The allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, are serious and have far-reaching implications for the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative arm, the reputation of the 10th Senate, and the global perception of Nigeria’s governance.

Below is an analysis of the situation, its implications, and potential steps forward:

*1. Implications Of The Allegations*

– *For Nigeria’s Integrity And Reputation:*
Allegations of sexual harassment against a high-ranking official like the Senate President can tarnish Nigeria’s image both domestically and internationally.

If proven true, it reinforces negative stereotypes about corruption, abuse of power/office, and gender inequality in Nigerian politics.

It also undermines public trust in the Senate as an institution meant to serve the people.

– *For The 10th Senate:*
The credibility of the 10th Senate is at stake.

If the allegations are not addressed transparently, it could lead to a loss of confidence in the Senate’s ability to self-regulate and uphold ethical standards.

This could further polarize the Senate and create an environment of distrust among lawmakers.

– *For The Senate President:*
Senator Godswill Akpabio’s personal and professional reputation is on the line.

If the allegations are proven true, it could lead to calls for his resignation or impeachment.

Even if unproven, the mere existence of such allegations could damage his credibility and effectiveness as a leader.

– *For The Global Community:*
The global community often views such scandals as indicative of systemic issues within a country’s governance.

If not handled properly, this could affect Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and its standing in international organizations.

It could also discourage foreign investment, as investors may perceive the country as having a weak ethical and legal framework.

*2. Ethical And Professional Concerns*

– *Breach Of National Trust:*
Senators are elected to serve the public interest, not personal agendas.

If Senator Akpabio is found to have used his position to pressure Senator Akpoti into an inappropriate relationship or to suppress her legislative work, it constitutes a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust.

– *Gender Discrimination And Harassment:*
Sexual harassment in the workplace, including legislative bodies, is a violation of human rights and ethical standards.

It creates a hostile environment for women in politics, discouraging their participation and perpetuating gender inequality.

– *Carpeting Of Bills And Motions:*
If Senator Akpoti’s bills and motions are being ignored or suppressed due to her refusal to comply with inappropriate demands, it undermines the legislative process and denies the public the benefits of her contributions.

*3 Recommendations For Resolution*

– *Independent Investigation:*
Given the gravity of the allegations, an independent investigation is necessary.

The Senate President cannot oversee this process, as it would create a conflict of interest.

An external body, such as an independent ethics committee or a judicial panel, should be tasked with investigating the matter.

– *Senate President Stepping Aside:*
To ensure transparency and fairness, Senator Akpabio should temporarily step aside during the investigation.

This would demonstrate a commitment to accountability and allow the process to proceed without undue influence.

– *Political Solution:*
If both parties are willing, a mediated resolution could be explored to address the issue amicably.

However, this should not replace a thorough investigation or undermine the pursuit of justice.

– *Strengthening Institutional Safeguards:*
This incident highlights the need for stronger mechanisms to prevent and address sexual harassment and abuse of power within Nigeria’s legislative bodies.

Clear policies, whistleblower protections, and gender-sensitive frameworks should be established.

– *Public Communication:*
The Senate should communicate transparently with the public about the steps being taken to address the allegations. This will help rebuild trust and demonstrate a commitment to accountability.

*4. Global Perception and Lessons*
– The global community will closely watch how Nigeria handles this situation. A transparent and fair resolution will enhance Nigeria’s reputation, while a cover-up or inadequate response will further damage its image.

– This case also underscores the importance of supporting women in politics and ensuring they can work in a safe and respectful environment. It should serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria to address systemic gender-based issues in its political institutions.

*5. Final Thoughts*
While it is important to approach this matter with objectivity and a commitment to peace and justice, accountability must not be sacrificed. Senator Natasha Akpoti’s courage in speaking out should be commended, and her allegations must be taken seriously.

At the same time, Senator Akpabio deserves a fair and impartial investigation.

The ultimate goal should be to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s Senate and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.

