National News
TEARS FOR MY PEOPLE IN BORNO AND ANGER AT THE RAGING WATERS OF ALAU DAM

TEARS FOR MY PEOPLE IN BORNO AND ANGER AT THE RAGING WATERS OF ALAU DAM
By: Inuwa Bwala
A similar thing happened thirty years ago, precisely on the 4th of September, 1994; if I am not mistaken.
To date, nobody could give the exact number of human casualties, while the material loss was put at over a hundred million naira, conservatively.
Thirty years ago, the technology to predict such disasters were as not as sophisticated as today’s, but the media then had reported extensively of an impending flood in Maiduguri.
Long before the rains came this time around, weather forecasts point to the possibility of irregular patterns of rainfall, which could result into floods across 22 states in Nigeria.
Borno being amongst the 22 states likely to be affected by floods took some steps to avert the disaster or at least mitigate it’s effects.
Only two weeks ago, the State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum directed for the activation of all state government machineries to arrest possible disasters arising from the envisaged flood.
The Borno State Geographic Information Service, BOGIS, has been busy clearing buildings across water ways, and insisting on creating a free flow of water for the river Gadambul, which had hitherto been the source of previous floods.
But while the Government and Borno citizens were looking in another direction, the floods came from a less envisaged angle: the Alau dam, on the outskirts of the ancient city.
Reminiscent of the 4th September 1994 flood disaster in the ancient city, the floods came with the ferocity of a storm.
Most residents were caught napping as the flood creeped in while they were still sleeping.
As happened in the past, nobody may be able to give the exact number of casualties, as most families are still taking stock of their loss, at the time of writting.
Media reports indicate that over 40% of the city has been submerged by the flood, with vital facilities affected.
At the last count, the Shehu’s palace, the main cemetery at Gwange, the University of Naiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Maiduguri new Prisons, Mosques and Churches, business areas and private residences have been affected.
The Sanda Kyarimi park is not spared, with wild animals either perished or dangerously prowling in the waters.
Reports say inmates may have escaped from the Correctional facilities and definitely dead bodies in the cemetry will be washed up to the surface.
I was moved with pity as I watched the Vice President Kashim Shettima navigating through the flood to assess the situation and give assurances to people, that, the Federal Government will collaborate with the Borno State Government to provide succour.
More pitiable are the hundreds of thousands of residents, who have moved to higher grounds, or could be seen squatting by the flowing water.
Many people were not lucky to have rescued food items, clothing and beddings.
Most, if not all of them are not sure of their next meal, nor where to lay their heads.
Children could be seen clinging to the aprons and wrappers of their struggling parents, crying from hunger. The parents themselves look confused as to how to comfort the weeping kids.
Nobody knows how the situation will be like in the night, when the heavens are likely to open up again for the drowning rains.
Movements are almost impossible for rescue efforts by Governmen, as the water volume continued increasing, by the hours.
It was a situation of what the Hebrews call “balagan”.
Upto the afternoon of Tuesday, the situation did not seem to be abbating.
The Alau dam, which supplies drinking water to most parts of Maiduguri metropolis is becoming a curse, and the water the people used to drink seems to be angry with the people.
Clerics are calling for prayers, government has ordered for immediate evacuation, the Army, the Fire Service, FRSC and other aid agencies have been fully mobilized to assist in the evacuation and resettlement, while the citizen are crying that help us not coming fast enough.
Coming at a time Borno state citizens are begining to smile that life is gradually normalizing from years of displacement and disillusionment from Boko Haram insurgency, one cannot help but pity and share in the feelings of disappointment by the state Governor, Babagaba Umara Zulum.
The waters may soon recede and as happened before the hitherto dry gutters of Maiduguri shall turn to fishing ponds
TEARS FOR MY PEOPLE IN BORNO AND ANGER AT THE RAGING WATERS OF ALAU DAM
National News
ActionAid Nigeria Says “Speedy Suspension” of Natasha Questionable

ActionAid Nigeria Says “Speedy Suspension” of Natasha Questionable
… Calls for Independent Inquiry into Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Akpabio
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has said the speed at which Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate over the ongoing saga with the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio raises concern about application of due process.
AAN, in a statement personally signed by its Country Representative in Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said while the group acknowledges the authority of the Senate Committee on Ethics to discipline its members for breaches of legislative rules, as it was done in the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing her misconduct and refusal to comply with the chamber’s seating arrangement during the plenary session on 20th February 2025, however expressed reservations on the dispatch of punishment.
