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New year: Be hopeful, Akpabio, Abass, Bamidele advise Nigerians

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen called on Nigerians to be hopeful as the National Assembly would not shirk in its legislative commitment.

They gave the charge in their separate New Year messages to Nigerians.

In his message, Akpabio expressed optimism that this year will witness steady national progress, driven by strong institutions and responsible leadership.

He added that the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, remains resolute in its constitutional mandate of law-making, representation and oversight to safeguard democratic stability and promote national development.

Akpabio, in the message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,   Eseme Eyiboh, commended Nigerians for their resilience, patience and maturity in the face of economic and social challenges.

“As we enter the year 2026, I extend my warm wishes to Nigerians for a peaceful and fulfilling year. I commend the resilience, patience and civic maturity of our people, even in challenging times,” the Senate President said.

Looking ahead to heightened political activities as the country approaches next year’s general election, Akpabio cautioned against divisive politics and what he described as false messianic narratives.

He urged political actors to conduct themselves with restraint and a strong sense of national duty.

Speaker Abbas enjoined Nigerians to remain resolute, steadfast and hopeful in the journey ahead. He declared 2026 a year of hope and endless possibilities for all.

READ ALSO: Against the tyranny of small minds

“In every new dawn lies a promise,” the Speaker stated, commending Nigerians for their patience, perseverance, and contributions toward building a stronger nation.

Abbas reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to enacting people-oriented laws that will further enhance economic stability, promote inclusiveness, and ensure the security and welfare of all Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Also yesterday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele urged Nigerians to embrace the year   with hope and strength even in the face   of the ‘’anticipated challenges.”

He informed Nigerians that the country is now firmly on the path to full economic recovery following what he described as the most far-reaching Legislative reforms undertaken in recent years.

Bamidele promised that the pains associated with the reforms would soon give way to tangible national gains.

He said: “We are now on the path of economic recovery. Nigeria shall be greater than we met it.

“We salute you all for surviving the year 2025 as well as urge you to embrace the year 2026 with hope and strength despite the anticipated challenges.”

The Senate Leader dismissed criticisms of the new tax laws by opposition figures, arguing that they were not crafted to inflict hardship on ordinary citizens but to correct long-standing fiscal distortions that have stalled development.

First Lady urges unity, renewed investment in children

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace peace, empathy and unity as guiding values for the New Year.

She also enjoined them to consciously invest in the well-being of children, women and the most vulnerable.

In her New Year message titled “2026: Hope on the Horizon,” the First Lady admonished Nigerians to make deliberate choices that foster harmony and shared responsibility.

She stressed that national progress depends on collective compassion and inclusiveness.

“As we embrace this New Year, let us choose peace, empathy, unity and continue to invest in the well-being of our children, women and the vulnerable among us,” said the First Lady.

Mbah: 2026, a year of quantum leap

In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah described 2026 as a year of quantum leap for the people of Enugu State.

   “Our optimism is not abstract, but grounded in the concrete work we have done,” Mbah said in his message of hope to the people of the state.

He, however, urged optimism and unity on the part of the people of the state and the nation as a whole.

The governor assured that there would be no room for complacency on the part of his administration.

“2026 is not a victory lap. It is a humble continuation of a journey that is nowhere near finished,’’ he said.

Saraki seeks unity

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki warned Nigerians against actions that could fracture the country.

He emphasised that unity remains the key to harnessing Nigeria’s vast resources.

In a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, Head of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, Saraki acknowledged challenges in the economy, infrastructure, national security, politics, and institutions.

He said: “A united Nigeria just needs peace and proper coordination to rise and fulfill its manifest destiny as a global leader.

“That is why all Nigerians, young and old, should avoid any drift towards issues that will threaten the unity of the country.’’

NLC seeks wage review

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) demanded an immediate wage review to combat soaring inflation.

The Labour Centre said it was essential for workers’ survival amid President Bola Tinubu’s promise of living wages.

NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, in a message to workers, vowed to pursue the demand “with every legitimate means at our disposal.”

The NLC praised recent security gains but pressed the government to sustain them.

It stated: “Security remains a fundamental right and the primary duty of any state. We acknowledge recent successes.