By calling for an independent investigation and advocating for institutional reforms, stakeholders can demonstrate their commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law, while also promoting peace and stability within the Senate.

God bless Nigeria!

Sunny Anderson Osiebe
Executive Director
*HallowMace Foundation Africa*

Ismaila Isah

A quiet revolution is unfolding in Nigeria’s North-central geopolitical region and it is certainly a game changer in the making.

Kogi State, under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, has emerged as a beacon of economic transformation and smart governance. The recent announcement of the of commitment towards the take off of Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone (SEZ), set to operate as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), marks not just a turning point for Kogi state but a veritable game-changer for the entire North-Central region and Nigeria at large.

Since taking office on January 27, 2024, Governor Ododo has embarked on an ambitious agenda to position Kogi as one of Nigeria’s premier investment destinations. His administration’s focus on proactive economic policies, infrastructure renewal, and Ease of Doing Business reforms have earned dividends, elevating Kogi to rank among the top three states in Nigeria for Local Direct Investments (LDIs), alongside Lagos and Rivers states.

The recent ground-breaking and launch of 5 mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi state – a private-sector driven initiative by a consortium headlined by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on the heels of the commencement of full production by the $1.5 billion, 6000 tons per day Mangal Cement Plant (which brings the total number of extant cement plants in the state to two) are testaments to this fact.

These achievements are pointers to the state’s growing appeal to both domestic and foreign investors.

The Governor’s vision extends beyond lip service; it is rooted in tangible actions that align with his commitment to hit the ground running in his inaugural address in January 2024.

From revamping critical infrastructure to fostering partnerships with private sector stakeholders, Governor Ododo’s administration is laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Other key initiatives include the rehabilitation of roads, urban renewal projects across the state, enhancement of power supply with the take off of the Kogi state electricity market, and development of strategic corridors such as the Ajaokuta Economic hub and agro-industrial processing zones in Alape, Osara and Ofu.

These efforts have created an enabling environment that resonates with global investors, including those from China.

As evidence of this success, Fitch Ratings upgraded Kogi’s credit rating to B- with a positive outlook. This recognition reflects the state’s improved fiscal health, robust governance framework, and commitment to transparency. It also validates Kogi’s status as a gateway state within the Nigerian federation—a status that positions it as a leading recipient of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

Against this backdrop, the launch of the Kogi Hunan SEZ represents a watershed moment. Situated on 3,000 hectares of land in the Ajaokuta economic development corridor, the zone promises to catalyze industrialization and spur economic diversification. Backed by the government of Hunan Province and supported by the People’s Republic of China, the project exemplifies the deepening bilateral ties between Nigeria and China.

During a recent visit to Lokoja, Consul General Yan Yuqing of the People’s Republic of China underscored the significance of the initiative. “The Kogi Hunan Free Trade Zone is a strategic partnership that embodies the shared aspirations of our two nations,” she stated. Chinese investors are no doubt eager to leverage this opportunity to drive sustainable development and foster industrial growth in Nigeria.

For Kogi, the benefits are manifold.

The SEZ will create thousands of jobs, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and enhance value chains across key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. Moreover, its proximity to vital infrastructure—such as the Warri-Itakpe-Ajaokuta rail line, Geregu Power Station, the massive water bodies of rivers Niger and Benue plus ongoing gas projects—ensures seamless integration into regional and national transportation and energy supply networks.

Beyond Kogi state , the impact of the Kogi Hunan SEZ will ripple through the North-Central region, unlocking latent economic potential and driving inclusive growth. By attracting FDIs and LDIs alike, the zone will serve as a catalyst for regional development, reducing poverty and improving living standards for millions of Nigerians in the region.

On a national scale, the Kogi Hunan SEZ aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of economic diversification and self-sufficiency using Free Trade Zones to stimulate economic growth.

This is evident in Nigeria’s experiments in Lagos, Ogun, Calabar, Kano and Katsina where FTZs have worked and are a testament to what the Kogi Hunan SEZ will become once it is operational.

