Tag: Senate

The Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation is set to launch a strategic framework that will create a clear roadmap for Africa and all Black race to reclaim its stolen patrimony.

In this regard, the Committee has resolved to meet with Ambassadors and High Commissioners of all African Countries tomorrow with a view to  forging  a common position on how to address the injustice visited on the continent during colonial rule.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ned Nwoko (APC – Delta North) disclosed this during an interactive session on historical and systemic injustices, reparative justice and the repatriation of African cultural, human and economic patrimony held at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Nwoko expressed the Senate’s readiness to actively pursue the repatriation of Nigeria’s looted cultural artefacts.

As part of its core mandate to address historical injustices inflicted by slavery and colonialism, the Committee called on stakeholders, including legislators, policymakers, civil society leaders, legal experts, historians, and international partners to contribute insights that would help shape an “African-common position” and galvanise global support for restitution efforts.

The Committee, according to Nwoko, is committed to collating credible evidence of wrongdoings by individuals, states, corporations, and institutions, both past and present, with the goal of addressing systemic injustices that have marginalised groups within Nigeria and Africans in the diaspora.

Nwoko said, “The Committee’s work is structured, evidence-based, and far-reaching, aiming not only to address cultural and historical matters but also to cover various sectors affected by historical injustices.

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“The work before us is not symbolic or ceremonial, we are empowered to investigate local and international injustices past and ongoing and make concrete recommendations for compensation and redress.”

Also, the Committee seeks to establish dialogical frameworks and propose legal and policy templates aligned with national and international laws, collaborating with experts in law, history, anthropology, economics, and diplomacy.

In line with the committee’s mandate and to support its efforts, it appointed Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, a development strategist and cultural advocate, as consultant.

Anyaduba will advise on strategy, stakeholder engagement, international partnerships, and communications, particularly in promoting awareness and advocating for the repatriation of stolen artefacts and reparative justice.

His appointment is seen as strategic for amplifying Nigeria’s agenda on reparations and shaping its global cultural legacy.

The Committee also plans to engage local and international stakeholders through dialogue, diplomacy, and policy development to facilitate the return of cultural assets looted during colonialism and slavery.

Citing the Niger Delta oil degradation, extrajudicial killings, lead poisoning in Zamfara, and incidents such as Daki Biyu demolitions, the chairman said there are “no-go areas” for the Committee except cases currently under active judicial consideration.

“We will deal with cases involving military abuse, multinational corporations, or government negligence.

“Our door is open to all Nigerians and Africans seeking justice, as long as the matter is not before the courts,” he said, urging litigants to withdraw pending cases if they want the Committee to intervene.

This initiative aligns with broader global efforts to reclaim cultural heritage and seek restorative justice for historical wrongs.

The Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations has resolved to meet with Ambassadors and High Commissioners of all African Countries on Monday to forge a common position on how to address the injustice meted out on the continent during colonial rule.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta North), disclosed this during a one-day interactive session on historical and systemic injustices, reparative justice and the repatriation of African cultural, human and economic patrimony held at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Nwoko expressed the Senate’s readiness to actively pursue the repatriation of Nigeria’s looted cultural artefacts.

As part of its core mandate to address historical injustices inflicted by slavery and colonialism, the Committee called on stakeholders, including legislators, policymakers, civil society leaders, legal experts, historians, and international partners, to contribute insights that would help shape an “African-common position” and galvanise global support for restitution efforts.

Nwoko noted that the Committee is committed to collating credible evidence of wrongdoings by individuals, states, corporations, and institutions, both past and present, with the goal of addressing systemic injustices that have marginalized groups within Nigeria and the African diaspora.

Nwoko said, “The Committee’s work is structured, evidence-based, and far-reaching, aiming not only to address cultural and historical matters but also to cover various sectors affected by historical injustices.

“The work before us is not symbolic or ceremonial, we are empowered to investigate local and international injustices, past and ongoing and make concrete recommendations for compensation and redress.”

Also, the committee seeks to establish dialogical frameworks and propose legal and policy templates aligned with national and international laws, collaborating with experts in law, history, anthropology, economics, and diplomacy.

In line with the committee’s mandate and to support its efforts, it appointed Chukwuebuka Anyaduba, a development strategist and cultural advocate, as a consultant.

