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  • Tinubu addresses NASS joint session on Democracy Day

    Tinubu addresses NASS joint session on Democracy Day

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is to address a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12 as part of activities marking the 2025 Democracy Day. 

    In an internal memo to members, Clerk to the House of Representatives, Yahaya Danzaria said the President is expected to arrive the National Assembly around12.00 noon. 

    A statement by the spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi on the President’s engagement reads: “The leadership and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives will participate in a special joint sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

    “This development was formally conveyed to Members via an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. , Esq., on Sunday.

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    “The special joint sitting is scheduled to hold at the House of Representatives Chamber, National Assembly Complex, commencing at 11:00 AM, with preliminary proceedings ahead of the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at 12:00 noon.

    “The theme for this year’s celebration is:

    “26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development.” President Tinubu is expected to attend the occasion as Special Guest of Honour and will deliver a Presidential Address to the joint sitting.

    “The programme will also feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of National Honours on select legislators by Mr. President.

    “This joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. It underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.

    “The House of Representatives urges all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation”.

  • Group appeals to Tinubu, NASS over composition Of SWDC membership

    Group appeals to Tinubu, NASS over composition Of SWDC membership

    A group, Justice & Equity Forum, has expressed displeasure with the composition of membership of the South West Development Commission, SWDC, saying that it doesn’t reflect the principle of federal character.

    According to the group in a statement by its coordinator, Kehinde Adebayo, the composition doesn’t only throw equity away, it shows that the many months of looking for men to man the all-important commission was a waste.

    It faulted the National Assembly for appointing two Oyo men to chair the committee on SWDC in the senate and house of representatives respectively.

    “ Regional balance as well as federal character were not considered. 

    “More baffling is the appointment of three Ekiti men—  chairman, executive director, and a member all hailing from Ekiti State. It brings to fore constitutional and equity issues, that amount to over concentration of leadership roles within a single state. 

    “That undermines the principles of federal character and regional balance, which are vital for fair representation in Nigeria’s governance structures. It is not only illegal but unconstitutional.

    “We had expected that bearing in mind that six states form SWDC, the leadership positions would have reflected the region’s diversity in order to ensure trust is maintained and effective governance is assured. 

    “The appointment of multiple top officials from the same state would jeopardise the running of the affairs of the commission. It is democracy and numbers apply. 

    Read Also: Tinubu’s commissioning of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway for livestreaming

    “Of importance too is the appointment of chairmen of committee on SWDC by the Red and Green Chambers of the National Assembly. The senate especially didn’t do well by appointing an Oyo man as its committee chairman again while the house of representative had previously appointed another Oyo man as its own committee chairman too. 

    “While we feel it is not too late to correct, we urge the National Assembly to take equity, justice and fairness into consideration when deliberating on issues like this in the future. It breeds suspicion.

    “We also like to call on President Bola Tinubu and other appointing authorities to be fair  and ensure balanced  representation when appointing people.  While we feel it is not too late to correct all these obvious lapses, we urge the President to look critically on the composition of South West development Commission,” the statement added.

  • Tinubu writes NASS, seeks external borrowing, domestic bond for retirees pension

    Tinubu writes NASS, seeks external borrowing, domestic bond for retirees pension

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the National Assembly for approval to implement three types of borrowing to finance government projects in view of dwindling financial constraints. 

    These are capital grazing funds, the FGN 2025-2026 external birroqing plan and a request for approval for issue ace of domestic bond to fund retirees pensions through the Contributory Person scheme. 

    In three separate letters read on the floor of the House by Speaker Abbas, the President is a seeking the approval of the House to borrow 2 billion dollars for capital grazing funds, 21,543,647,912 dollars, 2,193,856,324.50 as well as 15 billion yen and a grant of 65 million Euro and ₦757, 983,246,571.

    One of the letters reads: “The House of Representatives is invited to note that the 2025-2026 borrowing plan covers all sectors with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, growth, security, and employment generation, as well as financial and monetary reforms, among others. 