As Africa’s largest economy grapples with challenges such as unemployment and inflationary pressures, initiatives like this offer a pathway to resilience and prosperity. They reinforce the importance of public-private partnerships and international collaborations in driving impactful change.

Governor Ododo’s role in spearheading this transformative project cannot be overstated. Through relentless advocacy and strategic engagement, he secured the support of the Chinese government and private sector stakeholders towards the take off of the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone.

His administration’s willingness to embrace global best practices in free trade zone development further bolsters Kogi’s reputation as a forward-thinking state.

The Kogi Hunan SEZ is more than just a symbol of cooperation between Nigeria and China—it is a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership at the sub-national level meets pragmatic policy-making demonstrated by the federal government of Nigeria.

As Governor Ododo aptly puts it, “We are committed to making the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone a model of industrial and economic transformation.”

With this bold pronouncement, Kogi under Governor Ododo is not just changing its own destiny—it is reshaping the narrative of economic development. For Kogi, it is a new era of prosperity. For Nigeria, it offers hope for a brighter, more prosperous future.

Ismaila Isah is the Special Adviser, Media to the Kogi State Governor

By Abiodun KOMOLAFE

June 12, 1993 marked a significant setback for Nigeria, harking back to the January 15, 1966, coup-detat. This unfortunate event pushed the country back by at least a century, primarily due to the suspension of the 1963 Republican Constitution. Although the masterminds behind the coup never explicitly stated that they had abolished the constitution, the consequences of its suspension continue to manifest in Nigeria’s persistent underdevelopment.

Ayo Ademiluyi, a civil rights lawyer and political activist, recently pointed out that the General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida government, similar to previous and succeeding military administrations, was characterized by diarchy. This system of governance, which combines the military top brass and parts of the political establishment, was more pronounced under IBB, as Babangida is known, than any other military administration. This diarchy was on full display during the publication and public presentation of a book, titled ‘A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida’, and fundraising for the Presidential Library, where startling revelations about Babangida’s military rule came to light.

A gentleman on the podium stated that he and others present owed their success not to entrepreneurial spirit, but rather to state capture and favours. In contrast, entrepreneurs like Adeola Odutola, Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Aminu Dantata from the previous era achieved success through genuine entrepreneurial zeal and innovation. Unfortunately, under Babangida’s regime, state favours became the primary means of economic advancement,
leading to a society that is uncompetitive.

The concept of state capture, which originated in South Africa, was exemplified in Nigeria during the IBB era. However, for Nigeria to make progress, it should focus on promoting entrepreneurship among its citizens. Notable examples include Bayo Ogunlesi of Global Infrastructure, Olugbenga Agboola, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and Adeleke Adekoya of Flutterwave, as well as Shola Akinlade and Ezra Olubi of Paystack. The new generation banks, led by
individuals like Atedo Peterside and Fola Adeola, are also worth mentioning. Instead of promoting entrepreneurship, the IBB book presentation unfortunately celebrated an era marked by “man-know-man” and “padi padi” arrangements, commonly referred to as state capture. This approach will not make Nigeria competitive, create much-needed jobs, catalyze growth, or achieve sustainability.

One of the most troubling aspects of the June 12, 1993, election saga is how Babangida inadvertently relinquished his authority as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. By refusing to uphold the mandate of the free and fair election, Babangida exhibited a cowardly cop-out, as noted by Reuben Abati in his column. Abati’s critique, however, stopped short of drawing a more profound conclusion. A more incisive analysis would have contrasted
Babangida’s actions or inactions with those of Chile's democratically elected President Salvador Allende Gossens, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his principles on a fateful night in 1973. In a tale of two leaders, Salvador Allende, a medical doctor-turned-president, stood in unambiguous contrast to General Ibrahim Babangida, who rose through the military ranks. When faced with a coup, Allende’s commitment to his people and his mandate was unwavering. Despite an American plane waiting to whisk him to safety, he opted to fight

alongside his Chief of Staff and eleven ministers, refusing to give up their mandate. It’s one of the most remarkable arts in recent political history. So, who’s a ‘General’? Allende, a trained medical doctor, or Babangida, who entered the army straight from secondary school? Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi’s ultimate sacrifice for Major General JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi during the 1966 military coup in Nigeria also exemplified the enduring power of loyalty and duty in the face of overwhelming adversity. So, there’s no point in blaming General Sani Abacha, Augustus Aikhomu and others, who are no longer here to defend themselves; and dead men tell no
tales! What’s more?

