Southeast Leaders Split Over Ekweremadu’s Proposed Transfer to Nigeria

Regional leaders in Nigeria’s Southeast are sharply divided over the Federal Government’s plan to transfer former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu from a UK prison to a Nigerian correctional facility, Punch reported on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

While some see the move as a positive humanitarian gesture, others believe it is politically motivated and unnecessary.

° “Let Him Finish His Sentence in the UK” — INC President

Chilos Godsent, President of the Igbo National Council (INC), strongly criticized the transfer proposal.
He questioned the timing and suggested the initiative may be linked to political strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the Federal Government showed little interest during Ekweremadu’s trial but is suddenly eager to intervene, raising suspicions.

According to Godsent:

“It is better to allow him to serve his term in the UK, where he was found guilty.”


He also feared that Ekweremadu might face harsher conditions or renewed legal battles if brought back to Nigeria.

Some Southeast voices compared the government’s urgency in Ekweremadu’s case to its refusal to release IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, despite repeated demands.

This contrast, they argue, shows inconsistency and bias in handling issues affecting the Igbo people.


Meanwhile, influential leaders have applauded the move.
The Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo praised the initiative as sincere and welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention.

Similarly, the Abia State PDP Chairman urged Nigerians to judge the move based on national interest, not speculation.

Mixed reactions trail Nigerian government’s move to end sachet alcohol production.

Since the idea of banning alcoholic drinks in sachets and small bottles in Nigeria was first mooted, certain Nigerians have not been comfortable with the idea.

The idea was first mentioned in 2018 but due to the public outcry then, the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and bodies like the Association of Food, Beverages and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), came together and agreed to sign a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) to gradually phase out sachet and small-bottle alcoholic drinks.

Ever since then, the government has shifted the implementation a couple of times.

However, following the latest moves, reactions have continued to trail the idea.

First, it was alleged that the manufacturers of these categories of drinks went into an intense lobby to ensure that the idea was buried but that didn’t happen as it kept coming on and on.

What the manufacturers have been able to do was to have delayed the full implementation of the policy.

However, last week, specifically on Tuesday, November 5, the Senate ordered NAFDAC not to extend the December 31 implementation deadline for the production of alcohol in sachets and small bottles.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross River South at plenary session on Tuesday last week.

Former President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, has called on Nigerians to show utmost respect for the country’s armed forces, following the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja.

Senate Launches Probe Into Stamp Duty Revenue
This aims to uncover how funds accrued from stamp duties have been collected, managed and disbursed over the years.

The Senate has ordered the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to refund ₦210 trillion to the Federation Account after rejecting the firm’s explanations over unaccounted funds. The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, led by Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL’s responses to audit queries were inconsistent and unjustifiable. The committee questioned how the company claimed ₦103 trillion in expenses and ₦107 trillion in receivables, far exceeding its revenue between 2017 and 2022. It vowed to summon past officials if the current management fails to provide satisfactory answers.

Senator Orji Kalu Backs Trump’s Statement on Killings in Nigeria, Calls for Urgent National Action

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC), has supported former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments on the killings in Nigeria, describing them as “factual and deeply concerning.”

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Kalu said the scale of violence across the country demands urgent and coordinated action from all levels of government, dismissing claims that such reports were exaggerated or biased.

“Nigerians are being killed, whether they are Christians or Muslims,” he stated. “The violence affects everyone, and it’s time to act decisively.”


The senator identified extremist and militant groups as major perpetrators of the violence, warning that their growing influence threatens Nigeria’s national stability and unity.

He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify intelligence-driven operations and adopt strong legal and administrative measures—including sanctions, blacklisting, and targeted crackdowns—to disrupt extremist networks and stop militants from exploiting local grievances.

While acknowledging international concern over the crisis, Kalu stressed that security remains Nigeria’s responsibility, adding that foreign warnings should inspire domestic resolve.

