The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akpabio

  • Akpabio endorses ARISE with renewed hope initiative ahead of 2027 elections

    Akpabio endorses ARISE with renewed hope initiative ahead of 2027 elections

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has formally endorsed the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as his political structure and machinery for the 2027 general elections in Akwa Ibom State.

    Akpabio made the announcement in Abuja over the weekend during a visit by the leadership of the Initiative, according to a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom.

    He described the engagement as historic, noting that it marked a defining moment for political unity in the state.

    According to the Senate President, the emergence of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative signals stability, preparedness, and electoral victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom.

    “With this group, Akwa Ibom State is secure and ready for the elections. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, and I will work with this group to achieve its objectives,” Akpabio said.

    He expressed confidence that the state would record unprecedented outcomes for the APC, adding, “Akwa Ibom State will be the first in Nigeria to return President Bola Tinubu with massive votes.

    The state will re-elect Governor Umo Eno, and I will also be overwhelmingly returned. What Governor Umo Eno has done in uniting us is divinely ordained and guarantees a brighter future for Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.”

    Governor Umo Eno, in his remarks, described the Initiative as the foremost political structure in the state, reflecting the unity and collective strength of Akwa Ibom people under the APC.

    Read Also: Temitope Adeoye calls for carbon credit awareness across Nigeria

    He noted that the group represents the consolidation of key political forces in the state, with Akpabio reaffirmed as its leader with a strong, enduring base.

    He added that the Initiative comprises major political figures across the state, all united by a shared purpose to support the APC’s agenda.

    Earlier, the President-General of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, said the visit aimed to formally present the Initiative to the Senate President, following its earlier presentation to Governor Eno.

    He emphasised that the group’s mission remains clear and unwavering in supporting political cohesion and the APC’s objectives in Akwa Ibom State.

    “Our mission is victory for the APC in 2027. Akwa Ibom State is firmly and overwhelmingly APC, marching towards successful re-election victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.

    He praised President Tinubu for the ongoing reforms across the country and pledged that Akwa Ibom State would deliver bloc votes—the highest in Nigeria—during the elections. He also reaffirmed total support for Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda and his second-term ambition.

    In his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Group, Sir Victor Antai, said history was being made with the gathering of political leaders to chart a united course for the re-election of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.

    He described the Group as a coalition of leaders with deep grassroots capacity, positioned to drive massive mobilisation for the APC across all levels.

    The high point of the visit was the presentation of the official regalia of the Group to Akpabio by the President General, Engr. Okoko, and the Chairman, BoT, Dr Antai, who formally accepted his role as the Grand Patron of the Group.

  • Electoral Act: Akpabio slams critics, Jimoh Ibrahim defends Senate

    Electoral Act: Akpabio slams critics, Jimoh Ibrahim defends Senate

    • Lobbyists pressure NASS to review position on results transmission

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio yesterday dismissed as premature the ongoing public debate on alleged rejection of ‘real time’ electronic transmission of election results by the Red Chamber in the amendments to the Electoral Act.

    Akpabio accused critics of misjudging the Senate based on an incomplete legislative process and misunderstanding of parliamentary procedures.

    The Senate President, who spoke during the unveiling of a book, “The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria”, authored by Senator Effiong Bob, in Abuja said the Senate was yet to conclude work on the bill.

    Speaking on the same issue at a separate forum, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) said what the Senate did was to give effect to the December 29, 2023 ruling of the Supreme Court on Atiku and INEC (No. 2) in which the apex court, according to him, indicated what should be included in future legislation.

    Akpabio, who was the special guest of honour at the book launch, said: “The Electoral Act amendment is incomplete.

    “We have not completed it, but they (critics) are already on television.

    “They don’t understand lawmaking.

    READ ALSO: Kwara massacre belies end of Mamuda/JNIM terrorists

    “They don’t even know that what is in the Senate is not completed until we look at the Votes and Proceedings.”

    The Votes and Proceedings stage, he said, allows senators to correct, amend or clarify decisions taken on the floor before final approval.

    He said only after this could the Senate’s position be considered final.

    “When we bring out the Votes and Proceedings, any senator has a right to rise and say, ‘on clause three, this was what we agreed upon.’

    “That is the only time you can talk about what the Senate has done or not done,” he added.

    Akpabio called the action of commentators on the matter an abuse of the legislature and accused some civil society actors of attempting to impose their views on lawmakers.

    His words: “People have become mouth legislators.

    ‘Go and contest election if you want to talk about lawmaking and go and join them and make the law.

    “Retreats are not lawmaking. Retreats are part of consultations.