    “The total facility of the program under the borrowing plan is USD 21,543,647,912, and also EUR 2,193,856,324.54. And in Japanese Yen, 15 billion Yen and grant of 65 million Euro, respectively. 

    “In the light of the removal of the fuel subsidy and its impact on the national economy, approval is called for the borrowing plan, which amounts to USD 21,543,647,912, and EUR 2,193,856,324.54. And in Japanese Yen, 15 billion Yen and grant of 65 million, respectively.

    “This initiative aims to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security, as well as to improve the livelihoods of Nigerian. Majority of these projects and programs will be implemented across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. 

    “In light of the significant infrastructure deficit in the country and the power of financial resources needed to address this gap amid declining domestic demand, it has become essential to pursue prudent economic borrowing to close the financial shortfall.

    Read Also: Ubi Franklin meets Tinubu, tells critics he’s an APC member

    “These funds will primarily be directed towards critical infrastructural projects, including railways, healthcare among others. Given the market nature of these needs and the importance of stabilizing the economy, it is crucial to seek the consideration and approval of the House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 External Borrowing Plan. 

    “This will enable the government to fulfill its obligations to the Nigerian people through timely disbursement and effective project implementation.”

    Details shortly…

  • NASS should prioritise electoral reform, not compulsory voting, says Yiaga Africa

    NASS should prioritise electoral reform, not compulsory voting, says Yiaga Africa

    Civil society organisation, Yiaga Africa has asked the National Assembly to prioritise issues of electoral reforms that will rebuild public trust, improve election integrity, and remove structural and systemic barriers to participation.

    In a statement by its executive director, Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa said the federal lawmakers should ensure a transparent, non-partisan and merit-based process for appointing INEC commissioners to protect INEC’s independence.

    Itodo who was reacting to the decision by the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen to withdraw the compulsory voting bill said the reform should include mandatory electronic transmission of election results to improve transparency.

    In addition, he called for the introduction of early voting for election officials, journalists, security personnel and accredited observers, legal timelines for concluding election petitions before the swearing-in of elected officials and the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission.

    He said Yiaga Africa remains committed to engaging with the National Assembly to ensure the passage of electoral amendments that protect citizens’ rights and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

    Read Also: NASS may pass harmonised tax reform bills this week

    The statement reads in part, “Yiaga Africa commends the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, for his decision to withdraw the proposed compulsory voting bill seeking to make voting compulsory for all eligible Nigerians and imposing sanctions of N100,000 fine and 6 months imprisonment.

    “The withdrawal of the bill demonstrates responsive legislative leadership and respect for the will of the people.

    “We acknowledge that the bill was introduced with the intention of reversing Nigeria’s historically low voter turnout. However, as we previously noted, making voting a legal obligation punishable by sanctions would have amounted to criminalising a constitutionally guaranteed right and undermining the very foundations of our democracy.

    “We reiterate our earlier call on the National Assembly to prioritise electoral reforms that rebuild public trust, improve election integrity, and remove structural and systemic barriers to participation.”

  • NASS may pass harmonised tax reform bills this week

    NASS may pass harmonised tax reform bills this week

    The National Assembly may consider and pass the harmonised tax reform bills before the end of May, The Nation investigations revealed on Sunday. 

    The four tax bills were sent to the joint harminisation committee made up of members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to work on and agree on gray areas in the bill before it is transmitted to th President for his assent. 

    The four bills were passed by the House of Representatives in March before they went on sallah and Easter break, while the Senate passed its own version shortly after resumption from the sallah break. 

    As a result of gray areas in the version passed by the two chambers, a joint committee was set up by the leadership of the two chambers to harmonised those gray and arrive at a common document. 

    Indications that the harmonised bills will be passed is contained in a post on the X-handle of the Chairman of th House Committee on Finance, James Abiodun Faleke who led the House delegation for the harminisation. 

