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Tag: Godswill Akpabio

  • “We’re Proud of Your Reforms,” Akpabio Tells Tinubu, Says Promises Are Becoming Reality

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the government’s reform agenda is already producing visible results across the country.

    Akpabio made the remarks while addressing the President, expressing confidence that the administration is delivering on the promises it made before assuming office.

    Akpabio backs Tinubu’s reform agenda

    Speaking at the event, Akpabio praised the President’s leadership and said the reforms were beginning to transform the country.

    “We’re proud of your reforms Mr President, you promised that under your tenure, when you are through with Nigeria, Nigeria will not be the same again, we are seeing it,” he said.

    His remarks were presented as an endorsement of the administration’s economic and governance policies.

    Comments stir fresh debate

    Akpabio’s statement comes as public discussions continue over the impact of the Federal Government’s reforms on the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

    Supporters of the administration argue that the policies are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and national development. Critics, however, have continued to express concerns over the rising cost of living and other economic challenges affecting citizens.

    Focus on executive-legislative relationship

    The Senate President’s comments have also renewed attention on the relationship between the executive and the legislature, with observers closely watching how government officials assess the progress of ongoing reforms.

    His endorsement is expected to generate further reactions from both supporters and critics as debates over the Tinubu administration’s performance continue.

  • SERAP Gives Akpabio, Abbas Seven Days to Recover N110bn Vehicle, Allowance Funds from Lawmakers

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas a seven-day deadline to ensure lawmakers refund funds received under the N110 billion vehicle procurement and support allowance schemes declared unlawful by a Federal High Court.

    SERAP said the National Assembly leadership must act immediately to recover the funds and implement measures to prevent future violations of procurement and accountability laws.

    SERAP Demands Refund of N110bn

    In a letter dated June 20, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Akpabio and Abbas to establish mechanisms that would ensure all future procurements and spending by the National Assembly comply with due process and transparency requirements.

    The organisation also called for public hearings on the National Assembly budget during every budget cycle and the publication of detailed expenditure records to strengthen accountability and public participation.

    According to SERAP, lawmakers should not be allowed to retain benefits obtained from expenditure already declared unlawful by the court.

    Court Judgment Behind Demand

    The demand follows a judgment delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1606/2023.

    The court held that the spending of N40 billion on 465 vehicles for lawmakers and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members violated procurement laws, constitutional provisions and public trust obligations.

    SERAP argued that the judgment established a legal and factual basis for the recovery of the funds.

    ‘There Must Be Consequences’

    The organisation said the court’s findings showed that the expenditure was characterised by self-dealing, conflict of interest and disregard for the national interest.

    “Flowing from Justice Bogoro’s judgment, there must be consequences and full restitution for the lawmakers’ failure to comply with their constitutional and statutory obligations,” SERAP said.

    It added that allowing lawmakers to retain the benefits would undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and weaken efforts to combat corruption and abuse of power.

    Legal Action Threatened

    SERAP noted that while the judgment did not specifically order the refund of the N110 billion, it aligns with constitutional provisions, anti-corruption laws and Nigeria’s international obligations that support restitution where public funds have been unlawfully spent.

    The organisation warned that it would institute legal proceedings against Akpabio, Abbas, lawmakers and the National Assembly if the recommendations are not implemented within seven days.

    It maintained that public officials must be held accountable whenever public funds are spent in violation of procurement regulations and constitutional safeguards.

     

  • Oshiomhole Challenges Akpabio, Demands Action on Insecurity During Senate Session

    Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has criticised the Senate leadership over the worsening security situation in the country, questioning the implementation of resolutions aimed at addressing insecurity and military accountability.

    Oshiomhole made the remarks during plenary on Wednesday while senators debated recent attacks by bandits and kidnappers across different parts of the country.

    Questions Unimplemented Senate Resolution

    During his contribution, Oshiomhole recalled an earlier Senate resolution directing military authorities to identify and sanction an officer allegedly linked to the withdrawal of troops from a school in Kebbi State before a major abduction incident.

    The senator expressed frustration that the Senate had yet to receive any official feedback on the resolution despite several sittings since it was passed.

    According to him, lawmakers have a responsibility to ensure that resolutions passed by the chamber are implemented and not ignored.