    “So why do you think that the paper you agreed on in Lagos during a retreat must be what is agreed on the floor?”

     Akpabio insisted that the Senate did not remove electronic transmission of election results, pointing out that lawmakers only questioned the requirements for real-time transmission.

    “I must state clearly, without ambiguity, that the Senate has not removed any means of transmission.

    “If you want to use a bicycle to carry your votes from one polling unit to the ward centre, do so.

    “If you want to use your phone to transmit, do so. If you want to use your iPad, do so,” he said.

    He said the concern was that mandating real-time transmission could lead to legal disputes if network failures occurred during elections.

    “All we said was that we should remove the word ‘real time,’ because if you say real time and there is grid failure and the network is not working, when you go to court, somebody will say it ought to have been real time,” he said.

    According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should determine the mode and timing of result transmission within the framework of the law.

    The Senate President warned that insisting on real-time transmission could invalidate results in areas with poor connectivity or insecurity.

    “Real time means that in over nine states where networks are not working because of insecurity, there will be no election results.

    “Nationally, if the national grid collapses and no network is working, no election results will be valid,” he said.

    He cited a Supreme Court ruling which, he said, acknowledged Nigeria’s inadequate infrastructure and emphasised that electronic transmission is only supplementary to the statutory collation process.

    “The result is in Form EC8A. It will be carried from the polling unit to the ward centre, from there to the local government collation centre, to the senatorial collation centre, to the state collation centre, and finally the national collation centre,” he said.

    Akpabio stressed that the amendment bill has not yet completed the bicameral legislative process and that a conference committee would reconcile differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives versions before the final passage.

    “It is only when we have finished that that you will now say the National Assembly has passed any amendment to the Electoral Act,” he said.

    He urged critics to allow the process to run its course.

    Akpabio said electoral reforms must be grounded in legal and institutional capacity, warning against imposing technology beyond the country’s infrastructure.

    “We insist that electoral reforms must be anchored in law, guided by capacity, secured against abuse and applied uniformly across the nation.

    “Technology must serve democracy; it must not endanger democracy,” he said.

    He added: “You stay in a place that has no wire, no light, and you want to put in the law ‘real time.’

    “Progress must not bring about injustice.”

    The Senate President warned that mistrust of institutions without understanding legislative processes could weaken democracy.

    “When people do not understand their legislature, democracy is at risk. Democracy is measured not by passion alone, but by principles,” he said.

    He recalled that the current Electoral Act enabled competitive elections in 2023, including losses by the then ruling party in key states.

    “This same Electoral Act made the incumbent party almost lose millions of votes.

    “We lost in places like Lagos and Kano.

    “New parties won whole regions with the same act, whether real-time electronic transfer or not,” he said.

    The Senate President stressed that laws must be made for posterity rather than partisan advantage, adding: “You don’t make law for an individual or for opposition. You make law to outlast you, for generations unborn.”

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, who was the chairman of the occasion, urged the National Assembly to pass the Bill and not to speak for INEC.

    “What the ADC is saying is, pass the law. Let INEC decide whether they can do it (real-time electronic transmission) or not. Don’t speak for INEC.

    “The stand of ADC is clear; pass the bill and let INEC decide on what it will do with it,” Mark said.

    Senate gave effect to Supreme Court’s decision on Act, says Jimoh Ibrahim

    Senator Ibrahim told Political Science scholars who went to congratulate him on his recent appointment as ambassador designate that the amendments to the Electoral Act were to address concerns over the use of discretionary power, the validity of election results, legal standing, and the status of the INEC IRev portal.

    He said that the Supreme Court in the case of Atiku and INEC (No. 2) provided a clear roadmap for the Senate on the steps to take at appropriate times, including the present period.

    “We acted to give effect to that historic judgment, and we did nothing wrong; there is no fire anywhere,” he said.

    The Supreme Court, he said, clarified that INEC’s discretionary powers are limited.

    He argued that the 2022 Electoral Act did not explicitly require real-time electronic transmission of election results, but now the Senate has incorporated this provision into law consistent with the Court’s ruling.

    He said: “Regarding the IRev Portal’s status, the Court stated that the IRev Portal is not legally recognised and that it is merely a tool for INEC to carry out its functions.

    “If someone exploits the INEC IRev Portal and manipulates election results through technological means, the Court will not accept such conduct and will enshrine this stance in law.

    “The Senate recognises and respects this judgment.”

    Senator Ibrahim said the Senate, led by its President, Godswill Akpabio, maintains transparency and that all laws passed truly reflect Nigerians’ views.

