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  • 14 suspects of Uromi killings for investigation, says Edo Governor, meets Barau

    14 suspects of Uromi killings for investigation, says Edo Governor, meets Barau

    Edo Governor  Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, over the alleged killings of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

    The Governor was at the Maitama residence of Barau in Abuja on Monday.

    A mob allegedly had intercepted the innocent travellers on their way to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle and gruesomely murdered them on Thursday.

     The victims who were hunters are from Kano State.

    The Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir,  said the Governor extended condolences to Barau, who is from Kano State,  pledging that the State Government will assist the families of the victims.

    The Edo Governor disclosed that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings of the innocent travellers are to be taken to Abuja for further interrogation. 

    While assuring that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, he described the killings of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable.

    “It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy.

    “The ptresident is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.

    “So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” he said.

    Responding, Barau said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction.  

    “I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.

    “I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.

    “If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. 

    “I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere and this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again. 

    “I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good.  Please continue what you are doing. Mr. President also told us that you are doing very well in this direction, and we have seen it because, as I said, we have spoken several times on this matter in the last 72 hours,” he said.

  • Senate to ensure quick passage of Forest Security Service Bill, says Barau

    Senate to ensure quick passage of Forest Security Service Bill, says Barau

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau has said the Red Chamber will work hard for the passage of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) Bill without further delay.

    Barau said this when he hosted the Commander-General of NFSS, Dr. Joshua Osatimehin, and a team of top officers of the service in Abuja.

    The Senate Deputy President said Nigeria urgently needs the services of NFSS to rid the country of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and related crimes perpetrated within the forests.

    He lauded the leadership of NFSS under Osatimehin for the successes its operatives had recorded across the country.

    Barau said the Bill, when passed into law, would enable the NFSS to fully complement other security agencies, like the military, the police, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Department of State Services (DSS), in tackling insecurity.

    Read Also: 2027: Will Buhari reciprocate Tinubu alliance as payback?

    “We want to appreciate you and your officers and men for what you are doing.

    “The contributions you are making in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and related crimes, have helped the country a lot.

    “It is, therefore, easy to understand that signing of the Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill into law will enable you to do more,” he said.

    Barau said it is important to have a fully funded and well-equipped service dedicated to manning the forests which would not allow criminals operate within them.

    The Deputy Senate President noted that the activities of the NFSS would benefit Nigeria, pledging to ensure that the Bill establishing the service is signed soonest before the Senate’s recess.

    Osatimehin said the visit was meant to consult and brief the deputy senate president on the need for the bill to be signed into law soonest.

    The NFSS boss said operatives of the service had begun complementing other security agencies, especially in intelligence gathering and sharing as well as arrest and handover of criminals.

    He said the service had contributed immensely to the successes recorded in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

    According to him, NFSS has established functional command and control offices in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with thousands of operatives recruited and deployed.

    Osatimehin said the NFSS law would boost the morale of its officers and men.

    He said the workers of the service had been proving their capacity to execute their responsibilities with the trainings they received from several security agencies.

    The Deputy Commander-General in charge of Intelligence, Ambassador John Metchie, thanked the Barau for promising to ensure quick passage of the NFSS Bill.

    Metchie, who is also the African Director of International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), hailed the National Assembly for supporting the NFSS bill.

    He urged the NSA and other critical stakeholders to collaborate and ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the NFSS Bill into law.

  • Barau hails Tinubu for renaming Federal University of Education Kano after Maitama Sule

    Barau hails Tinubu for renaming Federal University of Education Kano after Maitama Sule

    Deputy Senate President Barau I Jibrin has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renaming the Federal University of Education, Kano, after the late Danmasanin Kano, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule.

    The university’s renaming after the late diplomat and elder statesman was a response to Senator Barau’s request. He had sponsored a bill in the Senate to that effect.

    On Monday, the President announced the renaming of the institution to Maitama Sule Federal University of Education in honour of one of the foremost politicians from the northern part of the country. 

    Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, thanked President Tinubu for granting the request of the generality of the people of Kano State through him by renaming the university after the late northern icon, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule. 

    ” I wish to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving the request of the generality of the people of Kano State through me by renaming the Federal University of Education, Kano, to Maitama Sule University of Education, Kano.

    “Maitama Sule, the Danmasanin Kano, was a diplomat, politician, and elder statesman who died in 2017 at 88. He contributed immensely to our country’s socio-political development,” he said.

