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Category: Politics

FG, NASS not to blame for non–implementation of Supreme Court Judgment on LG autonomy — Karimi

Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) has argued that President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly should not be held responsible for the slow or near-non-implementation of the Supreme Court judgement granting local government financial autonomy, barely about a year ago.

Karimi, who spoke while giving account of his stewardship in the last two years in the 10th Senate during a media parley at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Lokoja, said Tinubu’s vision leading to the favourable judgement of the supreme Court was to free the people from slavery and underdevelopment, which starts with financial autonomy for the third tier. of government.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support the President in his effort to bring good governance close to the people at the grassroots.

The provisions of Section 235 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, (As Amended) within Chapter 7, Part 1, deals with the finality of determinations by the Supreme Court.

It stated that no appeal can be made to any other body or person from a decision of the Supreme Court, except for the powers of the President or a state Governor regarding the prerogative of mercy.

In essence, this section establishes the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of legal disputes within the country, with its decisions being binding and unappealable.

Without prejudice to the powers of the President or of the Governor of a state with respect to prerogative of mercy, no appeal shall lie with any other body or person(s) to revalidate the already determined matter or dispute by the Supreme Court.

In view of the provisions of above section of the Constitution, Senator Karimi was asked during the interactive session to explain why the Senate has not deemed it fit to give any legislative backing to the Supreme Court judgement of the 11th July, 2024 on local government autonomy.

Responding, the lawmaker described the Supreme Court judgement granting full autonomy to the Councils as the President’s trump card to legally and holistically address the local government challenges once and for all.

“That was why the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation went to Supreme Court to institute that case,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of local government autonomy, stating that case instituted by the Attorney General at the Supreme Court,and midwived by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment and support for a functional local government system in the country.

He further that “As a means of solving local government problems, the president wants autonomy for local government. If the Federal Government of Nigeria doesn’t want local government autonomy, it wouldn’t have instituted the case in the first place.

And for us in the National Assembly, we are fully in support of local government autonomy and the steps so far taken to restore proper governance at the local level in Nigeria.

I don’t want to say much about it before when I came in. But we will talk about it. Local government autonomy must come to stay. It’s not for National Assembly alone but for the good of every Nigerian, therefore, it is a fight for all of us,, because if we keep quiet, that autonomy will not stand.

“But if we talk, it will stand. I am not the one who brought this question in. Somebody brought it, but I have to speak to it. And I have to speak the truth always. Some people are not interested in this local government autonomy”.

Senator Karimi noted that the leadership of the National Assembly, including the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were in full support of the Local Government Autonomy.

Read Also: Tinubu in support of LG autonomy – Senator Karimi

He added: “And let me tell you—go and check—what is happening there differs from State to State. If you go to some states now, they are already enjoying it. I don’t know whether we are enjoying it fully here yet, because I don’t want to be quoted our of context, before somebody will go and tell government that Senator Karimi said they are not doing local government autonomy in Kogi State, but somebody asked the question, and the person has the right to ask the question. And we have the right to answer. The President brought about that case to free the people from slavery. That is the interest of President Tinubu.

“Somebody equally asked me, why am I backing President Tinubu. I will back him and I will back him and back him continuously, because the man has the interest of the people. All these hardships we are talking about are not of his own creation, but he has the passion for us to develop or grow to our fullest potential.”

He continued: “Before Nigeria can get to the promised land, hardship must come. But it will not last forever, it will go. Let’s free the people from slavery. Let what belongs to the people go back to the people.

“That is what the President is out to do by instituting the case on LG autonomy in the Supreme Court. And let me tell you, nobody has the power to override that Supreme Court judgment. Anybody that is doing it is doing it at his own peril”.

June 11, 2025
Those who attended meeting with Wike on their own –Olafeso

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who attended Monday’s meeting with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike did so as individuals and not as a body recognised by the party, a chieftain, Chief Eddy Olafeso has said.

Speaking with The Nation on telephone, Olafeso who was the Director General of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council for the November, 2024 Ondo governorship election, pointed out that there was nothing wrong in individuals holding meetings or discussions.

However, he emphasised that it is better for everyone within the party to give peace a chance to enable the PDP to move forward.