Mamedu said “the speed with which the Senate’s Ethics Committee investigated, ruled on, and implemented her suspension raises concerns about due process. Within 24 hours, she was subjected to an inquiry, found guilty, and suspended for six months—losing her salary, allowances, security details, and access to her office. Given the weight of this decision, should such a process not have undergone thorough deliberation in line with the principles of fair hearing and justice enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution?
“Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to a fair hearing, which includes adequate time for defense and a transparent adjudication process. The Nigerian judiciary has also ruled that legislative suspensions should not exceed 14 days, reinforcing the principle that elect representatives cannot be arbitrarily denied their mandate for extended periods. How then does this six-month suspension align with legal precedent?”
Mamedu added that: “Beyond this, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has resubmitted a petition concerning allegations of sexual harassment. ActionAid Nigeria expects the same urgency applied to her suspension to be used in reviewing this case. The Ethics Committee has demonstrated its ability to act swiftly—will this efficiency be extended to matters of justice and accountability, or does urgency only apply to punitive measures?
“ActionAid Nigeria demands an immediate, independent, and transparent inquiry into the allegations of misconduct raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), as an independent body mandated to safeguard human rights and promote justice, should be actively involved in cases like this to ensure impartiality. They have a duty to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation or gender, receives fair treatment under the law. The involvement of an independent body in reviewing legislative disciplinary measures would strengthen public confidence in the system and ensure that punitive actions are not used as tools for political suppression. Given the questions surrounding the fairness of this case, the NHRC should initiate an independent review of the circumstances leading to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and examine whether due process was fully observed.
“This suspension also has wider implications. Beyond the immediate legal and ethical concerns, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension further weakens women’s representation in Nigerian politics. Her removal from the Red Chamber reduces the already abysmal 3.6% female representation in the Senate to just 2.7%—one of the lowest in the world. Countries like Rwanda, South Africa, and Senegal have made significant progress in ensuring gender balance in their legislative bodies, with women constituting over 40% of parliamentary seats in some cases. The suspension of a female senator—especially in a case where the punishment is being questioned—only reinforces structural barriers that discourage women from pursuing political office.
“Her suspension also has serious consequences for the people she represents. Her constituents in Kogi Central are now effectively left out. By removing her from office for half a year, the Senate has, in effect, denied her constituents a seat at the table where critical national decisions are made. This raises fundamental concerns about democratic representation—should a constituency be punished alongside its senator? What mechanisms are in place to ensure that the people of Kogi Central continue to receive fair representation in the absence of their elected senator? The Senate must consider the broader consequences of such decisions and ensure that its disciplinary measures do not come at the expense of democratic governance.
“The National Assembly should be a space for diverse perspectives, yet this action raises concerns about whether opposition voices are being silenced. While legislative discipline is necessary, it must be exercised with fairness and consistency.”
ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to gender justice and democratic integrity, stating:
“ActionAid Nigeria respects the institution of the Senate, but we also urge it to uphold democratic principles by allowing room for dissenting voices rather than silencing them. The credibility of any democratic institution lies in its ability to accommodate differing perspectives, protect fundamental human rights, and ensure justice for all, regardless of gender, status, or political affiliation.”
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating International Women’s Day, ActionAid Nigeria calls on the government to accelerate progress toward gender equality by strengthening policies that promote women’s political participation. Creating a fair, transparent, and safe environment for female politicians to emerge and thrive is a critical development goal that must not be undermined by institutional bias or abuse of power.
Mamedu said failure to act on these demands will send a dangerous message about Nigeria’s commitment to gender justice and human rights. The credibility of the Senate—and indeed, our democracy—is at stake.
ActionAid Nigeria Says “Speedy Suspension” of Natasha Questionable
National News
IWD: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Urgent Investment in Women, Gender Equality

IWD: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Urgent Investment in Women, Gender Equality
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called for the urgent investment in women and accelerated progress towards gender equality.
This was the message of the organisation to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day, with the theme, “Investing in Women, Accelerating Progress, is not just a call to action, it is a non-negotiable requirement for sustainable development, justice, and equity.”
AAN, in a statement on Friday, explained that: “Women are the backbone of our economy, democracy, and communities. They lead, innovate, and build. Yet, in Nigeria, we continue to witness systemic efforts to stifle women’s participation, particularly in male-dominated spaces. From governance to corporate leadership and civil society, women who challenge the status quo often face intimidation, harassment, and exclusion.”
It therefore noted that the resignation of Mojisola Meranda in Lagos House of Assembly and the sexual harassment allegations raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are stark reminders of the challenges women encounter in leadership.