“We will continue to urge the state to build on the ongoing successes as the people are deserving of peace and security wherever they live.”

Ajaero rallied workers against elite-driven divisions, declaring: “Let us make 2026 a year where the power of the working class and the oppressed becomes the most potent glue that holds us together. Our power continues to be in our numbers and our victory in our solidarity.”

Kwara Govt to residents: avoid non-essential movements

Kwara State Government has advised residents of the state to avoid non-essential movements and large gatherings while ushering in the New Year.

“This advisory is necessary as intelligence reports show that some bad faith actors plan to hit government infrastructures or other soft targets to avenge recent losses they suffered,’’ said the state’s Communications Commissioner, Bolanle Olukoju.

Olukoju, however, assured that security forces would maintain their efforts to protect lives and property.

He encouraged the residents to promptly report any ‘’unusual movements of persons on a convoy of motorcycles.”

Abiru urges dialogue, tolerance

Senator Representing Lagos East, Mukhail   Abiru, has challenged Nigerians to ‘’continue to embrace dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect,’’ in the New Year.

Abiru, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on Banking and Finance, said the year offers another opportunity for reflection, renewal and collective resolve as we journey toward progress and prosperity.

He said   the year also ‘’presents an opportunity to consolidate on the gains already recorded, deepen grassroots empowerment, and expand pathways for our vibrant, innovative and enterprising youth to thrive.’’

January 1, 2026
Bamidele: hands-on learning, problem-solving skills vital

The Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has said Nigeria’s education system must shift away from theory-heavy learning to hands-on, problem-solving and market-ready skills.

“The factories of the future will not be built by paper qualifications alone,” he said. “They will be driven by creativity, technical competence and the ability to use digital tools to solve real problems.”

He described the country’s median age of 17 years as “a national opportunity waiting to be harnessed.”

The Senate Majority Leader on Tuesday delivered the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) convocation lecture: “Entrepreneurship Development in the Digital Age: Leveraging Technology for Job Creation”.

He emphasised the importance of the digital economy, saying it remained one of the most viable pathways for addressing unemployment and transforming the national economy.

According to him, Nigeria’s ICT sector already contributes about 19 per cent of the national Gross Domestic Product(GDP) while tech startups continue to attract significant foreign investment, especially in fintech, logistics, and digital services.

“Technology is flattening the world,” he said. “A young developer in Yaba can build a product for the global market.”

Bamidele identified fintech, remote work, blockchain, artificial intelligence, creative industries, agritech and digital commerce as sectors with the highest potential for youth-driven job creation.

He sought nationwide adoption of digital literacy programmes and curriculum restructuring from primary to tertiary levels to reflect present realities.

“Modern economies are cutting down costs through automation and artificial intelligence. The future belongs to those who can innovate, adapt and solve problems using technology, “ he said.

He said Nigeria’s education system must move from theory-heavy learning to hands-on, problem-solving and market-ready skills.

“The factories of the future will not be built by paper qualifications alone. They will be driven by creativity, technical competence and the ability to use digital tools to solve real problems,” he added.

Read Also: Experts demand urgent action on Nigeria’s health system

He urged government at all levels to strengthen broadband infrastructure, invest in digital hubs, simplify regulations for startups, and introduce innovation sandboxes that would reduce barriers for young entrepreneurs. He also sought special funding windows for women-led and rural technology enterprises, which he described as critical for inclusive national development.

The Rector, Dr Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, highlighted a number of institution-wide digital initiatives, including a National Skills Resource Centre, a technology-driven innovation complex, and a phased solar-powered smart-campus project aimed at reducing energy costs and improving learning outcomes.

He said the developments were part of a broader plan to reposition YABATECH for global competitiveness in line with the Federal Government’s STI goals.

He said the college was expanding its digital footprint and developing new curricula aligned with artificial intelligence, robotics, smart manufacturing, mechatronics, digital media production and green energy technologies.

Abdul added that the institution had also launched new mentorship programmes linking students with industry experts in banking, telecoms, creative industries and digital startups.

November 20, 2025
Bamidele lists 10th Assembly’s midterm achievements, defends collaborative approach with executive

As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, the 10th National Assembly has reached its midterm milestone, with Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, reflecting on its achievements and reaffirming commitment to deepening democratic governance.

