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Tag: NASS

  • Pass special seat bill for women, group appeals to NASS

    Pass special seat bill for women, group appeals to NASS

    A pro-gender equality group, Male Feminists Network (MFN),  has appealed to the National Assembly to pass the special seat bill for women in the legislative arm ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

    Project Director for the network, Dr. Otive Igbuzor made the appeal in Abuja during a two-day capacity-building programme for women’s rights organisations on engaging male allies.

    The human development expert lamented that the country has one of the global worst records of women participation in politics, stressing that the lawmakers have a patriotic role to play in changing the narratives.

    Igbuzor noted that African countries with increased women participation in politics did it through constitutional provisions. 

    He advised the National Assembly to do the needful and pass the bill.

    According to the Male Feminist enthusiast: “The 10th National Assembly would be writing its name in gold if they pass the special seat bill for women in order to boost women participation in politics and in decision making.”

    Highlighting the efforts of the network at curbing gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality across the country, Igbuzor said no fewer than 3,200 Nigerian men have been trained and certified as feminist allies under the MFN project.

    He said the two-year national project (2025–2027) implemented by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) has been executed through six zonal partners covering Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    He added that the initiative was created to address a long-standing gap in gender justice advocacy—mobilising men to take responsibility for dismantling patriarchy rather than remaining silent beneficiaries of unequal systems.

    According to him: “Patriarchy is produced, enforced, and defended within male-dominated systems. It cannot be dismantled without men changing their beliefs, behaviours, and use of power,” he said.

    To actualise the initiative, Igbuzor said 52 master trainers nationwide were trained, adding that they cascaded the training to over 500 additional trainers across the six geopolitical zones of the country

    He added that the project has also the launch of the world’s first online course dedicated exclusively to Male Feminism and GBV prevention. 

    According to him: “Since its introduction, the platform has attracted 8,552 participants, with 3,150 Nigerians successfully completing the course and earning certification.

    “These men are not just learning; they are taking action—leading conversations in their communities, challenging harmful gender norms, and supporting women’s rights initiatives,” Igbuzor noted.

  • Constitution review: NASS proposes four-year tenure for LG chair, 25 years age limit

    Constitution review: NASS proposes four-year tenure for LG chair, 25 years age limit

    The National Assembly is proposing a uniform four-year renewable tenure for elected local government officials across the country.

    Those contesting local government elections are expected to be not less than 25 years of age, according to other proposals by the federal legislators in the constitution review.

     Such contestants are required to hold a minimum of  secondary   school certificate or its equivalent and must be sponsored by a political party.

    Power to remove LG chairman and vice chairmen  is vested in councilors thus striping state governors of power to dissolve councils.

    The proposals  are part of the  broad recommendations by the joint Constitution Review committee of the Senate and House of Representatives adopted at the recent  retreat in Lagos.

    READ ALSO; Why I walked away as Finance Minister – Kemi Adeosun

    The recommendations are  currently awaiting consideration by both chambers of the National Assembly.

    Forty-four  constitution alteration bills are awaiting the approval of both chambers before going   to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for further action.

    Voting on the bills was originally  scheduled  to be conducted  before the Christmas and New Year break, but members of the House of Representatives sought more  time to study the recommendations and probably consult with their constituents before voting.

     The 774 local governments across the country currently do not have a uniform tenure; many have  a tenure of three years.

    Only the six Area Councils in the FCT currently run a four-year tenure.

     Section 212 of the proposed alteration provides as follows: “subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a person shall hold the office of Chairman of a Local Government Council until – (a) when his successor in office takes the oath of that office; (b) he dies whilst holding such office;  (c) the date when his resignation from office takes effect; or  (d) he otherwise ceases to hold office in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

     It also states that “Subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the Chairman shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of four years commencing from the date when –(a) in the case of a person first elected as Chairman under this Constitution, he took the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office; and  (b) the person last elected to that office took the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office or would, but for his death, have taken such oaths.”