    He asked politicians to earn victory through voters’ support, not through legislative influence.

    Nigeria not ready for real-time e-transmission of election results, says ex-INEC commissioner

    A former national commissioner of INEC, Mustapha Lecky, has said Nigeria is not technically prepared for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.

    Lecky said on Channels Television programme that the clamour for instantaneous uploads from polling units was misplaced because, according to him, Nigeria still conducts manual voting with paper ballots rather than electronic voting.

    “It doesn’t really make sense to me that we should be talking about instantaneous transmission of results live as it is happening from the polling area,” Lecky said

    He added: “We don’t do electronic voting anywhere. Are we doing electronic voting? We are very far away from it.”

    He said results must first be manually counted and verified at polling units in the presence of party agents before any upload can occur, with the EC8A form — signed by agents — serving as the critical document.

    Lecky said the existing framework, including INEC’s result viewing portal (IReV) and the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS), already provides sufficient transparency if properly implemented.

    Lobbyists pressure NASS to review position

    The Nation gathered that the civil rights community and opposition parties, which are in the forefront of the clamour for the inclusion of ‘real time e-transmission of results’ in the bill, are intensifying their lobbying to get the National Assembly to act on their demand.

    Sources said they (lobbyists) plan to put pressure on the two chambers of the National Assembly, especially during their conference committee meeting on the amendments, to consider their demand.

    No date has been picked yet for the conference committee meeting, it was learnt on Friday.

    The House of Representatives had earlier passed the clause on real time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to IREV.

    The House of Representatives had passed Clause 60(3) which states that: “The Commission shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the IREV portal in real time and each transmission shall be done simultaneously with the physical collation of results”

    The House also passed Clause 60(5) which states that “the Presiding Officer shall transmit the results including the number of accredited voters to the next level of collation.”

    The interpretation clause in the proposed amendments explained that ‘Transmit’ means to “send, transfer or communicate from one person or place to another manually or electronically.”

    However, the Senate declined to pass proposed clause 60(3) but rather retained Section 60(5) in the 2022 Electoral Act which states that “the Presiding Officer shall transmit the results, including the total number of accredited voters and the results of the ballot, in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”

  • Electoral Act: Akpabio blasts critics, says despite abuses, Senate not intimidated

    Electoral Act: Akpabio blasts critics, says despite abuses, Senate not intimidated

    …says ‘Mouth Legislators’ misleading Nigerians

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed criticisms trailing the Senate’s amendment of the Electoral Act, saying commentators and civil society actors are misjudging the legislature based on an incomplete legislative process and misunderstanding of parliamentary procedures.

    Akpabio spoke in Abuja as special guest of honour at the unveiling of a book, “The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria”, authored by Senator Effiong Bob, in Abuja.

    Speaking on the controversy surrounding the removal of the phrase “real-time” electronic transmission of election results, Akpabio said the Senate had not concluded work on the bill and that public debate was premature.

    “The Electoral Act amendment is incomplete. We have not completed it, but they are already on television. They don’t understand lawmaking.

    “They don’t even know that what is in the Senate is not completed until we look at the Votes and Proceedings,” he said.

    Akpabio explained that the Votes and Proceedings stage allows senators to correct, amend, or clarify decisions taken on the floor before final approval, stressing that only after that process could the Senate’s position be considered final.

    “When we bring out the Votes and Proceedings, any senator has a right to rise and say, ‘On clause three, this was what we agreed upon.’ That is the only time you can talk about what the Senate has done or not done,” he said.

    He criticised commentators for what he described as “abuse” of the legislature, accusing some civil society actors of attempting to impose their views on lawmakers.

    “People have become mouth legislators. Go and contest election if you want to talk about lawmaking and go and join them and make the law. Retreats are not lawmaking; retreats are part of consultations. So why do you think that the paper you agreed in Lagos during a retreat must be what is agreed on the floor?” he asked.

    Akpabio insisted that the Senate did not remove electronic transmission of election results, clarifying that lawmakers only questioned the requirement for real-time transmission.

    “I must state clearly, without ambiguity, that the Senate has not removed any means of transmission. If you want to use a bicycle to carry your votes from one polling unit to the ward centre, do so. If you want to use your phone to transmit, do so. If you want to use your iPad, do so,” he said.

    He said the concern was that mandating real-time transmission could lead to legal disputes if network failures occurred during elections.

    “All we said was that we should remove the word ‘real time,’ because if you say real time and there is grid failure and the network is not working, when you go to court somebody will say it ought to have been real time,” he explained.

    According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should determine the mode and timing of result transmission within the framework of the law.