    Raises Concerns Over Accountability

    Oshiomhole argued that insecurity cannot be effectively addressed without accountability within the nation’s security institutions.

    He questioned the effectiveness of oversight efforts and warned that repeated resolutions would have little impact if government agencies failed to act on them.

    The lawmaker also called for greater scrutiny of security spending, insisting that Nigerians deserve to know whether resources allocated to defence and security are producing tangible results.

    Calls for Stronger Action Against Insecurity

    Speaking on recent attacks in different parts of the country, Oshiomhole lamented the continued loss of lives to banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

    He maintained that citizens expect practical solutions rather than repeated condemnations whenever attacks occur.

    The senator stressed that decisive action and accountability are necessary to restore public confidence in the country’s security architecture.

    Debate Reflects Growing Concerns

    The remarks come amid renewed concerns over insecurity following recent attacks and abductions in several states.

    While the Senate has repeatedly called on security agencies to intensify efforts against criminal groups, critics have continued to question the effectiveness of legislative resolutions in tackling the crisis.

  • Akpabio Praises Tinubu Over Security Gains, Says Insurgents No Longer Control Territories

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying significant progress has been recorded in the fight against insurgency and violent crimes across Nigeria.

    Akpabio made the remarks during a public appearance, where he insisted that terrorist groups no longer hold visible territorial control in any part of the country.

    Akpabio Highlights Security Improvements

    According to him, Nigeria has witnessed a major shift in its security landscape under the current administration, particularly in areas previously affected by insurgent activity.

    He claimed that the days when armed groups openly hoisted flags in territories under their control are over.

    “There’s no part of Nigeria today that you will have the flag of any insurgent, whether Boko Haram being hoisted,” Akpabio said.

    He also stated that coordinated bomb attacks, which previously occurred in several parts of the country, have reduced significantly.

    Claims Of Reduced Terror Activity

    The Senate President further argued that the current security strategy has helped weaken the operational capacity of insurgent groups across affected regions.

    He maintained that compared to previous years, violent attacks and large-scale coordinated bombings have declined under the present administration.

    However, his comments come amid ongoing reports of kidnappings, bandit attacks and sporadic violence in different parts of the country, especially in rural communities.

    Public Reactions To Statement

    Akpabio’s remarks have generated mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the accuracy of his assessment of the security situation.

    Some users criticised the statement, arguing that insecurity remains a major challenge despite official claims of improvement.

    Others accused political leaders of downplaying the realities faced by residents in affected communities.

    The debate reflects continued public concern over Nigeria’s security situation, even as government officials insist that progress is being made.

    Wider Security Debate Continues

    Nigeria has battled insurgency and banditry for over a decade, with repeated government assurances of military gains against armed groups.

    While authorities have reported territorial recoveries in some regions, attacks on civilians and rural communities continue to be recorded.

    Akpabio’s comments add to the ongoing national conversation about how to measure progress in the fight against insecurity and what indicators best reflect ground realities.

  • Senate Drama: Oshiomhole Demands Akpabio’s Resignation Over Leadership Rule Clash

    There was fresh drama in the Senate after Senator Adams Oshiomhole publicly called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio following a heated clash over controversial amendments to the Senate Standing Rules.

    The confrontation, which unfolded during plenary on May 6, 2026, exposed growing tensions within the Red Chamber ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

    Controversial amendment sparks uproar

    The crisis began after the Senate amended portions of its Standing Orders, particularly Orders 4 and 5, to tighten eligibility for key leadership positions.

    Under the amendment, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before an election would qualify to contest for positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President and other principal offices.

    The move effectively shut out first-term lawmakers and several incoming politicians believed to be eyeing leadership positions in the proposed 11th Senate.

    Critics within the chamber reportedly viewed the amendment as an attempt to protect certain political interests ahead of 2027.

    Akpabio, Oshiomhole clash during plenary

    Tension escalated when Oshiomhole repeatedly raised a point of order during the adoption of votes and proceedings, insisting that the records did not accurately reflect agreements reached during a closed-door session.

    Akpabio ruled him out of order, switched off his microphone and warned him against disrupting proceedings.

