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Tag: Senate

  • Bill to assign official roles to monarchs scales second reading in Senate

    Bill to assign official roles to monarchs scales second reading in Senate

    A bill which seeks to establish the National Council for Traditional Rulers with the objective of formally giving monarchs and community heads important official roles has scaled second reading in Senate.

    The bill was sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South). 

    The Bill generated widespread debate among lawmakers when it was first introduced, with concerns expressed over potential conflicts between the responsibilities of traditional rulers and elected officials at the Local Government level.

    But Lalong, a former Governor of Plateau State,  noted that present day traditional rulers are well-educated and can provide valuable counsel on issues such as insecurity and other national matters, which could assist the government in addressing the needs of the citizens.

    The former Director-General of the Tinubu-Shettima Campaign Council also asserted that they would be useful in the areas of security and conflict resolution in local communities.

    According to him: “When there are crises and killings, the first thing people say is ‘let’s hold the traditional ruler responsible.’ It is true in their communities, they know everybody, including the criminals. But we expect them to be the ones running up and down.

    “We need to charge them with responsibilities where they will be committed. But for now, you can’t hold them responsible. As the director-general of the campaign for Asiwaju and Kashim, we went around having some meetings with these traditional rulers.

    “Every time we want them to participate, they ask to be given a role. So, it was also part of our (electioneering) campaign.

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    “So, I don’t see how we can jettison that when we are struggling for a constitutional amendment with respect to security. If we don’t have security, every other thing we are doing is rubbish.”

    However, some senators still expressed concerns about the possibility of overlapping duties and emphasised the need for the bill to clearly delineate the roles of traditional rulers and government officials to avoid confusion.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of clearly defining the functions of traditional rulers within the bill.

    He also suggested holding a public hearing to gather input before the bill proceeds to a third reading.

    Akpabio noted the value traditional rulers could bring in providing counsel on a wide range of issues that could benefit the government.

    Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters for further legislative work and to report back in four weeks.

  • Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations: A threat to 10th Senate’s integrity

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations: A threat to 10th Senate’s integrity

    By Ahmed Tijani Ibn Mustapha

    In recent weeks , Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has embarked on a calculated campaign to tarnish the reputation of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and undermine the credibility of the 10th Senate. Her tactics, which include baseless accusations, character assassination, and the manipulation of facts, have not only raised eyebrows but also cast a shadow over the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative arm. This article seeks to expose the unsavoury methods employed by Senator Natasha in her quest to drag the Senate President and the institution of the Senate into disrepute.

    One of the most egregious tactics employed by Senator Natasha is her repeated accusation of sexual harassment against the Senate President. These allegations, which she has echoed in the media and public forums, are not only damaging but also lack any substantive evidence. Despite the gravity of such claims, Senator Natasha has failed to provide even the tiniest shred of proof to substantiate her accusations. This raises serious questions about her motives and the credibility of her claims.

    In a society where allegations of sexual harassment are taken seriously and can have far-reaching consequences, it is irresponsible and unethical to make such claims without evidence. By doing so, Senator Natasha not only undermines the fight against genuine cases of harassment but also weaponizes serious societal issues for personal and political gain. Her actions are a disservice to the very cause she claims to champion.

    Another example of Senator Natasha’s manipulative tactics is her distortion of the circumstances surrounding her suspension from the Senate. Contrary to her claims, her suspension was a direct result of her disorderly conduct on the floor of the Senate, a fact that has been well-documented. However, Senator Natasha has chosen to twist this narrative, falsely asserting that she was suspended for making allegations against the Senate President.

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    This deliberate misrepresentation of facts is a classic example of how Senator Natasha seeks to portray herself as a victim while deflecting attention from her own misconduct. By framing her suspension as an act of political victimization, she attempts to garner public sympathy and divert scrutiny from her actions. This tactic is not only dishonest but also undermines the integrity of the Senate’s disciplinary processes.

    Senator Natasha’s recent actions are not an isolated incident but rather part of a pattern of behavior. In 2014, she accused Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, of making inappropriate advances during a visit to the Presidential Villa. However, Omokri vehemently denied these allegations and provided irrefutable evidence to prove that he was not even in the country on the date in question. This incident serves as a stark reminder of Senator Natasha’s propensity for making unsubstantiated claims to further her agenda.

    One can only speculate on the motivations driving Senator Natasha’s campaign of blackmail and character assassination. However, it is not unreasonable to assume that her objective is to elevate her own political standing by tearing others down. In a political landscape where public perception often shapes success, Senator Natasha appears to have chosen the path of destruction rather than constructive engagement.

