Politics
Senator Nwoko counsels opposition parties, politicians on responsible criticisms

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi, Abuja
Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko has called on opposition parties and politicians to always practice responsible criticisms with limitation to their ultrances in order to provide for decency and respect to the institution.
The lawmaker, in a statement issued on Monday by his media consultant, Michael Ogah and made available to journalists in Abuja, said opposition should be conducted responsibly, ensuring that criticism remains factual and does not cross the line into defamation.
While urging those in opposition parties to see politics as a decent game and not an avenue or platform where there are no boundaries, he said it t beholds on the political class irrespective of political interest to prepare for both support as well as criticisms of the ruling party.
“In a democratic society, public office holders must be prepared for both support and opposition. Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, a respected legal practitioner and global citizen, understands that opposition is a fundamental aspect of governance, helping to promote effectiveness and accountability,” the statement declared.
It added: “Recently, a young man, Chimezie, was arrested following allegations made against Senator Nwoko in a social media post widely circulated within and beyond the shores of Nigeria. He accused the Senator of certificate forgery, embezzlement of public funds during his tenure in the House of Representatives, and involvement in land disputes, among other personal claims. These are serious allegations, particularly the claim of forgery, which is a criminal offense under Nigerian law and internationally.
The statement, however, warned against unwholesome activities of those whose stock in trade is pulldown syndrome, noting that the impact of such accusations against a public figure’s reputation would not be acceptable henceforth.
According to the lawmaker’s spokesman, “social media ought to be playing a significant role in shaping public perception, as misinformation can quickly damage a person’s integrity even though freedom of expression is a constitutional right.”
“As the case unfolds, one thing remains clear: truth and evidence should prevail over sentiments and speculation. Justice, after all, is not selective, it applies to all. It comes with responsibility. Accusations must be backed by evidence, and when they are not, legal redress becomes necessary.
“Senator Nwoko, as the aggrieved party, has the right to seek justice. His decision to pursue legal action should not be seen as an act of victimization, but a legitimate response to defend his name.
“If the allegations hold merit, he must be held accountable; if not, the accuser must face the consequences of spreading falsehoods. Justice must serve both the weak and the powerful.
“Opposition politics should focus on governance, policies, and accountability not personal attacks or unverified claims. It is crucial to differentiate between constructive criticism and cyber stalking or defamation. Nigerians must recognize that while political figures should be held accountable, they also deserve protection from baseless attacks,” the statement stressed.
Politics
IPU cannot consider Natasha’s petition – Jimoh Ibrahim

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Inter-parliamentary Committee, remarked that the purported petition from the suspended Senator Natasha is “dead on arrival.”
He emphasised that Nigeria, rather than Senator Natasha, is the member of the IPU.
A petition can only be lodged against another member state by a member state.
This implies that the IPU cannot consider petitions from individuals who are not members.
The suspended Senator Natasha is not a member of the IPU, but Nigeria is!
Additionally, the suspended Senator cannot represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I served as the interim president of the IPU in Geneva in 2023, and I am familiar with how the IPU operates after presiding over its proceedings.
Furthermore, as Chairman of the Inter- parliamentary Committee in the Nigerian Senate, I did not approve or authorise the suspended Senator Natasha to attend the IPU on behalf of Nigeria to the Senate President.”
Politics
Senate moves to establish Early Voting for Nigerians on essential duties during elections …..As Bill scales 2nd reading


Senate in session in the chamber
Politics
No Individual Bigger Than PDP, Says Diri

By David Owei ,Bayelsa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was bigger than any individual and that its internal challenges would be fixed once the members resolve to tackle them.
Speaking to journalists at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday after the inauguration of the party’s South-South zonal caretaker committee led by Elder Emma Ogidi, the Bayelsa Governor said the political will to confront those fomenting trouble in the party resided with the members and not solely on the leadership.
Diri, who is also Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, stated that for the party to be competitive as the oldest in the country, it must look inwards and fix its internal issues.
He said: “For me, we have to look inwards before accusing those outside our party. We have to first fix our internal issues.
“It is very easy to point accusing fingers. But the PDP has to sit back and tackle its internal challenges. That is only when we can stand to compete with others.
“I want the PDP to be competitive with other political parties. We are the oldest political party in Nigeria. So we have no reason to be accusing outsiders.”
On whether the party’s leadership had the political will to discipline those fomenting trouble, Governor Diri averred that such will resided with the members.
“We are all members of the party. The moment we all resolve that we need to fix our party, there cannot be any one person that is bigger than the party.”
He stressed that the newly inaugurated zonal caretaker committee had the mandate of the National Working Committee to look into every issue affecting the party in the South-South.
The Bayelsa helmsman expressed the hope that the event was a step forward for the party.
“In our zone, which is the only area in the country you have four governors of the party, we have all resolved and are together on this. You can see the deputy governor of Delta State, who represented the governor. I have also received messages from the governors of Akwa Ibom and Rivers. It shows that we are together and what we need to do is to show leadership and work with the zonal committee so that our zone will again become safe and strong for the PDP.”
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