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  • Bamidele demands retraction, apology over alleged defamation

    Bamidele demands retraction, apology over alleged defamation

    Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has demanded an immediate retraction and unreserved apology over allegations of defamation levelled against him in a pre-action notice seeking N5 billion in damages.

    He warned that failure to comply would attract civil and criminal proceedings.

    Bamidele, through his lawyer, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), rejected in strong terms the claims contained in a letter written by another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Victor Opara, who acted on behalf of the Managing Director of Magodo Property Development Company Limited, Mr. Lai Omotola.

    In the response letter, Bamidele’s counsel described the allegations against the senator as false, reckless and defamatory per se.

    He insisted that the Senate Majority Leader neither instigated nor influenced the arrest of any person, nor deployed his office to interfere in any civil dispute or court process.

    “Our client totally, unequivocally and emphatically denies each and every allegation, insinuation, imputation, conclusion and narrative contained in your letter,” the letter stated.

    According to Pinheiro, Bamidele did not publish, utter, authorise, ratify or procure the publication of any defamatory words against Omotola, as alleged.

    He further denied any involvement in the property disputes referenced in the pre-action notice, stressing that the senator has no proprietary, beneficial or possessory interest in the property forming the subject of the litigation.

    The letter faulted attempts to link Bamidele to alleged police misconduct, disobedience of court orders or interference in civil disputes, describing such claims as baseless, speculative and legally unsustainable.

    Bamidele’s legal team also took issue with the N5 billion compensatory damages demanded in the pre-action notice, describing it as extortionate and an abuse of pre-action process under Nigerian law.

    Read Also: Bamidele: hands-on learning, problem-solving skills vital

    “Our client reasonably construes the monetary demand as an attempt to intimidate, harass and coerce him into an unjustified settlement. The demand smacks of bad faith and malice,” the letter added.

    The Senate Majority Leader demanded that Omotola and his legal representatives cease and desist from further harassment or publication of allegations capable of injuring his personal integrity, professional standing, political reputation and public office.

    He also demanded a written retraction of the alleged defamatory imputations within seven days of receipt of the letter, alongside an unreserved written apology.

    The letter warned that failure to comply would leave Bamidele with no option but to set the law in motion and pursue available remedies for criminal defamation, malicious falsehood and abuse of legal process, while reserving all constitutional, statutory and common law rights.

    Background

    The exchange of legal letters followed a pre-action notice sent by Victor Opara (SAN) to Bamidele, alleging that the senator made defamatory statements against Omotola during a telephone conversation with a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. James Faleke.

    Opara claimed that Bamidele described Omotola as a “land grabber” and a “fraudulent person” during a call on January 12, 2026, which was allegedly placed on speakerphone at Faleke’s residence in Lagos and heard by several persons.

    The lawyer argued that the alleged remarks imputed criminal conduct to Omotola, exposed him to public ridicule and hatred, and were actionable per se under Nigerian law, particularly the Lagos State Properties Protection Law.

    The pre-action notice also traced the dispute to a prime property located at No. 24 Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Opara maintained that the land belongs to the Federal Government and was lawfully leased to Magodo Property Development Company for 99 years after payment of N1.152 billion.

    He alleged that a rival claimant, Kaplan Properties Limited, laid claim to the land based on a title purportedly derived from the Lagos State Government, which he argued lacked the authority to allocate the property.

    Opara further alleged that Kaplan Properties, with the “active support” of Senator Bamidele, used the police to dispossess Magodo Property Development Company of the property, despite the matter being a civil dispute and notwithstanding subsisting court orders directing the police to vacate the property.

    He demanded a written apology within 14 days and payment of N5 billion in damages within 21 days, warning that failure to comply could result in litigation with even higher claims.

    However, Faleke has since distanced himself from the allegations.

    His counsel, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole (SAN), said the lawmaker denied that any such slanderous statements were made during the alleged phone conversation.

    “Our client has informed us that nothing of such as contained in the said letter occurred,” Oyewole said, describing the response as being for record purposes.

  • Bamidele: N’Assembly to pass new Electoral Act Bill before Dec

    Bamidele: N’Assembly to pass new Electoral Act Bill before Dec

    The ongoing amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 will be concluded on or before December, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has said.

    He said the National Assembly will ensure its use for the 2027 general elections.

    Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, said the delay in signing the final amendment to the last Electoral Act by the Muhammadu Buhari administration was due to the late transmission of the bill to the Presidency by the National Assembly.

    He gave the assurance yesterday in a statement after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking the confirmation of Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Bamidele recalled that the National Assembly had earlier sent an amendment bill to the then President, which was signed into law.

    However, efforts to correct identified lapses — particularly the disenfranchisement of statutory delegates — were halted because Buhari declined assent, citing the proximity of the 2023 elections.

    “He observed that he did not want to be misunderstood by the public. That was why the bill was not signed then,” Bamidele said.

    “Between now and December 2025, we will ensure the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 is completed so it will not be too close to the 2027 elections.”