     The proposed amendments also provide that “in the determination of the four-year term, where a re-run election has taken place and the person earlier sworn in wins the re-run election, the time spent in office before the date the election was annulled shall be taken into account.

     “If the Federation is at war in which the territory of Nigeria is physically involved and the President considers that it is not practicable to hold elections, the National Assembly may by resolution extend the period of four years mentioned in subsection (2) of this section from time to time, but no such extension shall exceed a period of six months at any one time”.

    The proposal extends all constitutional  privileges assigned to the President and Governors to elected local government chairmen and Vice Chairmen.

     It also requires that “a person elected to the office of the Chairman of a Local Government shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed in the Constitution and has subsequently taken and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to this Constitution. 

    On the  procedure for the removal of an elected Chairman or Vice Chairman,it says:

    “The Chairman or Vice-Chairman of a Local Government may be removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this section. 

    “Whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members of the Local Government council –

    (a) is presented to the Speaker of the Local Government council; (b) stating that the holder of such office is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified, the Speaker of the Local Government council shall, within seven days of the receipt of the notice, cause a copy of the notice to be served on the holder of the office and on each member of the Local Government Council and shall also cause any statement made in reply to the allegation by the holder of the office, to be served on each member of the Local Government Council.

     “Within fourteen days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the Local Government Council (whether or not any statement was made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice), the Local Government Council shall resolve by motion, without any debate, whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.

     “A motion of the Local Government Council that the allegation be investigated shall not be declared as having been passed unless it is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of the Local Government Council.

    “Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the State shall at the request of the Speaker of the Local Government Council, appoint a panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party, to investigate the allegation as provided in  this section.

     “The holder of an office whose conduct is being investigated under this section shall have the right to defend himself in person or be represented before the panel by a legal practitioner of his own choice. 

    “A panel appointed under subsection 9(5) of this section shall –(a) have such powers and exercise its functions in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed by the Local Government Legislative Council; and (b) within three months of its appointment, report its findings to the Local Government Legislative Council.

    “Where the panel reports to the Local Government Legislative Council that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter.

     “Where the report of the panel is that the allegation against the holder of the office has been proved, then within fourteen days of the receipt of the report, the Local Government Council shall consider the report, and if by a resolution of the local government legislative council, supported by not less than two-thirds majority of all its members, the report of the panel is adopted, then the holder of the office shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report. 

    “No proceedings or determination of the panel or of the Local Government Legislative Council or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.”

  • PSAN, 99 other CSOs throw weight behind NASS action on tax reforms ACT

    PSAN, 99 other CSOs throw weight behind NASS action on tax reforms ACT

    Not less than 100 civil society organisations, led by the Parliamentary Support and Advocacy Network (PSAN) and the Civil Rights Situation Room on Economic Reforms, have publicly endorsed Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, for handling of the ongoing review of landmark tax reform laws.

    At a press conference on Monday in Abuja by convener Comrade Ogiri John, the coalition commended the Speaker and the Senate President for what they described as a “measured, constitutionally grounded, and institutionally exemplary” response to public concerns over the recently assented tax legislation.

    The four key statutes under scrutiny — the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025 — represent a major overhaul of the country’s fiscal framework. 

    The laws, passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu earlier in 2025, are intended to simplify tax administration, enhance revenue collection, and improve the investment climate ahead of their scheduled implementation on January 1, 2026.

    Recent weeks have seen heightened public debate following allegations of discrepancies between the versions approved by lawmakers and the officially gazetted copies. 

    The coalition, however, maintained that such scrutiny is healthy for democracy but must be rooted in facts and procedure. 

    “Having undertaken a careful and dispassionate examination, we are convinced that the response of the National Assembly Leadership has been exemplary in its adherence to constitutionalism and institutional self-regulation,” John stated on behalf of the groups in their joint address.