    In November last year, the Kano State Government reversed the renaming of Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, a state-owned institution, to its former name, Northwest University Kano.

    To immortalise the late elder statesman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, during his tenure as Governor of Kano State, renamed Northwest University to Yusuf Maitama Sule University.

    The NNPP-led Kano State Government’s decision to reverse the renaming of the state-owned university caused uproar and controversy in Kano State. 

    Read Also: Ganduje, Barau receive 2023 Atiku support groups in 19 northern states into APC

    ” I sponsored a bill to rename the Federal University of Education, Kano, after the late Danmasanin Kano following the reversal of the renaming of the North West University Kano after our late elder statesman.

    “As Mr President stated, immortalising Danmasanin Kano’s legacy will inspire our younger generations to uphold the integrity, patriotism, character, and nationalism he stood for during his lifetime,” he said.

    The late Maitama Sule served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, where he was Chairman of the UN Special Committee Against Apartheid.

    He also served as Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives (1954–1959), Leader of Nigeria’s Delegation to the Conference of Independent States (1960), First Federal Commissioner of Public Complaints (1976), and Minister of Mines and Power.

  • Ganduje, Barau receive 2023 Atiku support groups in 19 Northern States into APC

    Ganduje, Barau receive 2023 Atiku support groups in 19 Northern States into APC

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, on Friday, received members of the support groups of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election from the 19 Northern States into the APC.

    The defectors under the aegis of the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups in the 19 Northern States in the 2023 general elections, announced their cross carpeting from the PDP to the APC at the A-Class Event Centre, Abuja.

    Five representatives of the group from each of the 19 Northern States and FCT attended the event, pledging to work for the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2027 general election across the nooks and crannies of the North.

    The groups said they decided to join the APC and support President Tinubu following Senator Barau’s encouragement.

    The Coordinator of the Coalition, Hon Abubakar Malami, said: “Our groups comprise various strata of society – women, youths, students, traders, academics, and farmers— representing diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds.

    “In the 2023 general elections build-up, we mobilised our members across the nooks and crannies of the 19 Northern States and the FCT to campaign for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. To the glory of God, Alhaji Atiku and the people around him acknowledged and appreciated the support of our groups. We played a key role in the votes the former vice president polled in the last presidential election.

    “We supported Alhaji Atiku in our quest to address the challenges facing our region, especially the terrorist activities of bandits, which are clogging our people’s wheel to economic activities. Farming, the mainstay of our people, was a no-go area. Our farmlands were turned into kidnappers’ dens.

    “However, to the glory of Almighty God, 22 months into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, a fresh air of peace and hope permeates the 19 Northern States. The crashing prices of food items cannot be divorced from the relative peace enjoyed in our region.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints six chief medical directors for federal hospitals

    “To tackle the challenges facing our region, the President has established the North West Development Commission (NWDC) following a bill sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin. This is the game changer. Mr President has also established the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

    “Another thing that has endeared the President Tinubu-led APC government to us is the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in North West (BIARN), a brainchild of the Deputy President of the Senate. We read in the national dailies that over 500 young farmers millionaires will be created under this initiative in the North West.

    “This is what has been lacking in our region. Diversification is the way to go. If this can be replicated in the North East and North Central geopolitical zones, our country will attain food security, and our unemployed youths will be engaged. We are optimistic that our country is on the path to prosperity,” he said.

    He said they have decided to team up with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in view of the success being recorded by his administration to lead the country to the next level of economic prosperity.

    “In 2027, we will work for the continuation of President Tinubu’s administration. Our sincere appreciation goes to His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator (Dr) Barau I Jibrin, CFR, for working hard to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing the challenges facing our region and the country. He is the Sardauna Arewa of our time,” he said.

    Barau described the defection of the Atiku supporters in the North as a big catch for the APC in the North.

    “It’s a big catch. We are making a big catch today at our party. Mr. President is a very good man. He’s doing his best to reposition Nigeria so it will be turned into a land of prosperity. And it’s good that you understood that and have come to acknowledge what Mr. President is doing.

    “It is good that you are teaming up with Mr President so that he will succeed in his effort to change our development trajectory and make this country a land of El Dorado. This is a very good development. Today, we are happy you are joining the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu family.

    “You are joining the APC family because it’s a family that cherishes hard work. And for us, we do not discriminate.
    ” Whoever comes into the party today has the same privileges, the same latitude to operate like someone who has stayed for years. The only difference is your hard work. What have you been able to do at the party? So if you do better if you do well, you will even be recognised more than someone who has been around since the party’s inception,” he said.