    On the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, Bamidele expressed confidence that the process would succeed, noting that relevant stakeholders — including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures — were fully engaged.

    Read Also: How Bamidele, Tolulope Onalaja tranform lives through free education in Lagos 

    The senator, who is Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, dismissed fears of executive interference.

    “I do not envisage any resistance because public institutions are working with the National Assembly. Global best practices will guide the process, especially in domesticating international treaties and agreements,” he said.

    On opposition criticism, Bamidele said such was expected in a democracy.

    “They would love to see the ruling party in disarray, but our focus remains on rebuilding Nigeria, stabilising our polity, and growing the economy. We will not be distracted,” he added.

  • Constitution review: Report for state assemblies ready Dec, says Bamidele

    Constitution review: Report for state assemblies ready Dec, says Bamidele

    The National Assembly yesterday disclosed that it would transmit the report of the ongoing constitution review to 36 state assemblies before December 2025.

    The parliament, however, challenged all stakeholders with special requests to engage and lobby their state assemblies, noting that the National Assembly “cannot successfully review the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) without their approval.

    Leader of the Senate/Zonal Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, made this disclosure yesterday at the conclusion of the two-day zonal public hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held at the Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State.

    READ ALSO: Why I abandoned law to pursue acting – Femi Adebayo

    Since the beginning of alteration of the Constitution in the Fourth Republic in 1999, devolution of powers, local government autonomy, creation of additional states and establishment of state police, among others, have taken the centre stage.

    At the public hearing were Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Olarere Oyewunmi; Chairperson, Senate Committee on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Chairperson, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Banigo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Olajide Ipinsangba, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire, among others.

    In his address, Bamidele disclosed that the report of the constitution review committee would be transmitted to all State Houses of Assembly before December 2025 consistent with the timetable of the exercise.

    According to him, “we have completed the public hearing.

    “We are now returning to Abuja to prepare our report.

    “Part of our time table is to have final notifications before the end of the year and transmit our report to all state assemblies.

    “This will round the process of the constitution review.”

    He, therefore, noted that the constitution review “was not a jamboree, contrary to some dissenting views across the federation.

    “Rather, it is designed to make consequential reforms that can guarantee our collective prosperity, more efficient governance structure and sustainable development.”

    Bamidele also observed that the National Assembly would be handicapped to successfully complete the constitution review process if all the amendments proposed by the stakeholders were not approved by the two-third of state assemblies.

    The zonal chairman of the constitution review committee thus challenged all stakeholders across the federation to lobby all state assemblies and their lawmakers to secure basic requirements for the successful amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

    While he promised the National Assembly would process all the proposals it received and transmit them to the state assemblies, Bamidele challenged the stakeholders to decisively engage and lobby all the state legislatures if all the amendments would become part of the Constitution.

    Bamidele said: “There is nothing the National Assembly can do without a two-thirds approval of all proposals by the state legislatures.

    “All stakeholders must work with their lawmakers at the state level.

    “We must appreciate the role of state assemblies to ensure the passage of the proposals into laws.

    State assemblies are part of the process.

    “We have been in Lagos State in the last 48 hours, listening to people’s aspirations, concerns and will.

    “All six states in the geo-political zone were represented by their elected representatives.

    “We are in this process together to receive their presentations.

    “The state assemblies are already anticipating the report of the constitution review from the National Assembly.

    “They are not waiting for the report alone; they are also part of the constitution review process.

    “I do not envisage any problem from the state assemblies.

    “Therefore, we are advising all the stakeholders who are also looking for special considerations to extend their advocacies to the state assemblies.

    “It is not just about them as elected representatives but as representatives of people who elected them.

    “People should be aware when they are making decisions to be sure that they are also doing so in consonance with the wishes of their constituents.”

    Also at the public hearing, Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker, Oyo State Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, solicited for more power to be devolved to sub national governments for rapid and accelerated development.

    Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, said both federal and state governments should be allowed to legislate on issues that border on solid minerals, labour matters, drug and poisons, telecommunications, stamp duty, among others.

    He said: “Devolution of power is key to this ongoing constitutional amendment by devolving key items from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List in the interest of all.

    “For instance, the removal of the electricity matter from the Exclusive Legislative List has significantly transformed many states’ power sector through independent power supply initiatives.”

    Ogundoyin also backed the establishment of state police, pointing out its benefits to include improved local security, community policing, decongestion of federal responsibilities, enhanced accountability and employment opportunities.

    The speaker said: “Concerning the state police, all the stakeholders will agree with me that the debate over the establishment of state policing has garnered momentum from both supporters and critics.

    “The potential benefits of state police far outweigh the challenges.

    “In essence, what the amendment seeks to address will be the powers, responsibilities and limits of state police.

    “All of these should be clearly defined, provide oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and design a comprehensive framework for federal and state police to work in harmony to balance power and for effective coordination mechanisms.”

  • How Education minister mobilised resources for NADECO leaders in exile, by Bamidele

    How Education minister mobilised resources for NADECO leaders in exile, by Bamidele

    • ‘Alausa initiated medical outreaches across Southwest states’

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has said the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, mobilised resources for chieftains of defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) who fled Nigeria in the heady days of General Sani Abacha’s military government.