The statement signed by the Country Director, AAN, Andrew Mamedu read: “These incidents raise urgent questions: Where is the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)? What role is the Code of Conduct Bureau playing in ensuring accountability and justice? If we are serious about accelerating progress, institutions must work effectively to protect women in leadership from intimidation and harassment.
“At ActionAid Nigeria, we have seen firsthand the impact of investing in women. Through initiatives such as the Women’s Voice and Leadership Project, we have supported local women’s rights organizations to drive meaningful change. We are tackling harmful social norms through the Multistakeholder Action on the Prevention of Gender Based Violence (MAP-GBV) Project while empowering young girls as researchers and change agents through the Girl-led Research and Action initiative. These investments do more than uplift women, they create stronger families, healthier communities, and a more inclusive society.”
The statement added that: “Prioritising women’s rights and empowerment is not just a moral obligation but an economic and social imperative. All tiers of government; federal, state, and local must take decisive action by implementing policies and programmes that create real and lasting impact for women and girls. Increased investments in gender-responsive public services are essential to ensuring women have equitable access to land ownership, financial inclusion, and decent work opportunities.
“The federal and state governments must strengthen and enforce laws that protect women from gender-based violence, ensure swift and fair judicial processes for survivors, and eliminate barriers that hinder access to justice. Leadership structures must be comprehensively overhauled to enable women’s full and active participation in governance, policymaking, and economic development.”
Mamedu also highlighted the urgent need for institutional reforms to address sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse, adding, “All investigations, especially high-profile cases brought to public attention, must include independent oversight bodies to guarantee fair and transparent investigations. Public observation mechanisms should be incorporated to enhance accountability in cases of national interest, ensuring that justice is not only served but seen to be served.” Additionally, he stressed, “Workplace and institutional safeguarding policies must be strengthened to create environments where women feel safe, valued, and protected. A zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and discrimination must be effectively implemented across all sectors, with clear mechanisms for reporting and redress to prevent further violations.”
He called on the presidency to show stronger commitment through concrete action, stating, “The body language of the presidency must align with the urgent need for gender equality. This includes publicly condemning acts of gender-based violence, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring women’s rights are prioritised in national policies and governance. “Prioritising women’s rights and empowerment is not just a moral obligation but an economic and social imperative.
“To the women and girls of Nigeria: Your voices matter. Your contributions shape the nation. Let us continue to break barriers, challenge discrimination, and demand a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.”
IWD: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Urgent Investment in Women, Gender Equality
National News
NSCDC Boss Affirms Commitment to Protection of Infrastructure, Critical National Assets

NSCDC Boss Affirms Commitment to Protection of Infrastructure, Critical National Assets
By: Michael Mike
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Dr Ahmed Audi has affirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to its statutory core mandate in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure across the federation.
He gave the promise during an assemblage of Principal Management Staff Officers, State Commandants, Provost of Colleges and Heads of Tactical Forces.
Audi. in a keynote address, emphasized that the relevance of the Corps is hinged on unwavering commitment to ensuring the prosecution of its mandate and protection of the civil populace.
He said there is need to re-strategize by evaluating and appraising the performances of field operations officers and their heads noting that the Corps has benefitted from the Federal Government and the only way to reciprocate the gesture is adherence to the mandate and its effective fulfilment.
“At this first quarterly meeting we need to evaluate and appraise our performances to know where we need to implement new strategies for an improved results”.
“I urge you to intensify efforts and be focused in the discharge of our statutory roles and responsibility as the Federal Government has dedicated resources to ensuring our optimal performance.”
“Apparently, we have been receiving various support from the government therefore it is expected that we reciprocate by putting in active and results oriented efforts.”
“The continuous and relentless pursuit of the Core mandates of the NSCDC must be our priority; we must commit ourselves wholly to securing the critical national infrastructure and ensuring the safety of Nigerians”.
The CG while charging the attendees across the 36 States of the federation and FCT; noted that the Corps need to frankly embrace the enormous task of securing the nation amidst emerging security threats posed by what he described as asymmetric conflict often characterised by Crude oil theft, Vandalism, Farmers/Herders clashes, Kidnapping, hostage-taking, Insurgency and of course terrorism.
The NSCDC Boss hinted that intelligence has revealed that there is a nexus between illegal mining activities and banditry. He said it was gathered that illegal miners often connive with suspected bandits to embark on their nefarious tasks.
“Intelligence has now revealed that most illegal miners collude with bandits and hibernate around us to unleash mayhem and maneuver with our resources.”
The CG however re-assured the government and the public of continuous fight against economic sabotage as all hands would be on deck to ensure the safety and security of citizens across board.
NSCDC Boss Affirms Commitment to Protection of Infrastructure, Critical National Assets
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