“That was not a PDP stakeholders’ meeting; they will be correct to say that they are concerned individuals.

“If our party is going to call a meeting, there is a process and the National Working Committee will invite stakeholders.

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“There are standard meetings in the party but I’ve never known of any’concerned citizens’ or party members as a constitutional body.

“They cannot speak on behalf of the party.

“But please note that I do not wish to make comments now because our party is trying to reorganize itself; from this moment on, we are going to be having meetings and you will hear from us,” he said.

“If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life, sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (27 February 1807 – 24 March 1882)

June 10, 2025
Stop misrepresenting Alia’s position on Benue insecurity -Onjeh

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for the Benue South. Comrade Daniel Onjeh. has urged members of the National Assembly and some media outlets to avoid the error of misrepresenting the recent statements by Governor Hyacinth Alia on sponsors of insecurity in Benue State.

In a statement on Tuesday,, Onjeh clarified the Governor’s position during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today aired on Friday, June 6.

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He said Alia’s comments have been taken out of context by those he described as political opponents and mischief-makers seeking to weaponise the worsening security situation in the state for political gain.

He explained that there are two broad forms of banditry afflicting Benue State, distinguishing between the activities of indigenous criminal gangs and those of foreign militias with expansionist motives.

Explaining further, Onjeh stated that the first category—indigenous banditry—comprises remnants of a network of deadly criminal gangs originally formed by a now-deceased local militia leader. These groups, still active in flashpoints in the state, continue to wreak havoc across various communities.

It was this type of banditry, he insisted, that Governor Alia was referencing when he alleged that some members of the National Assembly were sponsoring violence in the state.

The second type, Onjeh clarified, involves foreign militias—believed to be of Fulani extraction—who are engaged in calculated attacks aimed at displacing native populations and occupying ancestral lands.

This more insidious threat, he argued, has taken on the characteristics of terrorism and poses an existential risk not only to Benue but also to other parts of the Middle Belt.

Onjeh strongly condemned attempts by political adversaries of Governor Alia to twist his comments into an indictment of the entire National Assembly or to give them an ethnic or religious colouration. He called on all well-meaning Benue citizens to rise above politics and rally behind the Governor in confronting the deepening security crisis.

According to him, security should be a collective concern and not a platform for scoring cheap political points.

He further condemned what he described as a desperate ploy by some detractors of the Alia administration, who recently approached certain religious leaders to canvass support for a declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State under the pretext of worsening insecurity.

Onjeh dismissed this move as a calculated strategy to destabilise the government following their resounding defeat at the Local Government Election Appeal Panel, which upheld the election of all 23 local government chairmen and councillors under the APC-led government.

“They lost the legal and political battle at the Appeal Panel, and now they are cooking up another diabolical scheme to unseat Governor Alia through the back door,” Onjeh declared.

“First, they tried and failed to hijack the Benue State House of Assembly by imposing a puppet Speaker. Then they lobbied the National Assembly to withhold statutory allocations to Benue’s LGAs, and failed again.

“They also attempted to manipulate the judiciary in a bid to wrest control of the local governments from the Alia administration and failed woefully. Now, they want to create chaos and plunge the state into crisis, hoping to justify a state of emergency that would remove the Governor from office. But like every other plot before, this one too will fail.”

Onjeh admitted that Benue is indeed under siege from criminal elements, many of whom are part of transnational terrorist and militia networks. He emphasised that regardless of whether the perpetrators are indigenous or foreign, they have enablers within local communities—individuals who provide them with food, shelter, medical supplies, intelligence, and logistical support.

Some of these collaborators, he noted, may have political affiliations or ambitions and may be using insecurity as a tool to destabilise the state government for selfish ends. He commended Governor Alia for setting up a judicial panel to investigate the root causes of the insecurity and for his forthrightness in publicly disclosing some of the findings in the panel’s interim report.

According to Onjeh, the final report, expected in the coming days, will unmask the real enemies of the people and vindicate the Governor’s position that some of the sponsors of the violence are entrenched within the corridors of power.

Onjeh also called on the National Assembly to pass stronger, more decisive legislation against banditry and terrorism.

