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Category: Opinion

  • Blessing Nwachukwu’s Japa Story: Lost $30,000 to visa fraud, now a tech guru, US citizen

    Blessing Nwachukwu’s Japa Story: Lost $30,000 to visa fraud, now a tech guru, US citizen

    Blessing Nwachukwu had her life ahead of her when she decided to leave Nigeria for Russia at 21. Interestingly, her rough journey to Moscow in 2009 laid the foundation for a significant success story in the United States of America, USA.

    Leaving her fatherland with just $65 and a plane ticket to study at the People’s Friendship University of Russia, Blessing could only imagine herself landing in a greener pasture. But life didn’t immediately smile at her as she had thought.

    ‘It was rough’

    Recounting her rough journey to Russia, Blessing said in an interview with Vanguard, “I moved from Nigeria to Moscow, Russia, in 2009, when I was 21 years old. I moved with only $65, a plane ticket, my visa, and the usual two suitcases. But it was a very rough journey.”

    To survive in Russia, she resorted to selling food items sent by her mother and teaching herself how to make hair for profit despite having no prior experience.

    To augment her income, she took up a cleaning job for an American church, and when she had made enough money to settle her tuition, she decided to buy a laptop, paid for internet access and pleaded with the school to allow her to pay in installments.

    With the internet, she discovered there was a high demand for English teachers in Russia, who were paid well ($30-$100 per hour).

    “I chose to buy a laptop and an internet. With that I started applying for jobs. I noticed that they were looking for English teachers in Russia. It’s one of the most sought after professions and they pay really well. They used to pay like between $30 to $100. hour,” she said.

    Blessing’s teaching career significantly advanced when a Russian millionaire hired her to be a governess for his one-year-old daughter.This opportunity opened doors to teaching jobs with other wealthy families, and Blessing began training and referring other Nigerians, effectively carving out a significant niche in the market by offering more affordable rates than American teachers.

    According to her, she was earning a substantial $3,000 to $4,000 per month between 2010 and 2012.

    However, life in Russia presented significant challenges, including prevalent racism against black people, the extremely cold climate, and the lack of dual citizenship options at the time.

    “I was making a lot of money. But one day, I told myself I really could not stay in Russia because to be honest, at the time, I don’t know about now, Russians were not used to black people. So, there was a lot of racism going on,” she said.

    These challenges prompted her decision to start looking for other opportunities in Canada and the US.

    Sadly, her plans were tragically disrupted when her passport was stolen and she was scammed out of $30,000, her entire savings, including the money from her mother, by some dudes who promised her a Canadian visa.

    Realising her American dream

    Back in Nigeria, Blessing started the Blessy Jackson Show, a YouTube channel, and was also applying to a film school abroad.

    While she struggled to find her feet in the content business, her Russia-based best friend, Faithful advised her to return to Moscow to start her PhD programme.

    “My best friend Faithful, was very supportive during the time. She used to take care of me and sent me money from Moscow. She applied for me to do PhD. She paid $6,000 for everything — my tuition, my flight, everything, and brought me back,” Blessing said.

    In April 2014, Blessing’s dream came true. Her mother, who had just received her gratuity from the defunct Nigerian Electricity Power Authority (NEPA), asked her to return home and handed her an open check.

    She said, “My mother said ‘Tell me anywhere you want to go, and I’ll make it happen for you’. Faithful and I came back home. That was the time of Ebola. She paid for our trip to come back, which I’m glad I did because that was the longest I had ever stayed with her before she died.

    “She wanted me to decide what I wanted to do in my life. I always wanted to go to Canada. It was my dream country and I can’t explain why. I know nothing about the United States, but for some reason my spirit just picked the US. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t have an idea what I was going to do when I come to United States.”

    Making it in the US…

    Despite having been denied a US visa twice before and having Canada as her dream country, she decided to apply for a US visa again for film production after realizing her previous denials were likely due to applying for the same degree she already held.

    After getting her US visa, Blessing, in January 2015, went back to Moscow, terminated her PhD programme, packed her belongings and headed for the US.

    After settling in in Georgia, Blessing, motivated by the good salary her ex-husband earned in tech, transitioned into tech-related jobs, pursuing database administration and website development.