Read Also: Insecurity: Senate urges Fed Govt to seek foreign help, upgrade military kits

Anyaduba, Nwoko said, will advise on strategy, stakeholder engagement, international partnerships, and communications, particularly in promoting awareness and advocating for the repatriation of stolen artefacts and reparative justice.

His appointment is seen as strategic for amplifying Nigeria’s agenda on reparations and shaping its global cultural legacy.

The Committee also plans to engage local and international stakeholders through dialogue, diplomacy, and policy development to facilitate the return of cultural assets looted during colonialism and slavery.

Citing the Niger Delta oil degradation, extrajudicial killings, lead poisoning in Zamfara, and incidents such as Daki Biyu demolitions, the Chairman declared, there are “no-go areas” for the Committee except cases currently under active judicial consideration.

“We will deal with cases involving military abuse, multinational corporations, or government negligence.

 “Our door is open to all Nigerians and Africans seeking justice, as long as the matter is not before the courts,” he said, urging litigants to withdraw pending cases if they want the Committee to intervene

This initiative aligns with broader global efforts to reclaim cultural heritage and seek restorative justice for historical wrongs.

• Red Chamber plans meetings with regional stakeholders

The Senate yesterday urged the Federal Government to seek foreign help to enable the country to overcome the growing insecurity in the land.

The Red Chamber was reacting to rising cases of bandit attacks and the killing of military personnel and innocent Nigerians by armed bandits across the country.

It advised the government to charge the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police, and other security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities as well as develop innovative ways to combat the rising spate of insecurity in the country;

The Senate also urged the Federal Government to collaborate and engage with foreign influences to develop modern ways of fighting insecurity with the use of technological and scientific means “to save and protect the lives of our patriotic officers and men in the security agencies to minimise casualty level during operations”.

The resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of a motion, titled: “Armed bandits attack on the Nigerian Military Base around Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State: Urgent need for the Federal Government to step up and upgrade its security apparatus to check the rising spate of incessant attacks by bandits and terrorists

across the country.”

The motion was sponsored by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC, Niger North) and co-sponsored by Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) and Senator Peter Jiya (Niger South).

In his lead debate, Musa said the Senate “notes that in the early hours of Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the news of the unfortunate bandit attack on a military base around Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State was reported across all media platforms in the country.

“Also notes with grief that in the said attack, where the military men were ambushed by the bandits, about 20 patriotic soldiers reportedly lost their lives and a score of them suffered some levels of injuries.

“Further notes that before the bandit attack in Niger State on that day, bandits also struck in Tofa village of Magami District in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where about 15 residents were killed.

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“Similarly, another incident of bandit attack, led by the gang of the notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, engaged our security forces in gunfire on the same day, where about 100 lives were allegedly lost near Cida village in Shinkafi Local Government of Sokoto State.

“Concerned that the area where the attack took place in Niger State is partly controlled by bandits and has been ravaged by incessant attacks on civilians, military personnel and local miners.

“These bandits are also involved in kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and violence against women.

“Observes that from reported attacks by bandits from the various parts of the country, it is clear that these criminal elements are getting more and more emboldened by their heinous and nefarious activities, hence the need for adequate security measures to be put in place to nip in the bud, this rising spate of insecurity in the country.”

“Also observes that the country can only win the war against banditry and terrorism by deploying scientific and modern security apparatus as well as collaborating with other jurisdictions, which have done so much in the areas of fighting insurgency and insecurity; and

“Further observes that asymmetrical battles like the ones our military are fighting with the bandits and terrorists in the country, cannot be won by the normal conventional way of military operations, therefore, the Government must bring together all the stakeholders in the security sector to brainstorm on how best to curb this ugly menace.”

Senators supported the motion and approved the prayers when they were put to a voice vote by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary.

The Senate yesterday confirmed the nomination of candidates for appointment as chairmen, managing directors, executive directors, and members of the board of the South West Development Commission (SWDC), the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), and the North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of the recommendations of its committees on SWDC, SSDC, and NCDC during plenary.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on SWDC, Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), presented the report and recommended that the following nominees be confirmed by the Senate as the chairman and members of the board of the commission.

They are: Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Chairman), Dr. Charles Akindiji Akinola (Managing Director), Mr. Olusegun Joshua Olufehinti (Executive Director, Projects), Mr. Tele Ogunjobi (Executive Director, Finance), Fumilayo Tejuosho (Executive Director, Corporate Services), Mr. Fatai Ibikunle (Executive Director, Commercial & Environmental Development), and Alhaji Lateef Oladimeji Ajijola (Executive Director, Social & Human Capital Development).