“We cannot continue with this weak, reactive approach to national security. I call on the National Assembly to urgently enact laws that prescribe capital punishment or life imprisonment for anyone convicted of banditry or terrorism,” he said. “This will not only deter the criminals in the forests but also those in the cities who sponsor and bankroll their activities.”

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He lamented the trend of arrested terror suspects being released almost immediately after their apprehension, thereby discouraging whistleblowers and citizens who might have vital information on the criminals.

Citing the example of Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, who recently criticised the judiciary and security agencies for this very issue, Onjeh said such practices erode public trust and undermine the entire security architecture of the country.

“The fear of reprisals from released criminals discourages community members from volunteering actionable intelligence to the security agencies. This must stop,” he said. “Security agencies must show patriotism and diligence in investigating and prosecuting cases of banditry and kidnapping. Maximum convictions will send a clear message and restore confidence in the justice system.”

Onjeh reiterated his call for restraint and responsibility in public discourse, urging media outlets and politicians to desist from deliberately misinterpreting Governor Alia’s comments. He said that the Governor has demonstrated courageous leadership in confronting a deadly and complex crisis, and deserves the full support of the people of Benue.

“Our state is under siege. This is no time for divisive politics or sensational headlines. I call on all well-meaning citizens of Benue State to stand solidly behind Governor Alia as he continues the important task of safeguarding our lives and developing our state. Together, we will overcome these challenges,” he said.

June 10, 2025
Obi, Otti responsible for our crisis not FG – LP

The Labour Party (LP) led by the National Chairman, Julius Abure, has accused its former presidential candidate Peter Obi and Abia Governor, Alex Otti of being responsible for the leadership crisis in the party.

The party absolved the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC)-led Federal Government of any blame in the leadership crisis rocking the party.

It further argued that the LP was at peace until governor Otti and Obi went to Abia State to set up a caretaker committee while the tenure of the Abure leadership subsisted.

Obi in an interview on national television on Monday, blamed the crisis in the LP on the Federal Government, whom he accused of using infiltrators to destabilise the party.

“This is what you get, always, right? This is what you always get in Nigeria, because we now live in a country of propaganda and lies, and they manufacture it.

“The problem we have in Labour Party is a problem instigated and sustained by the government of today.

“I don’t need to tell you when you have a party chairman who calls a state governor a dwarf and dwarf thinking. Forget about me, so it’s not weak.

“Okay, I’m weak, but it’s not weak. Is every other person there weak? So we’re not sincere with ourselves.

“You speak the truth and they call you names. And we now live in a country of propaganda and lies. They are trying to put problems everywhere, they want to even put problems in families”, he said in a response to a direct question on the cause of the crisis in the LP.

In a statement on Tuesday, the National Secretary of the Abure faction, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, downed what he said was Obi’s penchant for “misinformation” on the state of affairs in the LP by not telling the truth.

The camp challenged Obi to provide proof of how the federal government or the APC was responsible for the crisis.

It stated: “It is therefore pertinent to put on record that the problem with the Labour Party was not created by the ruling party, (APC), rather the problem in the Labour Party was created and sustained by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, who is presently serving suspension for anti-party activities.

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“We dare Obi to produce any tangible or intangible evidence which suggests remotely or otherwise that the Abure leadership of the Labour Party is in bed with the APC-led government.

“Nobody is infallible and it behooves on anyone who makes mistakes to be bold enough to own it. When good leaders fail, they should own up to their responsibilities. Obi failed in providing leadership for the party. He should own up to his mistakes. It is therefore shameful for Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti to continue to accuse the government of infiltrating the Labour Party and by so doing demarketing the party.”

The camp recalled the sacrifices the LP had to make in the past in order to accommodate Obi to contest the election in 2023, expressing surprise how he did not complain at the time that there were infiltrators in the party.

“This same government was in existence in 2022 when the party made six aspirants, including Prof. Pat Utomi to step down for Peter Obi as the party’s candidate. The government was in existence when the party criss crossed all the nooks and crannies of the country including the insecurity prone areas campaigning for Peter Obi in 2022 and 2023.