    Bamidele, who is representing Ekiti Central in the National Assembly, also said Alausa rejected offers to be either Commissioner for Education or Health under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was the 12th governor of Lagos State.

    Bamidele spoke in Abuja about Alausa’s interventions for pro-democracy advocates in Europe and the United States between 1993 and 1999 at the inauguration of the governing council and principal officers of Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences at Iyin-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

    NADECO, a broad coalition of democrats across Nigeria, was established on May 15, 1994 to protest the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, end the decades of military dictatorship and restore democracy in the country.

    Prominent pro-democracy leaders who were forced into exile during Abacha’s era include the late elder statesman, Chief Anthony Enahoro; Africa’s first Nobel Laureate for Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; NADECO’s first Secretary General, Chief Ayo Opadokun and former House of Representatives Chief Whip Olawale Oshun.

    Recounting Alausa’s assistance for pro-democracy advocates in exile, Bamidele said when most of them fled their fatherland during the Abacha era, they sustained varying degrees of injury that required urgent medical treatment to save them from their health challenges.

    The Senate Leader recalled that the education minister, then undergoing residency in Internal Medicine at both Royal Bolton Hospital and University of Newcastle between 1995 and 1997, came to the rescue of most pro-democracy leaders in exile in Europe and the United States by providing health services for them free of charge.

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    He said Alausa “was one of the few people we relied on for many years when most of us fled our fatherland due to threat to our lives and families under the reign of the late tyrant”.

    Bamidele added: “We were forced to different parts of Europe and the United States. Alausa was then a prosperous medical doctor in the United States. He provided hope for us. He provided resources for us. He provided much-needed medical care for us in exile. Some of the beneficiaries are alive. But some have gone home to be with God.”

    “Then, many of the pro-democracy leaders had to undergo knee surgery in their countries of political asylums. They had sustained injury while being hounded by the Abacha junta. They suffered teargas canisters fired at them when their meetings were disrupted. But in exile, Alausa mobilised medical professionals and resources to support everyone in need of medical care.”

    The Senate Leader recalled that when Tinubu became the Lagos State governor in 1999, he wanted to appoint Alausa either as the Commissioner for Education or Health in recognition of his sacrifice and support for the chieftains of NADECO in exile.

    He said the Alausa declined the offer on the ground that he did not do what he did for any political appointment or any patronage but out of passion to guarantee the safety and welfare of the victims of the junta who were exercising their rights to push for democracy and freedom.

    Also, Bamidele said the education minister organised medical outreaches across all Southwestern states when democracy was restored on May 29, 1999.

    “When some of our leaders had the opportunity to come back to Nigeria at the advent of the Fourth Republic, Alausa did not just watch us from his country of residence. He initiated several medical programmes we implemented across all states of the Southwest.

    “Alausa was the brain behind such medical programmes as free medical care, free eyeglasses and different surgery programmes that we implemented across the geo-political zone then. He mobilised medical doctors and experts from the diaspora to Nigeria.

    “For weeks, they were in the Southwest holding different medical outreaches free of charge. As a government, we did not pay for their flights, accommodation or the medical care they provided for the beneficiaries of the interventions. He implemented the programmes free of charge behind the scenes.

    “I can also testify as a commissioner under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos State that the governor did everything to make Alausa serve in his State Executive Council (Exco). He was supposed to choose between Commissioner for Education or Health. But he told Asiwaju that he did not support the pro-democracy leaders because he wanted to be in government but because he was obliged to support them.

    “I am also aware of the pressure exerted on him before he accepted to come and serve in the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 16th President of Nigeria. The pressure lasted for some weeks. But somehow along the line, God touched his heart and he agreed to come and be part of us,” Bamidele added.

  • How Education Minister mobilised for NADECO in exile, by Bamidele 

    How Education Minister mobilised for NADECO in exile, by Bamidele 

    ‘Alausa initiated medical outreaches across Southwest’

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has said that Education Minister,  Dr. Tunji Alausa, mobilised resources for the chieftains of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that fled the country when the late Gen. Sani Abacha was military Head of State.

    He also disclosed that Alausa rejected offers to be either Commissioner for Education or Commissioner for Health under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos State. 

    Bamidele (Ekiti Central) revealed Alausa’s interventions for the pro-democracy advocates in Europe and the United States between 1993 and 1999 during the inauguration of the governing council and principal officers of the university on Tuesday in Abuja recently.

    NADECO, a broad coalition of democrats across Nigeria, was established on May 15, 1994 to protest the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola; end the decades of military dictatorship and restore democracy back to the federation.

    Prominent pro-democracy leaders that the rule of the late tyrant forced into exile include Nigeria’s pro-democracy activist, Chief Anthony Enahoro; Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; NADECO’s first Secretary General of the NADECO, Chief Ayo Opadokun and former Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Hon. Olawale Oshun.

