POLITICS
Akpabio Describes Tinubu as Architect of Nigerian Democracy
By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio yesterday hailed President Bola Tinubu for taking courageous decisions as the leader of Nigeria, describing him as one of the architects of Nigeria’s democracy.
Akpabio made the commendation in his remarks at the joint sitting of the House of Representatives and the Senate which was addressed by President Tinubu as part of the activities to mark the 2025 Democracy Day celebration at the National Assembly, Abuja.
According to Senator Akpabio, “The National Assembly is proud to host you, our President, our compatriot, and one of our own, as you fulfil the solemn constitutional duty of addressing the nation.
“This chamber honours you not merely as the President, but as one of the architects of the very democratic foundation we commemorate today. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we have seen transformation in his bold approach to difficult reforms.
“From unifying the foreign exchange market, to local government autonomy, to the formation of the regional development commissions, to Nigerian Education Loan Fund, to removing fuel subsidies, to attracting foreign investments, to tax reforms, this administration has not shied away from the hard decisions required to stabilize and grow our economy.
“These efforts are gradually restoring investor confidence, laying the foundations for long-term prosperity, and refocusing government expenditure toward productive investments.
“Mr President, we commend you for your boldness, your vision, and your unwavering belief in Nigeria’s future. Likewise, the 10th National Assembly,” he said.
The Senate President also referred to Tinubu as a great democrat who suffered personal losses for democracy to thrive in Nigeria.
“Many, including Your Excellency, stood tall in those days of darkness. While others chose silence or compromise, you chose courage.
“At great personal cost, NADECO, which you were part of, helped sustain the flame of liberty when it was most at risk of going out. So as we mark this day, let us remember those who bled so we could vote.
“Those who took risks so we could speak. Those who were buried so that freedom might rise. Let us also pay tribute to all those who played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s democratic transition.This year’s theme—“26 Years of Democracy: Renewing Our Commitment to National Development”—is not a slogan. It is a call to purpose,” he said.
However, speaking on the achievements of the National Assembly ahead of its second anniversary on June 13, Akpabio said “from its inception, the 10th Senate demonstrated a renewed vigor for addressing the country’s complex challenges through purposeful legislation.
“This commitment is reflected in its extraordinary output: a total of 844 bills have been introduced within its first two years—an unprecedented figure that underscores the Senate’s proactive posture in tackling pressing national issues.
“Out of this impressive volume, 107 bills are currently at the committee stage, undergoing the necessary scrutiny and stakeholder engagement that ensures quality legislation, 206 bills are awaiting first reading, reflecting a robust pipeline of legislative ideas prepared for formal introduction, and 409 bills have advanced to second reading.
“Notably, the Senate has passed 96 bills, a record for any Nigerian Senate at this stage of the legislative cycle. Even more significantly, 52 of these bills have been passed by the President, translating into enforceable laws that will shape governance, economic development, public welfare, and national security.
“These bills include the National Education Fund, local government autonomy bill, regional development commissions, tax reforms, universities and tertiary institutions, agricultural institutions etc.
“Moreover, the Tenth Senate has acted decisively on 26 Executive Bills, showcasing a healthy balance of cooperation and oversight in its engagement with the executive arm.
“These executive-sponsored legislations address key policy areas and benefit from the Senate’s thorough review and refinement before passage.
“Beyond bills, the 10th Senate has received a total of 80 petitions from citizens and civil society. This is a testimony to public trust in the institution. Of these, 18 petitions have been fully adopted, providing redress, transparency, and institutional accountability,” he said.
As part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day celebration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred national honours on dozens of distinguished Nigerians, including posthumous awards for late pro-democracy activists, politicians, journalists, and civil rights leaders.
The honourees were described by the President as ‘heroes and heroines of democracy.’ Tinubu noted that the awards serve as a tribute to the sacrifices made in the struggle to entrench and sustain democracy in Nigeria.
The presiding officers of the National Assembly were formally decorated by the President with the award of national honours earlier conferred on them.
The Labour Party has fixed its national convention for April 28 in Umuahia, Abia.
The party also officially released the list of chairmen and members of its electoral sub-committees for the forthcoming congresses in all the states of the federation.