“The government was in existence when the national chairman, Julius Abure travelled across Europe and the United States to galvanise support for Peter Obi. The government was also in existence when the party leadership mobilised its members across the state leading to over six million votes won during the election”, it said.

The party also went down memory lane to recount the efforts made to challenge the outcome of the 2023 polls.

The statement added: “It was the same leadership that you claimed has been infiltrated that stood with Peter Obi throughout the tribunal and up to the Supreme Court. The same Abure appeared in court more than Obi refusing to be cowed when a splinter group wanted to hijack the process. The government was in existence when Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti were given sole tickets for 2023 even against the status book.

“For the record, there was no problem in the Labour Party until Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti went to Umuahia, Abia State to create an illegal and unconstitutional Caretaker Committee that polarized the party. And may I ask, is it the ruling party that sent Obi and Otti to Umuahia to create a division in the party?

“They were also aware that the courts; from the lower court up to the Supreme Court clearly affirmed the leadership of the party, but Peter Obi and Alex Otti surreptitiously plotted to hijack the leadership of the party by instigating the division. Again, is it the government in power that created the division or forced them to march to INEC headquarters to exhibit their ignorance?

“For Peter Obi to be responding to the comment where the National Chairman referred to the governor as being dwarfy in knowledge, we want to say clearly that there is no action without a reaction. The National Chairman was only responding to a pejorative comment made by the governor wherein he referred to the National Chairman as ‘masturbating’.

“The governor neither retracted nor apologised for that reckless statement. He showed utter disrespect to the constituted authority of the party; to the man who went out of his way to help him achieve his ambition to be a governor.

“If the governor is not limited or dwarfy in knowledge, he would have appreciated the import of the Supreme Court judgement which practically resolved the crisis in the party but these men were only blinded by their inordinate desire to wrestle the party from the present leadership.

“The party leadership has moved on since the Supreme Court judgement and we are working hard to reposition the party, to restore confidence in our members, and prevent further membership hemorrhage being witnessed across virtually all opposition parties in Nigeria today. We therefore think that it is improper for any member of the party, who means well for the party, to continue to make such unguided statements.

“Labour Party will never go into any alliance with any other party to betray our candidates. We had every opportunity in 2023 to do so, but we chose to stand by Peter Obi and even Alex Otti before and even after the general election, when their matters were in court, but we were very consistent because of the bigger picture. And now that they have failed in their plot to dislodge a lawful leadership, they have simply resorted to blackmail instead of showing gratitude.

“One takeaway from Obi’s interview is that he has acknowledged that Abure is the National Chairman of the Labour Party as he clearly stated. We are therefore calling on Peter Obi and other aggrieved members of the party to understand and digest the fact that Barrister Julius Abure leadership has come to stay and nothing can change.”

June 10, 2025
Saraki, PDP reconciliation committee meet Makinde

In a bid reconcile the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) reconciliation committee on Monday night met with Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde.

The committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki met with the Governor behind closed doors.

Although, the details of the meeting remain sketchy as of the time of this report, it was gathered it was the second time the Committee would be meeting with Makinde’ in Ibadan.

Unconfirmed sources said, the meeting was aimed at seeking the opinion of Makinde on how to resolve the crisis bedeviling the party, particularly ahead of the forthcoming convention of the party

“The party will soon hold its convention in Kano. There is need to bring all the warring factions together under one umbrella.

“As we all know, Makinde is a major factor to be reckoned with in the party, hence the need to always carrying him along.

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“Even though we were not privy to their discussion since it was held privately, it might not be unconnected with the resolve of the Committee to end the crisis in the party,” he stated.

Saraki confirmed the meeting with Makinde on his Facebook page.

He wrote: “Thank you, Your Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, for making time to meet with us today-even though it coincided with your wife’s birthday.

“Warm wishes to Her Excellency Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde.

“Following today’s meeting, we remain cautiously optimistic as we forge ahead to secure a common position among the leadership of our great party”

June 10, 2025
APC chieftain Onokpasa dies

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and prominent political commentator, Jesutega Onokpasa, has reportedly passed away.

The outspoken public affairs analyst died on Monday.

Pro-APC supporter Pastor Okezie Atani, announced this on X.