    “Senator Oshiomhole, for the last time, if you become unruly in this Senate, we will use the same rules to remove you from the Senate,” Akpabio reportedly said.

    Despite the warning, Oshiomhole persisted, leading to a tense exchange before other lawmakers intervened.

    Oshiomhole attacks Akpabio’s leadership

    Speaking after plenary, Oshiomhole criticised Akpabio’s handling of the amendment process and accused him of running the Senate in an autocratic manner.

    The former Edo State governor reportedly called on Akpabio to resign, describing the process that led to the amendment as flawed and rushed.

    He also argued that lawmakers were denied the opportunity for extensive debate before the controversial changes were adopted.

    Senate reverses amendment

    Amid mounting backlash and constitutional concerns, the Senate later rescinded the controversial amendment and reverted to the previous rules.

    Lawmakers argued that parts of the new provisions could conflict with the 1999 Constitution, particularly Section 52.

    The development has further highlighted growing political tensions within the ruling APC and renewed speculation over succession battles ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Senate Reverses Controversial Rule Amendment After Oshiomhole-Akpabio Clash

    The Senate on Thursday reversed its earlier amendment to key sections of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 after concerns emerged that the changes could conflict with the 1999 Constitution.

    The reversal followed a heated controversy that had rocked the red chamber over eligibility rules for principal leadership positions.

    Senate retreats after constitutional concerns

    Lawmakers rescinded the amendments to Orders 2(2) and 3(1), restoring the previous provisions.

    The earlier amendment had restricted principal offices to senators serving at least a second term, effectively shutting out potential contenders in the incoming 11th National Assembly expected to commence in June 2027.

    Among those believed to be affected were Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Hope Uzodimma and Kabiru Marafa.

    Oshiomhole, Akpabio clash over amendment

    The controversy intensified on Wednesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed during plenary.

    Oshiomhole repeatedly attempted to raise a point of order while Akpabio was reading the Votes and Proceedings, prompting warnings from the Senate President.

    At one point, Akpabio threatened to order Oshiomhole out of the chamber if he continued disrupting proceedings.

    Despite the tension, the Senate initially went ahead with the amendment.

    Senate Leader moves rescission motion

    During Thursday’s plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to reverse the changes, arguing that fresh constitutional reviews revealed possible conflicts with Section 52 of the Constitution.

    “Certain provisions introduced under Order 2 Subsection 2 and Order 3 Subsection 1 may give rise to constitutional inconsistencies,” he said.

    Bamidele added that the Senate retained the authority to revisit and correct earlier decisions in order to protect parliamentary integrity.

    Barau backs reversal

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, described the motion as necessary and straightforward.

    “This is just for us to go in conformity with the constitution,” Barau said.

    He commended the Senate Leader for quickly identifying the issue before it escalated further.

    Oshiomhole faults rushed process

    Reacting after the reversal, Oshiomhole criticised the process that led to the initial amendment.

    “The way we rushed the rules because certain people wanted certain things concluded is one flaw to this process,” he said.

    He urged the Senate to allow more robust debates before taking major decisions in the future.

    Bamidele, however, cautioned senators against turning legislative proceedings into unnecessary drama, insisting that disruptions during previous sittings overshadowed important parliamentary business.

  • “We’ll Use the Rules on You” — Akpabio Warns as Oshiomhole Disrupts Senate Proceedings

    There was a tense moment in the Senate on Wednesday after a heated exchange broke out between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole over procedural rules.

    The disagreement erupted during plenary while the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting were being read.

    Clash over Senate procedure

    Trouble began when Oshiomhole raised a point of order, prompting Akpabio to remind him that such interruptions are not allowed at that stage under the amended Standing Orders.

    Despite the warning, Oshiomhole continued, leading Akpabio to call on Senator Orji Kalu to clarify the rule. Kalu backed the Senate President, insisting that no point of order could be entertained at that point.

    Tensions escalate on the floor

    As the exchange intensified, Chief Whip Tahir Monguno also stepped in, cautioning Oshiomhole to comply or risk disciplinary action.

    Akpabio later issued a direct warning: “If you become unruly, we will use the rules to take you out of the Senate.”

    The session eventually continued, with lawmakers adopting the Votes and Proceedings after a motion was moved and seconded.