    The Senate President warned that insisting on real-time transmission could invalidate results in areas with poor connectivity or insecurity.

    “Real time means that in over nine states where networks are not working because of insecurity, there will be no election results. Nationally, if the national grid collapses and no network is working, no election results will be valid,” he said.

    He cited a Supreme Court ruling which, he said, acknowledged Nigeria’s inadequate infrastructure and emphasised that electronic transmission is only supplementary to the statutory collation process.

    “The result is in Form EC8A. It will be carried from the polling unit to the ward centre, from there to the local government collation centre, to the senatorial collation centre, to the state collation centre, and finally the national collation centre,” he said.

    Akpabio stressed that the amendment bill had not yet completed the bicameral legislative process and that a conference committee would reconcile differences between the Senate and House of Representatives versions before final passage.

    “It is only when we have finished that that you will now say the National Assembly has passed any amendment to the Electoral Act,” he said.

    He urged critics to allow the process to run its course, warning against attempts to “rubbish the process” before its conclusion.

    Akpabio said electoral reforms must be grounded in legal and institutional capacity, warning against imposing technology beyond the country’s infrastructure.

    “We insist that electoral reforms must be anchored in law, guided by capacity, secured against abuse and applied uniformly across the nation. Technology must serve democracy; it must not endanger democracy,” he said.

    He added: “You stay in a place that has no wire, no light, and you want to put in the law ‘real time.’ Progress must not bring about injustice.”

    The Senate President warned that mistrust of institutions without understanding legislative processes could weaken democracy.

    “When people do not understand their legislature, democracy is at risk. Democracy is measured not by passion alone, but by principles,” he said.

    He also recalled that the current Electoral Act enabled competitive elections in 2023, including losses by the then ruling party in key states.

    “This same Electoral Act made the incumbent party almost lose millions of votes. We lost in places like Lagos and Kano. New parties won whole regions with the same act, whether real-time electronic transfer or not,” he said.

    Akpabio concluded that laws must be made for posterity rather than partisan advantage, adding: “You don’t make law for an individual or for opposition. You make law to outlast you, for generations unborn.”

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, who was the chairman of occasion, urged the National Assembly to pass the Bill and not to speak for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “What the ADC is saying is, pass the law. Let INEC decide whether they can do it (real-time electronic transmission) or not. Don’t speak for INEC.

    “The stand of ADC is clear; pass the bill and let INEC decide on what it will do with it”, Mark said.

    Several speakers at the event, including Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the book reviewer, Professor Maxwell Gidado SAN, praised Senator Bob’s courage in writing the book to bring to light the challenges the Nigerian legislator faces in the course of performing his duties.

    The author Senator Bob enumerated some of the challenges, saying that they included electoral battles, conflict with governors/godfathers, the judiciary through cancellation of victory, addressing the private issues of the electorate and self-inflicted challenges.

    “The courage to defend democracy is in the legislature and the legislators”, he said.

  • Akpabio to NASC: let your activities reflect Federal character

    Akpabio to NASC: let your activities reflect Federal character

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged the chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to ensure federal character is reflected in the activities of the commission.

    A statement by the office of the Senate President said Akpabio spoke when the chairman and other members of the Sixth National Assembly Service Commission visited in his office.

    The Senate President congratulated them on their appointment and expressed the confidence that with their experiences and maturity, they would deliver on their mandate.

    Akpabio said: “The leadership of both chambers made very good choices. I have no doubt that with your pedigrees, you will deliver on the mandate given to you.

    “The maturity is there. So, we should expect the best. I know that with your various other vocations, your experiences will come to bear to ensure that everything about the commission and the welfare, promotion of staff and even the recruitment, that things are done in a way that reflects joy and national character.”

    READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

    The commission’s chairman, Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, expressed gratitude to Akpabio and the leadership of the National Assembly for the confidence reposed in them.

    Enyiekere acknowledged the challenges ahead but said the commission remained committed to meeting the challenges head-on.

    He assured the Senate President that the commission would not only strive to build on the successes of their predecessors but also restore confidence in the commission’s ability to fulfill its core mandate.

    The commission proposed to the leadership of the National Assembly the establishment of a Council of former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and the reintroduction and construction of new National Assembly Legislative Quarters.

  • Akpabio to NASC: let your activities reflect Federal Character

    Akpabio to NASC: let your activities reflect Federal Character

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has charged the Chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to allow Federal Character reflect in the activities of the Commission.

    According to a statement by the office of the Senate President, Akpabio gave the charge on Thursday when the Chairman and other members of the Sixth National Assembly Service Commission paid him their maiden visit in his office.