    Her actions, however, come at a great cost. By targeting the Senate President and the institution of the Senate, she not only undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s legislative arm but also erodes public trust in the democratic process. Her tactics are a disservice to the Nigerian people, who deserve leaders committed to integrity, transparency, and accountability.

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s campaign of blackmail and character assassination is a dangerous and destructive force in Nigerian politics. Her baseless allegations, manipulation of facts, and history of unsubstantiated accusations reveal a pattern of behavior that is both unethical and damaging. As citizens, we must demand better from our leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. The integrity of our democracy depends on it.

    It is time for Senator Natasha to either provide concrete evidence to support her claims or cease her campaign of defamation. The Nigerian people deserve leaders who are committed to truth, justice, and the common good, not those who seek to rise by pulling others down. The 10th Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, must remain focused on its mandate to serve the nation, undeterred by the distractions of those who seek to undermine its work.

    Ahmed Tijani Ibn Mustapha, Public Affairs analyst | Social commentator

  • Group condemns Senate’s suspension of Natasha

    Group condemns Senate’s suspension of Natasha

    Advocacy group FixPolitics has criticized the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it a suppression of democratic representation and a reflection of systemic gender bias in Nigerian politics.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended after her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio were dismissed on procedural grounds by the Senate’s ethics committee.

    In a statement, FixPolitics Executive Director, Anthony Ubani, condemned the decision, arguing that it not only silences the senator but also disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central by stripping them of their constitutional right to representation.

    Ubani further highlighted the declining number of female senators, noting that representation has dropped nearly 50%—from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly. 

    He warned that the suspension sets a dangerous precedent, discouraging women from participating in politics and silencing victims of harassment.

    “This action blatantly disregards judicial precedents, including Senator Ali Ndume v. Senate of Nigeria (2018) and Senator Dino Melaye v. Senate of Nigeria (2016), which affirm that lawmakers cannot be suspended in ways that strip their constituents of representation. 

    “The Senate’s repeated defiance of these rulings raises serious concerns about its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative processes. Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks. 

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    “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension highlights the systemic barriers and entrenched misogyny that Nigerian women face in politics and society at large. 

    “The unconstitutional removal of a duly elected legislator denies constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly. In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised—an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). 

    “The Senate, as Nigeria’s highest law making body, must uphold the rule of law rather than continuously flout court rulings that protect the rights of elected representatives and their constituents. 

    “FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

    “We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially—free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”

  • Senate vows to track stolen crude through global payment trails

    Senate vows to track stolen crude through global payment trails

    The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, yesterday promised to adopt digital financial tracking tools to expose illicit transactions, recover stolen crude revenues, and enhance transparency in Nigeria’s oil sector.

    The committee’s Chairman Ned Nwoko made the promise when the HOSTCON Youth Council of Nigeria visited him in his office at the National Assembly in Abuja.

    The HOSTCON Youth Council of Nigeria, led by its National President, Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, had reaffirmed the council’s commitment to fighting crude oil theft, emphasising that collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and decisive action would ensure security for Nigeria’s economic future.

    Nwoko said the Federal Government had engaged international experts to trace payments linked to stolen crude.

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    “No transaction is beyond detection anymore,” he stated, adding: “We can track payments, identify beneficiaries, and hold them accountable. Our priority is to protect Nigeria’s resources and restore economic integrity.”

    Acknowledging the involvement of some security operatives, oil firms, and illegal refiners in oil theft, the Delta North senator said the committee would prioritise stakeholder engagement and organise a public hearing to bring together the military, the police, regulators, and host communities for a coordinated response.

    “We need all hands on deck. If you have intelligence on oil theft, now is the time to step forward,” Nwoko said.

    To address the security loopholes in the matter, he said the committee was planning to establish an independent security task force that would comprise fresh personnel from the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and other intelligence agencies.

    “The existing security framework has been infiltrated. We are creating a new task force with fresh leadership to ensure accountability,” he said.

  • Senate vows to track stolen crude through global payment trails

    Senate vows to track stolen crude through global payment trails

    The Senate ad-hoc committee on crude oil theft on Wednesday disclosed that it will adopt a digital financial tracking tools to expose illicit transactions, recover stolen crude revenues, and enhance transparency in Nigeria’s oil sector.

    The chairman of the committee, Senator Ned Nwoko, made this commitment when the HOSTCON Youth Council of Nigeria visited him in his office at the National Assembly.

    Speaking at the National Assembly during a visit by the HOSTCON Youth Council of Nigeria, led by its national president, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder,

    He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting crude oil theft, emphasising that collaboration, intelligence-sharing, and decisive action are key to securing Nigeria’s economic future.