“External partners can advise, but it’s up to us as Nigerians to restore peace and protect our people,” he said.


Kalu called for unity across religious and ethnic lines, emphasizing that lasting peace will come only when Nigerians stand together against those sowing division and bloodshed.

NAFDAC to Enforce Ban on Small-Packaged Alcohol from January 2026.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced a firm December 2025 deadline for the prohibition of alcoholic beverages sold in sachets and bottles under 200 millilitres, with full enforcement set to begin in January 2026.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency’s Director-General, emphasized that there will be no further extensions of the ban, urging manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply fully.

Supported by the Senate and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the ban aims to protect children, adolescents, and young adults from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.

Adeyeye highlighted that small, cheap, and easily concealable alcoholic drinks contribute to addiction and have fueled social vices, including road accidents, domestic violence, school dropouts, and other forms of insecurity. “This ban is protective, not punitive. The health of our nation, especially our children, is more important than short-term economic gain,” she stated.

Prof. Adeyeye underscored that the ban aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol. She also urged Nigerians to view the measure as a collective responsibility, emphasizing that alcohol misuse among children poses a long-term threat to the nation’s security and workforce.

“The decision is grounded in science, public health, and national interest. Protecting our children and ensuring the stability of our future workforce is not just NAFDAC’s duty it is a responsibility for all Nigerians,” she concluded.

Unacceptable’ – Deputy Senate President Asks Trump To Withdraw Statement And Apologise.

The Deputy Senate President of the Nigerian Upper Legislative Chambers, Senator Jibrin Barau, has slammed United States President Donald Trump over his recent statement on alleged Christian killings in Nigeria.

Speaking in reaction to Trump’s remarks in a viral video released on Friday, Barau urged Trump to immediately withdraw his recent threat against Nigeria and issue a public apology for describing the country as “disgraced.”

According to the lawmaker, Trump’s comments were “unacceptable, un-American, and a violation of international law.”

He said Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, would not tolerate any form of intimidation or interference.

“For the president of the United States to come out and say, ‘Nigeria is a disgraced country, and we are going to attack you,’ is quite unacceptable,” Barau said.

“He should understand, retract that statement, and apologise to Nigeria.”

Barau maintained that Trump’s utterances breached diplomatic norms and international law, saying “It’s against international law. Whatever you feel about our country, follow the legal route. Go to the United Nations, get a resolution, and act in line with that. To bypass that process is quite un-American.”

The lawmaker insisted, “We are not scared to speak the truth. If Trump were here, I would tell him directly that he has gone against international law and that his approach is wrong.”

US Senator Ted Cruz Condemns China Over “Largest Crackdown” On Christians, Demands Release Of Detained Pastor.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Cruz said he was “glad to see the U.S. Senate unanimously pass resolution condemning the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin,” calling the incident part of a disturbing pattern of systematic persecution of Christians in China.

The United States Senator, Ted Cruz, has condemned what he described as a “grave violation of religious freedom and human dignity” by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) following the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin, the leader of one of China’s largest underground churches.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Cruz said he was “glad to see the U.S. Senate unanimously pass resolution condemning the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin,” calling the incident part of a disturbing pattern of systematic persecution of Christians in China.

“In China, Christians are fighting daily for their religious freedom against the Chinese Communist Party,” Cruz wrote.

Accompanying the post was a video of his Senate floor speech, in which he accused the Chinese government of launching the largest coordinated nationwide crackdown on Christians in more than four decades.

“I rise today to speak about a grave matter and a clear violation of religious freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law,” Cruz declared.

“On October 10, 2025, the Chinese Communist Party launched the largest coordinated nationwide crackdown in more than four decades against a Christian urban home house church in China. In that sweep, 23 pastors and church members of the Zion Church, one of China’s largest underground congregations, were arrested and wrongfully detained.”

The Texas senator said Pastor Ezra Jin and his congregation were not involved in any acts of violence, but were simply worshipping and serving God, when the regime labelled them enemies of the state.