    Giving accounts of Alausa’s interventions for pro-democracy advocates in exile recently, Bamidele revealed that when most of them fled their fatherland during the Abacha era, they sustained varying degrees of injury that required urgent medical treatment to save them from their health challenges.

    He, also, revealed that the education minister, then undergoing residency in Internal Medicine at both Royal Bolton Hospital and University of Newcastle between 1995 and 1997, came to the rescue most pro-democracy leaders in exile in Europe and the United States by providing health services for them free of charge.

    The senate leader explained that this present honorable minister “was one of the few people we relied on for many years when most of us fled our fatherland due to threat to our lives and families under the reign of the late tyrant.

    “We were forced to different parts of Europe and the United States. Alausa was then a prosperous medical doctor in the United States. He provided hope for us. He provided resources for us. He provided much-needed medical care for us in exile. Some of the beneficiaries are alive. But some have gone home to be with God. 

    “Then, many of the pro-democracy leaders had to undergo knee surgery in their countries of political asylums. They had sustained injury while being hounded by the Abacha junta. They suffered teargas canisters fired at them when their meetings were disrupted. But in exile, Alausa mobilised medical professionals and resources to support everyone in need of medical care.”

    Read Also: AI projected to boost Nigeria’s economy by $58b by 2030

    He added that when President Bola Tinubu emerged as the Governor of Lagos State in 1999, he wanted to appoint Alausa either as the Commissioner for Education or Commissioner for Health in recognition of his sacrifice and support for the chieftains of NADECO in exile.

    However, according to Bamidele, Alausa declined the offer of appointment on the ground that he did not do what he did for any political appointment or any patronage, but purely out of passion to guarantee the safety and welfare of the victims of the junta, who exercised their rights to push for democracy and freedom.

    Also, the senate leader revealed that the education minister was behind medical outreaches that were organised across all states of the South-west when democracy was eventually restored on May 29, 1999.

    He further explained: “When some of our leaders had the opportunity to come back to Nigeria at the advent of the Fourth Republic, Alausa did not just watch us from his country of residence. He initiated several medical programmes we implemented across all states of the South-west.

    “Alausa was the brain behind such medical programmes as free medical care, free eyeglasses and different surgery programmes that we implemented across the geo-political zone then. He mobilised medical doctors and experts from the diaspora to Nigeria. 

    For weeks, they would be in the South-west holding different medical outreaches free of charge. As a government, we did not pay for their flights, accommodations or the medical care they provided for the beneficiaries of the interventions. He implemented the programmes free of charge behind the scenes. 

    “I can also testify as a commissioner under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos State, the governor did everything to make Alausa serve in his cabinet. He was supposed to choose between Commissioner for Education or Health. But he told Asiwaju that he did not support the pro-democracy leaders because he wanted to be in government, but because he was obliged to support them. 

    “I am also aware of the pressure exerted on him before he accepted to come and serve in the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the 16th President of Nigeria. The pressure lasted for some weeks. But somehow along the line, God touched his heart and he agreed to come and be part of us,” he added.

  • Bamidele x-rays Senate’s search for an efficient governance system

    Bamidele x-rays Senate’s search for an efficient governance system

    Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele recently reported back to his constituents in Ekiti Central during which he x-rayed diverse legislative initiatives the upper chamber had initiated in the last 22 months to guarantee the sustainability of the country’s democratic institutions; deepen the stability of her domestic economy and create an efficient and responsive governance system, Rasaq Ibrahim writes.

    From Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji to the Deputy Governor, Chief Christianah Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye and Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe (Aladesanmi III), eminent sons and daughters of the state converged in a large number on the Pavilion, Ado-Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti recently. 

    The rationale for their convergence was not merely for another carnival. Rather, the gathering was designed for Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele to render accounts of stewardship first as the representative of Ekiti Central in the Senate and also as the leader of the business in the country’s foremost democratic institution, which according to analysts, had come under public scrutiny since the birth of the 10th National Assembly. 

    It was indeed a moment of history that brought together political actors, traditional rulers  and socio-cultural leaders across five local government areas that constituted the senatorial district and beyond. It was also a moment for the constituents to reassess the choice they had made during the 2023 electioneering. It was lastly a moment for Bamidele  to give back to his teeming constituents he was elected to represent at the nation’s foremost parliamentary institution.

    Before the gathering that comprised constituents from five local government areas in Ekiti Central, Bamidele first acknowledged the multiplicity of socio-economic and political issues that confronted the federation at the birth of the 10th National Assembly. He listed the issues to include escalating food prices, security challenges, extreme poverty cases, acute infrastructure deficit and instability in the foreign exchange market, among others.

    Bamidele,thus, commended the constituents and indeed Nigerians for their display of resilience and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leadership of the National Assembly during the challenging times. He pointed out the resolve of the presidency and parliament to work together to duly address all challenges impeding the country’s collective prosperity. 

    Each of these challenges, the senate leader argued, complicated the task of delivering critical services to the people. Undaunted by these challenges, Bamidele equally pointed out diverse creatively designed initiatives, which he observed, the parliament had adopted to address the crises that confronted the country as soon as it came on stream on June 13, 2023.

