IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has pledged to present evidence backing her sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking on *Politics Today* on Channels Television Thursday, she stated, “At the right time and in the right space, I will present the evidence I have against Akpabio.”

Her remarks come amid ongoing controversy following her suspension from the Senate on March 6 over alleged “gross misconduct” tied to a seating dispute with the Senate President.

Following her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a December 8, 2023, visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom, alleging he implied she needed to “take care” of him to enjoy favorable treatment in the chamber. 

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Vice President, has resigned from his position.

Presidency sources confirmed that Baba-Ahmed, a former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, stepped down about two weeks ago, citing personal reasons.

Appointed in September 2023, he represented the presidency at various high-level engagements during his tenure. His exit comes months after presidential media aide Ajuri Ngelale also resigned to address family health issues, marking the second major resignation from the Tinubu administration. 

Australia's largest pension funds have suffered a wave of coordinated cyberattacks, compromising over 20,000 member accounts and resulting in financial losses, including the theft of A$500,000 from four individuals.

Hackers reportedly targeted major funds such as AustralianSuper, Australian Retirement Trust, Rest, Insignia, and Hostplus—collectively managing more than A$873 billion in retirement savings.

AustralianSuper, which oversees A$365 billion for 3.5 million members, confirmed that about 600 accounts were breached using stolen login credentials. 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture.

Sotinrin, former Group CEO of SAO Group, brings a wealth of experience in agribusiness and development finance. His track record includes leading major agricultural projects in Ondo State and raising over $750 million for infrastructure, including the $200 million Akure Water Supply Project.

He has also served as a Special Adviser in the FCT and worked with global institutions like the World Bank and AfDB.

The presidency says his appointment aligns with efforts to boost food security and rural development. 

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), has revealed that a fresh 2025 appropriation bill is being prepared to address pressing developmental needs.

Speaking during a meeting with the Rivers National Assembly caucus on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas said the proposed budget will prioritize improvements in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He also noted that the budget will emphasize job creation and the integration of technology across essential public sectors. The delegation was led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East. 

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has set up a committee to investigate the destruction of the Gwer West Local Government Secretariat, the Ter-Tyoshin palace, and several private properties in Naka town.

During a visit to the affected areas on Thursday, Alia condemned the violence—allegedly triggered by protests over repeated herdsmen attacks—and urged residents to support government efforts to restore peace.

He warned that anyone found colluding with external attackers would face the full weight of the law.

Ter-Tyoshin, Chief Daniel Abomtse, described the attack on his palace as a calculated sabotage, questioning the authenticity of the protest. He praised the governor’s visit and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, local government staff Christiana Gbagbul and Civil Protection Guard Commander Nyiuma Nicholas accused the military of complicity and called for their redeployment, urging that the police take over internal security in the area.