Senate Directs NAFDAC to Enforce Sachet Alcohol Ban Starting December 2025, Rejects Further Extensions.

The Nigerian Senate has mandated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory agencies to begin strict enforcement of the ban on high-strength alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets from December 2025, with lawmakers explicitly ruling out any additional extensions beyond the existing moratorium.

The directive came after the upper chamber adopted a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who highlighted the urgent need to end the phase-out of sachet-packaged alcohol without further delays.

During plenary, Ekpeyong recounted how NAFDAC, aligning with global standards and following broad consultations with stakeholders, first announced a gradual ban on the importation, production, and sale of these products.

In 2018, key players—including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), NAFDAC, the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN)—signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to voluntarily eliminate the packaging format.

The agreement was driven by growing concerns over the sachets’ low cost, easy portability, and appeal to vulnerable populations such as children, teenagers, commercial drivers, and low-income groups.

Despite the original timeline, the Federal Government in 2024 granted manufacturers a one-year grace period to clear inventories and shift to alternative packaging, pushing the final deadline to December 2025.

Ekpeyong, however, warned that some producers are now pressing for yet another postponement—a tactic he argued erodes regulatory credibility, endangers public health, and skews market competition.

He pointed to mounting evidence linking sachet alcohol to youth addiction, traffic accidents, school attrition, domestic abuse, and broader societal problems.

Senate moves to phase out petrol cars, advances electric vehicle bill.

The Nigerian Senate has moved closer to adopting clean energy transportation after a bill seeking to phase out petrol-powered cars and promote electric vehicles (EVs) scaled second reading on Tuesday.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, aims to provide the legal and policy framework for Nigeria’s transition from fossil fuel dependence to electric mobility. Kalu explained that the bill would help reduce carbon emissions, encourage local vehicle production, and align the country with global efforts toward sustainable transport.

According to him, the transport sector contributes between 20 and 30 percent of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions. “This bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to guide Nigeria’s gradual move from petrol-powered vehicles to cleaner, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternatives,” he said.

The bill also proposes creating a National Electric Vehicle Development and Promotion Council to coordinate policy implementation at all levels of government.

In support of the proposal, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) described it as timely, noting that countries like Kenya and South Africa are already progressing in electric mobility. He said adopting EVs would reduce emissions in cities such as Lagos and Kano, improve public health, and create new jobs.

Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) added that Nigeria’s population gives it a critical role in global climate action, while Senator Titus Zam (Benue North-West) highlighted the environmental and health gains of the transition.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the initiative, calling it a “very good innovation,” and expressed confidence in its potential impact. The bill has been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Industries for further consideration, with a report expected in four weeks.

Tinubu Seeks Approval for Fresh N1.15trn Domestic Loan Despite Rising Debts.

President Bola Tinubu has requested the National Assembly’s approval to borrow a fresh N1.15 trillion from the domestic debt market to help fund the deficit in the 2025 budget.

The request was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Senate during plenary on Tuesday.

According to the letter, the proposed borrowing aims to bridge the funding gap and ensure the full implementation of government programmes and projects under the 2025 fiscal plan.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, instructing it to report back within one week for further legislative action.

President tinubu requests senate approval for new ₦1.15trn domestic loan to bridge 2025 budget gap.

President Bola Tinubu has requested the National Assembly’s approval for a fresh ₦1.15 trillion domestic loan to bridge the deficit in the 2025 national budget. The request, contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, is part of measures to sustain key government programmes and projects.

Tinubu explained that the loan would ensure smooth implementation of the 2025 budget and compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and relevant executive orders requiring legislative approval for new borrowings. The Senate referred the proposal to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, which has one week to submit its report.

The latest borrowing plan comes just days after the Senate approved Tinubu’s request for a $2.847 billion external loan, including a $500 million debut Sovereign Sukuk, aimed at funding the budget deficit and refinancing maturing Eurobonds.