In a detailed midterm statement released to journalists on Monday, Bamidele described the moment as one for sober reflection on Nigeria’s departure from military rule, democratic gains made so far, and the challenges that lie ahead.

“Reaching this midterm milestone is not just symbolic. It is a call to reflection, on our democratic gains, the sacrifices made, and the road still ahead,” he stated.

Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, acknowledged the difficult context in which the 10th Assembly has operated, attributing the challenges not to internal inefficiencies but to the broader national recovery efforts amid economic and political pressures.

He stressed that despite these difficulties, the National Assembly has diligently embraced its legislative responsibilities, often under intense public scrutiny and criticism.

Addressing concerns that the legislature is a “rubber stamp” of the executive, Bamidele defended the Assembly’s strategic decision to maintain constructive collaboration with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He noted that past adversarial relationships between the legislature and executive often stymied progress, while the current approach of mutual respect and cooperation has produced meaningful legislative outcomes.

“Between June 2023 and June 2025, the 10th Assembly has passed or amended 108 laws aimed at improving citizens’ lives and securing Nigeria’s future,” he revealed.

Among the notable legislative successes, Bamidele listed the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, which aims to expand educational access, and the Tax Reform Bills, 2025, designed to modernise Nigeria’s tax system and boost economic growth.

He affirmed the Assembly’s resolve to continue on the path of reform and democratic consolidation as it enters the second half of its tenure.

According to him, the student loan law, facilitated through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), has already received over one million applications, with more than 500,000 students granted institutional and upkeep loans.

Bamidele said this reflects “real progress in human capital development.”

He said the tax reforms, awaiting presidential assent, are projected to boost investor confidence and economic growth. If implemented effectively, they could raise Nigeria’s GDP from $363.8 billion to $1 trillion by 2030.

Bamidele noted a significant increase in legislative activity within the Senate. A total of 983 bills were introduced in two years, 477 in the first session and 506 in the second, representing a 6% rise.

He said, “More importantly, bill passage jumped by 232%, from 25 bills in 2023/2024 to 83 in 2024/2025. The number of executive bills passed also doubled, from 13 to 26.

“Performance in the legislature goes beyond numbers. The National Assembly’s expanded oversight responsibilities and its responsiveness to citizen concerns.

“Petitions handled rose from 50 to 80 within a year, while 215 executive appointments were confirmed during the first session.”

Read Also: Midterm Review: Senate introduces 983 Bills, passes 108 into law in two years, says Bamidele

Looking ahead, Bamidele said the Assembly would focus on stabilising the fiscal and monetary environment, securing lives and infrastructure, and reducing inflation.

He emphasised the need for constitutional reform to correct long-standing structural imbalances in the federation.

To this end, zonal public hearings organised by the Constitution Review Committee will soon commence, promising to be inclusive and participatory.

Electoral reform is also high on the agenda. “We must work together to build a political structure that reflects our aspirations and protects our democracy,” he said.

Bamidele reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to building a legislative legacy centred on democratic deepening, good governance, and sustainable development.

He urged Nigerians from all walks of life to actively participate in this nation-building effort.

“We are ready for the road ahead, and we invite all Nigerians to walk it with us,” he said.

June 23, 2025
Midterm Review: Senate introduces 983 Bills, passes 108 into law in two years, says Bamidele

…to prioritise Constitution review, Electoral Reforms ahead of 2027

The Senate has reeled out its achievements to commemorate its mid-term anniversary on Friday, highlighting its priority to carry out key reforms of the country’s electoral regime in preparation for the 2027 general election.

The upper chamber also disclosed that no fewer than 983 bills – both executive and private-member bills – were introduced on the floor between June 13, 2023 and June 12, 2025, out of which 108 bills were passed into law within the period.

The leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele made these revelations in a statement on Sunday to commemorate the mid-term of the 10th Senate.

The 10th National Assembly, comprising the Senate and House of Representatives, was inaugurated on June 13, 2023 following the election of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the President of the Senate and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The election of the presiding officers also produced Senator Barau I. Jubrin as the Deputy President of the Senate and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu as the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, among others.