    She said, “When I saw the money my ex-husband was making in tech, it kind of motivated me to want to make that sort of money. So I shifted to database administration, from there I started creating website for companies. A lot of companies, small businesses not even big ones, would pay me over $2,000 to create a website for them. And when I saw that kind of money; I was like oh my God, I could have my own business creating websites and I could also be working for someone.”

    After making some good money in tech, she ventured into real estate, buying up properties at a time when people didn’t even care about properties in the US.

    “I started buying properties and turned them into Airbnbs and that’s how my money more than tripled.”

    Ten years after relocating to the US, Blessing’s tech and real estate business has pushed her net worth to over N3 billion.

    “My net worth is over $2 million to be honest — in properties and other things. And I’m doing really great.”

    When asked if she plans to return to Nigeria, the middle-aged lady, who is now a US citizen, said America has become her home.

    “This is where I want to reside till I pass on. It is where I want to be buried,” Blessing stated.

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  • INEC Chairman, Yakubu, urges youth to champion peaceful elections

    INEC Chairman, Yakubu, urges youth to champion peaceful elections

    ABUJA: Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has asked African youths to lead the charge in promoting peaceful and credible elections across the continent.

    Yakubu spoke on Tuesday while delivering a lecture on “Democracy and Peaceful Elections in West Africa” to students of International Affairs and Diplomacy and those of Peace and Conflict Studies at the Civil Service University in the Republic of The Gambia.

    The INEC Chairman who was a guest of the University, also urged the youths to actively engage in the electoral process with a positive mindset, shun electoral malpractices, and uphold democratic values.

    Highlighting the indispensable role of young people in the electoral processes, the INEC Chairman noted that elections in Africa cannot succeed without youth participation.

    He said; “Young people form the backbone of election duty staff,” he said, pointing out that Election Management Bodies EMBs lack the manpower to conduct elections without recruiting youths as temporary or ad hoc staff.

    “Beyond logistics and staffing, he emphasized that youths also make up the largest segment of the voting population. His words: “Before the elections, they are involved in voter registration, one of the most critical stages of the electoral cycle. It is a duty that must be undertaken with sincerity, patriotism, and a sense of responsibility.”

    Yakubu further urged the youths to be upright and law-abiding, saying; “If you want peaceful elections, play your part for God and country. Do the right thing. Obey the laws and regulations. That’s how we make every vote count.”

    He also drew attention to the role of youths as political party agents, cautioning against misrepresenting facts or feeding political stakeholders with false information which, he warned, could trigger violence and undermine public trust in the process.

    Turning to the influence of digital media, Prof. Yakubu warned against the spread of fake news, particularly during election periods. “Don’t be among the fake news merchants. If it’s not verified, don’t share it. As citizen reporters, you have a duty to report elections truthfully and responsibly,” he said.

    He encouraged young people not to lose faith in democracy or withdraw from civic engagement.

    “This is the system we have chosen. It is ours to nurture, defend, and improve. Every young African must play a role in deepening and strengthening democratic institutions”, he stated.

  • No apology from Fubara yet – Wike replies Tompolo

    No apology from Fubara yet – Wike replies Tompolo

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected calls for reconciliation from former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, stating that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has not approached him for forgiveness.

    In a statement issued by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, the minister made it clear that forgiveness requires an acknowledgment of wrongdoing and a direct plea for pardon, neither of which Fubara has made.

    Tompolo had earlier called for Wike to temper his anger and reconcile with Fubara for the sake of peace in Rivers State. The Niger Delta leader said, “And just like I will not accept rebellion from my son, I will also not cause more problems. Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all. We will have a dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and again Fubara will return to his seat.”

    When asked about Tompolo’s appeal, Wike’s camp responded with scepticism.

    “There is no offence. It is when somebody has offended you personally that you are talking about the person seeking forgiveness or whatever. As Christians, let’s now assume that Fubara has offended the minister, do you forgive someone who has not come to you to seek forgiveness?

    “The person who has wronged you must first agree that in his mind he has wronged you. Let’s assume that Fubara has offended the minister, has he come to seek forgiveness? I’m not saying there is an offence and there should be forgiveness, but he has not even come for forgiveness.”