    They highlighted that the actions taken by the Speaker Abbas-led House and the Senate leadership are fully aligned with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Acts Authentication Act, and established parliamentary rules. 

    “This is not an admission of any deficiency, nor an erosion of authority. Rather, it represents the deliberate exercise of institutional responsibility,” the coalition emphasised.

    The coalition specifically praised the directive to the Clerk of the National Assembly to facilitate the re-gazetting of the Acts and to provide Certified True Copies upon request. 

    They described the move as a vital step to “enhance transparency, restore public confidence, and affirm that citizens and institutions must have unimpeachable access to the authentic law.”

    John underscored the significance of the reforms while defending the procedural approach.

    “The stakes are profound. These tax reform laws will fundamentally shape Nigeria’s fiscal architecture, economic incentives, investment climate, revenue mobilisation, and prospects for inclusive growth,” he said. 

    “Precision in law-making is not delay; it is duty. Certainty in law is not weakness; it is strength.”

    The coalition appealed to Nigerians, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders to exercise patience and allow the constitutional review process to conclude without undue pressure. 

    They reaffirmed their support for transformative economic reforms while stressing their unwavering commitment to the rule of law and institutional integrity.

  • NASS workers frown at alleged breach over staff appointments

    NASS workers frown at alleged breach over staff appointments

    Members of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), National Assembly Chapter, have expressed concerns over alleged violations of the Federal Character principle in the appointment of secretaries within the National Assembly.

    The association in a letter dated December 22, 2025 by the branch chairman, Sabiyyi Sunday to the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), forewarned that continued disregard for constitutional provisions could fuel discontent and industrial unrest.

    In the letter a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the association drew attention of the Commission to Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Federal Character Commission Act, Cap F7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2024. According to PASAN, the two legal documents mandate equitable representation of Nigeria’s federating units in public service appointments.

    Insisting that strict compliance with the Federal Character principle remains critical to promoting fairness, inclusiveness, and national cohesion, particularly within sensitive institutions such as the National Assembly.

    The association argued that failure to uphold the principle “encourages perceptions of bias and marginalisation, with negative implications for staff morale and industrial harmony.”

    Condemning what the association described as a recurring practice, it cited instances where vacancies in the secretary cadre are filled by candidates from states that are already represented, while other states within the same geopolitical zone are consistently denied the opportunity.

    The union argued that such appointments undermine equity and also violate both the spirit and letter of the law.

    Urging the National Assembly Service Commission to take a cue from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recently reversed the promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC) by ensuring that all appointments strictly comply with constitutional and statutory provisions.

    Read Also: Tax laws: NASS begins internal review amid controversy, orders fresh gazette publication 

    PASAN described the President’s action as a display of commitment to fairness, integrity, and due process. Adding that the action reinforced the principle that no individual is above the rules and provided a strong example for public institutions to emulate.

    PASAN said: “transparency and accountability in the appointment process would strengthen confidence in the Commission and deepen good governance within the legislative arm of government.”

    While reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement, PASAN called for immediate corrective measures to address existing imbalances and prevent future violations of the Federal Character principle, expressing optimism that prompt action would preserve equity, stability, and trust among National Assembly workers.

  • Tax laws: NASS begins internal review amid controversy, orders fresh gazette publication 

    Tax laws: NASS begins internal review amid controversy, orders fresh gazette publication 

    The management of the National Assembly has reacted to controversy surrounding the legislative process on key tax laws, saying it is addressing the issues strictly within its constitutional and statutory mandate.

    In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director, Information, for the Clerk to the National Assembly, the National Assembly said, “The attention of the Management of the National Assembly has been drawn to public commentary concerning the legislative process relating to the passage, presidential assent, and publication in the Official Gazette of the following Acts: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025.”

    The release noted that, “The commentary has referenced matters relating to the harmonisation of the aforementioned Bills passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the assent by the president and the versions of the Acts published in the Official Gazette.”

