique issued after a meeting held in London on Friday, some members insisted the protests scheduled for Monday 10,2025 in London and New York must be done and others disagreed.

The communique signed by Dr. Timothy Gabriel and made available via electronic mail to some journalists, revealed that some members of the Forum, backing Senator Natasha are of the view that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio is using his office to silence and malign an innocent woman,thus he should resign immediately.

The members, who are angry about the suspension of Senator Natasha , described the action of the Akpabio led Senate as an assault on democracy and a deliberate attempt to silence women in leadership.

They insisted on the planned protests and vowed to mobilise members thinking along same line in United States of America and United Kingdom to come out for the protests and tell the world about the injustice meted out on Natasha.

However ,those supporting Akpabio described the planned protests against Akpabio as nothing, but mischief-makers who are exploiting the process to embark on the protests to cast aspersions on the Senate President’s image.

The communique captured that they appeal to the Nigerians in Diaspora to avoid any action that cast aspersions on the image of our country and leadership of the Senate over an issue that been resolved with the floor of the Senate.

We are not in support of any protest after the Senate has taken action to suspend Senator Natasha.And therefore urge members of the Forum to avoid being used for sponsored protests aimed at personal political mischief.

The Senate had taken a decision to suspend after referring the matter to the Ethics Committee for fair hearing and transparency and the ends the stirred up tension.

Muslim Clerics Caution Against Impeachment of Gov. Fubara

…Says Action Will Have Adverse Effects on Economy

In playing the role of an arbiter, Sheikh Usman Mohammed Musa and Sheikh Abbas Ibrahim have cautioned the Rivers State House of Assembly members against the widely rumoured move to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Recalled that recently at the plenary on Wednesday, the second after the Supreme Court restored the 27 Pro-Wike Lawmakers, in a letter profiled the constitutional infractions they claimed Fubara has committed.

But the Imams have expressed fears with a note of caution that any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara will not only breach the existing peace enjoyed by the good people of State ,but also have consequential effects on the growing economy of the state and country at Large.

In a seven paragraphs statement jointly signed by Sheikh Usman Mohammed Bawa and Sheikh Abbas Ibrahim on behalf of Concerned Muslim Imams (CMI),the Imams asked the lawmakers to avoid crisis that could lead to anarchy and wanton destruction of lives and property of our Muslim brothers and others citizens in the State.

According to the Imams,it appears the pro-Wike lawmakers have revived their earlier attempt to impeach Governor Fubara, whom they accused of violating the Constitution by appointing persons to serve as commissioners without their approval

But in the interest of peace , the clerics who called for peace and harmony between the executive arm and some members of the House of Assembly, said the need for robust relationship between the two arms of government is of paramount importance for growth and development.

The statement reads :” We are worried because we have lots of our Muslim brothers in Rivers State and it is our desire that they are protected and secured ,thus our resolve to appeal to Amawhule led House of Assembly to create an atmosphere of peace .”

On the economic implications of the impeachment, the Imams said ,”If the impeachment threat against Fubara is allowed to pull through, we fear the youths may carry out the threat to shut down all the flow stations in the Niger Delta. At this juncture,we are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to safe our refineries

“By and large, it will equally heightened insecurity capable of scaring investors off the state. No investor is willing to put his investments where there is political instability. “

While wondering the motive behind the impeachment of a hardworking Governor such as Fubara, they queried ,” The rational behind the attempt by some members of the State House of Assembly to impeach a governor without any known reason and recourse to the Constitution by which they came into the House and which they swore to uphold.

“We therefore urged all political actors to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue. The state can only thrive and prosper in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere.
“We expect the political leaders amid the storm to be conscious of the fact that their actions have only succeeded in creating unnecessary tension and fear in the minds of residents and citizens.

“They however expressed concern that if the tension continues, it could plunge the state into an avoidable crisis with dire economic and social consequences.”

While urging Muslims in the state to support Governor Fubara during the critical period of the threat to impeach him, the Imams called on the warring parties to set aside their grudges and iron out their differences .

