Senate Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, Probes Kebbi Troop Pullout

By Caroline Ameh | Abuja The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in parts of Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States, resolving to probe the alleged withdrawal of military personnel from a Kebbi school hours before a major abduction. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, who described the escalating attacks on schools, worship centres, and rural communities as a national emergency requiring immediate federal action. Senators Decry Widening Attacks Lawmakers lamented the November 18 attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where gunmen killed two worshippers and abducted 38 others, all later rescued in coordinated security operations. They noted that the attack led to the temporary closure of schools in five local government areas across Kwara, as well as parts of Niger and Kebbi States, affecting 47 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide. The Senate also condemned the growing pattern of school kidnappings, including recent abductions in Niger and Kebbi States, warning that educational and religious institutions had become increasingly vulnerable to banditry and terrorism. Controversy Over Troop Withdrawal Lawmakers were particularly alarmed by credible reports that military personnel were withdrawn from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, just hours before the abduction of 24 female students.They demanded a transparent investigation into the decision and those responsible. Contributing to the debate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) urged his colleagues to confront insecurity “head-on and without reference to the past.” He insisted that the Senate must uncover who authorised the withdrawal of troops from the school before the attack. Abaribe’s position was strongly supported by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Seriake Dickson, and other lawmakers, who called for urgent and coordinated security action. Intelligence Points to Internal Sabotage The motion also cited intelligence reports indicating that internal collaborators continue to aid criminal networks with logistics, information, and escape routes. Senators warned that terrorists were exploiting forest corridors such as the Kwara–Kogi axis, Kebbi–Zamfara stretch, and Niger’s Shiroro–Rafi–Munya belt to carry out attacks and evade arrest. They further raised concern over the deplorable state of the Idofian–Omu-Aran–Eruku–Egbe–Kabba highway, which they said provides bandits with ambush points, easy escape routes, and concealment within thick forests. Tinubu Commended for Swift Response Earlier, Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele cautioned against rising public speculation over the release of kidnap victims, urging a review of the performance of Senate security committees.He reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration does not and will not support ransom payments to abductors. The Senate commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his “swift and personal intervention,” including cancelling planned foreign trips to coordinate national security efforts. It also lauded security agencies for the rescue of 38 abductees in Kwara and 51 students in Niger State. Key Resolutions The Senate resolved to:

Kogi Central commence recall process of erstwhile favorite senator

Some registered voters from Kogi Central Senatorial District on Monday submitted a petition to commence the recall process of their erstwhile favourite Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The petition was submitted at Abuja headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The constituents, in a letter signed by the Lead Petitioner, Salihu Habib, declared that they no longer have confidence in Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan currently serving a 6-month suspension. In a sudden turn of events the registers voters said they no longer want Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as their senator and representative in the National Assembly. The petitioners, under the aegis of Concerned Kogi Youth and Women, urged INEC to act with urgency and impartiality in processing the petition. “We, the undersigned, being duly registered voters of the Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereby invoke our rights under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to formally demand the recall of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian senate. “In particular, this petition for the recall of Akpoti-Uduaghan is brought pursuant to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as well as INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall Petitions,’’ the petitioners stated. They said that the petition arose from the constituents’ loss of confidence in the senator on grounds of gross misconduct in the senate, abuse of office, evasion of due process and lack of respect for the presiding officer. According to them, the petition was signed by more than half of the registered voters in Kogi Central senatorial district. “We hereby demand that INEC immediately commences the constitutional and procedural process of recall to remove Akpoti-Uduaghan from office and declare her seat vacant,’’ the petition stated. Speaking with the newsmen after the submission of the petition, the lead petitioner expressed confidence that the process would be the first successful recall process in Nigeria. “This will be the first recall that will be successful. The good people of Kogi Central have spoken with one voice. “It is simple; we need a credible representative; we need a credible senator who can speak the minds of the good people of Kogi Central,’’ he said. Habib denied the allegation that former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, was the one instigating the recall process. “ Bello is not here. Habib is here. Many youths are here. Many women are here. I can’t see Yahaya Bello here,’’ he said. A member of the group, Mrs Charity Omole, said that the entire people of Kogi Central senatorial district could not afford not to have a representative in the senate for the next six months. “ We have come to recall her so that we can have a representative in the senate because as a people, we cannot afford not to have a representative in the senate arm for another one year. “So we are here to tell INEC to please follow the constitutional process so that her recall process can begin; that is why we are here,’’ she said. Omole said that the group had more than the required number of petitioners to begin the recall process. She denied being bankrolled by anybody, saying: “We are the ones who voted her and we are saying we don’t want her anymore.’’ Another petitioner, Hamza Yakubu, urged INEC to speedily swing into action and review the petition submitted to it on the commencement of the recall process, in line with the provisions of the constitution. Yakubu also urged the people of the senatorial district to be calm as the recalling process continued. “My message to the people of Kogi Central is for us to begin to understand that politics and good governance are things that should be driven by logic and not emotion. “ We’ve seen a whole lot of things happening and we’ve seen the messages that are not appropriate that have been circulated. But the fact remains that what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. “At the moment, what we are doing is what is right because we are doing what the constituents want from us; we are representing the constituents at the moment and what we are doing is right. “So for now, my message to our people is to be calm. This recall process will be successful, just as everybody anticipated,’’ Yakubu said. As at the time of filing this report, no official reaction had been made by INEC over the submission of the petition.