    Fresh rule amendment sparks controversy

    The clash comes shortly after the Senate amended its Standing Rules, a move that has drawn attention ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Under the new provisions, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination will be eligible to contest for principal leadership positions.

    This effectively limits eligibility for key roles such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President to returning lawmakers from the current assembly.

    Implications for future contenders

    The amendment narrows the field for leadership positions in the incoming 11th National Assembly, excluding first-time or non-consecutive senators from contesting.

    Lawmakers say the change is aimed at strengthening parliamentary tradition and enforcing ranking within the Senate.

    The development has added another layer to ongoing political realignments, as attention gradually shifts toward 2027.

  • Akpabio Declares ADC ‘Dead’ as Defections Rock Party, Lawmakers Move to NDC, Labour

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is effectively “dead” following a wave of defections by lawmakers to other political parties.

    He made the remark during plenary on Tuesday while reading letters announcing the latest movements in the National Assembly.

    Akpabio reacts to rising defections

    Akpabio’s comment came after several lawmakers formally announced their exit from the ADC.

    Among them were Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who defected to the Labour Party, and Senator Victor Umeh, who joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

    “Because I think ADC is dead,” Akpabio said, drawing reactions from lawmakers in the chamber.

    Lawmakers cite internal crisis

    In their letters, defecting lawmakers pointed to internal divisions and ongoing legal disputes within the ADC.

    Umeh described the situation as “unending litigation,” noting that it had made continued membership in the party difficult.

    “I remain committed to making my contributions towards the development of our dear nation, but this time through the NDC,” he wrote.

    Senate President jokes over frequency

    Akpabio also questioned the increasing rate of defections, suggesting lawmakers should streamline how such announcements are made.

    “How many times can you defect in a month? Once. But some have done three times,” he said.

    He proposed that lawmakers moving to the same party should submit joint notifications instead of individual letters.

    House of Representatives records similar trend

    The development extends beyond the Senate, as no fewer than 17 members of the House of Representatives have also defected from the ADC to the NDC.

    Those affected include Yusuf Datti, Uchenna Okonkwo, Thaddeus Attah, George Ozodinobi, Lilian Orogbu and others.

    Political realignment deepens

    The latest wave of defections signals ongoing realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Observers say the movement of lawmakers across parties reflects shifting alliances and internal struggles within opposition blocs.

  • Tinubu Seeks N698bn Loan for Sokoto–Badagry Highway as Senate Begins Review

    President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a fresh N698 billion loan for the construction of the Sokoto–Badagry super highway, a major infrastructure project linking northern and southern Nigeria.

    Loan request before Senate

    The request was conveyed in a letter read at plenary on Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Tinubu said the loan would fund Sections 1, Phase 1a and 1b, covering 120km of the planned 1,000km corridor.

    The highway is designed to run from Illela in Sokoto State through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, and Ogun, terminating in Badagry, Lagos State.

    Financing structure outlined

    According to the president, the project will be financed through a syndicated loan to be secured via Deutsche Bank AG, with support from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit.

    He added that the Federal Government would provide counterpart funding of ₦265.5 billion for land acquisition, compensation, and related infrastructure.

    The loan has a nine-year tenor, including a grace period of up to three years, with interest capped at CME SOFR plus 5.3 percent annually.

    Project aims and expected impact

    Tinubu noted that the super highway is expected to improve connectivity between the North and South, enhance road safety, and reduce logistics costs.

    He also said the project would support trade, boost food security, and strengthen national cohesion by linking production zones to markets and ports.

    The design includes provisions for future rail integration and utility corridors along the central median.

    Senate moves to review proposal

    Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debts, which is expected to report back within one week.

    Senator Mohammed Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) backed the project, describing it as long overdue.

    “This project has been on the ground for the last 55 years… I have inspected the project and I have seen the progress made,” he said.

    He added that ongoing work includes both concrete and asphalt sections fitted with solar streetlights.

    Aliero estimated that the road could cut travel time from Sokoto to Lagos by over 70 percent, reducing the journey from about 13 hours to roughly six hours.

    The proposal is now under legislative scrutiny and remains a key issue in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today as infrastructure financing debates continue.