    The initiatives, according to him, arose from bills, motions and petitions that either originated from the executive arm or members of the upper chamber. Specifically, Bamidele explained the speed at which the parliament worked to ensure decisive responses to all the requests of strategic national interests from the presidency. The momentum was evident in the prompt consideration of money bills, appointment confirmations and other interventions aimed at reinforcing the country’s social cohesion; ensuring economic stability and creating an environment that would incentivise strategic investors.

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    Although he acknowledged the multiplicity of legislative initiatives that the parliament had promoted in the last 22 months, Bamidele mentioned vital ones that impinged directly on nearly all households across the federation. He, however, observed that Nigerians rarely made reference “to such legislatures despite far-reaching positive outcomes they portend for all households.”

    Bamidele first highlighted the repealing and re-enactment of the 2024 National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) Act. Unlike its repealed version, the Act was amended to support vulnerable citizens facing scathing economic conditions heralded by the removal of fuel and forex subsidies.” He further explained the intent of the Act, which according to him, was designed to establish “an effective and accountable structure for service delivery and ensure  adequate coordination among relevant agencies of government.”

    He, thus, observed that the Act “has now guaranteed the sustainability of diverse national social investment programmes as a viable tool for poverty alleviation in Nigeria. We have provided necessary legislative frameworks and strengthened public institutions with capacities to deepen social equity and promote economic growth through other legislative initiatives.”

    The senate leader equally explained the significance of the 2024 Investments and Securities (Repeal and Re-enactment) Act. For him, the new regime was a major milestone in the country’s capital market reform. Now that the Act has been re-enacted, Bamidele argued, it will  strengthen regulatory frameworks for all forms of  investment; enhance the competitiveness of the country’s securities market and regulate digital currencies, fintech companies and other modern financial practices.

    Bamidele cited the implementation of the Students Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024. Historic and transformative, Bamidele reeled out verifiable data, which delineated how the new legislation opened limitless access to tertiary education across the federation. As of 4th April 2025, according to Bamidele, the student loan dashboard revealed that 543,768 had indicated in the scheme while 470,829 applied for the loans.

    Since the scheme came on stream, the senate leader revealed that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had disbursed N49.33 billion based on the information retrieved from the student loan dashboard. Of this figure, according to him, N29.86 billion was disbursed to settle tuitions nationwide while upkeep disbursements gulped N19.47 billion as of 4th April 2025. He thus challenged his constituents to take advantage of the vast opportunities that the scheme offered the youths whose parents could not afford to take up their tuition and upkeep.    

    Likewise, Bamidele explained the imperative of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (Amendment) Act, 2023, which KPMG International observed, would protect children rights; enhance data security; ensure the rights of data subjects and forestall personal data breaches. In essence, according to him, the Act was intended to promote accountability and transparency within the digital media space on the one hand and enhance the country’s economic, educational and digital regulatory frameworks on the other hand. 

    Among others, he cited the development of diverse legislative frameworks, which according to him, the parliament had designed to stabilise the country’s fiscal and monetary spaces; prioritise the stability of internal security; address consumer price inflation and create more functional governance structures. He explained that the parliament had leveraged the power of  strategic collaboration among the arms of government to decisively respond to the governance issues. 

    Beyond what he had leveraged his good office to accomplish as the leader of business in the Senate, Bamidele explained the new scheme he  initiated to support his constituents under the Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment Programme. In 2023, he revealed, the scheme benefitted no fewer than 4,000 constituents. In 2024, he put the number of constituents that benefited from the scheme at 5,000 across the senatorial district.

    Under the 2024 scheme alone, Bamidele further revealed that no fewer than 1,900 received a grant of N100,000 each to boost their businesses;  536 sewing machines distributed to newly certified seamstresses; 303 chest freezers to market women; 146 bags of  organic liquid fertilizers, 57 corn seeders and 10 engine tractors for farmers.

    Coupled with a newly reconstructed Oja Oba Market in Aramoko Ekiti that comprises 100 shops, the senate leader doled out 40,000 notebooks, 10,000 mathematical sets, 10,000 school bags, 10,000 calculator sets to students in public schools within the senatorial district. Among others, 180 motorcycles were distributed to farmers for the purpose of easy access to their farm settlements, 165 tricycles for short township travel and 20 mini buses for intra-city transport services.

    With this account, Oyebanji recalled the request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the government and people of Ekiti State before the 2023 presidential election. When he then visited the state, Oyebanji narrated how President Tinubu requested that the state should allow Senator Bamidele to serve at the federal level, citing his commitment to public causes and patriotic services at the 9th National Assembly.

    Just two years into the administration, Oyebanji noted that Ekiti State, not just Ekiti Central, “has significantly benefited from the resolve of the state to release Senator Bamidele to the president to enable him serve at the federal level. The outcome of that decision is what the people of the state are currently benefiting today evident in  the massive programmes and projects that Senator Bamidele has facilitated to the state.”