Other nominees confirmed for appointment as members of the SWDC are: Bolaji Idris Ariyo (Lagos State), Mr. Joseph Akin Olugbenga Olorunshola (Ekiti), Scholastic Olanike Omoworare (Osun), Mr. Oluwamuyiwa Timothy Olabintan (Ogun), Dr. Adewinle Olajide Martins (Ondo), Dr. Ibrahim Adeniyi Olaifa (Oyo), Kabiru Ado Lakwaya (Northwest), Rear Admiral Abdul Biu Adamu (retd.) Northeast; Mr. Fagbemi Akinola Benjamin (Northcentral), Dr. Ukoha Onyekwere (Southeast), and Alwell Ihenacho (Southsouth).

Also, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on SSDC, Konbowel, Benson Friday (Bayelsa Central), recommended the following nominees for appointment as Chairman, MD, EDs, and members of the board of the commission. They are: Chibudom Nwuche (Chairman), Usoro Offiong Akpabio (Managing Director), Marcus Nle Eji (Executive Director, Project), Aganaba Preye Steven (Executive Director, Social and Human Capital Development), Dr. Timi Alari Ayibatonye (Executive Director, Corporate Services), Joseph Ugheoke (Executive Director, Commercial and Environmental Development), and Ambassador Sony Abang (Executive Director, Finance).

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Those confirmed for appointment as members of the board of the SSDC are: Larry Odey (Cross Rivers), Charles Zuofa (Bayelsa), Dr. Nkereuwem Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Chika Chinda (Rivers), Femi Osie (Edo), Dr. Charles Sylvester Enukhowhate (Delta), Tijani Yahaya Kaura (Northwest), Tabitha Ilya Sallah (Northeast), Alhaji Yusuf Rasaq Amao (Northcentral), Joseph Mmamal (Southeast) and Bukonla Braimoh (Southwest).

The Chairman Senate Committee on NCDC, Titus Zam (Benue North-West), recommended the following nominees for appointment as Chairman, Managing Director, Executive Directors and members of the commission which were approved by the Senate.

They are: Cosmas T. Akighir (Chairman), Tsenyil Cyril Yiltsen (Managing Director), James Abel Uloko (Executive Director), Princess Atika Ajanah (Executive Director, Project), Hajia Bilqis Jimoke Sanni (Executive Director), Hajia Aishatu Rujui Ibrahim (Executive Director), and Muhammad Bashar (Executive Director).

The nominees for appointment as members of the board of the NCDC include Dauda Shuaibu Kigbu (Nasarawa), Zakari Haliru Jikantoro (Niger), Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali (Kogi), Rev. Bunmi Olusona (Kwara), Dr. Umar Ibrahim Mantu (Plateau), Atotse Abraham (Benue), Solomon Adodo (FCT), Abdulkadir S. Usman (North West), Habu Mamman (North East), Dr. Atinuke Owolabi (Southwest), Racheal Kufre Nse (Southsouth) and Chief Boniface Izziogu (Southeast).

…to engage with victims of armed violence 

Amid security challenges across Nigeria, the Senate has announced plans to engage key stakeholders in each of the six geo-political zones to uncover the root causes of insecurity and develop practical solutions for lasting peace.

The initiative was unveiled by the Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on National Security Summit, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during the committee’s inaugural meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bamidele emphasized that no investment in infrastructure can yield meaningful results without first addressing the country’s security concerns. 

“Transforming pervasive insecurity into enduring peace is at the heart of this summit,” he stated.

The Senate had earlier constituted a 20-member committee to lead the National Security Summit in response to growing threats to lives, property, and critical infrastructure nationwide. Members include prominent lawmakers such as Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno, Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, Minority Whip Senator Osita Ngwu, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ahmed Lawan, and Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, among others.

According to Bamidele, the committee’s zonal meetings will provide a platform for community-driven dialogue and region-specific strategies. 

“The goal is to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location or status, can live and work in peace,” he said.

“To achieve this objective, the committee will first hold meetings with critical stakeholders in each geo-political zone with a view to unravelling the root causes of security challenges, identifying key actors behind it and devising measures for their effective management.