    Olayinka explained that Wike’s concerns were rooted in governance principles, rather than being of a personal nature.

    “The minister has never said that Fubara offended him personally. He only said that Fubara should govern in accordance with the rule of law and that Fubara should not throw away those who risked their lives and resources—and that is not too much to ask. He said, ‘Those who worked to make you governor, don’t throw them away like that’. So, that is not about forgiveness. If there is one person Fubara would say he has offended, it should be the president.

    “He is the one to go for soul-searching because throughout the time he was working with this same Wike, throughout the time Wike was facing the bullet for him, Wike was not a bad person then. So, at what point did Wike become a bad person to him? He should ask himself. When did Wike become somebody that Fubara would be so bold as to tell him that he would deal with him? At what point?”

    Concluding with a proverb, Olayinka said, “It’s like asking a doctor to prescribe medicine for a sick person, but not convincing the sick person to take it. What’s the result?”

  • Nigerians have no business being poor, says Obasanjo

    Nigerians have no business being poor, says Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigerians have no business being poor with the country’s vast resources.

    He said that the nation is abundantly blessed but is suffering from the mismanagement of its resources.

    Obasanjo said this at a dinner organised in his honour by Abia Government on Friday at the Government House, Umuahia.

    He said: “Nigerians have no business with poverty because God has given us all that we need.

    “If we are mismanaging what God has given us, we do not have God to blame, we have ourselves to blame.”

    The former president praised the efforts of Gov. Alex Otti of Abia in transforming the state, noting the wide public acclaim of his administration’s performance.

    He affirmed the governor’s impact on governance in the state and urged him to continue to do well.

    Obasanjo added that if Nigeria had 18 governors doing well in their responsibilities as leaders, “we will build the country up”.

    He reiterated his concern in the well-being of Nigerians and the quality of governance they receive.

    “For me, whether you don’t greet me or I greet you and you don’t answer, what is important to me is that the people of this country are getting what they deserve and what they deserve is good governance,” he said.

    Obasanjo recalled an earlier advisory he gave former Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, during his tenure in office.

    He said that Amaechi was not aware of a pre-existing national railway development plan and had to be directed to the archives to find it.

    “I believe that even if you don’t like me if I have pieces of advice to give you, as I did when you were Minister for Transport, I will give the advice.

    “You didn’t know that we had a national plan for railway for this country, to reach every state capital as we have them now and I told you to go into the archives, it is there.

    “But again, I believe as Minister of Transport, you got a bit of it right, you got a bit of it wrong.”

    In his speech, the governor acknowledged the support he received from the former president.

    He said that the importance of vision and perseverance in leadership could never be overlooked, recounting the challenges he faced over his decade-long political journey.

    “Once you have vision, you have to keep to it. It took us ten years to get here, the two elections we contested from 2015 to 2019, we won clearly but they were all stolen.

    “A lot of people had given up hope and said it wasn’t going to work, but I was sure that I heard clearly from God,” he said.

    He said his administration had embarked on massive reforms in the education sector to improve access to quality education in Abia.

    Also, Amaechi called on political actors in Abia to begin early preparations for the 2027 general elections.

    According to him, the value of a good administration was often only realised after a less competent one takes over.

    He pointed out that this had become the experience with many former leaders, but Obasanjo had continually stood out because of his visionary leadership style.

    “In your case, no matter who becomes president, you have always stood out,” Amaechi said.

    He described quality leadership as crucial for development and in order not to experience its absence, the people of Abia must support capable leaders like Otti in the next elections.

    “APC and other parties are already mobilising, if we don’t prepare now, we may lose out completely.

    “We must not only protect what we have but also ensure that we come back in 2028 to celebrate true democratic success,” he added.

    In separate speeches, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe and the acting National Secretary of Labour Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, expressed delight in being part of Abia’s success story.

    They thanked  Obasanjo for his continued support for the Otti-led administration and commended the governor for the equitable developmental strides across all local government areas. (NAN)

  • Aiyedatiwa dissolves board of Ondo Football Agency, appoints caretaker committee

    Aiyedatiwa dissolves board of Ondo Football Agency, appoints caretaker committee

    Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dissolved the management board of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA).