Reflecting on the Senate’s midterm exploits in the first half of the 10th National Assembly on Sunday, Bamidele explained how the institution had leveraged the instrument of strategic engagement to carry out its constitutional mandates, enacting legislations that stabilised the country’s fiscal, monetary and political environments.

He said: “In the 2024/2025 legislative year, for instance, 506 bills were initiated in the Senate alone compared to 477 in 2023/2024. This represents a 6.07% increase. Also, in the 2024/2025 legislative year, the upper chamber fully passed 83 bills into law compared to 25 in the previous legislative year.

“This represents truly a great feat that glaringly accounts for a 232% increase in the number of fully enacted legislations between 2023 and 2025. Against 13 in the 2023/2024 legislative year, the Senate dwelt with 26 executive bills in 2024/2025, invariably indicating a 100 per cent upsurge. This record shows that 464 private member bills were initiated in 2023/2024 compared to 480 in 2024/2025.

“By 2024/2025 legislative year, 89 bills are awaiting first reading in the upper chamber as against 135 in 2024/2025; 45 awaiting second reading in 2023/2024 compared to 230 in 2024/2025.

“Also 215 appointments were confirmed in 2023/2024 compared to 116 in 2024/2025 and 50 different petitions successfully resolved in 2023/2024 with 80 duly addressed in 2024/2025.”

Read Also: Tinubu hails fathers as pillars of nation-building

Bamidele, specifically, listed some of the 108 bills passed into law to include the National Social Investment Programmes Act, 2023; Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024; National Minimum Wage Amendment Act, 2024; Investments and Securities Act, 2025; Regional Development Commission (Establishment) Acts, 2025 and the Tax Reform Bills, 2025, among others

The senate leader, therefore, discussed the significance of the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, which, according to him, redefined access to tertiary education and significantly crashed the number of dropouts across the federation.

As displayed on the dashboard of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, according to Bamidele, 1,094,057 students have applied for the scheme. Of this figure, 563, 279 institutional loans have been granted while 530,773 upkeep loans processed. Without purposeful collaboration, the student loan scheme will not have come through.

He also cited the case of the Tax Reform Bills, 2025, describing their passage as a testament to the resolve of the 10th National Assembly to end the country’s fiscal challenge and carry out far-reaching reforms that would eliminate structural inefficiencies in the country’s tax administration; simplify tax obligations for businesses and citizens; boost investors’ confidence in the domestic economy and catalyse monumental growth across all sectors.

As the second half of the 10th National Assembly takes off in earnest, Bamidele assured all Nigerians to look forward to the reforms of the country’s electoral system, review of the 1999 Constitution as well as the reforms of the judiciary, among others, as key priority areas that would receive significant attention.

He noted that the lawmakers would prioritise reforms of the country’s electoral regime “to ensure every vote continues to count; guarantee good governance in the country and make participation in our electoral process more interesting for the decent and innocent citizens.

“When you know that if you contest for an election, your vote will definitely count. This assurance will make democracy more interesting for our people, enhance voters’ participation in the process and make our electoral process more credible and transparent.

“We are equally looking forward to greater judicial reforms in the next two years to ensure justice is done transparently and tenaciously.

“We already have various bills that seek the reforms of the judiciary. While some are seeking a review of how judges and judicial officers are appointed, others focus on their length of service and welfare.”

June 15, 2025
Bamidele: how my wife used ambulance to rescue me from Abacha’s agents

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, yesterday narrated how he was smuggled out of Abuja in an ambulance belonging to Garki General Hospital by his wife, Yemisi to escape the onslaught of the late Military Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha’s agents.

His wife is a registered pharmacist in the hospital.

Bamidele added that his narrow escape from the onslaught of the agents of the military junta eventually culminated into his political asylum in the United States due to perennial threat to his life and that of his immediate family members.

He narrated his ordeal in Abuja as part of the activities to mark the National Democracy Day following the annulment of the June 12 presidential election won by the late billionaire businessman Chief MKO Abiola.

Bamidele, in a statement, added that he was in a court session in Wuse II, Federal Capital Territory to defend 11 students union leaders who were expelled by University of Abuja when he received information that security operatives had invaded his law office looking for arms and weapons.

He stated that immediately he was informed about the development, he told his colleague to take over the matter after which his wife made arrangements for his eventual miraculous escape from Abuja.