He wrote: “We lost Barr. Jesutega Onokpasa, may his soul rest in perfect peace.”

A tribute titled “A farewell to a passionate advocate: Honouring Jesutega Onokpasa’s Legacy” was also shared on the Facebook page of Renewed Hope United Kingdom.

“The passing of Barrister Jesutega Onokpasa is a profound loss to the Nigerian political and legal landscape. As a dedicated lawyer and political commentator, he was deeply engaged in shaping discourse and advocating for his beliefs,” the post reads.

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It continued: “His contributions as a member of the APC Publicity Committee and the APC Presidential Campaign Council in 2023 reflected his commitment to his party and the nation. Onokpasa’s voice, whether in support or critique, was a vital part of Nigeria’s democratic conversation, and his absence will be deeply felt. May his family, friends, and colleagues find strength and solace in this difficult time. May His Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.”

Onokpasa was widely known for his media appearances where he passionately defended the APC and President Bola Tinubu.

He was survived by his wife and children.

June 10, 2025
MASSOB begs Tinubu to release IPOB’s Kanu

The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for the sake of national unity

MASSOB leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, told The Nation Kanu’s release will contribute to national healing and unity, fostering better relations between different ethnic groups and the Federal Government.

He aruged Kanu’s release will pave the way for dialogue aimed at addressing the grievances of the southeastern region, which according to him, led to calls for self-determination and greater autonomy.

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According to him: “Our call for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release also reflects the sentiments of many individuals and groups in Igbo land, Nigeria and globally who continue to advocate for Kanu’s release and see it as a critical step towards addressing broader political and social issues.

“MASSOB’s appeal also serves not only as a demand for Kanu’s release but also as a reflection of broader aspirations for justice and recognition of the rights of Biafra people within the Nigerian federation.

“The outcome of this appeal may influence future dialogue between the government and various ethnic groups in Nigeria.”

June 10, 2025
Reinstate Fubara, lawmakers, Ijaw youths beg Tinubu

Ahead of this year’s Democracy Day, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide had appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore full democratic governance to Rivers State by reinstating suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers Assembly on or before June 12th, 2025.

The council appeal was contained in a statement titled: “On the Imperative of restoring Governor Sim Fubara and Other Democratically Elected Lawmakers Before June 12” by its President, Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The council said its request was guided by the spirit of the season and in acknowledgment of the president’s commitment to restoration constitutional order in the state.

The statement reads: “As we approach June 12th—Nigeria’s Democracy Day—the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide extends a solemn reminder of what this date represents: the triumph of the people’s will, the sanctity of the ballot, and the resilience of our democratic journey.

“It is in this spirit that we acknowledge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reported commitment to restoring constitutional order in Rivers State by reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara and all duly elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly on or before June 12th, 2025. This promise must not be taken lightly, nor should it be seen as a mere political concession—it is a necessary act of justice and statesmanship.

Governor Sim Fubara was elected by the people of Rivers State through a transparent and democratic process. Any disruption to that mandate undermines not just the will of the Rivers people but the very foundation upon which our democracy stands.

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“Similarly, the sidelining of elected lawmakers erodes public trust in governance and sets a dangerous precedent that Nigeria can not afford.”

The council further that the Ijaw Nation is a gathering of peaceful and patient people who strongly believe in dialogue and defense of their democratic rights.

The council appealed that “June 12 is not just a date—it is a symbol. We therefore call on President Tinubu, as a foremost beneficiary and icon of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, to seize this moment and fulfill his promise. The restoration of Governor Fubara and the assembly members will reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and heal the wounds of division that have emerged in recent times.

“Let this Democracy Day be remembered not just as a celebration, but as a turning point. A moment when justice was served, peace was restored, and democracy prevailed.

“We call on all lovers of democracy—within and outside Nigeria—to stand with us in this just cause.”

June 10, 2025
Ex-Minister urges Akpabio to support Eno’s inclusive politics

Elder statesman Chief Nduese Essien has urged the Senate President Godswill Akpabio to support Governor Umo Eno’s politics of inclusiveness in Akwa Ibom state.