    Describing President Tinubu as the father for all, he said; “You know he is someone who is known to be at home in all parts of the country, someone who is generous, his hospitality is unprecedented, he has everything that you can think of as a good man and a leader.”

    He commended Ganduje for leading the party to victory in all off-season polls and said that since Ganduje became President, APC has been winning elections back to back.

    ” He has shown capacity. He has shown that he is capable. So we are proud of you. And we thank you for making us proud, we thank you for making Kano state proud, we thank you for making Northwest proud, we thank you for making Nigeria proud because you are someone who is at home everywhere,” he said.

    Ganduje hailed the defection of Atiku’s supporter, describing Senator Barau, who facilitated it, as a real general.

    “You are welcome to our party. We are formally receiving you now. But as I have been informed, after the fasting period, all your members will gather here in Abuja, under the leadership of the distinguished Senator Barau, so that we invite Mr President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Vice President himself, where we will have the Senate President and the Right Honorable Speaker, to formally receive all your members to register the death, the collapse, the disappearance of the PDP in Nigeria, not only in the northern part of this country.

    “I saw one clip that is trending. Soon, we will have elections in Anambra State. Each political party plans to get its candidates for the contest in the governorship election. But I have seen that PDP has extended its screening deadline because nobody has shown up for the contest. The extension has also expired. And nobody has showed up for the contest. So I don’t need to tell you, it is a crumbling party.

    ” We are the greatest beneficiary of the crumbling party. So we welcome you honestly. We welcome you to a party with a progressive ideology. To a party that believes in the rule of law. To the party that believes in internal democracy. To the party that believes in engagement.To the party that says no discrimination.

    ” We are the most peaceful party in Nigeria—the most peaceful party in Africa. Because we believe in internal democracy, ” he said.

    He commended the Deputy President of the Senate for encouraging people from other political parties to join APC.

    ” We have seen that distinguished Senator Barau is going beyond Kano. He is liberating those people, especially those who are committed to democracy. He is convincing them to join our party, not only from Kano State, not only from the northern part of this country, but from the whole country. So the distinguished Senator Barau is a real general. So we assure you, Allah will provide his ambition,” he said.

  • Barau lauds Tinubu’s commitment to stability, economic integration in West Africa

    Barau lauds Tinubu’s commitment to stability, economic integration in West Africa

    first Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and Deputy Senate President Barau  Jibrin has hailed  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the advancement of  West Africa.

     Barau described Tinubu, the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, as a beacon of inspiration to all in the sub-region.

    According to his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, he spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2025 first Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Lagos.

    Barau acknowledged the ECOWAS Parliament’s  appreciation of Tinubu for his strategic vision and commitment to regional stability, economic integration and democratic governance.

    Read Also: Tax Reform: All views will be considered, Speaker Abbas assures Nigerians

    He described the President as a “beacon of inspiration” and a “pillar of progress and cooperation,” whose leadership has strengthened regional solidarity and instilled confidence in the collective aspirations of West Africa.

    “His leadership has paved the way for a more prosperous and resilient West Africa. The ECOWAS Parliament remains deeply grateful for his continued support and guidance,” he said.

     Barau also expressed the regional parliament’s gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for hosting the 2025 First Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament.

    In restating the  parliament’s commitment to integration,he emphasised the importance of cooperation, unity and development among member states.

    “Through our collaborative efforts and decision-making, we can strengthen our region, working together towards shared goals that advance prosperity and progress. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to general unity, cooperation and progress,” he said.

  • Setback for NNPP as Barau receives ex-Commissioner to APC

    Setback for NNPP as Barau receives ex-Commissioner to APC

    The gale of defection rocking the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano has continued with Hon. Abbas Sani Abbas joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Abbas, who served as the Commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State until last month, announced his defection from the NNPP during a visit to the Kano residence of the Senate Deputy President Barau I Jibrin, on Friday night.

    “In the past six months,”according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Media and Publicity, Ismael Mudashir in Abuja, “hundreds of leaders of the NNPP from across the 44 local government areas of Kano State have dumped NNPP and the Kwankwsiyya movement together with thousands of their supporters.

    “Tagged the ‘Barau Tsunami’, the defections saw thousands of NNPP members thrashing their red caps, the symbol of the Kwankwsiyya Movement in Kano State, and embracing the APC.

