POLITICS
2023: I’ll Mobilize 30m Youths for APC if Given Opportunity – Agbomhere

By Jude Opara, Abuja
A frontline candidate for the position of National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon.
Blessing Agbomhere, says he has the capacity to mobilize no fewer than 30 million youths for the ruling party at the 2023 general elections if elected at the forthcoming National Convention.Agbomhere further cautioned that the APC must avoid making the same mistake the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP (PDP) made in electing an inexperienced person as their National Youth Leader.
Speaking to newsmen during his official declaration Thursday in Abuja, the former Edo state governorship aspirant said that his intention to run for the office of the national youth leader of APC is for the good of the country.
According to him, the ruling APC needed an experienced party man who understands the mood and yearnings of the youths in the country; “Today, Nigeria is where it is because the young minds and intellectual minds are not involved in the governance of our Nation, policies and programs are made without their involvement. Now, we don’t want that anymore. We want to now be involved in making policies and programs that will dictate or determine the governance of this nation,” he said.
While acknowledging the voting power of youths, the youth leadership aspirant said: “The truth of the matter is that the youths of this country has the young, the largest voting constituency in Nigeria, whoever the youths of Nigeria decides to vote for that is the person that will win the presidency come in 2023. And now we know the desires. We know the journeys. We know the aspirations of the Nigerian young people.”
He stressed that the party needed an experienced party man in his calibre that can canvass and engage the leadership of the party on the need and welfare of the youth at any forum.
“I will tell anybody, that the biggest mistake any political party has made in Nigeria is the choice of the youth leader of the PDP. The youth leader of the PDP does not have any vision for the party. It doesn’t care about the standing and workings of youth leadership in this country.
“To engage young people in the governance of this country, do you think the PDP youth leader has what it takes to face any PDP leader to tell them what they should do. If that boy goes to the NEC, he will not be able to maintain a position or canvas a position for the young person of this country. So somebody like me is what is needed to convert the position of the Nigeria young people,” Agbomhere averred.
On the contentious issue of zoning, the APC chieftain submitted that though zoning is not a constitutional matter, but as a matter moral indebtedness, it is expected that all positions that are currently being occupied by northerners are expected to be zoned to the South and vice versa.
POLITICS
Rivers Assembly passes 3 Bills, Adjourns Plenary Indefinitely

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday passed three bills into law before immediately proceeding on an indefinite recess.
The bills include the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025.
Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced the passage of the bills during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Powers and Privileges Bills seeks to grant the state lawmakers the authority, privilege and immunity necessary to carry out their legislative duties.
The RSIEC Bill aims to repeal the RSIEC Bill Law No.
2 of 2018, thereby redefining the establishment, composition, and functions of the commission.The Rivers State Local Government Bill 2025 seeks to repeal the existing Local Government Laws of 2018, 2023, and 2024.
The Deputy Leader of House, Mrs Lynda Somiari-Stewart, concluded the debate on the three committee reports before their final passage, having scaled the third reading.
Following the passage of the bills, Amaewhule adjourned plenary indefinitely, effectively preventing Fubara from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The governor had earlier written to the House on Thursday, requesting to present the state budget on March 19, following two previous failed attempts to meet with the lawmakers.
It remains uncertain whether the indefinite plenary adjournment is a deliberate attempt to further delay the budget presentation, despite the directive by the Supreme Court. (NAN)
POLITICS
Group Urges Senate to Reverse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

A group, FixPolitics Africa says it is standing in solidarity with Sen.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Nigerian Senate for allegedly violating rules.The Executive Director of FixPolitics, Dr Anthony Ubani, in a statement ,on Thursday, faulted the senator’s suspension, calling for her immediate reinstatement by the Senate.
Daily Asset recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is serving a six-month suspension, had accused the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power.
Ubani said: “We stand in solidarity with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and commend her courage in speaking out on this matter.
“The Senate’s response sets a troubling precedent that may discourage other victims from speaking out for fear of retaliation or dismissal.
“The FixPolitics unequivocally condemns the Senate’s actions and demands the immediate reinstatement of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We call on the Senate to uphold justice, transparency, and accountability by ensuring that allegations of this nature are investigated thoroughly and impartially – free from internal biases and procedural technicalities.”
He urged the civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and the Nigerian public to join the group in demanding a legislative environment where all members could perform their duties without fear of harassment or unjust reprisal.
He added, “The integrity of our democracy depends on institutions that serve all Nigerians without bias or discrimination.”
According to him, the FixPolitics is a research-driven, citizen-led initiative committed to addressing the deep-rooted challenges of poor governance by recognising the central role of politics in building effective states and shaping Africa’s development, beginning with Nigeria.
He said that the group remained steadfast in its commitment to advocating an inclusive, transparent, and accountable political system.
“We will continue to monitor this situation closely and support all efforts that promote justice, equity, and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria,” he added.
Ubani described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as a threat to democracy, gender inclusion, and the rule of law.
According to him, by imposing the suspension, the Senate has not only silenced Akpoti-Uduaghan but also disenfranchised the people of Kogi Central senatorial zone, depriving them of their constitutional right to representation.
“Beyond undermining democratic principles, this punitive measure also calls into question the institution’s willingness to address misconduct within its ranks.
“Female representation in the Senate has plummeted by nearly 50 per cent – from seven women in the 9th Assembly to just four in the 10th Assembly.
“This decision sets a dangerous precedent that could further discourage women from political participation and silence victims of harassment.
“The unconstitutional suspension of a duly elected legislator denied constituents their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly.
“In this case, an entire senatorial district in Kogi State is being disenfranchised – an outcome that contradicts both the spirit and letter of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). (NAN)
POLITICS
Shettima Calls for Unity to Sustain Tinubu’s Reform

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, called for unity and collaboration among leaders to sustain the gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
Shettima made the call during an Iftar hosted by President Tinubu for Senate leaders at the new State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Shettima emphasised that Nigeria had reached a crucial point where Tinubu’s bold leadership and well-thought-out policies must be properly executed to create lasting change.
He noted that Nigerians were beginning to see the benefits of these reforms, such as falling food prices, lower petrol costs, and stability in the forex market.
He also highlighted the economy’s projected growth of 4.
3 to 4.6 per cent in 2025, commending Tinubu’s “bold vision” and courageous decisions.Shettima urged political leaders to collaborate in maintaining this momentum, stating that unity was essential for the nation’s progress.
He expressed gratitude to the Senate for its cooperative relationship with the executive branch and urged lawmakers to see themselves as one family, regardless of political affiliation.
“What unites us supersedes whatever divides us,” he said, assuring of continued collaboration between the two arms of government.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked President Tinubu for his support of the 10th Senate and pledged continued cooperation.
He prayed for divine wisdom and good health for both the President and Vice- President, to ensure the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event was attended by key senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and former Senate President Ahmed Lawan.(NAN)