    This was announced in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in Akure, the state capital.

    According to the statement, the Executive Chairman of the Board, Mr. Dele Ologun, along with other members, has been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. They have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession to the agency’s accounting officer.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa has also approved the appointment of a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of Sunshine Stars Football Club. The committee will be led by Mr. Tokunbo Akinyelure, who will serve as Team Manager and Welfare Officer.

    Other members of the caretaker team include: Morris Kwaghzever – Special Duties, Abdul Wahab – Kits Manager, Elias Michael – Masseur, Adetula Olumide – Physiotherapist, Ayodeji Abe – Camp Commandant, Ademola Ayodeji – Assistant Kits Manager I, Oria Sola – Assistant Kits Manager II, Imisi Ayodele – Curator and Isaac Afolabi – Media Officer.

    The caretaker committee will report directly to the Office of the State Governor. Adeniyan noted that the committee has been tasked with revitalizing the Sunshine Stars Football Club and improving its overall performance.

  • Ndume knocks Tinubu over lopsided federal appointments

    Ndume knocks Tinubu over lopsided federal appointments

    Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC Borno South) has kicked against lopsidedness in federal or political appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which, according to him, has favoured one section or ethnic group, contrary to the dictates of the Federal Character guidelines.

    Ndume said he was shocked when he read the endless and sectional list of federal political appointees which have gone viral in social media or public space, describing the situation as non-inclusive and not reflecting the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of Mr President, who has took an Oath of Office and that of allegiance, that sort to carry everybody along while discharging any responsibility as government.

    Ndume stated this on Arise News (Prime Time) yesterday, which was monitored by our correspondent.

    He pointed out that as a lawmaker, and based on his observation, President Tinubu’s appointments so far violated federal character and should be corrected.

    The senator, who is a member of the ruling APC, has always been vocal and a critic, especially on some government policies and programmes allegedly not in favour of the Nigerian masses and the electorate.

    Responding to a question on the list of political appointees by Mr President, which is in circulation and in favour of one ethnic group, Ndume said, “Well, I don’t think I have anything to add, because the figures are there; you can look at it; I sent you all. It is not that I am making accusations or saying that Mr President does not have the right to make appointments, but Section 14/3 of the Constitution is very clear. When you look at it vis-à-vis the appointments made so far, they are political appointments.

    “If appointments that are professional, so to say, like you can’t appoint someone who is not a soldier to become Chief of Army Staff, or you can’t appoint someone who is not a police officer to become the Inspector General of Police, IGP, but then, when you come to look at political appointments, the Constitution, as I said earlier, is very clear, and it is because to avoid such infractions that the constitution of Section 14/3 states that political appointments should reflect the Federal Character….., which is not the case here.

    “All I am saying is to call the attention of Mr President to such infractions so that they can be corrected; otherwise, this thing can boomerang at a certain period of time. Just like you said, people look at me as somebody that is critical of the government, but I have the right to do that because that is why I am elected as a legislator at the National Assembly in the first place.

    “Collectively, we are supposed to oversee the acts of Mr President and point out some of the irregularities. This is what we swore to do. It is not personal, because if you count five people in the North that have a personal relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I (Ndume) am one of them. But that does not stop me from saying the truth, because I have the obligation to do that in the interest of all Nigerians.

    “As a Nigerian and a lawmaker, I have the right to voice this out, but Tinubu’s attack dogs will attack me, not the message. It is not personal, as I said, especially now that everybody will stand before God Almighty and account for his/her own stewardship as leaders. It is unfortunate that after this interaction, these so-called Tinubu Boys or people will start attacking Ndume, saying he is a very frustrating person,” Ndume said.

  • Insecurity: Tinubu urged to declare state of emergency in Zamfara

    Insecurity: Tinubu urged to declare state of emergency in Zamfara

    Due to the insecurity incidents in Zamfara State, the United Democratic Coalition (UDC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately declare a state of emergency in the state.

    The group asked the President to nip the crisis in the bud before it snowballs into a breakdown of democratic order in the state.