    The Senate President congratulated them on their appointment and expressed confidence that, with their experiences and maturity, they would deliver on their mandate.

    Akpabio said: “The leadership of both chambers made very good choices. I have no doubt that with your pedigrees you will deliver on the mandate given to you.

    “The maturity is there. So we should expect the best. I know that with your various other vocations, your experiences will come to bear to ensure that everything about the Commission and the welfare, promotion of staff and even the recruitment, that things are done in a way that reflect joy and national character.”

    Read Also: New book proffers solutions to surmounting Nigeria’s problems

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr Saviour Enyiekere, expressed gratitude to the Senate President and the entire leadership of the National Assembly for the confidence reposed in them.

    Enyiekere acknowledged the challenges ahead but said the Commission stood committed to meeting the challenges head-on.

    He assured the Senate President that the Commission would not only strive to build on the successes of their predecessors but also restore confidence in the Commission’s ability to fulfill its core mandate.

    The Commission proposed to the leadership of the National Assembly the establishment of a Council of former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and also reintroduction and construction of new National Assembly Legislative Quarters.

  • Tax laws not altered, says Akpabio

    Tax laws not altered, says Akpabio

    Senate President  Godswill Akpabio has  dismissed  speculations  that the new tax  laws which came into effect this month were adulterated.

    He said during plenary yesterday that the Acts currently in the custody of the National Assembly are exactly the versions passed by both chambers and signed by President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu.

    Akpabio told  Senators during the session that Certified True Copies(CTC) of the laws before the Senate and the House accurately reflect what the members approved.

    To reinforce transparency, he directed the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, to distribute certified copies of the Acts to all senators for scrutiny.

    The Senate President said: “I understand that there is another version that was circulating, which was not in compliance with what was contained in our votes and proceedings.

    “There is no adulteration. So, at this stage, you can feel bold enough to discard anything that is to the contrary.

    “There are about four Acts. The four are ready, gazetted and signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and certified by the Clerk to the National Assembly to avoid confusion.

    READ ALSO: Fed Govt set to reclaim ungoverned spaces with re-engagement of military retirees

    “Copies of the Acts will be made available to all senators by the Clerk of the Senate.

     “So, you take it directly from us. And then those who are not here, we will distribute them directly to them.  This Act should not be given to any other person. It must be given by the Clerk to the Senate and certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly to avoid any confusion.

     ‘This has taken cognisance of what happened in the House of Representatives, in the votes and proceedings. And also what happened in the Senate and what happened in the committee on harmonisation, and was signed by the President.

    “The copies of the Acts are totally in compliance with what happened in the two chambers. No adulteration, nothing.”

    President Tinubu signed the four Tax Reform Bills– Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA) and the Joint Revenue Board Act (JRBA).on   June 26, 2025. 

    The controversy over the tax laws revolves around allegations that the officially gazetted versions contain “illegal alterations” and significant discrepancies from those actually passed by the National Assembly.

      Some members of the  House of Representatives had alleged that certain provisions in the Acts, particularly relating to tax administration and revenue sharing, are different from what the House debated and passed.

    Some lawmakers called for a probe, claiming discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and the copies in circulation.

     The House Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee claimed last week that its investigation showed that there were indeed alterations in some of the new laws.

    On Sunday, the House Spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi, disowned the findings of the caucus.  

    Rotimi said the setting up of an ad-hoc committee by the caucus was not recognised under the House standing rules.

    He stated that neither the Majority nor the Minority caucus nor any political caucus in the House has the authority to constitute such a committee, as the reports emanating therefrom cannot be tabled before the House for any legislative action.

    He said that the ad hoc committee of the Minority Caucus has the potential to create confusion in the minds of the public, leading to serious misunderstanding, adding that already, the House has set up a multi-party ad-hoc committee to investigate the allegations of alterations to the tax laws.  

    Tinubu directs ease of tax burden on small businesses 

      President Tinubu has directed that the tax burden on small businesses be eased and that the implementation of policies that worsen poverty be halted.

     Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, explained this at a Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) town hall meeting with artisans and traders in Abuja.

    He also said that the President directed that all stakeholders should work together to ensure the success of nano, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, rather than stifling them with multiple taxes.

    “You cannot build a society where businesses are not allowed to breathe,” Oyedele quoted Tinubu as saying.

      “The secret to the success of any society is enabling its 35 million nano, micro, small, and medium businesses to grow. Supporting MSMEs positively is essential because that is the real Nigeria,” he stated.

