Uncategorized

Sexual Harassment Allegation In The Senate Negates National Cohesion

Published

14 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Cases of sexual harassment have been existing even beyond Nigeria.
Only recently, it reared its ugly head in the National Assembly, particularly in the hallowed chamber of the Senate where an accusation by a sitting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that she was a victim of sexual harassment by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
This was after she had been relocated to another seat in the chamber, in what is generally considered a routine and not an uncommon scenario.
Apparently the change of seat did not go down well with the Kogi Central Senator who turned round to allege that she was being victimised because she had turned down overtures of sexual affiliation with Akpabio.
The allegation and subsequent six months suspension of Natasha for breaching rules and procedure after the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges reviewed the matter is to say the least worrisome.

Issues bordering on sexual harassment are however now more prominent with politicians, celebrities and those in offices of authority, especially where ‘favour’ is often dished out.
The Akpabio-Natasha imbroglio is coming at a time when there is need for cohesion and consensus among the members of the Senate to move the nation forward given our parlous state of economy and national development.
Before now, both have had informal cordiality dating years before they met at the National Assembly.
It is sad that dirty linens are being washed in the public such that those remotely or closely related to the incident at the NASS have been subjected to the cleaners and their moral standing subjected to scrutiny.
Many individuals, groups and even government agencies have taken a stance in the public domain with a demeaning effect on national cohesion.
We see this situation as a huge distraction for the Senate as court cases have been instituted by Natasha and even Akpabio’s family on different issues.
While not labeling Akpabio as a culprit in this matter as we are not exposed to facts behind the scene, there is reason for those in authority to be conscious that they hold positions in trust for the people and at all times put the interest of the nation first in the discharge of their duties.
In this vein, NASS should seek ways to mitigate crisis of any nature as well as review the suspension slammed against Natasha to a less-severe punishment on the issue of negating Senate rules and procedure so that the people of Kogi Central will not be left for too long without a representation in the upper legislative chamber.
We are of the view that there is a need for unity of purpose among NASS members to enhance national cohesion for development in this trying period of our nation.

Share on Facebook

Uncategorized

Niger Delta Sports Festival Local Trials Gain Momentum in States

Published

7 mins ago

March 12, 2025

The Gleamer

Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa led the nine others in organising trials for local government and federal constituencies on the first day of the trials for the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) which commenced on Tuesday, March 11.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State declared that it is aiming to put forward its best young athletes in a fair and competitive environment.

And it was a trail blazing of sorts in Eket where Akwa Ibom held the first day of trials with athletes featuring in Canoeing, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Basketball and Athletics.

The Commissioner for Sports Development and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Liaison Committee , Hon. Daniel Igali, who also serves on the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), met with the Bayelsa State Working Committee in his office on Wednesday.

The meeting was to strategize towards achieving the expected goals for the festival that holds in Uyo from April 1-8.

Igali emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the competition by ensuring that all participating athletes meet the age requirement of 25 years and below. He reiterated that while winning is important, the primary focus should be on fair play, development, and showcasing young talent.

Igali met at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, with the coaches and association secretaries.
The discussions centred on establishing a structured and practical framework for conducting trials at both the Local Government Area (LGA) and Senatorial District levels.

In Eket, Hon. Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey was seen at different competion grounds supervising the trials with budding talents from the Eket Senatorial District competing for one of 316 coveted spots to represent the state at the inaugural event.

From the pitch to the tracks, mat, sand, river, pool, and courts, young athletes gave their all, showcasing their skills in various sports, including football, track and field, weightlifting, traditional wrestling, swimming, basketball, boxing, tennis, handball, canoeing, and volleyball.

The organization of the trails was top-notch, conforming to the standards set by the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) of the festival.

The technical lead of the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Committee, Catherine Ekuta Ewa, expressed her excitement about the talents on display, saying, “If we can harness the talents we have seen here, Akwa Ibom will have a very bright future in sports.” She also thanked the organizers for creating an avenue for young athletes to be screened and aspire to compete at a higher level.

The trials, which were held in various locations across the Eket Senatorial District, including Eket town, Ibeno LGA, and Oron, saw a high level of competition, with many young athletes displaying exceptional skills and energy.

Nine states including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta are among the competing stares. The rest are Edo, Imo, Cross River, Ondo and Rivers.

The festival is sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as a sports intervention project to mark its 25th anniversary and also help to harness talents in the region.

Share on Facebook