Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has dismissed reports claiming she apologized to the Senate over the controversy that led to her six-month suspension.

In a statement on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the reports as “false and misleading,” affirming that she stands by her words and actions.

She accused those spreading the misinformation of distorting facts and misleading the public.

The senator, who was suspended after a heated exchange with Senate leadership, maintained that she remains committed to defending her constituents’ rights and will not be intimidated into submission.

She also alleged that some individuals were orchestrating a campaign to silence her, warning Nigerians to be vigilant against misinformation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that any official statements from her would come only from her verified channels.

“This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives,” she stated.

Three of the 12 inmates who escaped during a jail break at Koton Karfe correctional centre in Kogi State have been rearrested.

The Acting Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service, Sly Nwakuche disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday at the Koton Karfe correctional centre.

He regretted that one of the officers of the correctional service was killed by the escaped prison inmates.

Nwakuche vowed that the remaining escapee will be apprehended.

He called on the general public to provide security agencies with all the needed information that will lead to the arrest of all the prison inmates who escaped from custody.

Former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, on Sunday, became a member of the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central.

The induction ceremony, supervised by Past District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian (Otunba) Bola Onabadejo, with other Rotary leaders in attendance, was the highlight of the fourth anniversary ceremony of the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central.

Rotarian Duke, who was the first Governor of the South-South state, had been invited by the President of the club, Rotarian Muyiwa Akintunde, and delivered an inspiring speech centred on Rotary’s Four-Way test. He counselled  that the ideals of Rotary should be adopted by institutional bodies and individuals as a way of life.

Emphasising that the society would have been a better place, particularly for the less privileged if these principles of selflessness had been embraced, the new Rotarian said: ‘The real wretchedness is not the people around you, but you yourself’.

He broke life into three phases of 25 years each. The first 25, Duke explained, is the period to learn to live and acquire skills. The second season is when to learn and practice how to earn, while the third phase, which takes every individual beyond 75 years, is the time to give.

Duke said that giving is not only in terms of resources, but can also be in sacrificing one’s time and talents, which is in line with Rotary “Service Above Self” mantra.

He gladly accepted his membership of the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central as an active, rather than a honorary member, becoming the first of five new members inducted at the ceremony.

PDG Onabadejo, who was the Father of the Day, said he had always admitted Duke for his transformative and impactful projects as Governor and his principles of others above self.

He said that Nigeria needed more of its citizens to live like Duke, who related freely with guests and had no airs.

The induction ceremony was conducted by the District Governor Nominee Designate of District 9111, Rotarian Sam Ayetutu. He was assisted by the Assistant Governor for Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa Central, Rotarian Ibraheem Adebayo; Past Assistant Governor, Rotarian Kayode Owolabi (the pioneer AG of the club); and Executive Secretary of District 9111, AG Valentine Shomoye (also a former AG of the club), among other top Rotarians and distinguished personalities.

Other inducted members were Rotarian Temitope Faborode, Rotarian Niyi Amosu, Rotarian Ayodele Omirin and Rotarian Precious Muotoh.

Another major highlight of the night was the inauguration of the club’s League of Past Presidents. With two of them outside the country, Rotarian (Dr.) Adebukunola Soile-Balogun represented all the three Past Presidents. The others are: Rotarian (Arc.) Deji Shonuga, the Charter President (2020-2021, 2021-2022); and Rotarian (Mrs.) Olayinka Patunola-Ajayi (2023-2024).

In her year as second President of the club (2022-2023), Soile-Balogun led the club to win the third best award in the then District 9110, made up of over 140 clubs.

Akintunde explained that the League of Past Presidents would serve as advisory to the incumbent President, giving their own experience as leaders of the club. ‘But it will not be obstructive to the goals of the sitting President’.

Dignitaries at the event included Public Relations and Experiential Marketing expert, AG Ehi Braimah; former Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Bolaji Oyeleye; author and brand analyst, Mr. Ikem Okuhu; financial expert, Mr. Segun Adebayo; and Communications Consultant, Mr. Jerry Sawyer.