Senator Natasha Was Suspended For Gross Misconduct, Not Because Of Her Allegation, Senate Tells IPU
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reported her suspension from the Nigerian Senate to the UN Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), alleging injustice. The IPU pledged to investigate after hearing both sides. In response, the Senate clarified that she was suspended for misconduct, not her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Despite this, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara called for a thorough investigation into her claims. The suspension has sparked national debate, with Natasha vowing to fight for justice, while Akpabio denied all allegations. Their conflict dates back to 2024 when Akpabio made controversial remarks about her conduct in the Senate.
Athena Commentary: Senator Natasha’s suspension highlights Nigeria’s weak democratic institutions, where political disputes often turn into personal battles. In stronger democracies, such as the UK or Canada, allegations against leaders are independently investigated, and lawmakers are rarely suspended over disagreements. Ethical oversight bodies ensure fair hearings, while whistleblowers are protected. In contrast, Nigeria’s Senate appears to use suspensions as a political tool, undermining accountability. If the system were stronger, Natasha’s claims would trigger an impartial probe, not retaliation. Until Nigeria strengthens institutional independence and rule of law, political disputes will continue to overshadow governance and public trust will remain low.
FCTA spends N39bn in renovating International Conference Centre – Wike
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced that ₦39 billion is being spent on renovating the Abuja International Conference Centre. The project, handled by Julius Berger, follows President Tinubu’s directive after he deemed the facility an “eyesore” in 2024. Wike stated that the renovation is 70-80% complete, with all necessary materials already imported. The centre is expected to be ready for public use by May. The project aims to provide Nigeria with a world-class conference facility, reinforcing its status as a key destination for international events and diplomacy.
Athena Commentary: Spending ₦39 billion on renovating a conference centre raises concerns about Nigeria’s budgeting priorities. In advanced countries like Germany or Canada, such projects undergo strict cost-benefit analysis, ensuring transparency and public input. Governments there prioritize essential infrastructure—hospitals, schools, and transportation—before luxury renovations. While a modern conference centre boosts Nigeria’s global image, the high cost raises questions about accountability. Could the funds have improved healthcare or education instead? Without clear financial oversight, large projects risk mismanagement. For Nigeria to progress, public spending must be strategic, ensuring that every naira spent truly benefits the people, not just political prestige.
Bwala: Peter Obi won’t run for president on LP ticket — he’ll soon join APC
Daniel Bwala, a media aide to President Tinubu, claims that Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, will soon leave the party and join the APC before the 2027 elections. He cites the defection of Obi’s close ally, Valentine Ozigbo, as proof. Bwala also downplays former Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufai’s move to the SDP, calling it a media stunt. He argues that SDP is using high-profile defections to gain attention but will soon face internal conflicts. El-Rufai left the APC citing “conflicting values” but avoided the PDP because he couldn’t control decision-making there.
Athena Commentary: Frequent party defections in Nigeria show a weak political system driven by personal ambition rather than ideology. In stronger democracies like the U.S. or the U.K., politicians rarely switch parties because parties have clear policies, structures, and accountability. In Nigeria, parties often lack firm ideological foundations, making them mere platforms for power struggles. The ruling party absorbing opposition figures weakens democracy by limiting diverse perspectives. Meanwhile, opposition parties should focus on strong policies and governance strategies instead of just political movements. Without real party discipline and accountability, Nigeria’s democracy will continue to revolve around personalities rather than progress.
Obasanjo calls Lagos-Calabar coastal project ‘wasteful’ and ‘corrupt’
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as corrupt and wasteful. He also condemned the N21 billion spent on a new residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, calling it misplaced priorities. In his book Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo accused Nigerian leaders of using public office for personal gain, highlighting how some politicians repay personal debts with state funds. He also questioned the project’s contract award to Hitech Construction without competition, linking it to President Tinubu’s close associate. Obasanjo warned that corruption and self-enrichment remain dominant in Nigeria’s leadership.
Athena Commentary: In well-governed countries, large infrastructure projects undergo competitive bidding, strict oversight, and cost-benefit analysis to prevent corruption. Leaders prioritize essential public services like education and healthcare over extravagant spending. For instance, in Germany or Canada, transparency laws ensure public funds are used efficiently, and any suspicion of favoritism triggers investigations. In contrast, Nigeria’s Lagos-Calabar project and VP residence spending highlight a pattern of unchecked power and questionable priorities. Without transparency and accountability, public trust erodes, and economic hardship worsens. To progress, Nigeria must adopt global best practices in governance, project management, and anti-corruption enforcement.
Compiled by Isah Kamisu