Tag: Senate

Senate approves restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency, directs INEC to Act

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac,Abuja   The Senate has approved the restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment in suit SC/129/2019.   It also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the ruling by ensuring the constituency take effect in the next Delta State House of Assembly election after the current legislative term, in line with Section 115 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).   Additionally, the Senate instructed its Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, as well…

OF AKPABIO, NATASHA, AND SENATE’S “CIRCUS SHOW” BY Bolaji Afolabi

Emporium Reporters

Many years back as teenagers in Kaduna, which by the way was the political capital of the (then) Northern region, the writer and group of friends, school mates, and play-mates had pleasant taste of access to modernity. Even as children of middle-class parents who were either civil servants, or in the semi, and informal sectors, basic necessities were readily available and accessible; not what is prevalent today. We spent hours playing street football, and devoting quality time on the tracks, and indoor sports hall of the magnificent Ahmadu Bello stadium,…

Akpabio vs. Akpoti-Uduaghan: Senate summons Brekete Radio Host, Ahmed Isah

Emporium Reporters

The Nigerian Senate has summoned Ahmed Isah, popularly known as the “Ordinary President” and host of Brekete Family, following a controversial broadcast involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.   Isah revealed the summons during his live program on Monday, February 24, 2025, stating that he is expected to appear before the Senate by February 27.   The summons is linked to a recent episode of Brekete Family, where Isah facilitated a live conversation between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Akpabio. While Akpoti-Uduaghan used the platform to air…

Senate pledges support for NiDCOM’s mandate, vows improved funding and welfare for Nigerians abroad

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in fulfilling its mandate, particularly in the areas of funding, office infrastructure, and diaspora welfare.   Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Senator Natasha Akpoti, gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from NiDCOM led by its Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during a briefing session in Abuja.   Akpoti pledged that her committee would work towards securing adequate budgetary allocation for NiDCOM, ensuring a more suitable office space, and prioritizing…

Senate Urges FG to Rehabilitate Roads, Include North East in Super Highway Projects

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   The Senate has called on the Federal Government to include the North East in its Super Highway projects, following concerns over the region’s exclusion from the N4.2 trillion road infrastructure initiative.   The motion, moved by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central), highlighted the disparity in road allocations, noting that while the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and other major projects received significant funding, only N19 billion was allocated to the North East for two road rehabilitations:   Yola – Fufore – Gurin Road (Adamawa State)…

Senate commends FG on ₦4.2 Trillion Road Project, calls for inclusion of North-East

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for approving ₦4.2 trillion for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other major road projects across the country.   The motion, moved by Senator Mohammed Danjuma (Gombe Central), acknowledged the significance of this investment in addressing Nigeria’s deplorable road infrastructure, enhancing economic growth, and improving national security. However, the Senate expressed concerns over the limited allocation of projects to the North-East region.   According to reports from ThisDay (February 4, 2025) and Daily Trust (February 5, 2025), the…

Senate ‘ll overhaul procurement system, ensure transparency – Sen. Ipinsagba

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac   The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Jide Ipinsagba, has assured Nigerians that the Senate is committed to reform the country’s procurement system to align with global best practices and restore public confidence.   Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Ipinsagba, who represents Ondo North Senatorial District, emphasized that the Senate is working closely with the Bola Tinubu-led administration to enforce zero tolerance for corruption in government business.   According to him, the committee is set to unveil measures ensuring that all Ministries, Departments,…

Senate seeks solutions to Oil spill in Niger Delta

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has expressed grave concern over the recurring fire outbreaks and oil spills in the Niger Delta region, urging relevant authorities to take swift action to address the environmental hazards caused by these incidents.   This call to action followed a motion raised by Senator Ipalibo Banigo, who represents Rivers West Senatorial District. She recalled a recent devastating fire that occurred due to an oil spill in the region. The fire not only caused significant environmental damage but also led to the destruction of property and the displacement…

Re: Redeployment of Senator Victor Umeh, a necessary change for diaspora, By Emmy Ekong

Emporium Reporters

Barely 24 hours after the redeployment of Sen. Victor Umeh from the Senate Committee Chairman on Diaspora and Non-Govermental Organizations (NGOs), Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, a man renowned for not seeing anything good in Nigeria and Nigerians, has taken to town again in his usual stock in trade of running down achievers and compatriots as if he has no other job, which, in fairness, he does not. So, may be he has created an oversight function for himself to keep him busy, albeit a very mischievous one.   This time around,…

Senate reshuffles Committee Leadership, condoles Speaker Abbas over death of Hon Oriyomi Onanuga

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has announced a reshuffle of its committee leadership, appointed new chairmen and deputy chairmen to oversee key legislative bodies, including the regional development commissions. This reshuffle followed President Bola Tinubu’s assent to bills establishing development commissions for various regions in the country.   Senate President Godswill Akpabio presided over the plenary session on Tuesday, expressed satisfaction with the just-concluded budget defence process. He commended lawmakers for their thorough scrutiny of the 2025 budget to ensure a workable financial plan.   Following the reshuffle, the Senate appointed:  …