NEWS
Tension At NASS As Sen. Natasha Defies Suspension, Returns To Chamber
There was heightened tension at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made a dramatic return to the legislative grounds despite her ongoing suspension by the Senate.
Crowds of her loyal supporters gathered at the entrance in anticipation of her arrival, while security operatives enforced strict control measures.
Vehicles were thoroughly searched, and visitors were barred from entering beyond the outer car park.
At least five police patrol vans were visibly stationed at the main gate in what appeared to be a preemptive security strategy.
READ ALSO: Anxiety Mounts At Senate As Natasha Plans Return
The increased presence of law enforcement followed the Kogi Central senator’s public declaration that she would return to the red chamber, citing a recent judicial pronouncement in her favour.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended in March, insisted over the weekend that she had informed the Senate leadership of her intention to resume legislative work.
“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she told reporters during a constituency training session.
Although the suspension has not prevented her from executing constituency projects, the senator argued it has significantly hindered her role in lawmaking.
She lamented her inability to sponsor bills or raise motions since the disciplinary action took effect.
Her legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, backed her position. Speaking in a phone interview, he said, “Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action. As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court.
“I think the decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents. Now that she said she wants to go and resume, let us see what the reaction of the Senate will be. But the most important thing is that she is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
When contacted for clarity, her aide, Isah Bala, said he could not confirm her exact movements at the time.
“It is not something I can immediately confirm now because we just returned from a programme in Okene,” he stated, adding that further details would be provided later. However, as of the time of filing this report, no updates had been received.
Despite her insistence on resuming, the Senate appears unwavering in its decision.
Speaking on behalf of the Upper Chamber, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, reaffirmed that the suspension remains in effect.
He emphasized that there is no judicial order compelling the chamber to reinstate her immediately.
In an expression of solidarity, well-known activist Aisha Yesufu has vowed to accompany Akpoti-Uduaghan to the chamber on Tuesday.
During an appearance on Sunrise Daily, a Channels TV programme, Yesufu slammed the Senate’s decision and described the suspension as unlawful.
She criticized what she called the Senate’s “continued disregard for judicial decisions,” and added, “The court has spoken. It’s time the Senate respects the rule of law.”
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced the final phase of restoration works on the 330kV Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Transmission Line following the recent collapse of Tower T367 along the line corridor.
TCN, in an update issued on Wednesday, said significant progress had been recorded at the affected location in Yauri, where restoration activities are ongoing.
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According to the company, the collapsed transmission tower has now been completely dismantled and decommissioned, while the conductors and skywire have been properly aligned and prepared for the next stage of the restoration process.
TCN also disclosed that an Emergency Restoration System (ERS) tower has been moved to the site and is ready for installation.
The company said the installation would be followed by cable stringing and other associated works towards the restoration of the affected transmission line.
“Our engineers and technical personnel remain actively engaged at the site and are working hard to ensure a quick completion and restoration of the line.”
TCN said it remained committed to restoring normal bulk transmission as soon as possible and appealed to electricity consumers and other stakeholders affected by the incident for patience and understanding.
“TCN appreciates the patience and understanding of electricity consumers and other stakeholders affected by the incident and assures the public that every effort is being made to restore the line and consequently, normal bulk transmission as soon as possible.”
The National Union of Edible Oil Tanker Drivers of Nigeria (NUEOTDN) has suspended its planned nationwide strike scheduled to begin Wednesday following Federal Government intervention in its dispute with operators in the edible oil industry.
The last-minute suspension averted a potential disruption in the transportation and distribution of edible oil across the country, with the union directing members to maintain normal operations while negotiations continue.
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NUEOTDN President, Ilias Aperun, announced the decision in a statement dated September 22, saying interventions by President Bola Tinubu and the Department of State Services (DSS) had opened discussions towards resolving the issues that prompted the planned industrial action.
“The planned industrial action scheduled to commence today, 23rd September 2026, has been suspended.”
Aperun said the union decided to give the government intervention time to produce results in the interest of economic stability and protection of the edible oil supply chain.
“In the interest of peace, national economic stability and the protection of the edible oil supply chain, the Union has decided to suspend the planned action and give room for the ongoing government intervention,” he said.
The union consequently directed its members and other stakeholders to halt preparations for the strike and continue normal operations pending further directives.
Aperun said discussions aimed at resolving the dispute were already underway, adding that the union remained committed to protecting the welfare and legitimate interests of its members without jeopardising the supply of edible oil.
“The NUEOTDN remains committed to the protection of the public health of the masses, welfare and legitimate interests of its comrades, while also supporting a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the issues at stake,” he said.
He urged stakeholders in the industry to cooperate with the ongoing negotiations, saying constructive engagement remained necessary to resolve the issues raised by the tanker drivers.
The union expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its intervention and urged members to remain calm while awaiting the outcome of the discussions.
Aperun said further developments would be communicated as negotiations progressed.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the construction of a $12 million Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship, saying the facility will strengthen Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) ecosystem and create more opportunities for businesses to grow and generate jobs.
The President made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship (ACE) is being developed at the SMEDAN Industrial Development Centre in Idu, Abuja, with funding from the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
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The project is being implemented in partnership with the Federal Government through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The centre will provide workspaces, digital facilities, training, incubation and enterprise support for aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses.
According to the statement, the facility has an initial target of supporting 500 entrepreneurs, 400 start-ups and 1,500 MSMEs.
About $5.9 million of the investment will be allocated to construction, while $6.1 million will fund equipment and programmes designed to support entrepreneurs and businesses.
Tinubu said the centre would help establish, strengthen and grow businesses.
“Small businesses are an important part of our economy. They employ people, support families and create activity in communities across the country.
“Many entrepreneurs already have the ideas and the determination to succeed. What they often need is better access to facilities, technology, training and the support that can help their businesses grow.
“This Centre will provide more of that support and strengthen the ecosystem around them,” he said.
The centre is expected to serve businesses in Abuja and surrounding cities, including Kaduna, Jos, Keffi, Lafia, Minna, Makurdi and Lokoja.
It is also expected to contribute to strengthening the wider entrepreneurship and MSME ecosystem across Northern Nigeria.
The President said the Federal Government would continue to expand the conditions that allow small businesses to grow and compete.
“We want more Nigerians to be able to start businesses, grow them and employ others.
“We also want existing small businesses to have better access to the tools and support they need to become stronger and more productive.
“That is important for jobs, incomes and the wider economy,” Tinubu said.
He added that the project complements the administration’s wider investments in digital skills, entrepreneurship, enterprise development and support for MSMEs.
The centre has also been designed to accommodate women and persons with disabilities. It will include accessible facilities and crèche services for women with young children.
While construction is ongoing, SMEDAN, KOICA and UNDP will work with universities, incubators, financial institutions, private-sector organisations and entrepreneur networks to build a wider support system around the centre.
The partners will also identify businesses that can benefit from the centre’s programmes.
Tinubu thanked the South Korean government for the $12 million investment and commended KOICA, UNDP and SMEDAN for advancing the project to the construction stage.
He said Nigeria would continue to welcome investments and partnerships that strengthen local businesses, deepen enterprise development and create more jobs.
“Our economy will be stronger when more Nigerian businesses can start, survive and grow.
“We must keep building the support around them and opening more opportunities for enterprise across the country,” the President said.
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