Embattled Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has apologised to a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, over her clash with the senator representing Ebonyi North, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi.

TheNigerian Online reports that Ezekwesili and Nwaebonyi clashed on Tuesday at the hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on a fresh petition from Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Kogi lawmaker has repeatedly accused Akpabio of intimidating, maligning and sexually harassing her.

On Tuesday, Ezekwesili joined Abiola Akiode, counsel for Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the petitioner, Zubairu Yakubu, at the senate committee hearing as a witness in the case.

Nwaebonyi, who appeared as a witness for Akpabio, repeatedly interrupted the former minister during the hearing.

Ezekwesili then asked the Senate Deputy Chief Whip to “compose himself and stop making noise” and said, “please, will you shut up?”.

Following the comments, Nwaebonyi lashed out at the former minister.

Responding, Nwaebonyi said, “You’re a fool. What do you mean? Why are you talking to me like that? I will not take it. You’re an insult to womanhood. People like you cannot be here.”

Reacting to the clash in an X post on Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan apologised to Ezekwesili over the insults hurled at her by the Imo lawmaker.

The Kogi senator also commended the former minister for her unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy.

She wrote, “Ma’am, I apologise for the insults. Know you took them for me… for us … as a mother and as a leader. Know that you are a true icon of integrity, courage, and visionary leadership.

“Your unwavering commitment to good governance, education and democracy continues to inspire generations.

“A champion of accountability… Nigerians appreciate you. I celebrate your brilliance, resilience and selfless service. You are a hero.”

A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye also known as Raye, who went viral last week for her criticism of the government, has apologised for “talking down” on Lagos.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Raye acknowledged that her words may have offended Lagos residents and expressed regret over her choice of language.

She clarified that her intention was not to insult those who call Lagos home but to share her honest observation as a visitor.

She explained that the controversial remark was part of a broader initiative, a 30-day rant challenge aimed at spotlighting pressing issues in Nigeria.

Her goal, she said, was to be heard and to inspire conversations about the country’s worsening economic conditions.

She wrote, “I want to first of all state that I am sorry to the people who were born and raised in Lagos State if you feel offended by what I said. I am sorry.

“But as a visitor here, I could tell there was a difference in the atmosphere and quality of air here. If the way that I put it triggered your emotions and the love for your birth state, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to talk down on your birth state.”

She went on to explain that her initial plan was to post 20 videos addressing various societal concerns, hoping to spark dialogue by the 20th day.

However, the first video gained traction almost immediately, resonating with many Nigerians who shared her frustrations.

Raye also lamented the financial struggles young Nigerians face, highlighting how despite working over 45 hours a week, she and many others still struggle to afford basic leisure activities.

“When I started the 30-day rant challenge, I said I just wanted to be heard. I believed that if I got to DAY-20 people would begin to hear me and join me to speak to the government.

“My target was to make at least 20 videos complaining until I was heard. Lucky for me, I didn’t even have to get to DAY 2 because a lot of us were actually angry, and Day 1 of the challenge was enough for people to join me.

“I want better for myself. (And I hope you do too). The complaints I made are valid regardless of whatever ‘lifestyle’ you think I am living.

“I work 45+ hours a week and I should be able to afford hanging out with my friends every weekend. However, I can’t. But how many of us can actually afford to hang out with our friends? How many can afford that in reality? You spend all week working and can’t even feel alive during the weekends.”

She urged Nigerians to continue demanding better living conditions rather than getting distracted by fleeting controversies.

“I encourage all of us to ask for what we believe we deserve. I know distractions will take us again, very soon. But if we stay committed to asking for better we will get better,” she added.

Raye has been trending across Nigerian social media platforms since Saturday after her TikTok video criticising the country’s economic hardship and inflation went viral.

In the video, she expressed frustration over the cost of living and accused President Bola Tinubu of being a “terrible leader,” questioning the government’s efforts to address citizens’ struggles.

Her comments about Lagos, particularly calling it a “smelling state,” sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with her sentiments while others condemned her remarks.

Kenya transfer desk in Nairobi (NBO) has since generated reactions.

However, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on his X account shared pictures and the outcome of the meeting to address the dispute.

Achimugu said the airline has apologised for the ill-treatment of the Nigerian passenger during a meeting with the airline.

“In respect of the now viral case between a Nigerian passenger, Gloria Omisore, and Kenyan Airways, I summoned the airline to my Abuja office today, Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

“In attendance were the airline’s Country Manager, James Nganga; Station Manager, Eric Mukira; and Duty Manager, Ezenwa Ehumadu.
“We informed the airline that the passenger had called Kenya Airways on December 7, 2025 to inquire if she was qualified to fly the Manchester-Paris-Nairobi-Lagos (inbound) and Lagos-Nairobi-Paris-Manchester route.

“According to the passenger, the airline told her that she was qualified, despite her informing them that she is Nigerian, who holds a British resident permit, but no Shenghen visa,” Achimugu said.

The NCAA director said it was based on this information from Kenya Airways that assured the passenger to proceed to purchase the ticket, adding that she flew the first leg into Nigeria via Paris and Nairobi with no incidence.

“The airline has asked for time to check their recorded call log and confirm if that call happened. They have been granted 48 hours to do so,” he said.

“For her outbound flight, the airline boarded and flew the passenger out of Lagos despite knowing that she needed a transit visa for the Paris leg. This fault was that of the airline, and it was only discovered in Nairobi.”

He noted that upon discovery, the airline then offered the passenger a direct flight to London at no extra cost to her, on the condition that she would wait another 10 hours in addition to the 17-hour layover she had just endured.

“Since she was bleeding and exhausted, the passenger demanded accommodation and care because the error was that of the airline. It was when she was denied care that an argument ensued between her and the airline counter staff,” he added.

Achimugu said this is contrary to the intentionally misleading official statement by Kenya Airways claiming that the lady simply refused to re-route directly to London and started to throw pads around.

He said the Kenya Airways team has apologised for confusing facts in that statement, and has also admitted that phone call or not, it was the fault of the airline not to have discovered the problem before airlifting the passenger from Lagos.

“I expressed deep disappointment about the unruly Kenya Airways staff who insulted the office of the President of Nigeria, insinuating that the airline could do anything to Nigerians and nothing would happen. I asked if this manner of addressing customer complaints was the airline’s standard protocol.

“The country manager stated in very clear terms that the staff was out of order and apologised for the outburst. When asked what disciplinary measures will be taken against their personnel, he said that his bosses in Nairobi would decide,” he added.

Construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has tendered an apology to the Nigerian Senate for consistently failing to honour the lawmakers’ invitations to provide explanations regarding abandonment of projects in the country.

Recall that last month, the Senate at the plenary while adopting a motion sponsored by the Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, issued a warrant for the arrest of the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, for persistently refusing to appear before its Standing Committee on Works.

In the motion, Senator Ngwu had informed the Senate at plenary that Julius Berger had consistently failed to honour invitations to provide explanations regarding project abandonment and an alarming increase in contract costs from N54bn to N195bn.

Senator Ngwu, in the motion, said, “Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has neglected and refused to honour invitations to provide details of their role in the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, despite receiving substantial public funds amounting to over N18bn.”

However, the construction company, in a letter dated January 10, 2025, addressed to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, through the chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, acknowledged receipt of the previous Senate’s invitations regarding the investigative hearing on the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road and apologised for missing the previous meetings.

The company hinged its reason on miscommunication due to leadership transition, as its new Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, had recently assumed office and was being briefed on ongoing projects in the country.

Commending the Senate President’s leadership and the Senate Committee chairman’s contributions to advancing the welfare of Nigerians, Julius Berger Nigeria assured that it will be present for the next investigative hearing.

The letter titled, “Letter Of Apology Re: Invitation To Investigative Hearing”, and jointly signed by Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, Managing Director and Dr. Abdulaziz Isa Kaita, Director, Administration, reads in part, “Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, on behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Ple (JBN), we extend our respect and commend the Senate President’s leadership and the Chairman’s contributions to advancing the welfare of Nigerians. We acknowledge receipt of your instructions regarding the investigative hearing on the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road and sincerely apologize for missing the previous meeting due to miscommunication during our leadership transition. Our new Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, had just assumed office and was being briefed on ongoing projects.

“We assure you of our utmost respect for the National Assembly and our commitment to collaborative governance. Dr. Lubasch brings renewed focus to operational efficiency and responsiveness to legisiative directives.”

“JBN remains committed to partnering with the National Assembly and Federal Government to deliver projects that benefit Nigerians, address infrastructural challenges, and create jobs We deeply regret the earlier oversight and are grateful for the Chairman’s understanding and exemplary leadership. We assure you of our attendance at the next committee meeting and look forward to continued collaboration. Thank you for your consideration,” the letter added.