He said: “I was in court when one of the court registrars informed me about the invasion of my law office in Wuse II. There was no GSM then. We only relied on land lines. One of the lawyers in my office had called my wife from NUJ Secretariat because they had my wife’s office line at Garki General Hospital where she was working as a registered pharmacist.

“He called my wife’s office line just to let me know that when he went to buy something around my office. By the time he was returning; he saw that security officers had taken over the entire place.

“As one of the people who managed to come out of the street, he heard that the security agencies said they were looking for arms and ammunition in that office. It was that bad to come and look for arms and ammunition in a law office,” Bamidele said in retrospect.

He narrated how his wife quickly called one of the assistant registrars she knew in the court, requesting her to inform him about the invasion of his law office by the agents of the military junta.

Read Also: Bamidele slams opposition over ‘rubber-stamp’ label, defends NASS’ independence

According to him, my case had not been called because there were other senior lawyers in court whose matter would be mentioned before coming to junior counsels. So, the assistant registrar came to whisper what happened in my law office to me. I managed to inform one of my colleagues to stand by and represent me.

“What I did was to walk across to the law office of another colleague. I stayed there until I was able to reach my wife through her office line. My wife brought an ambulance from Garki General Hospital to convey me to another location. It was the ambulance we used to go to a place where a friend could convey me in his car. We then drove out for almost three days before we got to a safer place.

“I could not fly during the period because the military junta had placed the airport under stick monitoring. So, we could not fly. The journey took almost three days. I could not go to my house in Lagos State. I was told that just as they were searching my office in Abuja, they were also searching the offices of Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti and Chief Femi Falana on the same day in Lagos.

“I think they were just picking people randomly. That was the beginning of my journey to flee Nigeria. We had a NADECO route where once you found your way to Lagos State, you would go to Badagry. From there, there was an arrangement on how they would take you to Cotonou, which was a very dangerous route for anybody.

“They put a little boat on the water that connects to the international route. They paddled a canoe at night. A number of us went through this route to get out of Nigeria. From Accra in Ghana, we began to look for people who could send us a ticket. That was how I ended up in the US.

“In the US, I was granted political asylum by the Government of the United States which gave me a platform to assist other comrades to leave the country where we continued our struggle against the military junta in exile,” the senate leader recounted.

June 12, 2025
Bamidele: How my wife used ambulance to rescue me from Abacha’s agents

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has narrated how he was smuggled out of Abuja by his wife, Mrs. Yemisi Bamidele, in an ambulance belonging to Garki General Hospital, where she was working as a registered pharmacist.

Bamidele added that his narrow escape from the onslaught of the agents of the General Sani Abacha junta eventually culminated into his political asylum in the United States due to perennial threat to his life and immediate family members.

He spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while narrating his ordeal as part of the activists to commemorate the 2025 National Democracy Day following the annulment of the June 12 presidential election won by the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Chief MKO Abiola, now of blessed memory.

Bamidele, in a statement, added that he was in a court session in Wuse II, Federal Capital Territory to defend 11 students union leaders expelled by University Abuja when he received information that security operatives had invaded his law office looking for arms and weapons..

According to him: “I was in court when one of the court registrars informed me about the invasion of my law office in Wuse II. There was no GSM then. We only relied on land lines. One of the lawyers in my office had called my wife from NUJ Secretariat because they had my wife’s office line at Garki General Hospital where she was working as a registered pharmacist.

“He called my wife’s office line just to let me know that when he went to buy something around my office. By the time he was returning; he saw that security officers had taken over the entire place.

“As one of the people who managed to come out of the street, he heard that the security agencies said they were looking for arms and ammunition in that office. It was that bad to come and look for arms and ammunition in a law office.”

He further narrated how his wife quickly called one of the assistant registrars she knew in the court, requesting her to inform him about the invasion of his law office by the agents of the military junta.

According to him: “My case had not been called because we were other senior lawyers in court whose matter would be mentioned before coming to junior counsels. So, the assistant registrar came to whisper what happened in my law office to me. I managed to inform one of my colleagues to stand by and represent me.