    The demand was contained in a statement on Friday signed by Abdulrahman Danladi, president of the coalition.

    Danladi described Zamfara as “a state under siege,” accusing the state government of abandoning its constitutional duty to protect lives and uphold democratic principles.

    “The situation in Zamfara has gone from troubling to terrifying. Armed groups operate freely, citizens are at the mercy of bandits, and yet those elected to speak up are being silenced,” the statement read.

    He was referring to the recent suspension of 10 lawmakers in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, whom he said were punished for raising concerns about insecurity and illegal mining in their constituencies.

    “What we are witnessing is not just lawlessness — it is executive tyranny. These lawmakers were elected by the people and have a duty to speak out. Instead of listening to them, the state assembly, clearly acting on orders, has shut them down,” Danladi said.

    He likened the political tension in Zamfara to the recent situation in Rivers state, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara governed with just four lawmakers after a split in the House of Assembly — a scenario that prompted calls for federal intervention.

    “If Rivers with four lawmakers sparked talks of emergency rule, how is Zamfara with 10 suspended lawmakers and spiraling violence not a national concern?” Danladi asked.

    “The same standard must apply. Democracy is being murdered in Zamfara in broad daylight. If the federal government could consider intervening in Rivers, it must not turn a blind eye to the breakdown in Zamfara.”

    “We are calling for a six-month state of emergency in Zamfara to allow security forces take control, restore peace, and return the state to constitutional order.”

    The group also demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended lawmakers and an investigation into what it called “executive interference” in the legislature.

    “This is not the time for political correctness. It is the time for leadership. The people of Zamfara are under siege — both by bandits and by those who should be protecting them,” the statement added.
    Zamfara, one of Nigeria’s most troubled states, continues to face persistent attacks from armed groups, with thousands displaced and dozens killed in the past year alone.

  • PDP will reclaim South-East in 2027 – Wabara

    PDP will reclaim South-East in 2027 – Wabara

    Former Senate President and Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has expressed confidence that the PDP will reclaim the South-East in the 2027 general elections.

    Speaking on the recent return of Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, to the PDP, Wabara stated that the zone, once a stronghold of the PDP, would regain its dominance by 2027.

    Wabara lamented that some South-East states previously controlled by the PDP were lost to other parties in the 2023 elections. However, he noted with optimism that many aggrieved former members are now returning to the party.

    “The return of Edeoga is a bold step, and I commend him for it. This is a sign that the PDP is regaining strength in the South-East,” Wabara told Vanguard in an exclusive interview.

    Wabara hailed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, describing his developmental strides as a major factor in weakening the opposition in the state.

    “Gov. Mbah has taken governance to a higher level, setting the pace in various areas. When a leader shows such capacity, the reasonable thing for the opposition to do is to support him.”

    The PDP BoT Chairman further commended Mbah for making Enugu a model state, stating that his achievements have bolstered the party’s chances in the South-East ahead of 2027.

    “Governor Mbah is the only PDP governor in the South-East, and his performance has helped market the party through laudable projects acknowledged even by the opposition.”

    Wabara also applauded PDP lawmakers at both the national and state levels for their efforts in repositioning the party. He urged all aggrieved members who defected after the 2023 elections to return and help rebuild the party.

    “Democracy is under siege in Nigeria, but the PDP remains the credible alternative for 2027. That is why we are focused on strengthening the party before the next elections.”

    The former Senate President maintained that Nigerians are looking to the PDP for leadership, and the party is working tirelessly to restore its place as the dominant political force in the country.

  • Bode George to Tinubu: Nigeria’s democracy at risk over Rivers, Natasha saga

    Bode George to Tinubu: Nigeria’s democracy at risk over Rivers, Natasha saga

    Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has warned that the recent developments in Rivers State and the handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio could threaten Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.

    George, citing historical precedents, said similar crises led to the collapse of the First and Second Republics, arguing that the current presidential system is proving to be worse than military rule.

    In his Ramadan message, he condemned the approval of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State through a voice vote, calling it unconstitutional. He also criticized the move to recall Natasha from the Senate, describing it as shameful.

