Politics
Senator Natasha named 2023 Politician of the Year
By Abdulateef Bamgbose
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district has emerged the “Politician of the Year’ in the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards.
This follows her resilience, acumen and tenacity, which eventually saw her taking a seat in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly as senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the face of stiff opposition in today’s intricate tapestry of Nigerian politics where only a few women are allowed to shine brightly.
The newspaper, in a published article titled: “LEADERSHIP Awards: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Is Politician Of The Year 2023”, described Natasha as a “proven amazon in political circles”, adding that 44-year-old personifies the adage that fortune favours the brave.
“She (Natasha) became the first female senator from Kogi State after an extraordinary display of political grit. Indeed, Natasha’s political journey encapsulates not just the generic challenge women in politics face but a unique ordeal that tested her political temperament and fortitude.
“Her triumph after a harrowing election and rigorous legal process also helped to increase the number of female senators in the National Assembly, in a widely ascribed tough political dispensation for women.
“She entered the political scene in 2019 when she contested to represent Kogi Central Senatorial District under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Although she lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Sadiku Ohere, she later contested the governorship position against the incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello, that same year. Despite losing the governorship poll, she remained unshaken.
“By the 2023 electioneering season, Akpoti-Uduaghan joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A lawyer with a Master of Business Administration degree in Oil & Gas Management from the University of Dundee, she returned to the race for the office of senator representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate.
“Armed with a rare display of unwavering support from her constituents, she secured the PDP ticket at the primaries for the senatorial election, setting the stage for a remarkable political comeback. Her opponent, Abubakar Ohere of the APC, posed a formidable challenge, but Natasha’s vision and determination to serve the people propelled her forward.
“In the build-up to the senatorial elections in February 2023, Akpoti- Uduaghan faced unprecedented challenges. Allegations surfaced that the Kogi State government had taken drastic measures to impede the transportation of electoral materials to her senatorial district. It was claimed that portions of the road were excavated to prevent access, raising concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.
“Undeterred by these alleged obstacles, Akpoti-Uduaghan went on to contest the senatorial seat under the PDP, engaging in a fierce electoral battle against Sadiku-Ohere of the APC. The results were a testament to the tight race, with Akpoti-Uduaghan securing 52,132 votes against her opponent’s 51,763 votes. In spite of the slim margin of 369 votes, she faced defeat in the initial outcome.
“However, her tenacity and commitment to justice became the driving force behind her subsequent legal pursuits. On September 6, 2023, the election tribunal declared her winner of the senatorial poll, nullifying her opponent’s victory.
“The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on October 31, 2023, further affirmed her legitimacy as the winner of the Kogi Central senatorial election. Not only did Akpoti-Uduaghan emerge victorious, her opponent’s petition was dismissed by the court, highlighting the trivialities in the allegations against her.
“The second of four children and the only daughter of a Nigerian father, Dr Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, and a Ukrainian mother, Ludmila Kravchenk, Natasha was raised in Ihima, Okehi local government area of Kogi State. Her early years were shaped by the rich cultural diversity of her heritage.
“Although she lost her father in 1998, leading to the family’s relocation, the young amazon, after acquiring education both at home and abroad, has been on a political journey, and she is determined to make a lasting impact.
“In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, Akpoti-Uduaghan stands out as a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience. Her journey from being a determined political aspirant facing challenges in the bid to become the rightful winner of the Kogi Central senatorial election reflects not only her personal triumph but also the triumph of justice and the will of the people.
“Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legacy extends beyond the political realm. She has become an inspiration to aspiring leaders, especially women, showcasing the power of determination, courage and unwavering commitment to one’s convictions.
“In the annals of Nigerian political history, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s name will be etched as a trailblazer who changed the narrative and left an indelible mark in the hearts of those she served,” the Leadership wrote.
