Senate President Godswill Akpabio has denied filing any new legal action against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, dismissing her claims as “misleading” and “incorrect.”

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio clarified that the defamation suit in question was instituted over three months ago—not newly filed, as Akpoti-Uduaghan suggested.

According to Udom, progress on the case slowed due to routine administrative processes within the judiciary.

He added that multiple attempts by the court bailiff to serve Akpoti-Uduaghan with the originating court documents failed because she allegedly evaded service, as stated in an affidavit before the court.

He explained that it was only after these failed attempts that the court granted permission for substituted service in November.

Akpabio criticised Akpoti-Uduaghan for what he described as an attempt to shape public sentiment through social media rather than follow judicial procedures.

“Legal disputes are settled in court, not through orchestrated narratives and social-media theatrics,” the statement read.

“The applause she seeks online cannot substitute credible evidence or due process.”

The Senate President further accused her of exhibiting similar behaviour during her previous six-month suspension from the Senate, a disciplinary action he said she tried to delegitimise online before ultimately serving the full term.

He urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to present whatever evidence she claims to have before the court and properly file her defence instead of relying on public commentary.

“The law is guided by proof, procedure, and due process, not emotion or online sensationalism,” the statement added.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to initiate legal action against members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who recently defected from the party.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP condemned the lawmakers for what it described as a second, opportunistic defection, accusing them of acting at the behest of “their paymaster.”

The party said the lawmakers had repeatedly demonstrated disloyalty since assuming office, branding them “political puppets” and “enemies of democracy.”

According to the statement, the lawmakers’ latest action was nothing more than “a defection from the APC to the APC,” insisting that the PDP would activate constitutional provisions to reclaim the mandates originally won on its platform.

Ememobong urged PDP members in Rivers State to stay united and committed, assuring that efforts were underway to rebuild the party based on fairness, inclusiveness, and equity.

The development follows the PDP’s reaffirmation on Thursday of the expulsion of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and nine others.

The reaffirmation was contained in a disclaimer signed by the National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki (SAN).

The party said the expelled individuals ceased to be members following decisions taken at the 2025 Elective National Convention held in Ibadan.

Turaki warned that any engagements with the expelled members were at the public’s risk, as they no longer held any authority within the PDP.

He also confirmed on Tuesday that certificates of expulsion had been formally issued to Wike and the other affected members after a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has acknowledged that his ability to continue in office after a six-month emergency rule was due to the “special favour” of President Bola Tinubu.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fully funding Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwu, Port Harcourt, and supporting both staff and students.

Governor Fubara made the remarks during the combined 37th and 38th convocation ceremony of RSU on Saturday, emphasizing the government’s dedication to strengthening the state’s education sector.

Reflecting on past challenges, Fubara noted that many issues could have been avoided had democracy not been temporarily interrupted in the state.

He stated, “It is only by the special grace of God and the special favour from Mr President that we are still here, presiding over the affairs of Rivers State.”

He assured stakeholders that his administration would fully resume its responsibilities, pledging to address concerns raised during the convocation.

Key priorities include closing infrastructural gaps, improving security, enhancing student and staff welfare, and accelerating the development of satellite campuses outside Port Harcourt in 2026.

“Education remains the most vital investment for national development. We will continue to meet our financial obligations to RSU, improving infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff,” Fubara said.

The governor commended RSU for its growth, quality education, and commitment to leadership development and intellectual advancement.

He urged the university to intensify research and innovation to tackle socio-economic challenges in Rivers State and across Nigeria.

Fubara also congratulated the 13,242 graduates of the combined convocation, which included first degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

He thanked parents, guardians, staff, and the Governing Council for supporting students’ success, and encouraged graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, integrity, and creative problem-solving.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, presided over his first convocation since his appointment on March 6, 2025.

He highlighted progress under his leadership, including accommodation for 40,000 students and full accreditation for all programs.

Among the graduates, 10,648 received first degrees, 2,594 completed postgraduate programs, 157 earned First Class honours, 2,587 received Second Class Upper, and 6,275 were awarded Second Class Lower degrees.