    According to the statement, “The Leadership and management of National Assembly is addressing these matters strictly within its constitutional and statutory mandate.” 

    It added that “accordingly, the relevant Committees, in collaboration with the Management of the National Assembly, are conducting an internal review.”

    Read Also: Heightened security at NASS as Tinubu presents 2026 budget today

    The National Assembly explained, “This review is being undertaken in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Acts Authentication Act, Cap. A4, LFN 2004, the Standing Orders of both Chambers, and established parliamentary practice.”

    As part of the process, and “in the course of this review, and for the purpose of ensuring clarity, accuracy, and sanctity of the legislative record,” the leadership said it has “directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to facilitate in collaboration with the relevant agencies the publication of the Acts in the Official Gazette and to issue certified true copies of the assented Acts on demand to any stakeholder or the general public.”

    The statement stressed that “this administrative action is intended solely to authenticate and formally reflect the legislative decisions of the National Assembly.”

    It further clarified that “the review is confined to institutional processes and procedures and does not constitute, imply, or concede any defect in the exercise of legislative authority by either Chamber.” 

    The exercise, it added, “is undertaken without prejudice to the powers, functions, or actions of any other arm or agency of government.”

    Reaffirming its position, the National Assembly said it “remains fully committed to the principles of constitutionalism, separation of powers, and due process.”

    It assured that “where procedural or administrative refinements are identified, appropriate measures will be taken in accordance with the law and established parliamentary conventions.”

    The legislature also appealed for restraint, stating that “members of the public are respectfully urged to allow the National Assembly’s institutional processes to proceed without conjecture.” 

    It added that “the leadership of both Chambers remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the faithful discharge of its constitutional responsibility as the custodian of the legislative authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    The statement said that “further information will be provided as may be necessary.”

  • Rivers NASS Caucus celebrates Wike at 58

    Rivers NASS Caucus celebrates Wike at 58

    Members of Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly have felicitated the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike, on his 58th birthday. 

    In a statement  by Senator Barry Mpigi, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda (Minority Leader, House of Representatives), Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Rep. Solomon Bob, Rep. Felix Nwaeke, Rep. Kelechi Nwogu, Rep. Cyril Hart, Rep. Victor Obuzor, and Rep. Blessing Amadi, the caucus commended Wike’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to the development of Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria as a whole.

    The statement highlighted Wike’s visionary guidance and firm resolve in driving progress, fostering unity, and empowering communities within the FCT. 

    The lawmakers expressed confidence his wisdom will continue to illuminate the path towards prosperity and sustainable development for the people he serves, wishing the minister good health, boundless happiness, and continued success in all his endeavors. 

    The caucus also expressed appreciation for his leadership and commitment to public service, stating that his legacy will inspire generations to come. 

    The statement read in parts: “On this special day, the Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly, celebrates not only the anniversary of your birth but also the remarkable leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment you have shown to all especially the Federal Capital Territory and our great nation. Your visionary guidance and steadfast resolve have been instrumental in driving progress, fostering unity, and empowering communities within the FCT.

    “May this new year of your life be filled with abundant blessings, profound joy, and continued success in all your endeavors. May your wisdom continue to illuminate the path towards prosperity and sustainable development for the people you so diligently serve.

    “Wishing Your Excellency good health, boundless happiness, and the continued strength to lead with integrity and distinction. Happy Birthday, and may your legacy inspire generations to come.

    “With deepest respect and warmest congratulations”.

  • FRC, NASS raise alarm over fiscal gaps in petroleum sector

    FRC, NASS raise alarm over fiscal gaps in petroleum sector

    A new policy paper jointly released on Monday in Abuja by the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) has exposed deep structural and financial weaknesses in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

    The report, which was unveiled at the One-day legislative stakeholders workshop organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), and the Order Paper, raised concerns about billions of dollars in unremitted revenues and major legal gaps that hinder transparency.