    Faleke said in the tweet that “the Conference Committee set up by the House and the Senate on the Tax Reform Bills has successfully concluded its work.

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    “The joint committees thoroughly reviewed all sections and addressed the grey areas of the four Bills, examining each clause strategically and resolving contentious issues.

    “After an intensive deliberation that stretched through Thursday night, all day Friday, and into the early hours of Saturday, I am pleased to report that the Bills are now ready for presentation to both the House and the Senate for final passage.

    “I would like to specially appreciate the Senate Conference Committee, ably led by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, the Distinguished Senator Sani Musa, as well as all members of the Senate Conference Committee.

    “I also extend heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues on the House Conference Committee, which I had the honour to lead, for their unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people.

    “We are truly grateful for your dedication and resilience in bringing this important task to a conclusion.”

  • BREAKING: NASS adopts Tinubu as sole APC presidential candidate for 2027

    BREAKING: NASS adopts Tinubu as sole APC presidential candidate for 2027

    In a resounding show of support, the National Assembly has formally adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general election.

    The declaration was made on Thursday at the APC National Summit in Abuja, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far,” where the leadership of the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, spoke on behalf of federal lawmakers.

    Addressing the summit, Senator Akpabio extolled President Tinubu’s leadership and reform-driven governance, describing his tenure as one that has steered the country through difficult times and put Nigeria firmly on the path to economic recovery and growth.

    Read Also: BREAKING: APC governors endorse Tinubu for 2027 presidential race

    “In view of the political sagacity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the fact that he has, even in difficult times, set Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth—as confirmed by the International Monetary Fund—and in view of the excitement of Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots, and the overwhelming support from members of the National Assembly, I move that President Tinubu be adopted as the sole presidential candidate of our great party for the 2027 elections,” Akpabio declared.

    He went further to say that Tinubu’s performance has left the opposition in disarray and that Nigerians are eager to reward him with a second term in office.

    “The people are saying: because you have done a difficult job well, it is time to return you to the Presidency for a second term”, Akpabio said.

    The motion was promptly seconded by Speaker Abbas.

  • INEC engaging NASS on key electoral reforms – Yakubu

    INEC engaging NASS on key electoral reforms – Yakubu

    Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, on Monday revealed that the Commission is actively collaborating with the National Assembly to effect key electoral reforms, including those requiring amendments to the Constitution and the Electoral Act.

    Speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, shortly after witnessing the swearing-in of two new National Commissioners of INEC, Professor Yakubu disclosed that following a comprehensive review of the 2023 general elections, INEC submitted 142 recommendations, of which eight necessitate constitutional or statutory amendments.

    “We are working with the National Assembly on electoral reforms. We reviewed the 2023 general elections on our own, we engaged with stakeholders, and we came out with 142 recommendations. Out of these, eight require constitutional or Electoral Act amendment, and we have discussed these with members of the National Assembly”, Yakubu stated.

    According to him, discussions with federal lawmakers have been encouraging.

    “So far so good, we are happy with our discussions with them, and we are also happy with the speed with which they want to proceed, so that we have some necessary amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

    Professor Yakubu added that two weeks ago, INEC participated in a retreat in Lagos with the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters.

    He said the National Assembly is expected to hold a public hearing before submitting a new electoral reform bill for presidential assent.

    He, however, declined to provide specific details on the planned amendments, noting that the National Assembly would make the formal announcements in due course.

    On the purpose of his visit to the State House, the INEC Chairman explained that he was present to witness the swearing-in of two newly confirmed National Commissioners.

    “As you are aware, the Commission is made up of a chairman and 12 national commissioners drawn on the basis of two commissioners per geopolitical zone,” he said.

    “Vacancies existed for the North-West and the Southeast zones. The Senate screened and confirmed the nominees, and Mr. President today performed the swearing-in. So we now have almost the full complement of the commissioners,” Yakubu said.