“What I did was to walk across to the law office of another colleague. I stayed there until I was able to reach my wife through her office line. My wife brought an ambulance from Garki General Hospital to convey me to another location. It was the ambulance we used to go to a place where a friend could convey me in his car. We then drove out for almost three days before we got to a safer place.

Read Also: Bamidele slams opposition over ‘rubber-stamp’ label, defends NASS’ independence

“I could not fly during the period because the military junta had placed the airport under stick monitoring. So, we could not fly. The journey took almost three days. I could not go to my house in Lagos State. I was told that just as they were searching my office in Abuja, they were also searching the offices of Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti and Chief Femi Falana on the same day in Lagos.

“I think they were just picking people randomly. That was the beginning of my journey to flee Nigeria. We had a NADECO route where once you found your way to Lagos State, you would go to Badagry. From there, there was an arrangement on how they would take you to Cotonou, which was a very dangerous route for anybody.

“They put a little boat on the water that connects to the international route. They paddled a canoe at night. A number of us went through this route to get out of Nigeria. From Accra in Ghana, we began to look for people who could send us a ticket. That was how I ended up in the US.

“In the US, I was granted political asylum by the Government of the United States which gave me a platform to assist other comrades to leave the country where we continued our struggle against the military junta in exile,” the senate leader recounted.

June 11, 2025
Gains of fuel subsidy removal, by Bamidele
- Senate says economic predators ganged up against Tinubu for 18 months
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele yesterday listed the gains of fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Bamidele said the end of subsidy payments on May 29, 2023, not only resulted in adequate statutory transfers from the Federation Accounts to sub-national governments but also saved the nation from another economic meltdown.

He added that economic predators or cabal that benefitted from subsidy payments ganged up and made governance difficult for the President in the first 18 months of his administration.

In a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele also expressed confidence that this year’s budget would largely solve the nation’s socio-economic challenges.

The Senate Leader assured Nigerians that there would be no sacking in the federal civil service.

He said: “The proceeds from the fuel subsidy are now being allocated directly to the sub-national governments to drive development and boost domestic economy. These are the points we need to emphasise in our public engagement.

“Sadly enough, a lot of people are not paying attention to the sub-national governments.

“For instance, statutory transfers to the sub-national governments from the Federal Accounts have significantly increased.

“If fuel subsidy had been retained, only God knows what would have happened to this federation. If subsidy had not been removed, our economy would have been in shambles or would have been flat on the floor.

Read Also: Nigeria, Brazil seal $1.1bn Green imperative project to boost agriculture

“I am convinced that the President did the right thing by removing fuel subsidy for which the Ninth National Assembly made provision till May 2023.

“But the people that made governance difficult for President Tinubu were those benefiting from fuel subsidies.

“It was not common men and women of this country who were benefiting from the fuel subsidy. It was not. It was members of the cabal who had access to the fuel subsidy. They are the ones staking away this privilege all in the name and on behalf of the masses. And the masses did not benefit from it.

“I was part of the Ninth National Assembly. At that time, we had agreed with the Executive arm of government that fuel subsidy should be removed because it was no longer in the overriding interest of the country.

“The Tinubu administration acted based on the policy direction the National Assembly, which was approved before his inauguration on May 29, 2023.

“In the 2023 budget, the National Assembly only made provision for fuel subsidy till May 2023. Whether President Tinubu was removed at his inauguration or not, there was no longer funding for subsidy because we did not make provision for it beyond May 2023.
March 18, 2025
Bamidele, Ozekhome, 13 others confirmed Life Benchers

The Body of Benchers, currently chaired by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), has confirmed the Leader of the Senate, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, life member of the prestigious body.

Also confirmed were human rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and 13 other prominent legal practitioners .

This is contained in statement signed by Bamidele’s Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in Abuja on Sunday.

The statement said that the body alao confirmed the Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Chiroma, and Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage.

Others were Retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Ejembi Eko, and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in persons in Africa, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (SAN).

Read Also; How to unlock untapped potential in oil industry, by Tinubu

According to the statement, with the newly confirmed life benchers, the total number of life benchers in the country has now risen to 170.

“This is a cap set for the next five years before new life members will be admitted into the body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession.

“The elevation of the new life benchers is obviously in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the development of legal profession in the country, and for upholding integrity and excellence,” it said.