    The document, described as a roadmap for accountability, paints a troubling picture of persistent non-compliance by state-owned operators and regulatory bodies despite ongoing reform efforts by the National Assembly and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

    According to the Policy Brief, the fiscal deficit within the sector remains severe. Citing audit findings from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the report notes that Nigeria recorded an estimated US$8.26 billion in unremitted oil and gas revenues as contained in the 2021 NEITI audit, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) responsible for 83.8 per cent of the total.

    In addition, NNPCL still carries an outstanding Operating Surplus liability of N3.597 trillion from its 2018 audited financial records.

    Other key regulators were also implicated. The Policy Brief shows that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has an unremitted operating surplus liability exceeding N125.7 billion covering 2015 to 2024, while the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has an outstanding liability of more than N5.65 billion from 2014 to 2021.

    Although the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has reportedly recovered over N50 billion through ongoing reconciliation exercises, the report stressed that systemic weaknesses remain because the FRC lacks enforcement authority.

    Read Also: Ex-police officers protest at NASS over delay on bill seeking exit from pension scheme

    This limitation, it said, has allowed defaulting ministries, departments and agencies to disregard statutory remittance obligations without consequence.

    The Policy Brief urges the 10th National Assembly to take decisive action in four key areas before the end of its term. It calls for the removal of ouster clauses within the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which currently place state-owned operators such as the NNPCL beyond the reach of full fiscal oversight.

    It also proposes a statutory obligation for quarterly remittance reports, certified by the FRC, to be submitted directly to lawmakers.

    In addition, the report recommends integrating fiscal and operational data from all relevant institutions, including NUPRC, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and NEITI — into a single digital platform with a publicly accessible dashboard. It further called for a swift amendment to the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007 that would empower the FRC to enforce compliance.

    Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Victor Muruako, acknowledged the reforms initiated through the PIA but warned that the country still faces long-standing challenges.

    He said the Petroleum Industry Act “has proven to be a game-changer, successfully streamlining governance, substantially improving transparency, and stimulating renewed foreign investment interests.” However, he cautioned that “we are not yet there. We are yet miles apart,” describing the positive change achieved so far as “not yet proven.”

    Mr. Muruako added that maintaining progress requires addressing critical issues such as insecurity in oil-producing areas, crude theft, and pipeline vandalism. He stressed the need for industry stakeholders to deepen environmental, social and governance standards in their operations. According to him, the workshop was convened to outline the next steps in the ongoing reform process through inputs from experts and practitioners.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Honourable Alhassan Doguwa, disclosed that the committee is currently working on a bill to establish the National Commission for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations. The proposed commission, he said, would address concerns surrounding aging oil infrastructure, safety risks and environmental remediation.

    Honourable Doguwa said engagements such as the Abuja workshop are essential because they provide broader context for the petroleum sector reform agenda. He encouraged participants to “share principled and practical perspectives” that will strengthen transparency, fiscal responsibility and sound governance in the upstream industry.

    The Chief Executive of the NUPRC who was represented by Mr. Benjamin Chukwu also outlined ongoing regulatory measures designed to enforce accountability and improve efficiency.

    He referenced the Upstream Petroleum Operations Costs Efficiency Incentives Order 2025, which encourages companies to reduce operating costs in exchange for tax incentives. The Order requires operators to adhere to project timelines and terrain-specific performance benchmarks.

    He further explained that the Upstream Petroleum Decarbonisation Template (UPDT) 2024 serves as a tool for advancing environmental sustainability and aligning Nigeria’s upstream sector with global energy transition goals.

    The Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations 2023, he added, aim to eliminate losses and improve government revenue through strict standards for metering accuracy, equipment calibration and maintenance.

    According to the NUPRC, the combined effect of these regulatory instruments, together with the National Assembly’s legislative efforts and the FRC’s fiscal monitoring, presents Nigeria with a critical choice: to deepen transparency or risk reversing the gains recorded under the PIA.