Senators Pass Vote Of Confidence On Akpabio

Senators have overwhelmingly passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio. This decision follows speculation about an impending impeachment by some of his colleagues. On Wednesday, various online media outlets reported that the presidency had deployed numerous operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Assembly Complex to disrupt the Senators’ constitutional duties, including efforts to remove Akpabio. However, Akpabio refuted these claims, asserting that the Senate remains united. The presidency also issued a statement clarifying that there are no threats of impeachment against Akpabio.

Senate Debunks Impeachment Plot Reports 

President of the Senate , Senator Godswill Akpabio has dismissed a widespread news alleging that security agencies have taken control of the National Assembly to prevent a possible impeachment of the President of the Senate. Senator Akpabio was presiding over plenary when his attention was drawn to the speculations on social media. He described it as fake news fabricated by mischief makers. The President of the Senate urged members of the public to disregard such news and warned all those circulating deliberate falsehood to refrain from such acts. Senator Akpabio explained that there is peace in the Senate and there is no consideration for an impeachment by any section of the parliarment. However, the Matter has been referred to the Senates Committee on Public Services for Further investigation and legislative action

Senate Advances Bill to Establish National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation

In a move that further crowds up the governance architecture, the Nigerian Senate is about to pass a bill establishing a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation. The bill, first introduced on May 29, 2024, is designed to enhance drug awareness, curb substance abuse, and provide rehabilitation services for drug users across the country. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, to Coordinate and Promote Drug Awareness, Prevent Substance Abuse, and Facilitate the Rehabilitation of Drug Users and for Related Matters, 2024 (SB. 449),” is sponsored by Senator Sani Rufa’i, representing Kano Central. In his presentation, Senator Rufa’i highlighted the importance of the bill, stating that it would strengthen ongoing programs aimed at drug awareness and provide much-needed support to combat the increasing drug crisis. According to the senator, the institute will serve as a key platform to address the pressing challenges of substance abuse in Nigeria and offer structured rehabilitation to users. The bill received widespread backing from other senators, including Abdul Ningi, Adamu Alero, and Peter Nwebonyi, who all spoke in favor of its swift passage. They emphasized the need for urgent action to tackle drug addiction, citing its direct link to rising crime rates, banditry, and insecurity in the country. The lawmakers also called for more stringent penalties, even suggesting that drug abuse should be treated as a capital offense. After deliberations, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, which has been tasked with reviewing the proposal and reporting back to the Senate in four weeks.

Senate President’s Office Debunks Viral Video 

The office of Senate President Godswill Akpabio has responded to a viral video that misrepresents his comments about food and economic challenges.  According to Akpabio’s media aide, Jackson Udom, the video in question is a manipulated version of a lighthearted conversation among Senate members shortly after Akpabio’s inauguration in June 2023.  Udom clarified that the clip was part of a private discussion where Akpabio jokingly suggested his colleagues take advantage of a dinner organized for them, given the current economic climate.  He criticized the dissemination of this doctored footage as a harmful attempt to tarnish Akpabio’s reputation and cause embarrassment to him and his constituents. Udom called for a balanced portrayal, urging media outlets to publish corrections alongside the misleading video to address the negative implications it has had on public perception.  He stressed the importance of context in such communications, asserting that the original remarks were never intended for public scrutiny. ReplyForwardAdd reaction

Abba Moro Emerges Senate Minority Leader

Abba Moro Emerges Senate Minority Leader

Former Minister of Interior and Senator, Abba Moro, has been named as the new Senate Minority Leader. The four-time senator was announced as leader by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session. The decision to appoint Moro, a four-time Senator, as the Senate Minority Leader was reached after consensus among lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  Their agreement was rooted in the principle of fairness and equity, leading to the zoning of the position to the North-Central region. Hailing from Benue State in the North Central zone, Moro’s emergence represents a strategic move by the PDP to uphold regional balance and inclusivity within the Senate leadership.

Akpabio Breaks 59-Year-Old Jinx, Secures IPU Executive Committee Slot

Akpabio Breaks 59-Year-Old Jinx, Secures IPU Executive Committee Slot

Nigeria’s Senate President, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpiabio has been elected into the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Mr Anietie Ekong, his Special Assistant on Media and Communication said this in a statement in Abuja. Ekong said that Akpabio was elected by delegates across the world to emerge as an executive committee member of the global parliamentary union for a three-year mandate. Anietie said Akpabio, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the 147th Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly in Luanda, Angola, broke a 59-year-old jinx, with his election into the executive committee of the global parliamentary body. He said the last time a Nigerian was elected into the executive committee of the parliamentary union was in 1964. “Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the IPU is the global organization of national parliaments founded in 1889, and dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue. “It has grown over its 135 years into a truly global organization with 179 country members out of 193 countries in the world. “The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world. “The 147th IPU Assembly was held in Luanda, Angola, from 21st to 27th October 2023 and hosted by the National Assembly of Angola,” he said. Anietie said the union in the week-long assembly deliberated on important issues affecting nations across the world and considered actions to strengthen trust between people and governance structures. He said the deliberations were designed to make public institutions more effective, accountable and representative to better equip parliaments to address multiple geo-political, economic and environmental crises facing the world.