According to the statement, Bamidele was first appointed into the Body of Benchers in 2019.

“His tenure as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters witnessed remarkable reforms, working closely with the leadership of both the judicial and executive arms of the government.

“There was greater attention to the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers and staff through increased budgetary provisions to the Judiciary.

“The bill for the increase in the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70 was also passed by the legislature and assented to by the executive,” it said.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

January 27, 2025
Tinubu sleeps well because Akpabio leads Senate, says Bamidele

Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele has praised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, stating that one of the reasons President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enjoys restful nights is due to Akpabio’s capable leadership in the Senate.

Bamidele made these remarks on Monday while speaking on behalf of a group of senators who gathered at Akpabio’s Abuja residence to celebrate his 62nd birthday.

According to a statement from Akpabio’s media office, the gathering was impromptu but included notable attendees such as the National Assembly Management team led by the newly appointed Clerk, Kamoru Ogunlana; political associates; Akpabio’s friends; and staff of the Senate President’s office, led by Chief of Staff Sylvester Okonkwo, who presented a birthday card and gifts on behalf of the team.

Others in attendance included Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Deputy Governor of Edo State Philip Shaibu, and prominent private individuals.

Senator Bamidele commended Akpabio for his leadership, adding that his colleagues are proud of his performance as Senate President.

“I know one of the reasons he (President Tinubu) can sleep well is because he has you (Akpabio) as the President of the Senate.

“He trusts you. He depends on you. He relies on you and he takes your words very seriously.

“Mr President of the Senate, we are all very proud of you. I’m standing with my colleagues. I’m always privileged to speak on their behalf and I know I’m not saying anything other than what they expect me to say.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu to inaugurate Immigration command, control centre in Abuja

“We are very proud of you. We just want to thank you for who you are and we want to thank you for the kind of leadership that you provide,” Senator Bamidele said.

When asked to propose a toast on behalf of former and present Governors, Senator Adam Oshiomhole, who was a two-term Governor of Edo State said: “This evening, I’m asked to give a toast to a man, elected the President of the 10th Senate. His leadership of the Senate reminds all of us that regardless of the platform upon which we were elected and regardless of the party of the 109 Senatorial Districts that we come from, once we have arrived at the Senate, we become a symbol of one united Nigeria.

“And in a moment like this, to speak of a man who had the appetite to tolerate debates and remind us that Senators are not meant to be stammerers and that democracy manifests better when there are controversies, not meant for the chicken-hearted, we must have the courage to face issues, debate them, build consensus and arrive at something in the national interest. You don’t run away from difficult challenges. That is the message he (Akpabio) gave to us last week.”

Responding, Akpabio thanked his colleagues and other well-wishers for the gesture even though he had no plan for any event to mark his birthday.

December 10, 2024
Senate didn’t suspend, withdraw Tax Reform Bills, says Bamidele

The leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central), on Thursday denied media reports claiming that the red chamber had suspended or withdrawn from considering or deliberating on the Tax Reform Bills.

Bamidele who spoke during plenary warned against the pervasive misrepresentation of the intent of the Senate on the tax reform bills.

He noted that the upper chamber “cannot be bullied into adopting a certain procedure” not consistent with its rules and proceedings.

Bamidele said the Senate constituted a special committee chaired by the minority leader, Senator Abba Moro on Wednesday, to resolve grey areas on the tax reform initiatives.

The Senate presided over by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Wednesday, had set up the special committee to engage the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN to resolve the issues surrounding the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.

Barau had also declared that the Senator Sani Musa-led Senate Committee on Finance should stop its six-week legislative assignment on the fiscal Bills until all grey areas had been sorted out.

Barau had said: “It’s on this note that the committee on finance that the bills have been referred to, should put on hold further action on it – public hearing and other issues – until we resolve these issues.

“All sides will be given the opportunity and we shall resolve the issues before anything is allowed to go.”

The media, accurately reported that the Senate had suspended further considerations and deliberations on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.

Bamidele in his point of order, invoked Order 42 of the Senate Rules as well as Section 60 and 62 (1-4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (amended) to clarify the position of the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.

In his presentation, Bamidele noted that no part of the votes and proceedings of the Senate where it was stated that further consideration of or deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills, had been suspended or withdrawn.

