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SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN SET TO ADDRESS CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has announced her intention to address the recent allegations of corruption and misconduct leveled against her. The allegations, contained in a petition submitted by a Northern youth group, accuse Akpoti-Uduaghan of financial misappropriation, abuse of power, and victimization of staff in her role as chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content. In a post on her verified Facebook page, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her readiness to confront the allegations, stating, “This petition came to my notice a few hours ago. It’s about time I break my silence.” She emphasized the importance of transparency and called for the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to conduct a live broadcast of the proceedings. The specific allegations against Akpoti-Uduaghan include misappropriation of committee funds and coercing oil and gas companies for donations under false pretenses. The senator’s commitment to accountability is evident in her request for a live broadcast of the proceedings. As the situation unfolds, Akpoti-Uduaghan hinted that the coming days and weeks will be pivotal for Nigeria’s leadership, suggesting that her revelations could have significant implications for the Senate and beyond. This controversy has attracted considerable media attention, especially following her recent clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over a seating arrangement. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s announcement comes amidst a backdrop of tension between her and Senate President Akpabio, who has been accused of making sexist remarks against her. The senator’s determination to address the allegations and her commitment to transparency will likely be closely watched in the coming days.

Tinubu presents N47.9tn 2025 budget at National Assembly

President Bola Tinubu has presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill of N47.9 trillion before a joint session of the National Assembly with defence and insecurity, infrastructure, health and education being some of the sectors with the highest allocations. Tinubu, who tagged the 2025 budget: “The resurrection budget,” expressed his commitment to economic renewal, while thanking all Nigerians for embarking on the journey of reform and transformation in the last 18 months. He stated that the budget underscores a renewed commitment to stabilizing the economy, addressing insecurity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians, adding that the 2025 budget as a continuation of his administration’s renewed hope agenda.  The president added that the economy which grew by 3.46 percent in Q3 2024, has shown resilience amidst global uncertainties, revealing that his administration aims to reduce inflation from 34.6 percent to 15 percent and improve the exchange rate to ₦1,500/$1, signaling a bold strategy to restore macroeconomic stability. The president attributed the economic growth to reforms such as improved revenue collection and targeted fiscal stimulus. These measures, coupled with a projected crude oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day, aim to enhance Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and diversify income streams. The President said the economy is responding to stimulus and that his government would continue to take the right steps for economic progress. He listed some of the highlights of the budget as defence and security – N4.91trillion, infrastructure – N4.06trillion, health – N2.4trillion and education – N3.5trillion, among others.