    “Following the calls by some NNPP leaders that the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, should take charge of governance firmly in the state, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Abdullahi Bichi, and five commissioners, including Hon Abbas Sani Abbas, were sacked last month.

    “During his visit to the Kano residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Hon Abbas Sani Abbas announced his defection, pledging to work towards the success of the APC across Kano State and beyond.

    “Senator Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, received Hon Abbas, together with the APC Chairman in Kano State, Prince Abdullahi Abbas (Ɗan Sarki, Jikan Sarki), and other party leaders.

    “The Deputy President of the Senate assured Hon Abbas, a dedicated grassroots mobiliser, of the APC’s unwavering commitment to building a better future for the people of Kano State and all Nigerians. 

    “While stressing that APC is big enough to accommodate all lovers of the country, he said they will continue to promote the values of good governance, inclusivity, and service to humanity.”

  • Barau sponsors 70 youths to study AI, Robotics in India

    Barau sponsors 70 youths to study AI, Robotics in India

    Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, has sponsored 70 youths to study Masters Degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Engineering, among others, in India.

    Jibrin (APC Kano-North), sent off the students at a ceremony yesterday in Kano.

    He said he would continue to identify and sponsor qualified students of state origin for higher degrees in relevant fields of study in foreign institutions of higher learning for their growth and development.

    Jibrin said, “I will continue to identify and sponsor qualified students of state origin for Masters degrees, irrespective of their economic, social status or political inclinations.”

    He urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of Kano State and Nigeria during their pursuit of knowledge in the foreign nation.

    The lawmaker also urged them to study hard and justify the sponsorship for the benefits of themselves, their parents, the state and Nigeria.

    Read Also: Abbas, Barau, Kalu felicitate APC National chair Ganduje at 75

    He also advised them to focus on their studies so as to graduate in flying colours and return home to develop themselves, their home state and the nation.

    “I don’t know any of you; you were selected based on merit and not any other consideration, whether political, social or economic,” Jibrin said.

    In his remarks, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Prince Abdullahi Abbas, commended Barau for the gesture, which he said, would further develop the beneficiaries for the good of the state and Nigeria.

    Abbas said APC would replicate a similar programme when it captures power in the state in 2027.

    He urged the students to study hard and justify the scholarship granted them and be good ambassadors of the state and the sponsor.

    The highlights of the occasion included the presentation of a package to the students containing their travel documents, laptop computers, Hijabs for the female ones among them and a copy of the Holy Qur’an.

    The students were granted the foreign scholarship under the auspices of the Barau .Jibrin Foundation.

  • You’re a game changer, Barau eulogises Ganduje at 75

    You’re a game changer, Barau eulogises Ganduje at 75

    Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has eulogised the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on his 75th birthday celebration, describing him as a game changer.

    Senator Barau, in a special birthday message to the former governor of Kano State, signed by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, stated that Ganduje’s visionary leadership has fostered greater cohesion and has ultimately led to the party’s victory in four out of five off-cycle elections.

    Dr Ganduje was born on 25 December 1949 and will celebrate his 75th birthday on Wednesday.

    He noted that under Ganduje’s chairmanship, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted five off-season elections, adding that the APC won all except Bayelsa State.

    Read Also: Christmas: Speaker Abbas, deputy seek prayers, national rebirth

    Describing him as a strong pillar of democracy, he remarked that Ganduje’s contributions to the development and progress of the country cannot be overemphasized.

    ‘’As I predicted when he emerged as the national chairman of the largest political party in Africa on 3 August last year, the fortunes of the ruling APC have been blossoming under His Excellency Ganduje’s able leadership to the admiration of all. He is a game-changer. Under his leadership, we won four out of five off-season elections. We triumphed in Kogi, Imo, Edo, and Ondo states.

    “This is not unrelated to his outstanding leadership, pro-members’ posture, and can-do spirit that he has exhibited since he took over the mantle of leadership.

    ‘’May Allah SWT continue to grant him sound health, divine guidance, and protection as he pilots the affairs of our party to even greater heights. More wins for our great party under his capable leadership, Insha Allah,’’ he said.

  • Barau tops chart of Senate’s private member bills sponsorship

    Barau tops chart of Senate’s private member bills sponsorship

    Records on Private Member Bills sponsorship among serving senators in the 10th National Assembly, obtained from the Rules and Business office, indicated that the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, tops with 21 bills within the last 18 months.