Chancellor HRH Dr Sidi Mohammad lauded Fubara for making RSU one of Nigeria’s best-funded public universities, while urging the institution to adopt emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance learning without compromising academic integrity.

Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, praised Fubara’s financial support, which has strengthened RSU’s operations.

Wali also unveiled a five-year Strategic Development Plan (2026–2030) aimed at transforming RSU into a globally recognised institution, including translating research into marketable products, creating a third Deputy Vice-Chancellor role, and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, extortion, and sexual harassment.

The Labour Party in Sokoto State on Saturday conducted its state congress, producing a new executive council and renewing calls for unity as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.

Mr Yemi Adeyemi, a member of the party’s National Planning Committee who supervised the congress, urged members to remain focused and united in order to strengthen the party’s chances in the state.

“I call on all members to stay united ahead of the forthcoming general election. A united party is the foundation for electoral victory,” he said.

Sokoto State Labour Party leader, Mr Ifeanyi Ezeagu, described the congress as an important milestone in repositioning the party for political success.

“This congress is to elect those who will lead the party to victory in Sokoto. The people of the state know the situation. We won elections, but they didn’t give us the opportunity. Nigerians know what happened; we all witnessed it…,” he stated.

Ezeagu encouraged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, stressing that rebuilding trust and expanding the party’s reach would be key ahead of the next elections.

“We all know the situation of the country today. I urge you to go back to your wards and mobilise for the party.”

“The leaders we have today are running a government that enriches friends and family members. Don’t be disturbed about defections into the ruling party; many go there for selfish reasons,” he added.

He noted that the Labour Party in Sokoto was now “back on track” and determined to help steer the country away from hardship and misgovernance.

Outgoing state secretary, Alhaji Umar, commended delegates from all 23 local government areas for their peaceful conduct and strong turnout.

The newly elected chairman, Abubakar Yawale, promised inclusive and transparent leadership moving forward.

“I will ensure leadership without sentiment or bias. We are working toward taking over the Sokoto State Government House in the 2027 general elections. I call on all members to support our team in achieving this objective,” Yawale said.

If the Reserved Seats for Women Bill currently before the National Assembly is passed and signed into law, Nigerian women stand to gain 156 additional seats across federal and state legislatures.

The bill, which proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution, aims to create special parliamentary seats for women and is being championed by gender advocates as a temporary, corrective measure to address decades of underrepresentation in governance.

Under the proposal, each state would have one reserved seat for women in both the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as three seats in state Houses of Assembly.

However, sources say the Senate is considering allocating one reserved women’s seat per geopolitical zone in the upper chamber.

Speaking during a training session for the House of Representatives Press Corps, Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Legislative Matters, Chidozie Aja, clarified that the reserved seats would expand representation rather than replace existing positions.

Political parties would nominate only female candidates for these seats.

Aja added that the measure is intended to last four election cycles, or 16 years, although adjustments are being considered that could extend its duration or remove the sunset clause entirely.

The bill proposes changes to Sections 48, 49, 71, 77, 91, and 117 of the Constitution, with a recent recommendation to amend Section 42 as well.

“The approach may be new to Nigeria, but countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Senegal have successfully implemented similar gender quotas,” he noted.

Rwanda now leads globally with 61% female representation in parliament.

Even with the additional 74 federal seats, the Senate and House of Representatives would reach a total of 543 seats, giving women approximately 13.6% representation nationally, modest progress, but a meaningful step forward.

Aja emphasized that structural gender quotas strengthen democracy by ensuring all voices are heard.

“Currently, Nigerian democracy operates at only half its potential. Women’s inclusion makes it deeper, more legitimate, and more stable,” he said.

Studies consistently show that women’s participation leads to better governance outcomes, including stronger health policies, improved education laws, robust social protection frameworks, and more community-driven development initiatives.

Women also play a critical role in grassroots peacebuilding, reducing conflict, and enhancing community resilience.

Economic analyses support the political case: a McKinsey Global Institute study estimates that full inclusion of women in economic and political life could boost Nigeria’s GDP by US$22.9 billion and increase overall growth by 23% by 2025.