    Read Also: INEC prosecuting 774 electoral offenders from 2023 polls – Yakubu

    He noted, however, that one seat remains vacant following the recent death of Major General Abubakar Alkali (rtd), one of the Commissioners.

    Responding to recent media reports and speculation about his purported removal from office, Professor Yakubu dismissed the claims as unfounded and unnecessary.

    “I don’t think we need to waste time on this unnecessary speculation. As far as the law is concerned, and as much as I am aware, I remain the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation under the Constitution, and under the Electoral Act, the Returning Officer for the Presidential election”, he said.

    Yakubu’s appearance at the State House comes amid growing national attention on electoral reforms and the credibility of future polls. 

  • APC congratulates Enyiekere over inauguration as chairman NASS Service Commission

    APC congratulates Enyiekere over inauguration as chairman NASS Service Commission

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Network has congratulated Chief Saviour Enyiekere on his inauguration as chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission.

    The APC Media Network also commended the Senate President Godswill Akpabio for facilitating the appointment, adding that Enyiekere’s appointment will positively impact the NASS Commission.

    In a statement by its Director-General, Otuekong Iniobong John, the group described Enyiekere as a thorough-bred administrator and politician.

    The APC network said it is excited because Dr. Enyiekere is the first Southerner to hold the prestigious position since its creation in 1990, marking a historic development for the governance history of the Nation.

    The statement reads in parts: “This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s legislative framework, and we are confident that his leadership will herald a new era of progress and effectiveness in the administration of the Commission.

    “We sincerely appreciate the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for facilitating this well-deserved appointment. We celebrate and identify ourselves with Senator Akpabio’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence. His dedication to promoting deserving individuals to positions of authority is a hallmark of his exemplary leadership. 

    “Rt Hon Chief Saviour Enyiekere’s academic and professional journey has been impressive. He began his education at St. Patrick’s Primary School in Urua Inyang, before advancing to the Queen of Apostles Seminary in Afaha Obong, located in Abak Local Government Area for his secondary studies. 

    “He pursued higher education at the University of Calabar, where he earned a PhD in Environmental Science and Protection, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence.

    “Dr. Enyiekere’s dedication to learning and professional development is further exemplified by his recent honor as a Fellow of the Institute of Criminology and Strategic Studies.

    “As a devout Christian and a committed member of the Full Life Christian Center, Dr. Enyiekere embodies the values of integrity, service, and community engagement.

    “Additionally, he holds a First Class traditional title “Atai Nturukpum Ikpaisong Annang” in Annang land in Annang land, signifying his deep-rooted connection and contributions to his community.”

    The statement added: “Dr. Enyiekere has a rich political background that includes serving two terms as the Chairman of his home Ika Local Government Council. He has also held key positions such as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, a member of the Akwa Ibom Road Maintenance Agency, and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President.

    “Dr. Enyiekere’s professional experience also includes his stint at the Security Printing and Minting Company in Lagos, where he likely honed his skills in security protocols, financial management, and operational efficiency.

    “This experience will undoubtedly serve him well in his new role as Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, where security, confidentiality, and efficient management of resources are paramount.

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    “His diverse background and expertise will enable him to navigate the complex demands of the Commission with ease and effectiveness. 

    “Given his extensive experience in national assembly bureaucracy and administration, combined with his administrative acumen and strategic insight, we have every confidence that Dr. Enyiekere will elevate the Commission towards greater accomplishments.

    “We believe that his appointment will play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality and efficiency of Nigeria’s Legislative Service Commission in the years ahead. His commitment to modernizing the operations of the Commission, improving staff welfare, and optimizing legislative services will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact”.

    “As a distinguished grassroots politician, Dr. Enyiekere is set to contribute significantly to the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, adding immense value to our party’s initiatives and goals”.