Essien, a former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, said Akpabio can do that by giving appointments, empowerment and political opportunities to members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

He said he had no political affiliation with any party and could not have defected with Eno from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as insinuated in some quarters.

The former Chairman of the Southsouth Parliamentary Caucus in the National Assembly, said he was in support of the Governor’s defection to the APC, hoping that the movement will be beneficial to Akwa Ibom state.

“Let me also highlight that even before his defection, Pastor Umo Eno had shown an admirable level of maturity in navigating party lines.

“He supported the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC for a second term, despite being a PDP Governor.

“These actions, while controversial to some, were calculated to ensure peace, stability, and strategic alignment for the benefit of Akwa Ibom State.

“Sadly, such magnanimity has not been reciprocated by the Senate President or his political machinery. Appointments, empowerment programmes, and political opportunities have remained exclusive to APC loyalists, leaving out PDP members and even those who have chosen neutrality for the sake of peace. This lack of inclusion has continued despite the governor’s overt gestures of goodwill and cooperation,” he said.

On his rumoured defection to the APC, Essien said: “I wish to address the political conversations following the recent defection of our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The event, which I attended in solidarity with the Governor as an elder statesman and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, has led to several misrepresentations in the media and on social platforms. Someone have falsely claimed that I have joined the APC.

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“Let me state without ambiguity: I have not defected from any party to another. My attendance at the event was not a declaration of political affiliation but a demonstration of support for the governor, who has shown a rare level of maturity and inclusiveness in governance.

“Since my decision not to contest for any elective office at the age of 70 in 2014, I have chosen to function purely as an elder statesman—offering advice, promoting peace, and standing for what is just and equitable in our state and country.

“Let me also make it abundantly clear that Governor Umo Eno’s defection is his personal political decision, backed by his constitutional right and informed by what he must have considered the long-term interests of Akwa Ibom State”

However, the elder stateman said it was wrong for the Governor to coerce members of the State and National Assembly to defect to the APC with him.

“These elected officers are operating on a separate and independent mandate and should be free to take their decision,” he said.

June 10, 2025
My scorecard, by Barau
Ismail Mudashir writes on the achievement of Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau in the last two years

In his commitment to tackling the country’s challenges through legislation, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has sponsored 29 private member bills in two years, halfway through the life of the 10th Senate.

Inaugurated on June 13, 2023, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proclamation of the parliament via a letter to the Clerk to the National Assembly in line with Section 64(3) of the 1999 Constitution, the 10th National Assembly celebrates its second anniversary on June 13th this year.

As the parliament celebrates its second year, half-time as it is called in the business of soccer, a tally obtained from the Senate Committee on Rules and Business showed that Senator Barau, a fourth-timer at the National Assembly (three times in the Senate – 2015 to date and once in the House of Representatives—1999 -2003) – topped the chart of private member bills sponsorship.

Six months ago, amazed by Senator Barau’s feat on private member bills sponsorship despite being a presiding officer, journalists covering the Senate honoured him with an award after analysing the records on bills sponsorship among serving senators in the 10th National Assembly.

Tagged ‘Highest Development Driven Bills Award,’ the Senate Press Corps, the foremost body of journalists covering the Nigerian Senate, said Senator Barau was conferred with the prestigious award for topping the bills chart and in recognition of his unwavering commitment to legislative excellence.

An analysis of the 29 bills showed that they affect all spheres of the country, including the economy, education, health, security, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Senator Barau’s key areas of legislative interest are education, security, agriculture and the economy.

The North West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, now an Act of Parliament following President Bola Tinubu’s assent, stands out as Senator Barau’s signature initiative to boost infrastructure and economic development in the North West geopolitical zone, comprising the states of Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

The NWDC, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which addresses the challenges facing all parts of the country head-on, has a budget of N585bn this year. Following this initiative, the North Central, South East, South-South, and South West development commissions have been established to address the various regions’ developmental challenges.

Other landmark bills sponsored by Senator Barau that have been signed into law by the President and poised to drive transformative development are the Maitama Sule Federal University of Education (Establishment) Act, 2024 which enhances teacher education and academic excellence, and the Federal University of Science and Technology Kabo (Establishment) Act, 2025 to promote technological innovation especially in cutting edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Forensic Science, cyber security, among others.