    Oyedele,  an economist, accountant and public policy expert,  said that the President ordered an end to taxing poverty, capital and seed, urging instead that government policies should support investment and business growth so that small enterprises can thrive.

    He said: “You cannot build a society where businesses are not allowed to breathe. The secret to the success of any society is enabling its 35 million nano, micro, small, and medium businesses to grow. Supporting MSMEs positively is essential because that is the real Nigeria.

    “The President directed that we should stop taxing poverty, capital, and seed. We should invest in the people so that the seed can turn into fruit

      SMEDAN’s Director- General Charles Odii, who put the number of  Small Medium Enterprise in the country at  39 million, advised the operators to access the N200 billion approved for them by President Tinubu.

  • Akpabio to Senators: final stretch begins, we must finish strong

    Akpabio to Senators: final stretch begins, we must finish strong

    • House will prioritise Electoral Act, Constitution Review, says Deputy Speaker Kalu
    • Senate President lauds Nigeria, U.S. military collaboration
    • Plenary adjourned in honour of Senator Akwashiki

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged members of the 10th National Assembly to approach the remaining months of their tenure with urgency, discipline, and a strong sense of legacy.

    He said the Senate has entered the “final stretch” of its legislative journey.

    On resumption of plenary from its Christmas and New Year break, the Senate yesterday observed a minute silence and adjourned session in honour of its late member, Godiya Akwashiki (SDP, Nasarawa North) who passed on December 31, last year. The senator has been buried.

    Akpabio said this in his welcome address at the first plenary sitting of the Senate for this year.

    In the House of Representatives, which also resumed yesterday from its Christmas and New Year break, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu told fellow lawmakers that the Green Chamber will prioritise work on the Electoral Act, Constitution amendment, among other vital legislations, this year

    Welcoming senators back to the Red Chamber, Akpabio urged them to translate feedback from their constituencies during the recess into laws and oversight actions that directly respond to the needs of Nigerians.

    The Senate President noted that while lawmakers were away, the country continued to grapple with economic pressures, security challenges, and social demands.

    He stressed that the Senate must respond with renewed commitment and focus.

    Akpabio said the joy of resumption was tempered by the death of Senator Akwashiki, describing the late lawmaker as a diligent and humble public servant.

    The Senate President said Akwashiki’s contributions would be deeply missed by the Senate and the nation.

    He led the senators in observing a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and extended condolences to his family, constituents, and the people of Nasarawa State.

    Putting his attention national security, Akpabio lauded the ongoing military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, stating that such partnerships were critical to restoring peace and stability.

    The Senate President also sympathised with the families affected by insecurity across the country, describing security as a matter of lives, homes, and the future.

    The Senate President expressed concern over a recent United Nations (UN) warning that up to 35 million Nigerians could face hunger this year.

    He described the figure as alarming and unacceptable.

    According to him, the development calls for urgent legislative action, stronger oversight and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to boost food security and protect vulnerable citizens.

    As political activities gradually build up nationwide, Akpabio appealed to political parties and actors to conduct themselves with civility, conscience, and patriotism.

    The Senate President warned that Nigeria’s unity and stability must not be sacrificed on the altar of ambition.

    He also urged Nigerians not to forget citizens still held in captivity by criminal groups, describing their continued detention as a national wound that must be healed.

    Encouraging continued support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope programme, Akpabio said perseverance, cooperation, and shared sacrifice remained key to achieving a more secure and productive Nigeria.

    Turning to the work the Senate must do this year, Akpabio said with less than one year and five months left in the current legislative cycle, the Red Chamber had moved beyond settling in and must now focus on delivery.

    “This is the final stretch of the marathon,” he said. “It is the phase that separates participation from performance.”

    Akpabio added that the period must be reform-driven, with priority given to Bills and motions that promote economic growth, strengthen institutions, secure lives and property, and restore confidence in governance.

    The Senate President cautioned against legislative clutter, insisting that history would judge the Senate not by the volume of laws passed but by their impact and value to Nigerians.

    He said the Senate would also focus on completing pending legislative work and leaving behind a functional, principled, and orderly institution.

    Read Also: Shettima to launch learning, empowerment fund

    Giving his take on this year’s budget, the Senate President said the chamber would give it rigorous scrutiny to ensure responsible passage and faithful implementation.

    He added that cooperation with the Executive, guided by mutual respect and constitutional responsibility, would remain central to national progress.

    “We are here for Nigerians,” Akpabio stated. “We are their ears to hear their cries, their eyes to see their realities, and their legislative voice to protect their rights.”

    He urged senators to rise to the moment, saying the nation and history were watching.