Politics
Tinubu Assures Investors Nigeria Is Open for Business, Welcomes Coca-Cola’s $1bn Plan
By Francis Wilfred
President Bola Tinubu has assured local and international investors that Nigeria remains open for business, saying his administration is implementing reforms aimed at creating a more predictable, competitive and investment-friendly environment.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the 75th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) in Abuja on Monday, the President said the government is addressing key challenges facing businesses under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Our message to investors, both Nigerian and international, is clear: Nigeria is open for business,” Tinubu said,
He noted that reliable infrastructure, efficient logistics, access to foreign exchange, stable regulations and a supportive tax system are critical to attracting investment and expanding production.
According to Yomi Odunuga, the President said ongoing economic reforms are designed to build a more productive and competitive economy, reduce dependence on imports, strengthen local manufacturing and create jobs for Nigerians.
Tinubu welcomed the Coca-Cola System’s proposed $1 billion investment in Nigeria over five years, announced in 2024, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the country’s economy.
He said the administration is focused not only on the volume of investment attracted but also on its impact on employment, skills development, technology transfer and local sourcing.
“We are interested not only in the amount of capital that comes into Nigeria, but in what that capital does here,” he said.
The President also praised NBC’s continued expansion of production capacity, including new production lines in Oyo and Kano states, describing such investments as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving policies, infrastructure and regulations to support businesses, while urging the private sector to complement government efforts through investment, innovation and job creation.
Tinubu further highlighted the importance of human capital development, commending NBC’s Supply Chain Academy for training over 1,400 young Nigerians and supporting women’s empowerment and community development initiatives.
He urged investors to take advantage of opportunities across Nigeria, expressing confidence that the country can build a stronger economy driven by local production, exports and globally competitive industries.
Politics
Kano Governorship: Accord Party Governorship Candidate Gashash Getting More Endorsement From Kano Electorates.
By Jabiru Hassan.
The movement for Democratic Protection and good governance (MDSG) declared it's full support to the Accord Party Governorship Candidate Ambassador Dr. Mukhtar Gashash in the forthcoming general elections.
In a chat with our correspondent in kano, the national president of the movement, Alhaji Dauda Mohammed Ali, stated that it is time for the people of kano state to bring new steward who is seriously planning to transform the state with highest regard.
He expressed his confidence that Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash will do his best to ensure that kano state becomes more examplary at both sector without bias which is the task previous administrators failed to achieve.
Alhaji Dauda Mohammed Ali reiterated that " this time around, our movement is working day and night to make sure that Kano people mostly youths remained Committed to actualize real change in the state's politics, leadership and transformation under the Accord Party government".
He called on the people of kano state especially the eligible voters to vote Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash due to his Transformation plans for the progress of kano state and it's citizens at both Urban and rural settlements.
Responding to a question about Accord party's strength in kano state, Dauda Mohammed Ali disclosed that in today's democracy, competent candidates should be tipped for an elective positions not the popularity of the political parties stressing that Ambassador Dr Mukhtar Gashash has been found to be the best option for kano state due to his track record on competency, transparency as a real democrat.
Politics
Caught in the middle: Ortom’s silent dance between two camps.
There are growing questions about where Mr. Samuel Ortom, a former Governor of Benue State and a prominent figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), truly stands politically ahead of 2027.
Ortom was a key figure in the divisions within the PDP before the 2023 general elections and was widely associated with support for Mr. Peter Obi, who finished third in that contest. More recently, however, he has publicly expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The latest discussion began after a visit by Mr. Peter Obi to Benue State. Reports indicate that a vehicle said to belong to Ortom was used to receive Obi at the Air Force Base airport in Makurdi. It is not clear who authorized the use of the vehicle, and Ortom has not commented publicly on the matter.
During the same visit, Obi was reportedly prevented from travelling to Yelewata, where he had intended to condole with families affected by violence. Obi’s team attributed the blockage to supporters of Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The Governor’s spokesman, Sir Tersoo Kula, denied any involvement by the Governor. He suggested the incident may have been staged to damage the Governor’s reputation, or that it could have resulted from disagreements within Obi’s own support base.
Ortom has not issued a statement clarifying his position on the 2027 elections or on the vehicle in question. Attempts to reach him were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
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