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Natasha: Middle-Belt Vanguard decries intimidation, discrimination against women in leadership

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi
Following the alterations between the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District over seat allocation in the Red Chamber on Thursday, a non governmental organisation, the Middle-Belt Vanguard, has condemned the alleged rampant intimidation and discrimination against women in leadership.

Senator Natasha Agboti -U
This is even as the group called on the Senate to be a platform for integrity, justice, and fairness, not one of intimidation and humiliation.President of the group, Godwin Meliga, in a statement signed and released to journalists in Abuja, criticised Akpabio for publicly humiliating the senator, citing a previous incident where he made disparaging remarks about her speaking without recognition.
According to Meliga, the behaviour of the Senate President was not an isolated event.
“On February 20, 2025, Akpabio reallocated the Senate seats, but failed to consult or notify the affected senators, including Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” he stated.
Meliga pointed out that while the Senate President has the authority to assign seats, fairness and due process dictate that senators should be informed beforehand.
He said: “Senator Natasha was unfairly silenced when she tried to address the issue, with her concerns dismissed on the grounds that she was not seated in her assigned spot.”
This, Meliga argued, was an example of a double standard, especially when Senator Akpabio himself had previously raised similar concerns during Bukola Saraki’s tenure as the Senate President and was allowed to speak even from an unassigned seat.
He wondered why the same privilege was not extended to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a clear case of discrimination.
The group, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fellow senators, and Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the Kogi lawmaker and ensure she receives the respect and fairness she is entitled to as an elected representative.
Meliga reassured Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to remain resilient in the face of adversity, asserting that her service to the people of Kogi Central should not be undermined.
He further declared that the Middle-Belt Vanguard would not tolerate any form of discrimination against women in leadership, nor the erosion of democratic principles in the country.
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2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive

By David Owei,Bayelsa
The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.
The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.
Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.
General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.
He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.
> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
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Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards
By Our Correspondent
Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh has been conferred with two Awards by the Institute of Professional Economists and Management Policy (IPEPM) tagged ‘ Excellent Leadership Award and Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award”.
Receiving the Awards today in his office, Engr. Momoh, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reiterated that true governance is about leaving a lasting legacies.
He further said “My track record speaks for itself and is a testament to the awards I have received “.
He used the opportunity to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and resilience in ensuring the holistic development of the country.
According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development is a bold step to integrate all Regional Development Commissions under one coordinated umbrella.
The Ministér said that the recognition bestowed upon him further reinforces his commitment to service and to impact mankind.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode, said the courtesy visit was to present the prestigious Awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contribution to regional and national Development, as well as to seek partnership in strategic training programmes.
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Minna Lack of Sensitisation responsible for transporting small arms and light weapons to criminal gangs-Enanch and offi officials

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna
The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.
Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.
This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.
The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.
He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.
Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.
Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.
Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.
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