    “Let it be said that when the 10th Senate reached the final stretch, it did not slow down or leave the work unfinished,” he said.

    Akpabio urged fellow senators to “finish strong” for the sake of Nigeria.

    In the Green Chamber, Kalu said the House would dedicate its attention to the passage of the Electoral Act and the new constitution this year.

    In his brief remarks at the resumption of plenary after the Christmas and New Year break, the Deputy Speaker expressed confidence that the Senate would speed up the process of the consideration of the Electoral Act, which has already been considered by the House.

    The House yesterday considered and approved alterations to the 2022 Electoral Act before embarking on the break, but the Senate has yet to consider the legislation, even though the joint Committee of the National Assembly submitted a harmonised copy.

    The Electoral Act is expected to provide the guidelines for the conduct of the 2027 general election.

    Kalu said the House would prioritise certain provisions of the constitution for consideration, expressing the hope that members would do diligence to the document, which was before them, as well as this year’s budget.

    The House also adjourned plenary till today in honour of the late Senator Akwashiki.

  • Akpabio tells 10th Senate to fast-track legislative agenda as plenary resumes

    Akpabio tells 10th Senate to fast-track legislative agenda as plenary resumes

    …lauds military collaboration between Nigeria, United States

    …adjourns plenary in honour of Senator Akwashiki

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has charged members of the 10th National Assembly to approach the remaining months of their tenure with urgency, discipline and a strong sense of legacy, declaring that the Senate has entered the “final stretch” of its legislative journey.

    Akpabio gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering his welcome address at the first plenary sitting of the Senate in 2026, following the Christmas and New Year recess.

    He urged senators to convert feedback gathered from their constituencies during the break into meaningful legislation and effective oversight actions that directly address the needs of Nigerians.

    The Senate President noted that despite the recess, the nation continued to face economic pressures, security concerns and social challenges, stressing that lawmakers must now respond with renewed commitment and focus.

    However, the resumption of plenary was marked by solemnity as the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of late Senator Godiya Akwashiki (SDP–Nasarawa North), who died on December 31, 2025. Akwashiki has since been laid to rest.

    Describing the late lawmaker as a diligent and humble public servant, Akpabio said his contributions to the Senate and the country would be deeply missed.

    He extended condolences to the family of the deceased, his constituents and the people of Nasarawa State, while leading senators in paying tribute to his memory.

    On national security, Akpabio commended the ongoing military collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, noting that such partnerships were critical to restoring peace and stability.

    He also sympathised with families affected by insecurity across the country, describing security as a matter of lives, homes and futures.

    Akpabio expressed concern over a recent United Nations warning that up to 35 million Nigerians could face hunger this year, describing the figure as alarming and unacceptable.

    According to him, “The development calls for urgent legislative action, stronger oversight and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to boost food security and protect vulnerable citizens.

    As political activities gradually build up nationwide, Akpabio appealed to political parties and actors to conduct themselves with civility, conscience and patriotism, warning that Nigeria’s unity and stability must not be sacrificed on the altar of ambition.

    He also urged Nigerians not to forget citizens still held in captivity by criminal groups, describing their continued detention as a national wound that must be healed.

    Encouraging continued support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Programme, Akpabio said perseverance, cooperation and shared sacrifice remained key to achieving a more secure and productive Nigeria.

    Turning to the work of the Senate, Akpabio said with less than one year and five months left in the current legislative cycle, the chamber had moved beyond settling in and must now focus on delivery.

    “This is the final stretch of the marathon,” he said. “It is the phase that separates participation from performance.”

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom traditional rulers endorse Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno for 2027

    He stressed that the period must be reform-driven, with priority given to bills and motions that promote economic growth, strengthen institutions, secure lives and property, and restore confidence in governance.

    Akpabio cautioned against legislative clutter, insisting that history would judge the Senate not by the volume of laws passed but by their impact and value to Nigerians.

    He said the Senate would also focus on completing pending legislative work and leaving behind a functional, principled and orderly institution.

    On the 2026 budget, the Senate President said the chamber would give it rigorous scrutiny to ensure responsible passage and faithful implementation, adding that cooperation with the Executive, guided by mutual respect and constitutional responsibility, would remain central to national progress.

    “We are here for Nigerians,” Akpabio declared. “We are their ears to hear their cries, their eyes to see their realities, and their legislative voice to protect their rights.”

    He urged senators to rise to the moment, saying the nation and history were watching.

    “Let it be said that when the Tenth Senate reached the final stretch, it did not slow down or leave the work unfinished,” he said, calling on lawmakers to “finish strong” for the sake of Nigeria.