    The governor commended the senate leader for the approach he adopted “to select beneficiaries of the 2024 Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment Programme, which accommodates all interests across all local government areas in the district.” He also appreciated his commitment “to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state on behalf of President Tinubu. We can now see the benefits and dividends. We can now see the rationale behind the request of the president then.”

  • Senate will considerTax Reform Bills after resumption – Bamidele

    Senate will considerTax Reform Bills after resumption – Bamidele

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has disclosed that the Senate is looking into all issues of public concern relating to the Tax Reform Bills, 2024, assuring Nigerians that the Upper Chamber chamber will consider the bills immediately after Eid and Easter holidays.

    Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, has also stated the review of the Constitution is still on course, saying the process will lead to a more efficient and responsive governance system when concluded.

    He spoke in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State on Thursday during an empowerment programme that benefitted no fewer than 5,000 of his constituents across five local government areas in Ekiti Central, according to a statement by his media office in Abuja.

    At the programme are Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji; Deputy Governor Chief Christianah Afuye; Ekiti Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye and Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe (Aladesanmi III), among others.

    Bamidele extensively reflected on diverse legislative initiatives that the Senate had promoted since its inauguration on June 13, 2023 to ensure the sustainability of the country’s democracy and the stability of her economy.

    Persuaded by the urgent need to strengthen the country’s economy, Bamidele observed that the upper chamber had focused mainly on the development of legal frameworks “to stabilise the fiscal and monetary spaces; prioritise security; address consumer price inflation and create more functional governance structures.”

    Specifically, the Senate Leader pointed out prominent roles he had played in the formulation and prioritisation of several significant legislative initiatives, which according to him, included the introduction of the Tax Reform Bills 2024.

    He explained the tax reform bills “are game changers that will redefine and transform our country’s fiscal environment significantly. When enacted, the bills will address inequality and injustice that characterise our tax system.”

    Under the proposed tax regime, Bamidele noted that the employees earning ₦1,000,000 or below per annum “will be completely relieved of tax burden. Besides, all businesses with ₦50 million capital or below will now enjoy tax exemptions. Value Added Tax will no longer be placed on exports and essential consumptions by the masses.

    “The essential goods and services include food items, education, transportation and medical treatment, among others. The bills further propose 27.5% in 2025 and 25% in 2026, which according to development data, is conservative compared to 27% in South Africa and 30% in Kenya.

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    “The House of Representatives has successfully passed the Tax Reform Bills 2024. The Senate is looking into all areas of public concern. When we resume plenary after the Eid and Easter holidays, the Senate will consider the bills again; resolve all areas that Nigerians have expressed concerns and pass the bills purely in the national interest.”

    Bamidele, also, emphasised the resolve of the National Assembly to review the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), saying the parliament never relented effort in recrafting the country’s grundnorm.

    Bamidele explained the rationale behind the amendment, which according to him, was designed to evolve “a more efficient and responsive governance system that will serve the interests of all regardless of political bias, ethnicity or religious affiliation.

    “The Senate will continue to provide the legal and regulatory environment that will incentivise foreign direct investments. We are convinced that this initiative will not only positively impact our foreign exchange earnings, but also stabilise the macro-economic landscape.

    “The initiative will, no doubt, boost the country’s revenue generation; improve the living conditions of the people and increase the country’s gross domestic product (GDP),” Bamidele assured constituents and Nigerians at large.

    He added that the efforts were exemplified in the amendment of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) Act, 2024 “to establish an effective and accountable structure for service delivery, and adequate coordination among relevant agencies of government.

    “The Act now guarantees the sustainability of the NSIP as a valuable tool for poverty alleviation in Nigeria. We have provided necessary legislative frameworks and strengthened public institutions with capacities to deepen social equity and promote economic growth.

    “The frameworks are also designed to foster environmental sustainability; encourage greater access to qualitative health care; discourage social dislocation; eliminate terrorism and insecurity and reduce the gap betweens the haves and the haves-not.

    “In December 2024, the Senate passed the Investments and Securities (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2024. The bill, recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was reviewed to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s securities market; address modern financial practices and regulate digital currencies and fintech companies.

    “The Senate, also, amended the Nigeria Data Protection Act (Amendment) Act, 2023 to mandate social media platforms and bloggers to establish physical offices in Nigeria.

    “The amendment further aims at promoting accountability and transparency within the digital media space. This reflects our efforts to enhance Nigeria’s economic, educational and digital regulatory frameworks,” Bamidele further said.

  • Akpabio: Bamidele a shining star

    Akpabio: Bamidele a shining star

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the Leader of the 10th Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, as a star and a worthy Ambassador of Ekiti State.

    Akpabio spoke at the award of Doctorate Degree of Law (honoris causa) by the Ekiti State University (EKSU) on Bamidele, in Ado Ekiti on Saturday.

    A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President, Jackson Udom, quoted him as saying: “Senator Bamidele, the leader of the Senate happens to be a star that Ekiti people sent to the Senate as an Ambassador.

    “As far back as 1992, he was a Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “President Tinubu and the 10th Senate are very proud of your son.