He explained that the Federal Executive Council through the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria sponsored the Bills at the two chambers of the National Assembly, saying the Bills were not private member bills.

Bamidele said: “Whatever we are doing is in accordance with the provision of our constitution. We are the legislative arm of government.

“We take our instruction and guidance from the 1999 Constitution and not from any other institution or individual no matter how highly placed, not even from the governors or any other person than the 1999 Constitution.

“What was reported is that the Senate had suspended further consideration of or deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills 2024.

“The media platform even invited the Nasarawa State Governor, Mr. Abdullah Sule, pointedly telling the governor that the Senate had withdrawn the Bills.

“The media platform even described Bills as conundrum, which suggested that the Bills were problematic and we do not move from one television to another.

“The privilege that we have is the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is where we do our deliberation. This is where we make the law. This is where we do effective representation of our people.

“If we have an issue to clarify, this is also the floor that we have rather than issuing press statements.

“Mr. President, we have just passed our votes and proceedings. It is a reflection of our deliberation of the previous legislative day.

“Nowhere in our votes and proceedings was it stated that we suspended further deliberation on the Tax Reform Bills 2024. This is because we did not.

“It is important to place on record that this Senate did not suspend and does not intend to suspend deliberations or consideration of the Tax Reform Bills 2024.

“It is a misunderstanding of the legislative process for any person to have even reported that we have withdrawn the Bills.

“The Bills were executive bills transmitted by the Executive Arm of Government through the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is only the executive arm that withdraws this bill. It is not a private member bill sponsored by any Senator.

“So, no Senator is going to withdraw the Bills and there is no reason for these Bills to be withdrawn.

“In a legislative process, it is normal that some people will have concerns that is why in its wisdom, this Senate is referring this matter to the Senate Committee on Finance.”

Bamidele also warned that any attempt from any quarter “to intimidate the Parliament will be undemocratic,” saying that the National Assembly and its members would not be distracted from discharging their constitutional duties.

He further said: “We will encourage consensus, discussion and engagement at all levels. But we cannot be bullied into adopting a certain procedure not consistent with the rules and proceedings of the Senate.

“As far as we are concerned, the Tax Reform Bills 2024 are still alive in the Senate. The Bills are equally receiving consideration at various levels. And we are open to further discussion, consideration and engagement on the Bills.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his reaction, commended Bamidele for his submission and explained that some sections of the media were misled to report that the Senate had withdrawn the bills.

Akpabio said: “At the National Assembly, we were all elected to do our work and that is the work of lawmaking in the overall interest of Nigeria.

“We do not do our work through social media. Neither do we do it through any committee or congregation of the church or any forum of any nature.

“We do our work according to our conscience in the best interest of Nigeria. The mechanism of lawmaking can be further explained to the public.

“The moment the bills went through second reading in the Senate, it simply means that the bills are alive. The next procedure is for the Committee on Finance to commence the process of consultations and public hearings.

“This is with a view to bringing recommendations back to the chamber. In the wisdom of the Senate yesterday (Wednesday), we had, in a closed session, set up a committee to be headed by the Minority Leader (Abba Moro) before the passage of the second reading.

Read Also: Akpabio to governors: attend public hearing if you have ‘issues’ with Tax Reform Bills

“We said, in the event that some people are either uneducated on some aspects of the bill or confused or there are grey areas to be sorted out, they should interface with the necessary executive quarters, from the chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Attorney General of the Federation, and if need be, even Mr. President.

“That committee was an internal mechanism of the Senate, different from the committee on finance.

“I think that was what was announced yesterday (Wednesday), and we said the committee should immediately move into work.

“There seems to be some grey areas to be sorted out. I want to thank Senator Abba Moro, the chairman of the committee, because as soon as that announcement was made yesterday, he immediately started consultation.

“In fact, he held a meeting today (Thursday) that he has set up to enable him to abstract the process so that the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and members of the committee can commence public hearings either next week or as soon as practicable.

“The bills are alive, they have not been suspended, the actions have not been suspended, the bills have not been withdrawn and the bills have passed second reading in the Senate and further legislative actions are taking place, including the setting up of this adhoc committee,” Akpabio stated.

December 5, 2024