News
CSOs Lauds DSS Over Handling of Sunday Igboho
…Commends DSS on Professionalism
The Joint Civil Society Committee on Peace, National Unity and Cohesion has commended the Department of State Security Service for their prompt clarifications on Sunday Igbohos alleged attempted arrest, noting that such proactive approach was necessary to douse tensions and further ensure unity and peace for sustained internal security in the country.
“We are particularly proud of the department of state security service efforts which by the way is in line with their constitutional role of ensuring internal security in the country”.
The Committee, comprising of civil society organisations and college of bishops clergy councils admonished stakeholders to ensure that their comments on recent developments in the country are censored in order not to geopardise national security in the overall interest of the country.
The joint statement was released on friday in Abuja following media reports that security agencies made attempts to arrest Sunday Igboho, the acclaimed Yoruba activist.
Recall that Sunday Igboho had in recent times issued a quit notice to herdsmen urging them to vacate the South West. In the middle of the controversies generated by that unfortunate quit notice, caution must be prioritised. The committee maintained.
Alternate Chair of the joint committee, Dr Oduma Richard Oduma affirmed that, stakeholders have a major obligation in enhancing national security and stability of various ethnic groups in the country at every opportunity presented.
“We are deeply concerned that stakeholders regardless of their political, religious and ethnic inclinations seem to be unmindful of the implications of their utterances and disposition to developments in the country”
Dr Oduma maintained that such disposition by stakeholders, if not jettisoned could cause unnecessary tensions in the country”
“We are no doubt having security challenges in the country but it is our collective responsibility as patriots and elder statemen to ensure that the modest efforts of government in providing security of lives and property is not sabotaged on the basis of sentiments” this should be our guiding principle in making comments on national conversations.
Responding on behalf of college of Bishops and clergy councils, Rev Abel King admonished stakeholders to put the interest of the country first above every other primordial considerations.
“We have no other country to call ours, regardless of the seeming discontent over security of lives and property in the country, but it is incumbent on every one of us to prioritise national security so as to achieve the peace needed in the country”.
” Religious leaders, political leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and the media must rise to the occasion and support government to achieve lasting peace in the country” Rev Abel King maintained.
“Fake news is the fastest way to anarchy.Therefore, deliberate steps must be taken to ensure that only verified incidents are reported in order to keep the country together”
The committee further urged security agencies to review their intelligence gathering mechanism and take advantage of DSS professionalism so as to sustain the synergy needed to actualise their constitutional roles.
Indications emerged that the personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF Senator George Akume, Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi, is currently in the facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over allegations bordering on corruption, bribery and money laundering amounting to a whooping N10 billion.
A highly placed source at the Commission yesterday, confirmed to our correspondent that the embattled Uchi was invited by the operatives of the Commission on Monday, upon a petition received by the anti-graft agency over Alleged properties he acquired in Abuja, Jos, Makurdi, Gboko and Wannune in Tarka, local government Area of Benue State amounting to over N6 billion.
According to the source, further investigations so far, has revealed that between December 2023 to date the anti-graft agency has been able to trace a whooping N1.6 billion that was allegedly used in buying purch cars through four new generations banks to nine car dealers in Abuja, Kaduna, Lagos, Jos and Makurdi respectively.
The source further added that two Bureau de change operatives are currently been investigated by the Commission, over their alleged involvement in the scam, owing that most of the funds credited to embattled Torhile Andrew Uchi, emanated from their coys.
He said that the Commission is currently working towards getting a court nod to widen the scope of their investigations to the properties in Abuja, Jos and other part of the country to ascertain the source of the income and how the properties were allegedly purchased.
As of the time of filing in this report Mr. Uchi, is still in custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, telling the dreaded operatives of the Commission how he allegedly got the funds which is largely believed to be proceeds from bribes.
Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Commission, Mr Dele Oyewale, proved abortive as his phone lines was said to be switched off.
The Nigerian Senate has formally responded to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), refuting allegations that her suspension was linked to claims of sexual harassment.
According to Vanguard, Senator Natasha had petitioned the global body, seeking intervention over what she described as an injustice against her.
However, in a letter signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate insisted that her six-month suspension was due to “gross misconduct and unruly behavior”, not allegations of sexual harassment or assault.
The letter, read by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, stated:
“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 six-month suspension of Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
It further emphasized that “Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”
Additionally, the Senate called for a thorough investigation into the allegations she raised against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, maintaining that all due procedures were followed before her suspension.
Senator Natasha, however, vowed to continue her fight against “injustice”. Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has denied the accusations, asserting that he has never assaulted any woman.
The dispute between the two lawmakers intensified on February 20, 2025, after Natasha’s seat was changed during plenary. Their tensions date back to July 2024, when Akpabio rebuked her for alleged misconduct, telling her the Senate was “not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow.” He later apologized for the remark.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reinstated the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Samson Osagie, exactly 37 days after his suspension.
A letter addressed to Osagie by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, Esq., and marked SGA. 15/NOL.XV111/215, conveyed the governor’s directive. The letter, dated March 12, 2025, and released at 8:15 p.m., stated that an investigative panel had exonerated Osagie of alleged financial infractions.
The letter read: “Having considered the report of the Investigative Panel set up by Government to investigate allegations of financial infractions reported against you, which has exonerated you from the said allegations, I write to convey the directive of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, that you resume duties as the State Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice with effect from 12th March, 2025.”
Reacting to his reinstatement, Osagie expressed appreciation for the governor’s leadership, describing the decision as a testament to Okpebholo’s sincerity and vision for Edo State.
“I appreciate his sincerity of purpose and vision for the state. This is a clear indication that His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, means well for the state. I use this medium to reiterate my commitment and loyalty to him and his administration,” Osagie said.
He further pledged to support the governor in advancing Edo State, emphasizing his dedication to ensuring progress and recovery in the state’s governance.
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