    “I congratulate him and other awardees and admonish us all here to be happy when good things happen to others so that good things will also come to you.

    “The Ekiti State University has created a niche for itself because of the quality of its graduands over the years. Ekiti people are good and great people and they are well respected.

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    “The Ekiti State University is ranked number one among the State Universities and number 12 among all the Universities in Nigeria and that is by no means a small feat.

    “This University has produced great men, and women leaders of today and the future, who are making great strides in the country and beyond, and one of them is the incumbent governor of the state, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, who is also an alumnus of this institution.”

    Akpabio thanked the people of the state for standing by Governor Oyebanji, whom he described as a very humble and respectful public officer.

    He said: “Governor Oyebanji is the most Senate-friendly governor in Nigeria. He is humble, loves the legislature and we have the highest regard for him.”

    Akpabio assured the indigenes of the Senate’s readiness to ensure that fund is appropriated for the construction of the airport road.

    He promised to work with the relevant agencies of government to ensure that fund so far spent on federal roads in the state is refunded to the state.

  • Bamidele: National Assembly prevented descent to anarchy in Rivers

    Bamidele: National Assembly prevented descent to anarchy in Rivers

    …says parliament should be commended, not vilified

    The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele on Saturday defended the decision of the National Assembly to ratify the proclamation of state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, noting that they should be commended and not vilified.

    As a responsible and responsive parliament, Bamidele argued that an emergency “is an extraordinary measure, and it must be treated as such in the interest of peace and without subjecting to the scrutiny of some parochial interests.”

    He made these clarifications yesterday at the 29th convocation of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State where he was decorated with a honorary degree, Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa.

    Bamidele received the honour yesterday alongside Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch Adedeji and Chairman, Governing Board, Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, thus making it the third honorary doctorate he had received between January 2003 and March 2025.

    The convocation was attended by President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jubril Barau; Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Lola Ashiru; Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, among others.

    Giving insight into the patriotic interventions of the National Assembly, Bamidele observed that the proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers State and its ratification by the National Assembly significantly eased political tension in the state.

    But for this laudable decision that prevented further descent into anarchy in Rivers State, the senate leader said the National Assembly “has been subjected to all forms of toxic criticism that do not portray us well before the comity of nations.

    “What exactly do we want as a people? A federation that functions for all? Or a federation that relapses into an intractable crisis? We must recognise that emergency rule is an extraordinary measure, and it must be treated as such in the interest of peace and security.

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    “As stipulated in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the National Assembly is required to provide its details. The provisions of the 1999 Constitution cannot be interpreted casually without proper understanding of the Nigeria Interpretation Act. 2004.

    “As a responsible and responsive parliament that sees peace and stability as a catalyst of growth and development, we were inaugurated into office to promote a nation that works for all and that guarantees the peaceful coexistence of all.

    “This desire defines our resolve to ratify the proclamation of the state of emergency in Rivers State with far-reaching provisions. One of such provisions is the constitution of the National Peace Committee to midwife the peace process between the Executive and Legislature in the state.

    “We should be commended for this laudable initiative and not be vilified by some political actors, who do not bother about what happens to our national security, but about their parochial interest. Regardless of their unpatriotic moves, we firmly stand for the peace and stability of Nigeria.

    “We shall continue to leverage the Authority of the National Assembly to guarantee her peaceful co-existence. Our decision, as an institution, is taken purely in the national interest. If any interest is unsatisfied with it, they can as well seek redress in the law court,” Bamidele reflected.

    He expressed grave concerns about a barrage of attacks that the opposition parties are viciously launching against the National Assembly, noting that the reasons for such attacks “are purely based on emotion and not reasons; sentiment and not substance.

    “Regardless of baseless and needless attacks our critics are throwing at the National Assembly, we are undeterred because we are truly on a rescue mission. The essence of the mission aims at bringing our fatherland from the abyss of regression to the path of progression through the enactment of pro-people legislations and by cultivating strategic collaboration with other arms of government.

    “Collaboration, in this sense, does not suggest the erosion of the independence of the National Assembly for any reason. Rather, in reality, it reinforces the spirit of interdependence that constitutional democracy entails in order to resolve hydra-headed issues that often clog the mechanism of accountable governance,” he clarified.

    Bamidele, therefore, revealed that the National Assembly more than before “is now focused on building a federation that enjoys internal stability and that rests solidly on the rules of law through the instrumentality of legislation, oversight and representation.

    “We are also committed to creating a system that will enable quality education; that will guarantee limitless placements for all our graduates; that will prioritise access to decent houses nationwide; that will significantly reverse our nation’s reports of untold misery and that will, most importantly, remove all barriers to gender inequality.

    “How can our nation attain this lofty status without a strategic collaboration being forged among various arms of government? This is the exact question that our hardened critics have failed to ask themselves. Anyway, we have left them to their politically motivated attacks.

    “This does not suggest we are afraid of criticisms as the foremost democratic institution. We are not and we will never be because we believe democracy naturally thrives on public criticism. But such criticisms must be constructive and well structured with the intention of providing alternative, credible and patriotic initiatives, “Bamidele observed.

