The Senate has announced plans to work closely with the Executive to address socio-political tensions, particularly the crisis in Rivers State.
According to a statement issued yesterday ahead of resumption of plenary at the National Assembly, Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, stated that the goal is to reconcile key stakeholders and resolve underlying issues in the broader interest of national stability and reconciliation across the country.
The statement added that as lawmakers resume, the upper chamber, first on the agenda is the further consideration of the Tax Reform Bills, 2024.
“Its passage has become imperative to reform the country’s tax regime and shore up the revenue of the federation. This will also help governments at all levels to implement projects and deliver the dividends of democracy”.
The Senate also raised concern over the resurgence of insecurity in states such as Benue, Borno, Katsina, and Plateau. In light of this, Senator Bamidele underscored that the legislature would intensify consultations with security agencies to develop new strategies aimed at tackling terrorism and restoring peace across affected regions.
During the recess, the Presidency announced several appointments, including officials for the South-South Development Commission. The Senate is expected to begin screening these nominees in the coming days.
Senator Bamidele concluded by highlighting the importance of several pending bills that touch on strategic sectors of the economy, noting that the Senate would fast-track their passage and encourage public participation through committee hearings.
Soludo dismisses alleged plan to defect to APC
Following rumours of his planned defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, has debunkedthe rumours, insisting that he still remains a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The rumours have been gainin g ground of late following the scheduled working visit of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to Anambra State.
Governor Soludo, at the Thanksgiving ceremony of the National Chairman of APGA at the St Jude the Apostle Catholic church Fegge Onitsha South Local Government Area, on Sunday, stressed that Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra.
He said that after his eight years tenure, another governor of APGA extraction would become the governor of the state, stressing that it must be acknowledged and understood that APGA was the first registered progressive political party in Nigeria since 2002.
According to Soludo; “APGA is and remains our own. APGA is for the Progressives and you can see unprecedented development in Anambra under APGA.
“And the first was Mr Peter Obi and we all saw development and the next was Chief Willie Obiano and you all here can attest to the fact that Anambra is making progress and now under me, Prof Charles Soludo you can see what is happening in just three years in office.
“That is why I am saying that Anambra is APGA and APGA is Anambra as simple as that and there no going anywhere it is APGA all the way.
“Even after my tenure, another progressive governor would come in under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA and nothing else,” Soludo said.
In his own remarks, the National Chairman of APGA, Mr Sylvester Ezeokenwa noted the prolonged battle over the substantive National leadership of the party, saying that he eternally remain grateful to Governor Soludo for being there all through the fight and litigations.
In the words of Ezeokenwa; “I thank God Almighty for today and also thank everyone that played those roles towards retaining this position as National Chairman of the party.
“I remain eternity grateful to Governor Charles Soludo, who has always been there for me and I cannot forget one experience when my father took ill three times and my spiritual father, Bishop Jonas Benson was there all the way and Rev Fr. Ezeoke,” he said.
Governors Lawal, Alia reject Reps’ summons, question legal basis
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal and his Benue State counterpart, Hyacinth Alia, have rejected the invitation extended to them by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, raising serious questions about its legality and constitutional merit.
The committee, in a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Media, Chooks Oko, summoned the governors and their respective state assemblies over alleged constitutional violations and governance failures.
The lawmakers are seeking explanations over legislative crises and worsening security situations in both states.
In Benue, the controversy revolves around the suspension of 13 lawmakers believed to be opposed to Governor Alia.
The suspended members had criticised the governor’s decision to suspend the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese — a move that sparked a political uproar and accusations of executive overreach.
Zamfara, on the other hand, is grappling with a legislative standoff.
A faction of nine lawmakers, previously suspended, continues to claim legitimacy and has gone ahead to call on Governor Lawal to present the 2025 budget to them. This development has created a parallel legislative structure in the state.
Both states are also contending with deep-rooted security crises. Zamfara remains under siege by heavily armed bandits who engage in mass abductions, cattle rustling, and extortion, particularly in rural communities.
Benue continues to witness deadly clashes between farmers and armed herders, threatening lives and food production.
Top officials from both state governments have dismissed the summons, arguing that the National Assembly has no constitutional right to invite governors over state matters.
Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh, downplayed the development, saying he was yet to receive any official invitation. “It’s all a social media issue. Maybe the letter may reach my office on Monday, but as of now, I cannot respond to it,” he said.
The Zamfara State PDP Publicity Secretary, Halliru Andi, condemned the House committee’s action, insisting that governors are accountable to their state assemblies and citizens — not the National Assembly. “No amount of intimidation from so-called politically twisted committees or courts can derail our leadership,” Andi said
Meanwhile, the factional lawmakers in Zamfara claimed they had uncovered plots to harm them. “We are aware of plans to attack us and our families. We have a recording of the planned attack and have alerted security agencies in case anything happens to us,” they revealed in a statement.
The opposition parties in Benue, including the PDP and the APC faction led by Austin Agada, have expressed support for the National Assembly’s intervention. However, political observers say the issue may spark a prolonged legal and constitutional tussle between federal lawmakers and the two state governments.
As of press time, it remains unclear whether the hearing will proceed as scheduled or if the National Assembly will attempt to enforce its summons.
20 aspirants vie to succeed Sule as Nasarawa governor
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has disclosed that at least 20 individuals have expressed interest in succeeding him when his tenure ends in 2027.
Speaking in Lafia during a grand reception in honour of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Labaran Magaji, Governor Sule noted that the growing number of aspirants would likely lead to political realignments and reconciliation among contenders.
“So far, about 20 people have shown interest in contesting for the governorship of Nasarawa State,” the governor said.
“There will be a lot of alliances, a lot of forgiveness, and a lot of teamwork if we truly want progress—because in the end, only one person will emerge.”
He stressed that the decision on who becomes the next governor ultimately rests with God, not with him.
“It is God the Almighty that will choose the next governor, not A.A. Sule,” he stated.
Governor Sule also used the occasion to express his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing support for Nasarawa State.