Category: Legislative

Senator Manu flags off foreign scholarship for 30 Taraba students, urges them to be good Ambassadors

Lukman Laleye Babalola

After six months of rigorous screening and examinations, 30 students from Taraba State have been selected for the Haruna Manu Foundation (HMF) Foreign Scholarship Scheme, designed to sponsor master’s degree programmes in pure sciences and engineering across four top universities in India.   At a send-forth ceremony held at the weekend in Abuja, Senator Haruna Manu, who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District and is founder of the scheme, urged the beneficiaries to be exemplary Nigerians abroad and return with certificates that will make the state and the nation proud.  …

Akpabio debunks fake Trump comment circulating online …..Warns Rant HQ, Others against misinformation

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Office of the President of the Senate has dismissed as false, malicious, and mischievous a viral post attributed to Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, describing it as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and stir unnecessary diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States.   In a statement issued on Sunday, November 2, 2025, by Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, the Office debunked a post published by an online platform, Rant HQ, which falsely quoted Akpabio as saying:   “The…

BREAKING: Court sacks Zamfara Rep for defecting from PDP to APC

Emporium Reporters

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sacked Hon. Abubakar Gummi, who represents Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).   Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in his judgment on Thursday, ruled that Gummi’s defection was unconstitutional and directed him to vacate his seat immediately.   The court also restrained the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, from recognising Gummi as a member of the House, and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to…

Hon La’ori drives reform in Reps’ Petitions Committee, lays five new reports, promises weekly submissions

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, led by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus La’ori, has continued its momentum of transparency and responsiveness with the presentation of five new reports during Wednesday’s plenary session. Hon. La’ori, who assumed chairmanship of the committee on May 13, 2025, pledged to maintain a steady weekly presentation of petitions, ensuring faster consideration and fair resolution of all matters referred to the committee. Among the latest reports presented was a petition filed by Hon. (Prof.) Paul Sunday Nnamchi on behalf of the Gutenberg Print Professionals Association…

Akpabio tasks State Assemblies on Accountability, Citizens’ Welfare

Emporium Reporters

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged State Houses of Assembly to strengthen their oversight functions to ensure that public funds are effectively utilised to improve the welfare of citizens and create jobs.   He made the call at the 2025 Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in collaboration with the University of Benin, held in Abuja on Monday.   Represented by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas, Akpabio said the 10th National Assembly had, through effective oversight, contributed to increased government revenue, which had in turn led…

Senate pushes for Transparency, Efficiency in Public Procurement …Vows to ensure every Naira spent delivers value

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate has called for greater transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to due process in Nigeria’s public procurement system to ensure that every naira spent translate into tangible development outcomes.   Speaking at a two-day retreat for members of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement held at Fraser Suites, Abuja, the Committee Chairman, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo North), stressed that effective procurement practices are vital to good governance and national development.   He described public procurement as “the mechanism through which government policies are transformed into tangible services, infrastructure, and…

Reps moves to stop arbitrary rent increases, sets 20% limit

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has moved to curb the rising trend of arbitrary rent increases across Nigeria, proposed that future rent adjustments should not exceed 20 per cent of the existing rate, regardless of property upgrades or other factors.   This followed a motion moved by Hon. Bassey Akiba, representing Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency, on the “Need to Regulate Arbitrary Rent Increase and Protect Tenants from Exploitation.”   Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to intensify affordable housing programmes, encourage low-cost home ownership, and ease pressure on the rental market through…

Senate approves life imprisonment for child defilers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has passed a landmark bill prescribed life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexually defiling a minor, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s child protection framework.   The bill, approved during Tuesday’s plenary, stipulates that any man or woman who engages in sexual intercourse with a minor will face life imprisonment without the option of a fine.   Leading the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) argued that the defilement of minors should be treated differently from rape, describing it as a heinous act that…

Akpabio celebrates Gen. Gowon at 91, describes him as a beacon of unity and national healing

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated with former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on the occasion of his 91st birthday, described him as a symbol of unity, peace, and national reconciliation. In a personally signed congratulatory message issued on Sunday, Akpabio lauded the former Nigerian leader for his steadfast commitment to the peace and unity of the nation, noting that his post-civil war policy of “No Victor, No Vanquished” remained one of the most enduring legacies of national healing. “On behalf of my family, constituents, the…