    Also, at the convocation, Pro- Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Akin Oyebode acknowledged the contribution of alumni of the institution toward its development, saying the alumni plays significant roles in giving support to their alma mater in many institutions all over the world.

    He specifically spoke about how the alumni association facilitated the donation of two medical hostels (male and female) through Senator Bamidele.

    He added that the alumni through Senator Bamidele ensured construction of another two medical hostels, a mini stadium to the university and the construction of two kilometres road linking the alumni village with the college of medicine, as well as the 500 capacities CBE Centre and FM Radio Station.

    In his own address, the Vice-chancellor of the university, Prof. Joseph Ayodele said he was elated about the recent ranking of the institution as Nigeria’s best state university by the Times Higher Education.

    Ayodele, also, noted that the success of the institution could be linked to improvement in the monthly subvention of the university from N260 million to N410 million monthly.

    He commended the contribution of alumni association to the rapid development of the institution through strategic collaboration with Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

  • How economic predators ganged up against Tinubu over fuel subsidy removal, by Bamidele

    How economic predators ganged up against Tinubu over fuel subsidy removal, by Bamidele

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, on Monday, revealed how economic predators ganged up against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over fuel subsidy removal at the inception of his administration.

    Bamidele, according to a statement by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, explained how key beneficiaries of fuel subsidies made governance difficult for Tinubu in the first 18 months of his administration.

    Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central in the Senate, also expressed confidence that the 2025 Appropriation Act would largely solve the country’s socio-economic challenges not only at the national level, but also at the states and local government area levels.

    He however highlighted the imperatives of fuel subsidy removal at the inception of the Tinubu administration.

    He specifically explained the socio-economic and political predicament that confronted the president, describing how the economic predators fought and undermined his administration because he removed the fuel subsidy in the overriding public interest.

    Bamidele said: “I am convinced that the President did the right thing by removing the fuel subsidy, for which the 9th National Assembly made provision till May 2023.

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

    “It was not common men and women of this country who were benefiting from the fuel subsidy. It was not.

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

    “I was part of the 9th National Assembly. At that time, we had agreed with the executive arm that the fuel subsidy should be removed because it was no longer in the overriding interest of the country.

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

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    “In the 2023 budget, the National Assembly only made provision for fuel subsidy till May 2023. Whether President Tinubu was removed at his inauguration or not, there was no longer funding for subsidy because we did not make provision for it beyond May 2023.

    “He did not say he was going to remove the fuel subsidy. He simply said fuel subsidy was gone simply because the National Assembly only made provision for it till May 2023.

    “Even if he did not say it, the fuel subsidy would have gone in two days after his inauguration.”

    Bamidele noted that if the National Assembly made provision for subsidy, it would definitely deny all the sub-national governments from receiving adequate statutory transfers from the Federation Accounts to run their administration.

    He further noted that if the fuel subsidy was retained, it would have automatically plunged the country into an intractable fiscal crisis, possibly another economic meltdown because the country no longer had the capacity to fund the subsidy programme again.

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

    “Running an economy indeed calls for strategic response. The strategic steps being taken are not something that will yield a positive outcome within 24 hours. If subsidy has not been removed, our economy will have been in shambles or will have been flat on the floor.

    “This administration has not been in office for up to two years. Some much has been achieved across all strategic sectors, and diverse reforms are ongoing to further deepen the gains of the administration. If fuel subsidy is retained, only God knows what will have happened to this federation,” the leader observed.

    Bamidele, also, assured Nigerians that the 2025 Appropriation Act would largely solve diverse challenges that had been confronting the country not only at the national level, but also at the sub-national level.

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

    “For instance, statutory transfers to the sub-national governments from the Federal Accounts have significantly increased. There is not much emphasis on it.”

    He noted that the sub-national governments, both state and local, “are also passing their budgets. What is important is to get the focus of the budget at the national level and sub national levels right.

    “What is the focus of the 2025 budget being passed? Does it address the welfare of the people? Does it prioritise the critical sector of the economy, including education? What is the scale of attention being paid to health and social welfare? What is the percentage of the budget going to agriculture?

    “Compared to the previous fiscal years, the federal government is devoting less to recurrent expenditure while more is being devoted to capital expenditure. That is a major shift from what had been in practice since the return to democracy. It means we are spending less on consumables,” he said.

    Besides, the leader commended the president for implementing diverse measures to stabilise the domestic economy, saying his administration “is determined not to retrench Nigerian workers regardless of the situation the country finds itself in.”

    He noted that retrenching workers “is not an option before this administration because it will cause more problems. Look at our situation. We are confronted with grave security challenges that nearly erode the gains of the administration, especially in the area of agriculture. This is mainly because people could no longer go to farms. It was quite a bad situation but we are gradually coming out of it.

    “While it is not yet Uhuru, the security situation is fast improving across the federation today. Some of the IDPs are gradually relocating to their base. Farmers are too steadily returning to their farms. Altogether, things are improving. I am sure that things will be different very soon.”