    George expressed disbelief at the political turmoil in Rivers, particularly the withdrawal of security from an elected speaker while protecting a deposed one. He also condemned the National Assembly’s ratification of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s suspension, stating that it lacked the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.

    “In Rivers State, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers were suspended, and the National Assembly, without the mandatory two-thirds approval, rubber-stamped this unconstitutional action by voice vote,” he said.

    George also criticized the Senate and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for their handling of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Akpabio. He described her suspension and the subsequent recall attempt as a national embarrassment.

    He questioned INEC’s inconsistency, noting that the commission initially rejected the recall process due to procedural irregularities, only to reverse its stance within 24 hours.

    “Look at the gang-up against Natasha in the Senate. Don’t these Senators have daughters? With insecurity, corruption, and poverty ravaging the country, is Natasha’s issue the most pressing? She is a strong PDP member, and we will not allow this humiliation,” he stated.

    George commended Senators Aminu Tambuwal, Seriake Dickson, and Enyinnaya Abaribe for opposing what he described as legislative injustice. He insisted that the approval of the state of emergency in Rivers was unconstitutional since it lacked the required 74 Senators and 240 Representatives.

    “The law is clear. A state of emergency requires a two-thirds majority. What is the meaning of a voice vote? Did they get the numbers before approving it?” he asked.

    George also raised concerns over reports that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was planning a political rally in Bayelsa State, warning that it could escalate tensions.

    “With what is happening in Rivers, why should Wike be allowed to go to Yenagoa and stoke political tensions? The Kogi State Police Command banned rallies over Natasha’s issue, yet Wike is being encouraged to provoke the Ijaw people. This is a double standard and could lead to further instability.”

    He concluded by warning that the ongoing political turmoil is a sign of what could happen in the 2027 elections.

    “This presidential system we are operating is worse than military rule. What is happening now portends grave dangers for 2027. The federal government must not encourage lawlessness across the country.”

  • Akpabio runs Senate like personal empire; senators serve him tea – Elisha Abbo

    Akpabio runs Senate like personal empire; senators serve him tea – Elisha Abbo

    Former Adamawa North Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the Nigerian Senate like a personal empire and targeting lawmakers who oppose his leadership.

    Abbo, who spoke while featuring on Arise News programme, PrimeTime show, on Wednesday night, alleged that Akpabio orchestrated the removal of senators who did not align with him. “He told me that five senators would be removed. I asked how he knew, and he said, ‘I am the Senate President. I know.’ True to his words, five of us were removed. I had no idea that I was one of them,” he stated.

    Recalling the events leading up to Akpabio’s election as Senate President, Abbo claimed he rejected Akpabio’s request for support. “When I won election into the 10th Senate, I became the de facto DG campaign to Senator Abdulaziz Yari. He (Akpabio) came to my hotel room around 2 AM, asking for my support. I told him I was already committed to Yari and wished him good luck,” he said.

    Abbo further alleged that financial inducements were offered to senators to support Akpabio. “At a meeting at Transcorp Hilton, $10,000 was being distributed, but I refused to take any money,” he revealed.

    The former senator also accused Akpabio of denying him certain privileges after his removal. “Every other senator who was removed by the courts got their vehicles, but I was excluded. This is the level of vindictiveness displayed by Akpabio,” he said.

    He also pointed to the case of Senator Ali Ndume, alleging that Akpabio sidelined him for challenging the Senate’s leadership.

    He said, “Now, let’s look at Senator Ali Ndume. He was the DG to Akpabio. When he raised concerns about the way things were being run in the Senate, he was removed as Chief Whip and stripped of his position as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

    “I also moved a motion to amend the Senate Standing Rules so that only senators who had served at least one term could contest for Senate leadership. But what did Akpabio do? He rewrote the rules to allow first-term senators to become leaders of both the majority and minority caucuses—just so he could control them.

    “Do you know that in Akpabio’s house, senators serve him tea?”

    “Well, I am telling you now. And I told him, ‘You are no longer a governor. These senators are our colleagues, not your commissioners. They are not here to serve you tea,’” Abbo alleged.

    “I have always defended the integrity of the Senate. The issue is the leadership, not the institution itself.”