Earlier in May, Tinubu sought approval for a $21.5 billion external loan for infrastructure, health, education, and water projects, as well as a ₦758 billion domestic bond to clear outstanding pension arrears under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt rose to ₦152.40 trillion as of June 2025, up from ₦149.39 trillion in March — an increase of ₦3.01 trillion within three months. In dollar terms, the debt stands at $99.66 billion, underscoring the country’s growing reliance on borrowing to fund fiscal shortfalls amid ongoing revenue reforms and foreign exchange liberalization.

Nigeria Immigration Service Says Natasha Akpoti’s Passport ‘Seizure’ Was Routine.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has addressed claims that it seized the international passport of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Udughan.

A senior NIS official, who requested anonymity, described the incident at the airport as “routine.” “She was not detained. Her passport may have been taken for a standard clearance procedure,” the officer explained.

When contacted, NIS spokesman ACI Akinsola Akinlabi said he was away from Abuja but would investigate the matter to provide clarification.

Senator Akpoti-Udughan had earlier alleged during a Facebook Live session that her passport was confiscated on the orders of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The passport was, however, returned to her during the live broadcast.

“They Feared Political Persecution” — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Opens Up on Colleagues’ Silence During Her Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has revealed that many of her colleagues in the National Assembly refrained from publicly supporting her during her six-month suspension out of fear of political persecution.

Speaking during the commissioning of a new market in Okene, Kogi State, Natasha said that while several senators expressed private solidarity, they avoided public association with her to protect their political standing.

“When a government official faces challenges, isolation comes naturally,” she said.
“Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted. Many senators stood by me quietly — they called, they visited — but in public, they couldn’t show it. I’m not offended by that.”


The lawmaker described her suspension as illegal, arguing that it exposed the fear and intimidation that influence behavior within government institutions.

Recall that Senator Natasha was suspended in March over allegations involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio, but made her return to the Red Chamber in September after serving her six-month suspension.

“When We Ask for ₦1, Give Us ₦5!” — Wike Tells Senate as He Reacts to Gov. Diri’s Defection to APC

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stirred fresh political waves after telling the Senate to “increase the FCT budget” while simultaneously addressing the defection of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Wike revealed that Diri — who officially joined the APC earlier that day — had previously accused him of working with the APC to destroy the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“When Diri was in the PDP, he said I was working for the APC to destroy the party,” Wike recounted.
“Now that he has joined the APC, he should come and tell me, ‘Thank you, master, for opening my eyes to see the light.’”


Wike mocked Diri’s move as hypocritical, noting that the Bayelsa governor had once branded others “undertakers” attempting to bury the PDP — yet has now joined the same party he once criticized.

The former Rivers State governor highlighted his long-standing loyalty to the PDP, reminding Nigerians that he has been a “bona fide member since 1998.”

“When I was governor under Buhari’s administration, everything was done to kill PDP, but I fought back. Leadership is key. Everyone wants to make excuses, but the man they claim is killing PDP is still in the PDP,” Wike said.


The fiery minister also used the opportunity to press the National Assembly to expand the FCT budget, boldly declaring:

“When we ask for ₦1, give us ₦5!”


Wike’s comment has since sparked discussions about his assertive leadership style, his complicated relationship with the PDP, and his growing influence in national politics.

Akpabio Slams Viral Post Mocking Trump: “It’s a Complete Fabrication” — Senate President Denies Making Anti-Trump Comments

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly denied a viral social media post alleging that he mocked U.S. President Donald Trump over his recent comments on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria.

The Senate leader, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described the viral post as “malicious, fabricated, and reckless misinformation”, warning Nigerians to disregard it entirely.

The controversial post, circulated by a social media page known as Rant HQ, falsely quoted Akpabio as saying that Nigerians were “satisfied with killings” and that Trump should “focus on the U.S.” The statement stirred widespread outrage amid rising diplomatic tension following Trump’s warning of possible military action in Nigeria.