IBB has simply shot himself in the foot, for, certainly, he has not presented himself as a Commander-in-Chief!

The entire book presentation was clearly a jarring celebration, utterly disconnected from the somber reflections that events like the Holocaust or Soweto Massacre demand. As Peterside aptly noted, such tragedies cannot be commemorated amidst joviality. This is a very bad taste, which should not have happened. In sane climes, the occasion would have been an opportune moment to establish a Trust Fund for the countless individuals who suffered
irreparable losses – lives, limbs, and livelihoods – due to the annulment. Many of these brave
souls are still alive, struggling to rebuild their shattered lives.

In this context, President Bola Tinubu, himself a victim of the annulment, has a unique opportunity to make amends. By setting up the Trust Fund, he can provide long-overdue rehabilitation and support to those who risked everything for democracy. This gesture would honour their sacrifices while allowing him to forge his own path, distinct from the shadows of the past, and create a more just and compassionate society. The last word is that, June 12,
1993, allowed the genie to escape from the bottle. All manners of long dormant and suppressed agitations came out of June 12 across the six geopolitical zones and the political will to resolve these issues has still not been found.

In his 1852 book, ‘The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon’, Karl Marx famously remarked: “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.” As Marx pointed out, and as Babangida demonstrated, June 12, 1993, was a tragic event and the scars are still showing with broken limbs, disrupted lives and people suddenly becoming orphans. On the other side of the coin, the book presentation and the launch of a proposed Babangida
Presidential Library was a pure farce.

Now that the book presentation has again highlighted the shame of a country, IBB can still hold his head high, not because of any personal merit, but because Nigeria’s flawed system often enables leaders to deflect accountability. This phenomenon is deeply ingrained in our national psyche, where the failures of leaders are frequently downplayed or even celebrated. Here, our justice system remains defective, yet society inexplicably applauds it. Nigeria’s
complexities are well-known to those familiar with our unique brand of “Nigerians” – a reality marked by pervasive shock, anxiety, uncertainty and chaos. Our nation has become a contested territory, where the lives of countless individuals are being squandered amidst this turmoil.

IBB’s ‘invented’ excuses have been a means to an end, but the question remains: what is that end? Now that he has exhausted his justifications for past inadequacies, what’s next? This raises questions about accountability and the lack of genuine introspection. But, wait a minute, the attendance of notable figures like Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s former Vice President, and Bola Tinubu, the current president, at IBB’s event is also perplexing. While Tinubu's presence might be attributed to diplomatic obligations, Osinbajo’s attendance is harder to justify, given his reputation as a democrat. Moreover, Tinubu’s participation in the laugh-it-off competition
with the evil genius, a man often regarded as one of Nigeria’s most notorious leaders, is
particularly jarring.

Agreed, the dead are dead, and nothing can be done about that again! Twenty-six years after Nigeria’s return to democracy, it is essential to reflect on the sacrifices made by individuals like Abubakar Umar, who relinquished their military commissions, and others like Ambassador Musbau in Mushin-Lagos, who went totally blind during the agitations, all in support of the June 12 movement. How does the democratic system honour their memory and sacrifices? A certain former warlord reportedly advised Abacha to “hang” MKO Abiola, the winner of the
June 12, 1993, presidential election, for treason. Ironically, his wife is now a Minister in Tinubu’s cabinet!
So, ‘eni tó kú ni tiè gbé! Indeed, he who is dead has lost it all!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

*KOMOLAFE wrote from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria ( ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk