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Tag: Senate

  • Easter: Let’s promote love, unity as we celebrate, Akpabio enjoins Nigerians

    Easter: Let’s promote love, unity as we celebrate, Akpabio enjoins Nigerians

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has enjoined Christians and indeed all Nigerians to use the occasion of the celebration of Easter to eschew political, religious and ethnic biases and unite for the progress and general well-being of the nation.

    He also appealed to those perpetrating mass killings across the country to respect the sacredness of human life by showing love instead of hatred and abandoning their evil ways for peace to reign in Nigeria.

    Akpabio gave the admonition in his Easter message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh in Abuja.

    “While I congratulate the Christian faithful for successfully completing the 40-day Lenten fast and now celebrating another Easter, I wish to appeal that we all show love to one another irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliation. I also urge our Christian brothers and sisters to emulate Jesus Christ’s spirit of humility, love, and sacrifice. We are all created in the image of God Almighty and nothing should make us discriminate against another human being.

    “For those who have taken to killing fellow human beings, maiming others and destroying property, I appeal that they respect the sacredness of human life. Easter is a period of love and I hope the atmosphere that permeates this season would cause them to jettison their evil ways, turn a new leaf and embrace peace.

    “I encourage all Nigerians to use the occasion of this celebration of Easter to reach out to those who are in need, especially victims of the senseless Killings across the nation. May we never be tired of sharing and making sacrifices for one another”.

    The Senate President also urged Christians not to relent in their prayers after Easter but to continue seeking God’s intervention in the affairs of the nation. “Continue to offer prayers for leaders at every level in the country and God helping us, our nation will be better off”.

    “On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and entire National Assembly, I wish you all a peaceful, loving and blissful Easter celebration”.

  • Akpabio moves to build capacity for Senate Clerk, other officials for efficient performance

    Akpabio moves to build capacity for Senate Clerk, other officials for efficient performance

    In a bid to build capacity for the Senate Clerk and other officials of clerks-at-the-table, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has encouraged refresher courses for such officials to bolster their performance levels for efficiency and effectiveness.

    The first to benefit from the initiative was the Clerk of the Senate, Mr Andrew Nwoba, who just rounded off his one-month refresher course on Thursday, April 10, 2025 and is due to resume at his desk in plenary when they reconvene, 29th April, 2025.

    This positive development is contrary to media reports on Thursday, April 10, 2025, insinuating that the Senate President passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Nwoba’s capacity to properly guide the upper legislative chamber during the sittings.

    An official of the National Assembly said that the President of the Senate, in his leadership consideration, magnanimity and support for top officials of the Senate and other staff members, approved a refresher course for the Clerk Senate, Andrew Nwoba.

    The approval was to free him from his responsibilities in the chamber for a month. The Deputy Clerk (legislative) acted in his absence.

    Reports said that having served creditably as Clerk of National Population and Gas committees, Secretary, Legislative Budget and currently, Clerk Senate, Mr Nwoba has garnered requisite experience to proactively guide and advise on adherence and compliance with the Standing Rules of the Senate.

    Besides, staff members agree that Nwoba has efficiently and responsibly discharged his role as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Senate.

    As Senate Clerk, Nwoba ensures smooth proceedings in line with procedural orders that are circumscribed in the Standing Rules of the Senate.

    In addition to ensuring legislative due process through the eyes of the rules, he also discharges other administrative duties.

    The Clerk Senate performs these overarching assignments with the assistance of two Deputy Senate Clerks, one in charge of legislative duties and the other in charge of administration.

    An official explained that the refresher course could hold any time and would not disrupt the workings of the clerks-at-the-table since there are enough hands, particularly, Deputy Clerk (Legislative), to deploy in plenary to guide, direct and advise the presiding officer in his absence.

    As learnt, Nwoba, has been doing this by allowing the Deputy Clerk (Legislative) to help guide, direct and advise the presiding officer, and the synergy has been adjudged to be “progressive and productive.”

    Another official said in a chat that “It is most unfortunate, that some naysayers want to create bad blood between the President of the Senate and the Clerk of the Senate by making tenuous utterances and unfounded insinuations.

    “The Clerk of Senate has been enjoying the support of the Senate President. He particularly received his unequivocal support during his elevation to the position by the National Assembly service Commission. The Clerk, in turn, has tremendous respect and regards for the President of the Senate, his leadership style, his listening ears, his simple nature, which are qualities that are rare in today’s political space.

    “Out of his concern for the Senate Clerk, considering his zeal, determination, dedication and passion for the job, the Senate President respectfully asked him to go for a month refresher course to enhance top-notch performance and greater efficiency. This, for me, is the real vote of confidence in the Clerk Senate.”

  • Deputy Senate President urges security agencies to fish out killers of Northern travellers in Edo

    Deputy Senate President urges security agencies to fish out killers of Northern travellers in Edo

    …sues for calm

    Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has condemned the killing of Northern travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, urging security agencies to immediately go after the perpetrators.

    A mob had intercepted the innocent victims, mostly Hausa hunters, who were on their way to Kano for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle and gruesomely murdered them.

    Describing the killings as barbaric, inhumane, and devilish, the Deputy Senate President appealed to the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies to take decisive action to bring the culprits to justice.

    Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, called for calm, assuring that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.

    He disclosed his intention to sponsor a motion in the Senate to ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.

    ” I have been inundated with calls by my constituents and other Nigerians on the horrific murder of innocent individuals in Edo State. I condemn in totality the barbaric killing of innocent Nigerians.

    ” I hereby appeal to our security agencies to quickly swing into action to arrest these evildoers and ensure that they are punished in line with the gravity of their criminal acts.

    “Nigeria is a diverse country. We should, therefore, embrace one another as brothers and sisters for our progress and development,” he said.

    Senator Barau offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims and urged their families to remain calm, assuring them that the government would ensure justice is served.

  • Motion to name INEC headquarters after Humphrey Nwosu suffers setback

    Motion to name INEC headquarters after Humphrey Nwosu suffers setback

    A motion to name the headquarters of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the late former Chairman of National Electoral Commission, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, on Thursday, suffered set back in the Senate.

    This followed the senate’s consideration of the motion titled, “Motion to Immortalise Prof. Humphrey Nwosu”, sponsored by Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) during plenary.

    Abaribe said that the motion was supported by all the senators from South-East as well as the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta ) and Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi), among others.

    He had urged the senate to immortalise the late Nwosu by naming the INEC headquarters after him and to posthumously honour him with a national award.

    The senator also said that official condolences should be extended to Nwosu’s family in recognition of their sacrifice in supporting his work for a better Nigeria.

    “Mr President, I propose that we observe a minute of silence in honour of Prof. Nwosu, given that his burial is tomorrow (Friday),” he said.

    When the motion was put to a voice vote by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, it was, however, greeted with a resounding ‘Nay’ by some of the senators.

    The only prayer that was observed was a minute silence in honour of the late NEC chairman.

    Earlier in the motion, Abaribe noted that the late Nwosu was the NEC chairman from 1989 to 1993.

    “He was responsible for supervising the 1993 presidential election.

    “We recognise that his courageous defence of the democratic electoral process during the 1993 elections led to the famous June 12 event, which ultimately confirmed MKO Abiola as the winner.

    “His unwavering commitment to electoral integrity played a key role in establishing June 12 as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day.

    “Additionally, we note that Nwosu laid a strong foundation for the present day Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “Sadly, he passed away on Oct. 20, 2024 at the age of 83 and will be buried tomorrow (Friday) in his hometown in Anambra,” he said.

    Contributing, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo), expressed the regret that when it mattered most, Nwosu’s courage failed him.

    “We cannot distort history in this unit. We must be seen to have sentiments that reflect the average feeling of the average Nigerian.

    “Prof. Nwosu, when it mattered most, his courage failed him,” he said.

    Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo) said: “Mr President, it is important that we will not sit here to distort history. We are legislators and we are representing the people.

    “Get a cross section of Nigerians and ask them what they think about Prof. Nwosu, they will tell you he was a hero.

    “So for us to sit here now and begin to distort history is not fair for our democracy.”

    Also speaking Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun) said: “This is one issue I have tried as much as possible to avoid.

    “Mr President, many of my colleagues have pulled up here and said he conducted the freest and fairest election.

    “There are three different meanings and three different expectations that we should look at.

    “Conducting elections, releasing results and announcing results. Yes, he conducted the election; yes, Prof. Nwosu released the result. But you and I know, releasing results is not the same thing as announcing results.

    “He failed at the critical moment when he was supposed to save this democracy”.

    In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, commended his colleagues on the manner in which the debate was conducted.

    “You did very well. You marshaled your points. You said your views. And no rancour at all. This is how debates should be in an august institution like the senate.

    “I subscribe to all these. I have my view. But I try not to be partial. I believe in June 12,” he said.

  • No leakage of Presidential communications to senate under Mohammed – Akpabio

    No leakage of Presidential communications to senate under Mohammed – Akpabio

    Sen. Godswill Akpabio has commended the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate matters, Sen. Bashir Mohammed, on ensuring that there are  no  leakages of private communication between the presidency and the senate.

    Akpabio, who is President of the senate,  stated this on Thursday in the office of the special adviser, describing  his performance as unprecedented in the area of making communication between the senate and President Tinubu far easier than in the past .

    He said: “Let me put on record that since Mohammed’s assumption of office as special adviser to Tinubu on National Assembly (senate matters), we have not had a single leakage of private communication between the presidency and the senate.

    “We have not had a single incidence of leakage. Because in government, that’s what we call the right to know.

    “And then of course, where government business is done on pages of newspapers and on social media through leakages of information, it negatively rubs on national security.

    ”So I want to thank you for upholding the tenets of what the government should be, and what separation of powers is all about.

    “Your performance in office generally within the last eight months is unprecedented,  by transforming the office itself and making the synergy between the executive and legislature more robust and rewarding for the good of all .

    “You are no doubt,  a man of colour,  excellence, and  style, who stepped into an office and transformed it for better result delivery as it is clearly with the way you keep track of all the bills passed by us and those assented to by the President.

    “Ahead of  the 2027 general elections with the Deputy President of the Senate, the National Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and your strategic self , Kano is already in the kitty of APC,” he said.

    Mohammed in his welcome speech said, in Akpabio, President Tinubu has found not only a dependable ally but a statesman who understands  the delicate art of governance and  importance of cooperation over confrontation .

    “Your presence here is not only symbolic of the harmony between the executive and the legislature; it is a testament to the power of unity, the strength of shared vision and the boundless possibilities when leadership is anchored on service.

    “Permit me to especially commend your steadfast and visible support for President Tinubu.

    “You have not merely walked alongside the President; you have championed his Renewed Hope Agenda with conviction, defending it with clarity, articulating it with passion and advancing it through legislative action,” he said.

  • Senate: Bill to enhance elections, cut costs passes second reading

    Senate: Bill to enhance elections, cut costs passes second reading

    A bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act 2022, has passed its second reading in the Senate.

    The bill seeks to address existing gaps, reduce election expenses, and allow elected officeholders to serve as ad hoc delegates in political party conventions.

    Its passage followed the presentation of the lead debate on the general principles of the bill by its sponsor, Sen. Saliu Mustapha (APC-Kwara), during Thursday’s plenary session.

    It is titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to provide for the participation of elected officeholders as statutory delegates, the scheduling of Elections on the same day, and the Reduction of the Campaign Period, 2025.

    ”The proposed legislation seeks to enhance the electoral process and cut costs.

    Leading the debate, Mustapha noted that while the Electoral Act 2022 was a significant improvement over the repealed 2010 Act, it still contained notable gaps that needed to be addressed.

    “It is worth noting that despite its improvements, the 2022 Electoral Act has not significantly reduced the financial burden of elections on the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “The proposed amendments aim to create a more efficient and cost-effective electoral process that will encourage greater citizen participation,” he said.

    He further highlighted the rising cost of elections in Nigeria, stating that the budget for general elections had surged from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023, an increase he described as unsustainable and detrimental to the democratic process.

    To mitigate these costs, Mustapha proposed holding all elections on the same day to minimise expenses associated with prolonged campaigns and staggered voting.

    “Same-day elections will not only help the government reduce costs but will also increase voter turnout and promote greater citizen engagement in the electoral process,” he added.

    Following deliberations, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative action.

  • Immortalise: It is about people not been fair to Humphrey Nwosu – Umeh

    Immortalise: It is about people not been fair to Humphrey Nwosu – Umeh

    The Senator representing Anambra Central at the Senate, Victor Umeh, has reacted at Wednesday’s rejection of a motion seeking to immortalise late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu by the Senate.

    The motion, raised under matters of urgent public importance by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and co-sponsored by members of the minority caucus primarily from the South-East, aimed to recognise Professor’s Nwosu’s contributions and courageous defense of the democratic electoral process during the 1993 presidential elections.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who was presiding over the session, noted that the motion was a contentious one, citing divided public opinion on Prof. Nwosu’s role in the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.

    When the motion was eventually put to a voice vote, the ‘nays’ had the day, effectively rejecting the proposal.

    But appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Senator Umeh described what happened at the red chamber as very undemocratic.

    He said, “I think it is a question of people not been fair to a man who has done so well and instead of giving him accolade, we want to be uncharitable to him even unto death. This motion came today at the most timely moment because he will buried buried on Friday, two day way.

    “So, there is no way we cannot talk about his contributions in the parliament, those who have opposing views will say that the man should not be immortalised, those who say that he should be immortalized should say their views. Shutting down the motion the way it was done this morning is very undemocratic.”

    Senator Umeh argued that the Senate leadership should have allowed the lawmakers to debate on the motion, saying that such motions are debated every other day at the Senate irrespective of how anyone feels about the motion.

    He said the rejection of the motion is unfair to the late Prof. Nwosu whom he said gave his all for Nigeria.

    Prof. Nwosu was the Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, which conducted the June, 1993 presidential election that produced late MKO Abiola as winner, and was adjudged by many as the most credible election conducted in Nigeria.

  • Constituents voice support for recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan at rally

    Constituents voice support for recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan at rally

    Thousands of constituents from Kogi Central Senatorial District, on Wednesday in Okene, staged a rally to express their support for the recall process currently ongoing of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly.

    The constituents, under the aegis of Kogi Central Grassroots Movement, were from the five local government areas making up Kogi Central senatorial district.

    The constituents, who spoke through their Coordinator, AbdulHameed Jimoh, and the Secretary, Mohammed Abdullahi, accused the Akpoti-Uduaghan camp of fabricating videos and deliberately distorting information on her recall.

    They insisted on going ahead with the senator’s recall process.

    “We are appealing to Nigerians to ignore the lies of a few people on social media about our intention and pay visit to Kogi Central to see what is happening with the process.

    “She (Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan) accused the state government of being behind her recall when she knows that even those who were her strong loyalists in the (Kogi) central have abandoned her.

    “She went to the National Assembly to pursue her personal interest, not the interest of Kogi Central,” the group said.

    The constituents alleged that last weekend, the senator’s camp sent some items to some people in Okene to convince them to come out the next day for a protest.

    “They imported people from outside the district to join her very few and reluctant aides and called them Kogi Central constituents,” the group said.

    According to the constituents, Akpoti-Uduaghan has put the senatorial district in the eye of the storm for the wrong reason.

    They said that no reasonable constituents would fold their arms and see their senatorial district being dragged to the mud without doing something to remedy it.

    “The recall process, therefore, is a necessity and deliberate attempt by the people of Kogi Central to tell the whole world that they are not in support of the unruly behaviour of the senator at the assembly.

    “She should leave the stage to face her strange activism and quarrels so that we can have quality representation,” the constituents said.

  • Senate rejects motion to immortalise late Humphrey Nwosu

    Senate rejects motion to immortalise late Humphrey Nwosu

    The Senate, on Wednesday, rejected a motion seeking to immortalise the late Humphrey Nwosu, former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, now Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).

    Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia South) had moved the motion under Senate Orders 41 and 51 but faced opposition.

    The motion was put to a voice vote and subsequently turned down by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session.

    Expressing his frustration, Abaribe questioned why the motion was considered controversial.

    “Mr. President, I don’t see what is controversial about immortalising Humphrey Nwosu. That is our problem, what exactly is controversial about it?”

    However, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele argued that Abaribe failed to follow proper procedure, as he was late in citing another Senate order.

    “Mr President, we had already passed the relevant points in our order of the day.

    “Matters of urgent public importance and personal explanations have a specific timeframe, which had already elapsed,” Bamidele explained.

    He further noted that Abaribe would need to reintroduce the motion formally on the next legislative day through a substantive motion.

    In contrast, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP-Kebbi) warned against setting a “dangerous precedent” by restricting when senators could raise personal explanations.

    “Point of Order and Personal Explanation can be raised at any time.

    “We must not deny senators the opportunity to interject or intervene when necessary,” Abdullahi argued.

    Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau addressed Abaribe directly, pointing out an inconsistency in his approach.

    “When you approached me this morning, you mentioned Orders 41 and 51. You never mentioned Order 42.

    “Now, after your motion was defeated, you are changing it to Order 42?” Barau questioned.

    The late Nwosu, who conducted the annulled June 12, 1993 election, served as Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from 1989 to 1993.

    Nwosu passed away on Oct. 24, 2024, at the age of 83, reports indicate that he will be buried on March 28, 2025.

  • Senate confirms Bello, part-time Chairman, 5 others Non-Executive Directors, AMCON

    Senate confirms Bello, part-time Chairman, 5 others Non-Executive Directors, AMCON

    The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nomination of Dr Bala Bello, representing North-East as part-time Chairman of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

    Also confirmed were five other nominees for appointment as Non-Executive Directors of AMCON.

    Their confirmation followed presentation and adoption of report of Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions at plenary.

    The nominees confirmed as Non-Executive Directors include Yusuf Sule, representing North-Central, Mr Adeyemo Stephen, representing South-West, and Mr Yahaya Ibrahim representing North-West.

    Others are Mr Odion Iyare, representing the South-South, and Mrs Emily Osuji, representing South-East.

    Earlier while presenting the report of the committee for consideration, Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo), on behalf of the committee Chairman said the committee recommends the senate to confirm their appointment.

    Izunaso said this followed a robust engagement with the nominees and being satisfied with their experiences performances and academic qualifications.

    He added that there was no petition against the nominees, having been cleared by the security agencies, the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio after the confirmation thanked the committee members for the screening of the nominees.

    He expressed hope that the new managers of AMCON wound bring a new vigour in the discharge of their duties.