    Nwoko revealed that international experts have been engaged to trace payments linked to stolen crude.

    “No transaction is beyond detection anymore,” he stated, adding, “We can track payments, identify beneficiaries, and hold them accountable. Our priority is to protect Nigeria’s resources and restore economic integrity.”

    Acknowledging the involvement of security operatives, oil firms, and illegal refiners in oil theft, he further said the committee will prioritise stakeholder engagement and organise a public hearing that will bring together the military, police, regulators, and host communities to ensure a coordinated response.

    “We need all hands on deck. If you have intelligence on oil theft, now is the time to step forward,” Nwoko told the members of the council led by its National President, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder.

    He noted that to address security loopholes, the committee plans to establish an independent security task force comprising fresh personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and other intelligence agencies.

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    “The existing security framework has been infiltrated,” Nwoko said. “We are creating a new task force with fresh leadership to ensure accountability.”

    He said that beyond enforcement, the committee would also address host community concerns, including fair compensation, environmental restoration, and economic integration.

    Nwoko also proposed supporting small-scale refiners with modular refinery projects instead of criminalising them.

    He said: “Countries worldwide support small-scale refiners to enhance domestic capacity. Nigeria must adopt a similar model.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Comrade Fiawei lauded Nwoko’s leadership, pledging HOSTCON Youth Council’s support in tackling oil theft.

    The council later conferred on Nwoko the title of Patron and presented him with a ‘Credence of Honour’ award in recognition of his contributions to national development.

  • Senate urges INEC to fill two existing vacancies in red chamber

    Senate urges INEC to fill two existing vacancies in red chamber

    The Senate on Tuesday urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently commence processes to fill existing vacancies for Anambra-South Senatorial District and Edo-Central Senatorial District.

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made the call during plenary in Abuja.

    The Anambra-South Senatorial District seat became vacant in the red chamber following the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah on July 26, 2024, while the vacancy in the Edo Central Senatorial District followed the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the Governor of Edo State.

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    Okpebholo was sworn-in as Governor of Edo State on November 12, 2024.

    Besides, both lawmakers were members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Akpabio, who had formally declared the two seats vacant, on Tuesday, during plenary, directed INEC to urgently conduct bye-elections to fill the vacancies.

  • Senate seeks restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency by INEC

    Senate seeks restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency by INEC

    The Senate has called for the restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency, Delta State, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment in Suit No. SC/129/2019.

    The upper chamber also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the constituency’s restoration takes effect in the next State Houses of Assembly election, following the expiration of the current Delta State House of Assembly. This directive aligns with Section 115 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    Additionally, the Senate resolved to seek the concurrence of the House of Representatives to solidify its decision.

    The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), titled “Restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency, Delta State in Compliance with Supreme Court Judgment.”

    Leading the debate, Nwoko recounted how, in 2014, residents of Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo in Aniocha North LGA initiated legal action at the Federal High Court, Asaba, demanding the constituency’s restoration. Although the case was initially dismissed, the Court of Appeal, Benin Division, ruled in their favor on November 22, 2017, ordering INEC to reinstate the constituency and conduct elections accordingly.

    He said INEC filed an application for leave to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court, but the Supreme Court, in its ruling of November 29, 2019, dismissed the application, thereby affirming the judgment of the Court of Appeal as “final, binding and legally non-appealable”.

    He said in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment, INEC convened a meeting with the stakeholders of the constituency on November 19, 2020, pledging to implement the court’s directive and subsequently submitted a comprehensive report to the National Assembly for consideration in line with Section 115 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

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    Unfortunately, he said, despite INEC having concluded all processes for the restoration of the constituency and reminding the National Assembly of the matter through a letter dated 17 December, 2020, further action has not been taken to facilitate the restoration the state constituency by the electoral umpire.

    He said the delay in implementing the Supreme Court judgment, “undermines the rule of law, disenfranchising the people of the affected towns, and also denying them proper representation in the Delta State House of Assembly”, which necessitated its resolutions.

    “Concerned that despite INEC having concluded all processes for the restoration of the constituency and reminding the National Assembly of the matter through a letter dated 17th December, 2020, further action has not been taken to facilitate the restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency; and

    “Disturbed that the delay in implementing the Supreme Court judgment undermines the rule of law, disenfranchising the people of the affected towns, and also denying them proper representation in the Delta State House of Assembly,” Nwoko said.

    Senators in their contributions supported the motion and voted to approved the prayers when they were put to voice vote by Senate President.