Arewa CSOs Pass Vote Of Confidence On Akpabio,Condemns Natasha

Coalition of six northern based Civil Society Organisations have passed a vote of confidence Senate President Godswill Akpabio despite what it termed, “unfortunate and baseless” allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti.

According to the CSOs , the sexual allegation coming from a lawmaker is diversionary at this critical period when Nigerians are yearning for laws to help cushion effects of the harsh economy.

The group which stated this in a press statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Jibrin Musawa, described the allegation by Senator Natasha as nothing but, a calculated attempt to damage the hard earned political image and career of the Senate President .

While condemning Natasha for making such allegation against someone who is family friend and benefactor, the Coalition comprising Arewa Good Governance Forum; Peace and Unity Forum in North, Progressives Movement for Development, Development Initiative for Better Arewa and Forum for Advancement of Youths and Women explained ,”We are beginning to see the drama of Pull-him-down actions unveils in the manner sponsored protests have been deployed across Nigeria with a view to remove him for selfish political gains”.

The statement reads: ” When we are beginning to enjoy dividends of democracy under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government as a result of the cordial relationship with National Assembly, suddenly comes this unnecessary distractions.

“From information gathered from the senators and members of House of Representatives, the detractors under guise of the sexual allegations are plotting to plant their own stooge as the Senate President ,who help them execute their plans to frustrate the good works of President Tinubu.

“The 10th Senate under Akpabio’s leadership has demonstrated high sense of maturity and even the critics today,are beginning to have rethink about the abinitio underated tarnished image of the National Assembly.”

The statement however, noted that Senator Akpabio who is widely known for his jovial gestures and nature since during his days as Governor of Akwa Ibom state could have been misread and interpreted. And for anyone to accuse him of sexual harassment is an aberration.

It further stater : “Akpabio has a track records of good relationship with people; performance and selfless service to his motherland, and we can watch Natasha damage these good side of him .

“It is against this background that as members of Civil Society Organizations from the north, we have come out strongly to support Akpabio and Pass a Vote of Confidence on his leadership as the Senate President.

“It therefore called for a full-scale investigation into the allegations made by Senator Natasha and reject the sponsored propaganda of character assassination.”

Sexual Harassment:Women Coalition To Hold One million Man March for Senator Natasha on Monday

Women Rights and Justice Forum (WRJF),a coalition of women’s associations working to protect the interest of women has concluded arrangements to storm the Federal Capital Territory on Monday , March 10 to hold one million people march in protest against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over alleged harassment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan .

According to women Rights group, part of reasons, it resolved to embark on the protest is call for resignation of the Senator President .

The group with members across the 36 states of Nigeria said it has already commenced mobilisation of women to come out and remain on the roads until President Bola Ahmed and the National Assembly remove Senator Akpabio from the highly exalted position of Senate President .

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uguaghan had accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.She also alleged that Akpabio blocked her motions from being heard on the floor of the Senate because she rejected his advances.

In a Statement issued today and made available to Journalists in Kaduna, the Women Rights and Justice Forum,which condemned in strong terms any attempt by men in high positions to harass women for personal gains, hinted that,”The Million People March will be the first of a series of protests to call for the resignation of the Senator Akpabio, who allegedly harassed a woman”.

The statement signed the Coordinator of the Forum, Hajiya Hauwa Suleiman Usman explained: ” The decision to embark on the one million man March is equally to make strong statement that women will not tolerate such oppression and harassment against women in politics.

“We have waited and watched with keen interest to see if the Senate President will tow the honourable lane and apologize to Natasha after she was compelled to speak out on Arise Television, but we later discovered that some of the lawmakers and members of the public have taken side against her .

“As women, have decided to unite to stop these overt attempts to shut women down and make them second class citizens in their own country.

“To serve as deterrent to other men, we resolved to not only talk, but take decisive action to ensure that Senator Akpabio suffer for his actions to harass and undermine a woman for rejecting sexual advances.

“It unfortunate that without investigating the allegation, Akpabio’s wife, who should know her husband better concluded prematurely and dragged senator Natasha to court . But note this she will shocked after she sees evidence.

“Senator Akpabio must resign or we remain on the roads till he does so. “