Similarly, Senator Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, has also introduced the Development Planning and Project Continuity Bill.

Other bills are the Renewable Energy Bill, the In-Vitro Fertilisation Bill, the Cyber Crimes (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, the Explosive Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, and the Nigerian Real Estate Industry (Regulations and Development) Bill.

Also to the credit of Senator Barau are the Government Performance and Accountability Bill, National Assembly Budget and Research Office Bill, Renewable Energy Bill, Occupational Safety and Health Bill, National Identity Management Commission (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, Agricultural Research Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 477) and the Nigeria Cooperative Societies Act (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 828).

As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau has sponsored nine bills to amend various sections of the 1999 Constitution in line with the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian masses. Five bills of the Deputy President on education are at various legislative stages in the Upper Chamber.

Aside from sponsoring bills, Senator Barau has also embarked on numerous people-driven projects, interventions, and initiatives to positively impact the lives of the people of Kano North Senatorial District, Kano State, North West, and the country as a whole.

Read Also: Barau hails Tinubu for signing federal varsity of science, tech bill Kano into law

Also, through his Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), the Deputy Senate President has offered scholarships to hundreds of indigent students to pursue postgraduate studies in cutting-edge fields locally and abroad.

As you read this piece, 70 beneficiaries of his postgraduate foreign scholarships are pursuing higher degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Robotics Science in reputable institutions of higher learning overseas.

Another 300 graduates have been selected for his domestic postgraduate scholarships at six Nigerian universities: Bayero University Kano, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

This is in addition to the scholarships he has offered to all undergraduates from Kano North Senatorial District who study at tertiary institutions in Kano State and beyond.

In agriculture, in addition to distributing hundreds of trucks of fertilisers and farming implements annually, Senator Barau, through the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in the North West (BIARN), has selected over 1,000 young farmers to receive loans to cultivate rice and maize this year in the seven North West geopolitical states.

Each selected beneficiary will receive a loan ranging from N1 million to N5 million to invest in farming this year. The selection process has since been concluded. This programme will take off maybe before you finish reading this article.

The transport sector is not left out. Last year, he launched the Kano North Transport Service (KNTS) with 107 buses. Launched in May 2024, the service has contributed immensely to enhancing the country’s transport sector.

Senator Barau’s security interventions have also benefited the state. In November last year, he donated 1,000 motorcycles to the Kano police to facilitate their patrol of the state’s 44 LGAS.

According to a saying, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Therefore, the Deputy President of the Senate established the Barau Football Club to engage the country’s youths. Recently, Barau FC qualified for the 2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Promotional Play-Off.

The Barau FC, which draws players from across the country, has made history as one of the fastest-rising clubs in Nigeria. It has competed in the Nationwide League One (NLO) and the NNL and is now aiming for a spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

In March this year, Senator Barau bailed out 52 football clubs in Kano State by paying their registration fees for this year’s Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) competition.

In the political turf, Senator Barau has done well to the admiration of all, including members of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP)/ Kwankwasiyya Movement, who have been trooping to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their numbers in recent times.

The gale of defections rocking the NNPP in Kano State has been named Barau Tsunami. Recently, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, described Senator Barau as “ a real General in Nigerian Politics.”

In February, Senator Barau donated 61 cars and 1,136 motorcycles to the APC leadership at the grassroots in Kano State. The motorcycles were meant for ward chairmen, while the cars would go to party leaders, including local government and zonal chairmen, to enhance the socioeconomic well-being of party members and promote its democratic and development ideals.

In recognition of his outstanding legislative dexterity and pro-masses projects and initiatives, Bayero University Kano conferred on him an honourary doctorate last year. So far, two first-generation universities, one in the Southwest and another in the Southeast, have pencilled Senator Barau in for the award of honourary doctorate degrees.

For Senator Barau, CFR, this is just the tip of the iceberg. More bills and initiatives are coming to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s quest to tackle the country’s challenges head-on for the benefit of all and for Nigeria to reclaim its rightful place in the Comity of Nations.
- Mudashir is the Special Adviser to Senator Barau on Media and Publicity
June 10, 2025