  • Senate denies suspending Natasha over sexual harassment claims

    Senate denies suspending Natasha over sexual harassment claims

    The leadership of the Senate, on Saturday, denied suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

    Rather, the Upper Chamber reiterated that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended specifically due to her flagrant disobedience to Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and her unparliamentary behaviour during its plenaries and proceedings.

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, made these clarifications in a three-page statement on Saturday “amid the deliberate misinformation and false narratives being circulated by certain media organisations.”

    Contingent on the report of its Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with its sitting arrangement during the plenary.

    The Senate upheld her suspension with a proviso that if Akpoti-Uduaghan “submits a written apology, the leadership of the chamber may consider lifting the suspension before the six-month period expires.”

    The statement alleged that rather than submitting to the authority of the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan had been misinforming the unsuspecting public that she was suspended because she accused the senate president of sexual harassment.

    Bamidele clarified that the disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan was unequivocally a response to her repeated violations of legislative decorum.

    He further clarified that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition on sexual harassment failed to meet the clear and established procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the Senate.

    The statement reads in part: “It has come to the attention of the Senate that some media reports are attempting to falsely suggest that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to allegations of sexual harassment.

    “This is completely untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to distort the facts. If Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed our guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice. But she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving.”

    Bamidele said that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was “a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.”

    He said that the report found Akpoti-Uduaghan liable for violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and recommended her immediate suspension.

    As established in the findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, the statement pointed out that the disciplinary action was “a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s repeated violations of legislative decorum stated as follows:

    “Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, despite multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and other ranking Senators – an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.

    “Speaking without being recognized by the presiding officer, in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on 25th February 2025.

    “Engaging in unruly and disruptive behaviour, obstructing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings. Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.

    “Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.”

    Bamidele noted that the actions represented a direct challenge to the Authority of the Senate and a violation of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) that govern the business of the Senate and the conduct of all its members without any exception.

    He insisted that the disciplinary measure was imperative, necessary and justified to restore order and uphold the integrity of the Senate as the country’s foremost democratic institution.

    “Contrary to the false claims being circulated, Akpoti-Uduaghan was not suspended for making any sexual harassment or for submitting a petition.

    “Her petition was rightfully discountenanced because it failed to meet the clear and established procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the Senate.

    “The rules of the Senate apply to all members without exception, and no petition—regardless of its subject—can be considered if it does not follow due process.

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    “To suggest that her suspension was linked to her petition is not only a distortion of facts but an intentional and malicious attempt to mislead the public,” Bamidele said.

    While thanking some media organisations for their culture of objective reporting, the statement urged the media not to distort facts to suit a false narrative.

    He expressed dissatisfaction with an attempt to politicise a disciplinary action that was strictly based on clear violations of Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended).

    He added: “This coordinated misinformation campaign is nothing more than an attempt to politicise a disciplinary action that was strictly based on clear violations of Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended).

    “It is reckless, misleading, and a disservice to the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who deserve truthful and factual reporting. We, therefore, urge all foreign correspondents and responsible media houses to correct these misrepresentations and avoid propagating falsehoods that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.”

  • ‘Senate a mature institution, deserving respect’

    ‘Senate a mature institution, deserving respect’

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday described the Senate as a “matured” institution that must be treated with respect.

    She reflected on the allegation of sexual harassment and the abuse by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying that the Upper Chamber can effectively deal with the issues.

    Senator Tinubu, who spoke with reporters at the State House, Abuja, in commemoration of the International Women’s Day, said lawmakers are “doing what is needful.”

    The First Lady, who served in the Senate for 12 years, said the chamber should be a place of honour, not controversy.

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    She said: “I know with what is going on in the Senate, you’ll say, why am I not taking a positions? I believe that Senate is doing what is needful, because that’s what it is. It’s an inside place, and it’s a matured chamber.

    “We shouldn’t be hearing things like that. It’s a matured chamber, and it should be treated with respect. It’s an honour for you to be in that place alone.

    “I was there for 12 years, even in my younger days, and I’m still trying to look young, but people complement you all the time only that.”

  • BREAKING: Senate moves to suspend Senator Natasha for six months

    BREAKING: Senate moves to suspend Senator Natasha for six months

    The Senate is considering a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following an investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, which found her in “total violation” of Senate rules.

    According to the committee’s recommendations, read by its chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, the suspension would take effect on March 6, 2025.

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    The committee also proposed that during the suspension period, her office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises during the suspension period while her salaries and those of her legislative aides will be withdrawn.

    The Senate is expected to vote on the recommendation, and if upheld, it would strip the Kogi Central lawmaker of all legislative privileges for the duration of her suspension.

    Details shortly…