Category: Legislative

House of Representatives pays glowing tribute to late President Muhammadu Buhari

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, described him as a towering statesman whose life epitomized discipline, national service, and democratic progress.   In a statement released by the Office of the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., the House extolled Buhari’s leadership across two defining eras in Nigeria’s history as a former military Head of State (1983–1985) and later as a two-term democratically elected President (2015–2023).   “The passing of former President Buhari marks the end of an era defined…

Senate demands Accountability from NNPCL Over N210trn Audit Query …Clarifies funds are unaccounted for, not stolen …Insists GCEO Ojulari must appear before Public Accounts Committee

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has clarified that the N210 trillion flagged in audit reports spanning 2017 to 2023 as a financial infraction against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is unaccounted for, not stolen. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada Ahmed (Nasarawa West), stated this during an investigative session with top management staff of NNPCL on Thursday. He reaffirmed that the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the company, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, must appear before the committee to address the audit concerns. The committee had earlier,…

Senate recommends N200m compensation for family of Toddler killed by NDLEA in Delta

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has recommended a compensation of N200 million for the family of a two-year-old boy who was killed by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid in Asaba, Delta State.   This was disclosed on Thursday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuen, while addressing journalists after the Senate considered two separate petitions, one of which involved the child’s tragic death.   Senator Imasuen revealed that the NDLEA admitted responsibility for the killing and…

Akpabio: We’re in the Senate to Serve, Not for Personal Gain

Emporium Reporters

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that lawmakers are not in the National Assembly to pursue personal financial benefits but to make meaningful sacrifices that will shape the future of Nigeria.   Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, while contributing to the debate on the general principles of a bill seeking to amend the Electricity Act, 2023, Akpabio emphasized the importance of electricity to the nation’s development. He noted that industrial growth cannot be achieved without a stable and functional power sector. “People think we are here in the Senate to…

Senate launches probe into ₦1.3 Trillion Crypto Scam, slams Regulatory failure

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has launched a far-reaching investigation into the rise of Ponzi schemes and unregulated digital investment platforms following the collapse of Crypto Bullion Exchange Civics, which allegedly defrauded Nigerians of over ₦1.3 trillion.   The motion initiating the probe was moved on Wednesday by Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and co-sponsored by Senator Osita Bonaventure Izunaso (Imo West). It received unanimous support from lawmakers across party lines, who expressed alarm over the growing exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians through fraudulent investment schemes operating under the guise of digital…

Senate denies delaying House Bills, reaffirms commitment to Legislative Cooperation … Says six Concurrence bills were considered last week

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate has refuted allegations by the House of Representatives accusing it of persistently stalling concurrence on legislative proposals transmitted from the green chamber.   Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary at the National Assembly, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, maintained that the red chamber remained committed to national interest and inter-chamber cooperation, disclosing that six concurrence bills from the House were considered just last week.   The clarification followed a resolution by the House to suspend further consideration of bills originating from the Senate, citing…

Senate advances Bill for Federal University of Science, Deba, as Goje highlights national benefits

Lukman Laleye Babalola

By James Isaac, Abuja     The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking the establishment of the Federal University of Science, Deba, in Gombe State. The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, a former Governor of Gombe State, was debated during plenary on Tuesday.   Leading the debate, Senator Goje underscored the university’s strategic importance to the socio-economic development of Gombe State, the North East region, and Nigeria at large.   “The proposed University of Science will provide the knowledge and expertise needed to drive…

House of Reps Committee slams MSC over ₦3 Trillion Scandal, threatens sanctions for continued defiance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a leading global shipping firm, has once again defied the Nigerian Parliament by refusing to honour an invitation from the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions.   Despite being issued a mandatory summons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, MSC failed to show up marking its second consecutive snub of the National Assembly.   The hearing followed a formal petition submitted by the Citizens WhistleBlowers Coalition (CWC) on June 18, 2025, which accused MSC of serious infractions including illegal and…

Senate flags gaps in past constitution amendments, seeks broader consensus on governance reforms …as Lagos, traditional rulers, state assemblies back ongoing review process

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate has expressed concern that previous amendments to the 1999 Constitution failed to resolve several critical governance issues affecting the Nigerian federation, despite multiple efforts by the National Assembly.   This observation was made on Friday in Lagos during the South-West zonal public hearing on the review of the Constitution, held at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja. Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, represented by the Senate Leader and Committee Vice Chairman, Senator Opeyemi…

Senate President Akpabio mourns late Super Eagles Goalkeeper Peter Rufai

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has joined millions of Nigerians in mourning the death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and national football legend, Peter Rufai, who passed away at the age of 61.   In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio described Rufai as a symbol of national pride and one of the finest goalkeepers in Nigeria’s football history.   “Peter Rufai’s contributions to Nigerian football are unforgettable. I recall his electrifying performances for Stationery Stores…