    One of the 21 private member bills sponsored by Senator Barau was the North West Development Commission Bill, now an Act of Parliament legalising the creation of the North West Development Commission ( NWDC) after assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Amazed by Senator Barau’s feat on private member bills sponsorship despite being a presiding officer, journalists covering the Senate honoured him with the award for the highest number of private member Bills sponsorship.

    The chairman of the Senate Press Corps, Mr James Itodo, that the Deputy President of the Senate was honored based on performance as contained in the records and not on anything else.

    ” The Deputy President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Barau I. Jibrin, CFR, topped the private member Bills Sponsorship Chart of the 10th Senate from June 13, 2023, to date.

    Read Also: Christmas: Adelabu urges dedication, sacrifice for better Nigeria

    ” It is against this background that members of the Senate Press Corps, comprising all representatives of media outfits in Nigeria and beyond, deem it fit to bestow the Highest Development Driven Bills Sponsorship Award on him,” he said while presenting the award to Senator Barau.

    Barau, in response to the honour, said it would make him do more.

    ” Your recognition of my legislative inputs in the Senate within the last 18 months, particularly on a series of development-driven bills sponsored so far, will energise and propel me further to do more.

    “Once you are given an award, it tells you to do more. To whom much is given, much is expected. This, to me, is also considered your contribution to ensuring the legislature remains vibrant

    ” Once you identify those who are doing well and honour them through awards of this nature, that will create some kind of competition and propel others to do more so that they can be recognized at some other time in the future,” he said

  • Barau reaffirms NASS commitment to oversight

    Barau reaffirms NASS commitment to oversight

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to oversight, describing it as the bedrock for democratic governance.

    Speaking during the 7th annual Senator Abiola Ajimobi roundtable and 75th posthumous birthday of the late former Oyo Governor at the University of Ibadan on Monday, he said oversight ensures accountability, transparency, and the much-needed checks and balances which enhance the effective use of public funds.

    The roundtable organised by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategies Studies, University of Ibadan, had the topic; “Legislative Oversight in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”

    ” The role of legislative oversight in a democratic society cannot be overemphasised because it is the bedrock of democratic governance, ensuring accountability, transparency, and the much-needed checks and balances which enhance the effective use of public funds,” he said.

    The Deputy Senate President, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said that as the government’s watchdog, the legislature plays a crucial role in holding the executive branch accountable and ensuring that the people’s interests are being served.

    ” Through oversight functions, the legislature has the power to investigate government activities, evaluate policies, and monitor the implementation of programs and activities of government for which funds have been appropriated.

    Read Also: Oversight is bedrock of democratic governance, says Barau

    ” As we reflect on the critical issues of national importance and the challenges and prospects of legislative oversight in Nigeria, let me use this platform to assure Nigerians that while, on the one hand, the 10th Assembly is committed to performing its duties, we equally invite constructive critique of our activities at all times,” he was quoted in a statement by his media aide, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir.

    Commending the SAAF for maintaining the legacy, principle and philosophy of the late Oyo Governor through the annual roundtable, he said the selection of the topic, ” legislative oversight, its challenges and prospects was timely as it would enable Nigerians to reflect on the role of the legislature in shaping the destiny of the nation.

    Responding to questions from discussants at the roundtable, he explained the rationale behind naming the National Assembly Library after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    ” On the issue of the naming of the National Assembly Library, we decided to do that because we felt that it is the only time in history, the first time in history, that a former senator was elected to lead this country.

    ” Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a senator and his wife was a senator. So, we felt these two things that happened in the National Assembly should be appreciated. And so, we decided to name the library after our dear president because of his history as a former senator, ” he said.

    On refineries, he said the National Assembly had set up several committees to oversight them and to make sure that money appropriated is spent in the best manner possible.

    ” As we speak, Port Harcourt Refinery has started operation, and Warri Refinery will soon begin operation. Those doubting this can visit Port Harcourt Refinery and find the truth.

    ” Dangote Refinery is something that is also of concern to us. We took time to visit that refinery even before it started operations. We toured the refinery and saw everything, and we are proud that a Nigerian can embark on such a big project of that magnitude,” he said.

    Describing the power issue as a work in progress, he said the present government had designed ways to address the power supply challenges to stimulate the country’s economy.

    ” This has been an issue that has been bedevilling this country for quite a while. We’ve been thinking about how to provide an adequate power supply in this country.

    ” Previous governments have tried their best and the present government has designed ways to ensure an adequate power supply. It’s a work in progress, and the government has done everything within its power to ensure it’s done,” he said.