  • Akpabio, Eno receive ex-PDP National Legal Adviser into APC

    Akpabio, Eno receive ex-PDP National Legal Adviser into APC

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, have formally received the former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Emmanuel Enoidem into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    At a rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio likened the defection of Enoidem who had served as a Commissioner in his administration as Governor to the Biblical story of a Shepherd who left 99 sheep to go in search of one which had gone astray.

    Akpabio commended Eno for reuniting Enoidem with him and said the move would ensure a rancor free electioneering not only in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District but Akwa Ibom State as a whole. He said with the defection of the former PDP chieftain, APC would coast home to victory easily in the 2027 elections.

    A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator Akpabio as saying: “This rally is like connecting me to one of my political mentees. I want to tell everyone that I am happy to receive Enoidem into the APC.

    “Today’s event signals the return of peace to Akwa Ibom State. And you know that peace drives  progress and development in any community.

    “I must put on record for the people of Etim Ekpo that despite the fact that Enoidem contested against me in 2023, you voted overwhelmingly for me. So now that he is back with us, we anticipate rancour free elections in 2027,” Akpabio said.

    Through a voice vote administered by Senator Akpabio, the people indicated their intention to support the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.

    On his part, Governor Eno acknowledged that Enoidem had played a key role in his emergence as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and appreciated him for hearkening to the voice of reason and joining the APC in the overall interest of the State.

    Read Also: Ex-PDP National Legal Adviser joins APC in Akwa Ibom

    Eno disclosed that even while he was in PDP, Enoidem had assured him of his support for his reelection and that of Senator Akpabio but he had reasoned that it would serve the interest of the State better if he joined the APC.

    The former PDP chieftain, Enoidem said he was defecting from the PDP to join the APC in the interest of Akwa Ibom State since all politics are local and majority of the people have indicated their preference for the ruling party instead of being in the opposition.

    The event was attended by political stakeholders, including members of the National Assembly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, State House of Assembly members, State Executive Council members, local government chairmen, party leaders, traditional and religious leaders, among others.

    The State Chairman of APC, Obong Steven Ntokekpo presented party symbols and paraphernalia to the new entrant.

  • Akpabio asks Supreme Court to hear appeal on Natasha’s suspension

    Akpabio asks Supreme Court to hear appeal on Natasha’s suspension

    The legal dispute arising from the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has moved to the Supreme Court.

    This followed an application filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his official capacity.

    Court documents indicate that Akpabio has approached the apex court seeking to regularise and sustain his appeal against decisions connected to the suspension of the Kogi Central lawmaker.

    The application was filed at the Supreme Court in Abuja.

    In the suit, Akpabio is listed as the appellant, while the respondents are: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Neda Imasuen.

    The dispute followed events at a Senate plenary in February, last year, when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised issues on parliamentary privilege and procedure.

    READ ALSO: Critical success factors for Nigeria’s economy this year

    The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and subsequently led to her suspension from legislative activities.

    Challenging the disciplinary action, Akpoti-Uduaghan instituted a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging breaches of her right to fair hearing and non-compliance with the Senate Standing Orders.

    In a judgment delivered on July 4, last year, the court considered issues on parliamentary procedure and judicial intervention in legislative affairs.

    Following the proceedings at the Court of Appeal, Akpabio has now filed an application at the Supreme Court seeking the extension of time to apply for leave to appeal, leave to appeal on grounds of mixed law and fact, and an order deeming his notice of appeal and brief of argument as properly filed and served.

    The application, brought pursuant to the Supreme Court Rules, the Supreme Court Act, and the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), argues that the appeal raised constitutional and procedural questions.

    Akpabio is contending that the Senate acted under Section 60 of the Constitution, which empowers the National Assembly to regulate its internal procedures.

    The Senate President also argues that the presiding officer of the Senate is not required to immediately rule on every point of privilege raised during plenary.

    He added that the Senate’s internal disciplinary processes were invoked in line with its rules.

    But Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her suspension breached her right to fair hearing and that the Senate did not comply with its Standing Orders before referring her to the Ethics Committee and imposing sanctions.

    The Nation confirmed on Wednesday, January 21, that her legal counsel was formally served with the Supreme Court processes, bringing all parties before the apex court.

    The matter also includes a related contempt proceeding arising from a social media post made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan while the suit was pending.

    The Federal High Court held that the post violated a subsisting order, imposed a fine and directed a public apology.

    The senator has appealed the decision, arguing that the alleged contempt was criminal in nature and required compliance with statutory procedures.

    The case is now before the Supreme Court for further adjudication.