News
PANDEF urges Tinubu to revisit Bakassi Peninsula issue

• warns communities may resort to self help over insecurity
Leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have called on President Bola Tinubu to revisit the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, citing its devastating impact on displaced communities.
The peninsula was ceded following the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 2002, which Nigeria failed to appeal within the stipulated timeframe.
In PANDEF’s statement to the President read by its Co-Chairman Board of Trustees, Victor Attah, the forum emphasised that the aftermath of the ICJ verdict has left thousands of Nigerians displaced, denied access to their ancestral lands, and facing cultural genocide. “We do not wish to dwell on past mistakes, but rather, we urge the need to revisit this matter with a view to mitigating its impact on the affected communities,” they stated.
The group’s appeal comes as tensions persist in the region, with ongoing armed disputes and economic challenges affecting both Nigeria and Cameroon. Despite past efforts to resolve the issue, including the Green Tree Agreement, the situation remains unresolved, with Nigeria’s Senate having previously declared the handover illegal.
PANDEF also appealed to Tinubu to intervene decisively in the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, warning that the situation poses a significant threat to national stability. It noted that despite Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to abide by a recent Supreme Court ruling, tensions remain high due to conflicting court decisions. The forum informed the president that it has established a High-Level Peace and Reconciliation Committee chaired by Attah but emphasised that presidential intervention is crucial to achieve peace outside the courts, involving key figures like Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara. Rivers State’s economic importance as a major oil and gas hub underscores the urgency of resolving the crisis.
The forum also appealed to President Tinubu to sign the South-South Development Commission Bill into law. The bill, passed by the National Assembly, remains unsigned despite similar commissions for other regions receiving presidential assent.
PANDEF stressed that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the proposed South-South Development Commission serve distinct purposes, with the NDDC focusing on oil-producing areas and the new commission aimed at holistic regional development.
PANDEF warned that delaying the bill’s assent could create feelings of exclusion and negatively impact peace in the Niger Delta.
They also suggest renaming the NDDC to Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission to avoid confusion. The group supports President Tinubu’s regional development initiatives but seeks equity for the South-South region.
PANDEF has also expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in the South-South region, citing a surge in kidnappings, violent attacks, and sea piracy. Despite acknowledging President Tinubu’s national security efforts, PANDEF highlighted that as security operations intensify elsewhere, criminal elements are shifting their activities to the South-South, leading to unprecedented violence.
The group warned that if unchecked, this could prompt local communities to resort to self-help measures, potentially spiraling out of control.
PANDEF called for enhanced security measures, including improved intelligence and stronger enforcement, and urged the immediate establishment of a Coast Guard to protect coastal communities.
News
Lagos HoA Crisis: Let Obasa Stay, Tinubu Tells Lawmakers

President Bola Tinubu has instructed lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly to allow the impeached and reinstated Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to continue leading the house.
The President made this position known when he met with the lawmakers at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
As reported earlier, this is the first time President Tinubu is meeting the lawmakers since the crisis began in the house January 13, 2025.
One of the lawmakers told newsmen that ” Obasa is staying. We will obey the president. What we had was a family meeting. The President condenmed Obasa’s actions but blamed us for not carring him (Tinubu) along during the impeachement execrise”.
However, the lawmaker said President Tinubu warned Obasa to carry everyone along.
” He also warned him (Obasa) that if there were any future complaints from any quarters, he would be gone. “The President said he should let peace reign; and so based on that, we have accepted.”
On the pending matter in court, the source said: “The President has instructed him to withdraw it.”
News
LAGOS CHARGES RESIDENTS ON PROACTIVE MEASURES AGAINST HIV SPREAD

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), has issued a strong call to residents to remain vigilant and actively engage in prescribed guidelines against the spread of HIV and AIDS in the state.
Chief Executive Officer of LSACA, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling the HIV epidemic during a virtual interview. “Individuals must take responsibility for their own health as well as that of the community,” she said.
“HIV remains a major public health concern, and prevention is our most powerful tool. We urge all Lagos residents to adopt safe practices, get tested regularly, and seek medical support where necessary. Ending HIV transmission requires a united front, and together, we can achieve an HIV-free generation.”
Dr. Animashaun encouraged residents to adopt practices that minimize the risk of HIV transmission, including:
– Engaging in safe sex practices
– Avoid the sharing of sharp objects like needles and blades
– Undergoing regular HIV testing for early detection and management
– Seeking immediate medical support when necessary
She emphasized the need to intensify efforts in raising awareness geared towards prevention, treatment, and fulfilling collective responsibility in practising safe sex and ensuring everyone is properly informed on how the virus is transmitted.
“We urge all Lagos residents to adopt safe practices, get tested regularly, and seek medical support where necessary. Ending the transmission of HIV is not solely the responsibility of the government and health institutions but requires a united effort from all citizens to ensure everyone is well-informed.”
The Chief Executive Officer reiterated the agency’s commitment to the Health and Environment Mandate of the THEMES PLUS AGENDA. The agency has been instrumental in coordinating HIV & AIDS control programs, including public awareness and sensitization, and regular free screening and counselling services across the state.
“As an agency, we are dedicated to educating the public and implementing health initiatives that align with our mission. We remain steadfast in our commitment to this cause and will continue to work diligently towards creating a healthier and safer community for all.”
Dr. Animashaun noted that HIV testing and counseling services remain free at all designated healthcare facilities in the state, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly in the control and management of HIV in the state.
She expressed optimism that through unity and proactive engagement, Lagos can work towards achieving an HIV-free generation. The agency will continue to educate the public and promote health initiatives, especially in the management and control of HIV in the state.
News
Why we suspended Senator Natasha – Nigerian Senate writes IPU

The Nigerian senate has told the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, that it suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natsha Akpoti-Uduaghan for gross misconduct and not because of her sexual allegation on Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
This was as the complaint laid by the lawmaker at the United Nations Inter parliamentary conference in New York has continued to attract reactions.
Recall that Senator Natasha had taken her case before the global institution for them to prevail over what she said was an injustice meted on her.
After listening to her complaint, the IPU assured Senator Natasha of taking necessary steps to address the complaints she brought to the union after listening to the other side.
The Nigerian Senate has, however, replied to Senator Natasha’s complaint to the IPU through a letter by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The letter was read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, who is attending the event in an official capacity representing Nigeria.
“Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault.
“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders,” the Senate letter read in part.
Ogbara, however, demanded a comprehensive probe into the allegation by Senator Natasha against Akpabio.
She maintained that procedures and necessary actions under the Senate rules were observed before Senator Natasha’s suspension.
It could be recalled that last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the country.
She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before suspending her, even after submitting another petition.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against injustice.
However, following the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.
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