“The post is a total falsehood — a product of mischief and a desperate attempt to incite misunderstanding between Senator Akpabio and President Trump,” Eyiboh stated.


He clarified that Akpabio, known for his diplomatic approach and global reputation, holds Trump in “high regard as a leader of a great nation” and would “never issue comments on matters concerning U.S. domestic affairs or Nigeria’s foreign policy.”

The Senate President’s office condemned the post as “digital recklessness aimed at tarnishing reputations and inflaming diplomatic sentiments,” urging social media users to verify information before sharing.

Trump’s earlier post on Truth Social — where he threatened potential U.S. military intervention in Nigeria to tackle “Islamic terrorists” — has continued to generate global debate.

“Freedom of expression is not freedom to lie,” Eyiboh warned, calling for responsible communication online.


Akpabio’s office reaffirmed that the Senate remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions and maintaining Nigeria’s global diplomatic respect.

Abuja resident doctors to join NARD indefinite strike Saturday.

Resident doctors employed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration have issued a notice to join the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors in an indefinite industrial action expected to begin on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

This was contained in a notice letter dated 30th October, 2025, addressed to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and signed by ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, and the Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong.

The decision was unanimously approved by the ARD-FCTA Congress at an emergency meeting on Wednesday.

ARD-FCTA stressed that it would continue the indefinite strike until its demands are met.

“The Congress unanimously votes to fully join the NARD-declared strike in its entirety.

“It is, however, important to note:
Even if NARD suspends or calls off its strike, ARD-FCTA will continue its own indefinite strike action until all demands peculiar to our centre have been satisfactorily met,” the notice partly read.

NARD had earlier announced a plan to begin an indefinite strike on November 1st, 2025.

Recall that ARD-FCTA said it is considering a decisive response against the non-implementation of FCT minister Nyesom Wike’s approval of their demands.

The association had suspended its strike in September 2025 after a pledge by the Nigerian Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils & Ancillary Matters to intervene on the issue.

Ndume Compares Troops’ Wage To Neighbour Nations, Advocates Better Pay.

Former Senate Leader and lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume, has tasked the newly installed Chief of Defence Staff, Lt-General Olufemi Oluyede and the Service Chiefs to push for better remuneration for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces to boost their motivation.

According to The Nation, Ndume advised in a statement in Abuja following the decoration of the new service chiefs with their new ranks by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

General Oluyede and three other service chiefs were screened and confirmed for appointment by the Senate on Wednesday.

Ndume said, “I have identified four pillars that would make our military formidable at all times and keep security threats at bay.

“This is what I have tagged as TEAM. The first is Training, second is Equipment, Ammunition and Motivations in that order.”

The annual budget of the Armed Forces and Other Security forces should be in the First Line Charge, and it shouldn’t be discretionary. They should be front-loaded,” he added.

Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Extends Olive Branch to Akpabio with Project Commissioning Invitation.

Relations between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) and Senate President Godswill Akpabio appear to be warming as the Kogi lawmaker has invited Akpabio and other Senators to a project commissioning in her constituency.

The invitation, personally signed by Akpoti-Uduaghan, was read by Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary. The event, scheduled for Sunday in Ihima, Kogi State, is part of activities marking her second year in the Senate.

“In marking my second-year anniversary as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite fellow Distinguished Senators to join me for projects commissioning in Kogi State,” the letter stated.

The meeting point is Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street, Ihima, Okene. Senators arriving by air were advised to use the Obajana Airstrip before proceeding to the venue by road.

After reading the letter, Akpabio responded briefly but warmly: “Congratulations in advance.”

The gesture is seen as a step toward reconciliation following their contentious dispute earlier this year over Senate seat reallocation, a conflict that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension on March 6. 

Since returning on September 24, she has gradually resumed active participation in plenary, including contributing to debates such as the Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Her latest invitation marks the clearest public sign yet of a renewed working relationship with the Senate leadership.