• Senate claims Natasha was suspended for gross misconduct, not sexual harassment
• Obasanjo speaks on the Lagos-Calabar highway project and calls it wasteful and corrupt
• OPEC reports that Nigeria’s crude oil production dropped to 1.46m BPD in February
• Amazon and producers of “Gangs of Lagos” apologise for the portrayal of Eyo Festival
• Kebbi governor pleads for military assistance to fight the Lakurawa group in Arewa

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Senate claims Natasha was suspended for gross misconduct, not sexual harassment

The Senate has dismissed allegations that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension is linked to claims of sexual harassment. Instead, the legislative body clarified that the disciplinary action was strictly due to her “gross misconduct” and repeated breaches of parliamentary procedures.

In an official statement, Senate Leader Senator Bamidele Opeyemi condemned what he described as “deliberate misinformation and false narratives” being spread by certain media platforms.

“To be clear, Senator Uduaghan’s suspension was solely a consequence of her continuous misconduct, open disregard for the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), and serious indiscipline—nothing beyond that,” Opeyemi asserted.

Obasanjo speaks on the Lagos-Calabar highway project and calls it wasteful and corrupt

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticised the ₦15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, labelling it wasteful and tainted by corruption.

Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed that the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would cost ₦4.93 billion per kilometre, clarifying that the contract was awarded through a counterpart-funding arrangement rather than a Public-Private Partnership.

He also condemned the Bola Tinubu administration for allocating ₦21 billion toward constructing a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima. Obasanjo described the expenditure as a misplaced priority and an avenue for siphoning public funds.

OPEC reports that Nigeria’s crude oil production dropped to 1.46m BPD in February

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has reported a decline in Nigeria’s average daily crude oil production, which fell to 1.46 million barrels per day (bpd) in February.

In its latest monthly market report, OPEC stated that this production figure was obtained through direct communication with Nigerian authorities.

The report highlighted that this represents a 4.8% drop from the 1.53 million bpd recorded in January, marking the first month-on-month decrease in output this year.

Amazon and producers of “Gangs of Lagos” apologise for the portrayal of Eyo Festival

A Lagos High Court has approved the settlement agreement between the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) and the producers of Gangs of Lagos regarding the film’s controversial portrayal of the Eyo Masquerade.

Directed by Jade Osiberu and produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju, Gangs of Lagos premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023.

The film faced criticism for allegedly depicting Isale Eko as a hub of criminal activity and portraying the Eyo Masquerade as a violent gang. In response, the IDU filed a lawsuit seeking ₦10 billion in damages from Amazon and the filmmakers.

According to a legal document dated February 20, Justice Idowu Alakija stated that both parties agreed to settle the dispute amicably.

Kebbi governor pleads for military assistance to fight the Lakurawa group in Arewa

Governor Nasir Idris has urged the federal government to set up a military base in Arewa LGA to strengthen security against attacks by Lakurawa bandits.

He made this appeal during an interview following his visit to an IDP camp in Kangiwa, the headquarters of Arewa LGA to offer condolences.

The attack, allegedly carried out by Lakurawa bandits, resulted in the deaths of 11 people and the destruction of seven villages—Dogon Daji, Danmarke, Yar Goru, Tambo, Birnin Debi, Garin Nagoro, and Garin Rugga.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, the governor called on the federal government to consider establishing a military base in the area to enhance security measures.