“The committee shall also engage victims of armed violence in different parts of the federation for the purpose of seeking diverse perspectives to these challenges. We will interact with our people on ground; listen to their fear and apprehension and garner their suggestions on how to transform insecurity to effective order,” Bamidele said. 

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He further explained that Nigeria “can only be on the path of development and prosperity when peace and unity are guaranteed. 

Therefore, the committee will work round the clock to come up with far-reaching measures that will bring about peace and stability 

“The summit will involve every segment of Nigerian society; traditional institutions, government agencies, military and intelligence/security agencies, and local government, the media and other public spirited individuals and groups with good ideas to share towards attaining the desired outcome of the summit.”

Providing insight into the country’s security dynamics, the Senate Leader noted the ugly trends of banditry and kidnapping in the North-west; terrorism and extremist violence in the North-east; farmers-herders crisis in the North-central; separatism and gang violence in the South-east; environmental conflict and oil theft in the South-south as well as abduction and ritual killings in the South-west.

The chairman noted that the activities of insurgents and bandits “were restricted to the North-east and North-west in the past with a few states attacked in the North-central. Today, however, Kwara is negatively affected. The story of Benue is getting worse by the day.

“In the South-east, the separatist and farmers-herdsmen conflicts are becoming almost a daily occurrence. This is compounded by the menace of kidnap for ransom. The South-west is not left out of this plague, especially with the increasing cases of ritual killing.

“The South-south, too, is plagued with the incessant vandalisation of national oil assets, kidnapping, oil theft, piracy and sea armed robbery. All these issues constitute economic sabotage to our fatherland,” Bamidele said.

The Senate on Thursday expressed deep concern over the growing wave of bandit attacks and the killing of military personnel and innocent citizens across various parts of the country.

In a resolution, the upper chamber called on the federal government to ensure that the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, and other security agencies rise to the occasion and adopt innovative strategies to tackle the worsening security crisis.

The Senate also urged the government to seek international collaboration and adopt modern, technology-driven methods to strengthen national security and reduce casualties among security personnel during operations.

During the session, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honour of the soldiers who lost their lives in a recent attack in Niger State, as well as other fallen heroes who have paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.

The resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Armed bandits attack on the Nigerian Military Base around Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State: Urgent need for the Federal Government to step up and upgrade its security apparatus to check the rising spate of incessant attacks by bandits and terrorists

across the country.”

The motion was sponsored by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC – Niger North) and co-sponsored by Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) and Senator Peter Jiya (Niger South).

Senator Musa while presenting the lead debate said the Senate: “Notes that in the early hours of Tuesday, 24th June, 2025, the news of the unfortunate bandit’s attack on a military base around Kwanan Dutse, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State was reported across all media platforms in the country;

“Also notes with grief that in the said attack, where the military men were ambushed by the bandits, about 20 patriotic soldiers reportedly lost their lives and a score of them suffered some levels of injuries.

Read Also: Senate panel summons NNPCL boss over audit discrepancies

“Further notes that before the bandit attack in Niger State on that day, bandits also struck in Tofa village of Magami district in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where about 15 residents were killed.

“Similarly, another incident of bandit attack, led by the gang of the notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji, engaged our security forces in gunfire on the same day, where about 100 lives were allegedly lost near Cida village in Shinkafi Local Government of Sokoto State.

“Concerned that the area where the attack took place in Niger State is partly controlled by bandits and has been ravaged by incessant attacks on civilians, military personnel and local miners.

“These bandits are also involved in kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and violence against women.

“Observes that from reported attacks by bandits from the various parts of the country, it is clear that these criminal elements are getting more and more emboldened by their heinous and nefarious activities, hence the need for adequate security measures to be put in place to nip in the bud, this rising spate

of insecurity in the country.

“Also observes that the country can only win the war against banditry and terrorism by deploying scientific and modern security apparatus as well as collaborate with other jurisdictions, which have done so much in the areas fighting insurgency and insecurity; and

“Further observes that asymmetrical battles like the ones our military are fighting with the bandits and terrorists in the country, cannot be won by the normal conventional way of military operations, therefore, it is imperative that the Government bring together all the stakeholders in the security sector to brainstorm on how best to curb this ugly menace.”

Senators supported the motion and approved the prayers when they were put to voice vote by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin who presided over plenary.