    The Policy Brief warned that without urgent legislative amendments and stronger enforcement mechanisms, the country may continue to lose significant revenue and struggle with recurring governance failures in one of its most important economic sectors.

  • First Lady urges passage of Gender Parity Bill as she hosts NASS to dinner

    First Lady urges passage of Gender Parity Bill as she hosts NASS to dinner

    • We stand firm behind the President, won’t fail women – Akpabio
    • Women are anchors of community resilience – Abbas

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu yesterday evening hosted members of the National Assembly to a special dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, where she made a renewed and passionate appeal for the passage of the Gender Parity Bill, also known as the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, currently before the legislature.

    The event, attended by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who represented the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF); lawmakers from both chambers; and senior government officials, provided what the First Lady described as “a moment for dialogue and reflection” on Nigeria’s democratic future and the centrality of women’s participation.

    In her address, Senator Tinubu said the bill, seeking constitutionally guaranteed seats for women in federal and state legislatures, offered a historic opportunity for Nigeria to reposition its democracy and strengthen national development.

    “I have watched with keenness in recent months as various interest groups across our beloved nation, and even international bodies, have gathered momentum in support of this particular bill.

    “Is this bill indeed possible to scale through? Yes—if not today, someday. But if we do this now, the 10th Assembly will go down in the history of our legislature as the set that stood for women when it counted the most,” she said.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    The First Lady urged lawmakers to seize the moment to “take care of our girls and boys,” noting that the current challenges facing millions of children, especially the girl child and vulnerable boys in the Almajiri system, underscore the need for inclusive reforms.

    “In the past few days, our nation has faced a lot of assault, especially as it concerns the future of the education of the girl child. The boys, on the other hand, through the Almajiri system, are deprived of basic necessities…

    “This deprivation opens them up to be lured into the wrong hands. This is why we must prioritise reforms that restore dignity and provide safe learning environments,” she stated.

    Senator Tinubu stressed that affirmative measures have improved governance quality in several countries, adding that Nigeria must not be left behind.

    “Everyone, male or female, should be given the opportunity to contribute to our shared humanity,” she said.

    Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the First Lady for what he called “an unprecedented initiative,” affirming that the National Assembly remains committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in stabilising the country and advancing inclusive governance.

    “We are very determined as a National Assembly to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to overcome the current enemy action in Nigeria,” Akpabio said, referring to recent nationwide insecurity.

    He disclosed that he had written to two U.S. congressmen earlier in the day to correct what he described as “a false narrative” suggesting religious persecution in Nigeria.

    “The bullets being sprayed have no religion written on them. Muslims are being killed, Christians are being killed… We are united behind this administration to rid this country of insidious elements,” he said.

    Akpabio also announced that the Senate had resolved to designate kidnapping as a terrorist act carrying the death penalty with no option of fine or judicial discretion.

    On the Gender Parity Bill, the Senate President pledged support, saying, “We will not want you to invite us only when women have a particular interest. Invite us always. Mummy, we are grateful.”

    Speaker Tajudeen Abbas commended the First Lady’s “consistent commitment to the well-being of our nation,” noting that her advocacy has given the Women, Peace and Security agenda strong national visibility.

    He revealed that the House recently dedicated an entire week of plenary sessions to national security for the first time in Nigeria’s legislative history, with members expressing overwhelming support for President Tinubu’s security reforms.

    On the Reserved Seats Bill, Abbas offered a robust defence: “Women constitute almost half of our population but remain severely underrepresented in parliament. This weakens our democracy and undermines national security.”

  • Ex-police officers protest at NASS over delay on bill seeking exit from pension scheme

    Ex-police officers protest at NASS over delay on bill seeking exit from pension scheme

    Retired police officers on Thursday staged a protest at the National Assembly (NASS) in Abuja over the delay in the passage of a bill seeking their exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    The protesting ex-police officers carried various placards with different messages calling the attention of NASS authorities to their plight.

