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SDP Candidate Natasha Akpoti Escapes Assassination in Kogi

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A Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate, Barrister Natasha Akpoti, on Wednesday urged the Inspector General of Police to invite the administrators of Okehi and Adavi Local Government Areas, Abdulraheem Ozovehe Ohiare and Mr Joseph Omuya Salawu respectively for questioning over an alleged assassination plot, destruction of campaign posters and billboards.

She accused the duo of instigating series of criminal activities leading to violence, civil unrest, vandalism and threat to life in Kogi State.

In a petition to the inspector General of Police, Akpoti urged the police chief to arrest and prosecute some political thugs identified to be members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kogi State chapter.

Akpoti alleged that Ismaila Kashim, Ajinodu Ojo, Adams Kabiru, Ozovehe Lawal,  Hamidu Jamiu, Adullahi Suleiman, Ahmed Fatai, Ojo Ebo, Ibrahim Kuroko, Wahab Ozuwaya, Mumuni, Baba, Itopa, Aloma, Aje, Daddy Ozi Eti, Momoh  Jimoh Yakubu, Gwancy Adino Jimoh, Shuaibu Muhammed and Otori Jimoh were responsible for the destruction of her election materials and beating of her supporters in Kogi State.

Entitled The destruction of our candidate’s campaign posters, banners, billboards, intimidation of our members and destruction of our gatherings, Akpoti gave details of how APC candidate and supporters allegedly destroyed her billboards and posters.

She accused the APC senatorial candidate, Alhaji Yakubu Oseni, Ojo Egbo, Wahab Ozuwaya, Onujabo Idanuha, Abdulmumuni Jegenyi, Adavize Jagaban, Dollar Igayi and Ajinodu Ojo of removing and destroying her campaign materials and chasing her supporters away from the venue of their meetings.

“On Sunday, December 9, 2018, some hoodlums closely associated with the Adavi Local Government Administrator, Hon Joseph Salami stormed the venue of our ward meeting at Alhaji Badams Compound, Inorere in Adavi Local Government Area with arms and ammunitions.

“They chased our members with their weapons, stoned some of the women, set ablaze the plastic chairs they were seated on and destroyed some properties belonging to our coordinator and host, Mr Badams Abdulrahaman.

“This happened in the presence of four policemen after we have written officially to the Divisional Police Officer to notify him of the meeting in our letter dated December 7, 2018 which was acknowledged and the same notification was conveyed to the Area Commander in charge of Adavi Local Government,” she claimed.

Akpoti also accused Abdulraheem Ozovehe, Kamuche, Liedown, Ocha, Dollar, Sule Director, Fatai Commander, Okenykenyi, OZ, Ogunje, Ahi, Mado, Tutunkunu, Okubaibai, Janku, Adams Ozi Ganyi, Topgel, Adoke and Arisa of plotting to assassinate her.

“On September 22, 2018, our candidate, Natasha Akpoti averted attack as APC thugs invaded Ihima Youth Summit organized by the youths of Ihima Community when hoodlums allegedly under the sponsorship of Kogi State Government aided by the Okehi Local Government Administrator invaded the Ihima Youth Summit.

“They destroyed some of the items prepared for the events while the organizers were putting plans together to set the venue before the arrival of their guests among which was the Ajaokuta Steel Company Advocate, Barrister Natasha Akpoti,” the lawyer said

The Kogi Central  SDP senatorial flag bearer recounted that “on October 22 in Okehi, a reported case was instituted by our party to the DPO and the Zonal Area Commander in charge of Kogi Central Senatorial District where our supporters {Enimire Ojo, Bello Mohammed Sadig and his wife Hajarat Adams) were beaten, maimed while Abdulazeez Abdulkareem, Abubakar Salami and Adamu Yusuf were arrested by Okehi Division Police Officers allegedly on the order of Okehi Local Government Administrator, Hon Abdulraheem Ozovehe Ohiare.

“On subsequent days after the incident, we had some of our supporters which include Haruna Bashiru, Onimisi Ahaad, Habib Adinoyi Umar, Haruna Babana being threatened by thugs especially one Abdullahi Suleiman who is associated to the Okehi Local Government Administrator.”

Akpoti averred further that Adams Kabiru, Ismaila Kashim, Hamidu Jamiu and Ozovehe Lawal on October 30, invaded the residence of the Okehi LG SDP Chairman, Hon James Segun Onimisi.

“They issued threats of unleashing mayhem on him and his family. They also destroyed Akpoti’s banner while shouting songs of war against anybody who identifies with Akpoti. On the 20th of October, some police officers in company of Ismaila Kashim and APC Obeiba ward 1 chairman, Abdulwahab Koto allegedly under the instruction of the Okehi LG Secretary, Hon Ibrahim Sheidu came to remove the banner of the SDP candidate on the claim that the banner was mounted too close to the venue of the APC Obeiba Ward 1 meeting.”

“One Ajinodu Ojo led his gang to destroy Akpoti’s banner mounted opposite Ihima Community Secondary School Street, Obeiba Ihima, Okehi LGA. On December 2, some alleged APC armed thugs attacked the women wing of the Akpoti Campaign Organization during their weekly ward meeting at Enyi Dudu Primary School, Ebogodo.”

She advised that the ruling party in the state should write undertaking on peaceful campaign and elections.

“That henceforth, the APC agents and other political parties should be refrained from tampering with SDP/Natasha campaign materials and rallies or any other constitutional gatherings of our members and supporters.

The senatorial hopeful urged security agents to hold Kogi State Government and Alhaji Yakubu Oseni responsible for whatever happens to her and SDP faithful in the state.” She also urged the Inspector General to investigate the actions of these APC chieftains and bring them to book.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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