  • NASS developing legal framework for state policing to address insecurity – Bamidele

    NASS developing legal framework for state policing to address insecurity – Bamidele

    • …urges security agencies to arrest, prosecute agents of violence

    Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Leader of the Senate, revealed on Sunday that the National Assembly is working on a legal framework to establish state policing as part of efforts to address the rising insecurity across the country.

    In a statement released by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs to mark the Easter festivities, Bamidele also called on security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending and prosecuting individuals responsible for killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of property in various regions of Nigeria.

    He said: “As we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord, it is exigent we reflect on His virtues; learn from His consecration and live His life of purpose rooted in the pursuit of justice, love and redemption for humanity.

    “Despite the animosity He suffered and opposition He faced, Jesus Christ consciously sought and secured freedom for the captives, peace for the troubled, comfort for the sorrowful, love for the dejected, justice for the oppressed and hope for those who are in despair.

    “In Nigeria today, Christ’s example clearly presents us a glimpse of how we should live together as compatriots and not competitors, collaborators and not combatants, comrades and not contenders in the task of building a viable and virile federation that will serve the interest of all.

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    “The recent killings in Benue and Plateau States outrightly negated the virtues of peace and love that Jesus Christ taught during His days.

    “The recurrent utterances by some political and sectional figures also belied the values of courage, perseverance and tolerance He evidently lived for.

    “No country develops as a result of one section rising up against another and vice versa. 

    “While the Authority of the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the establishment of state police as one of the measures to address insecurity in the country, we urge security agencies to work together as a team to track and apprehend all the masterminds and sponsors of terror attacks nationwide.

    “We appeal to some political actors that always latch on the country’s challenges to push divisive narratives to learn from the example of Jesus Christ.

    “Such actors are no longer playing opposition politics, but simply taking advantage of the country’s internal conditions in the pursuit of their own parochial political outcomes.

    “Nigeria is our ultimate project. As a parliament, we are committed to the actualisation of this project. This is evident in all the legislative initiatives we are pushing since the birth of the 10th National Assembly.

    “Our goal is to build a federation that will be noted for peace, progress and prosperity anywhere in the world.

    “Regardless of their ethnicity, politics and religion, all actors should shun all forms of divisive utterance and join forces against the common foes of Nigeria and not to subvert our effort to build a strong and virile federation.”

    He celebrated with Christians worldwide to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, asking leaders across boards to shun divisive agenda and narratives that could compound the country’s challenges.

    He urged Nigerians “to consciously reflect on the virtues of Jesus Christ; learn from His consecration and live His life of purpose rooted in the pursuit of justice, love and redemption for humanity.”

  • NASS will support Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, says Lagos Rep

    NASS will support Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, says Lagos Rep

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, Ademorin Kuye, has expressed confidence the National Assembly will support the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, saying the action was aimed at defending the nation’s democracy. 

    In declaring the state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his Deputy, Ngozi Odu and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator for the first six months.

    The President relied on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to make the proclamation. 

    The emergency rule declared by the President requires the approval of the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority vote by members.

    Speaking in an interview, Kuye said the primary responsibility of every government was the protection of lives and properties, saying “without sentiments we are going to defend the democracy. In a situation where there is  breakdown of laws and order no responsible government will keep quite and allow the anarchy to continue.”

    He said in 2023 when leaders of the State met with Tinubu over the lingering political crisis in the State, the President intervened but the parties involved were not satisfied and went to court.

    Read Also: Tinubu saved Rivers from anarchy, bloodshed, says ex-Deputy Speaker

    “Now the Supreme Court has given its judgement, the crisis still persists leading to destruction of oil pipelines and other government facilities that cost a lot to put in place,” Kuye said.

    He lamented that the Legislative Arm is always the first victim of anything that will undermine democracy, stating the need for the legislators to always defend the democracy at all cost.

    He expressed confidence that irrespective of party affiliation, the lawmakers will support the President’s proclamation.

    He noted that in the past, National Assembly had intervened on the crisis between the Executive and Legislative Arms at the State level, citing Edo as an example.