    While restating their demand for speedy passage of the bill to remove them from the CPS, the retired police officers described their inclusion in the CPS as unjust and exploitative.

    At the Assembly, they demanded to meet the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio to hear from him why the Bill to exit the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from the CPS is being delayed by the Senate, when all conditions for passage of the bill had been met.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    Spokesperson of the aggrieved ex-police officers, Chukwuma Onyeike, a retired Superintendent of Police (SP) said:  ‘’Several Public hearings have been carried out by the 9th and 10th National Assembly and the outcome is in favour of the exit of the NPF, same way the Military, the Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Intelligence Agency( NIA) were exited from the CPS.

    ‘’ Policemen are suffering even more, the same fate of paying the supreme price, sacrificing their lives, rights and liberty, to protect Nigeria and defend it, against protracted invasion of external and internal terrorists and bandits.

    The surviving Police retirees must not be further subjugated to death through the genocidal CPS. No country in the World subjects its police retirees to the profit oriented CPS after their hazardous nature of service, even in Chile where Nigeria copied the CPS,’’ he said.

  • Group berates SERAP over planned suit against NASS leaders

    Group berates SERAP over planned suit against NASS leaders

    The Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Coalition for Development (HAKCOD) in Jigawa State has faulted the decision of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to institute legal action against the leadership of the National Assembly over what it described as “baseless and politically motivated allegations” against the member representing Hadejia/Auyo/Kafin-Hausa Federal Constituency, Hon. Usman Kamfani Auyo.

    In a  statement by its Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Maje Ahmed,  the group accused SERAP of “acting hastily on falsehoods and political propaganda” peddled by opponents of the lawmaker.

    HAKCOD described the planned lawsuit as “a reckless attempt to undermine the integrity of an elected representative and distract him from his legislative responsibilities.”

    “The decision by SERAP to proceed with legal action based on unfounded claims is not only unjust but also a direct insult to the collective integrity of the people of Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin-Hausa.

    “Hon. Usman Kamfani Auyo has been an exemplary representative, focusing on youth empowerment, education, and infrastructural development across the constituency. It is unfortunate that some political actors have resorted to distortion and blackmail to achieve their selfish aims.”

    According to the group, the controversy originated in August 2025, following a media interaction in which Hon. Auyo allegedly stated that lawmakers were required to make payments before sponsoring bills in the National Assembly — a claim which HAKCOD insists was “deliberately twisted” by political detractors.

    It clarified that the lawmaker merely explained that some legislators voluntarily spend personal funds — sometimes up to ₦3 million — to engage consultants who assist in preparing draft bills or motions before they are presented, emphasising that such expenses were not bribes or mandatory fees.

    “At no point did Hon. Usman Auyo suggest that payments are made to facilitate legislative processes. What he described was a common professional practice across many parliaments, where lawmakers hire experts to refine their legislative proposals,” the statement added.

    HAKCOD further alleged that some opposition figures within Jigawa State seized the opportunity to “feed SERAP with misleading narratives,” prompting the organization to embark on a misguided legal crusade.

    Read Also: SERAP seeks disclosure of new INEC chairman selection process

    “We urge SERAP, as an organization known for promoting transparency and accountability, to cross-check its facts before taking actions capable of damaging reputations or undermining public trust in democratic institutions,” HAKCOD said.

    The coalition also called on the National Assembly leadership and the general public to disregard what it termed “sensationalized claims,” insisting that Hon. Auyo remains committed to credible representation and good governance.

    HAKCOD concluded by urging civil society groups to exercise due diligence and maintain objectivity in their advocacy, warning that “politically influenced actions” could erode citizens’ confidence in democratic accountability initiatives.

    “We stand firmly by our representative. Any attempt to malign him is an attack on the will and dignity of our people,” the statement concluded.