Senior Special Adviser (Media) to the Interim National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, made these known in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
The party had earlier announced the timetable for its congresses, with ward congresses scheduled for April 23, local government congresses, April 24 and state congresses April 26.
According to Asogwa, the sub-committees, made up of experienced and respected party members, have been constituted to oversee the conduct of the congresses in their respective states.
He listed the chairmen to include: Iheanacho Obioma (Abia); Francis Kim (Adamawa); Ekong Solomon (Akwa Ibom); Chief Tony Asuoha (Anambra); Malam Mustapha Adamu (Bauchi); Beredugo Ebimonyo (Bayelsa) and Chief John Ochoga (Benue).
Others are: Urom Iyang (Cross River); Chuks Onitsha (Delta); Chief Mitchell Nwabueze (Ebonyi); Dr Saliu Edogiawerie (Edo); Usman Mohammed (Niger); Owolabi Ezekiel (Ogun); Charles Afolabi (Ondo); Balogun Ibrahim (Osun); Babatunde Yusuf (Oyo); Fakorede Matthew (Ekiti) and Dr David Ogba (Enugu).
Also included are: Adoga Knaabayi (Gombe); Chinagorom Nwankpa (Imo); Mustapha Garba (Jigawa); Dr Emmanuel Barau (Kaduna); Kabiru Said (Kano); Pastor Ishaku Izang (Plateau); Amaobi Ogah (Rivers); Prof. Muhamuda Muhammad (Sokoto); Jesse Williams (Taraba); Mukhtar Hassan (Yobe) and Haila Baja (Zamfara).
Also, Ismail Bello (Katsina); Muh’d (Birnin Kebbi); Samuel Ajare (Kogi); Bodunde Adebayo (Kwara); Chukwuemeka Ogbanna (Lagos); Dr Muttaqa Yushau (Nasarawa) and Rose Uba-Anarah (FCT).
Asogwa quoted the National Chairman of the party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, as urging the chairmen and members to carry out their responsibilities with utmost fairness, transparency and integrity.
Usman reminded them of the party’s core values of equal opportunity and social justice, urging them to reflect these principles in the discharge of their duties.
She stressed the need for diligence and commitment, noting that the credibility of the party must be upheld throughout the congress process.
The statement assured that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth, successful, and hitch-free convention.
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
The Amir and National Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alatoye Abdulazeez, has urged Nigerian youths to unite politically and strategically, identifying Adewole Adebayo as a potential leader capable of driving national transformation if given collective support.
Speaking during an interview, Abdulazeez emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges largely on the ability of young people to organize themselves beyond tribal, religious, and financial inducements, and to rally behind credible leadership.
According to him, while several young candidates have emerged in past elections, their failure to build strong alliances allowed older political forces to maintain dominance.
He noted that the case of Adebayo, a lawyer and businessman who contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), presents an opportunity for a different political direction if youths can act in unity.
“If the younger generation is sure that Adewole Adebayo can deliver, they should team up with him, get things right, and encourage other youths across tribes to see themselves as one,” Abdulazeez said.
He stressed that Nigeria is currently in what he described as a “storming stage” of nationhood, where divisions along ethnic and regional lines continue to hinder development.
He warned that unless a “national norm” is established—where citizens prioritize unity over sectional interests—the country may struggle to reach its full potential.
The cleric further advised youths to avoid electoral inducement and reject divisive politics, urging them instead to focus on long-term nation-building.
“We must move from where we are to the next stage. Otherwise, we will keep moving in the same direction,” he added.
Beyond politics, Abdulazeez reiterated the Ahmadiyya motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None,” as a guiding principle for national cohesion, stressing that religion should be a force for peace rather than division.
He condemned terrorism and violence carried out in the name of religion, insisting that such acts contradict Islamic teachings.
On governance, he acknowledged efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that while progress has been made in some areas, more attention is needed in critical sectors such as power and economic management.
Abdulazeez concluded with a call for collective responsibility among citizens, particularly the youth, to reshape Nigeria’s future through unity, moral discipline, and active participation in governance.
“Leadership is not just about those in office,” he said. “It is also about those who choose them.”
End
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) have released a revised timetable for the 2026 local government elections.
ENSIEC Chairman, Prof. Christian Ngwu, presented the updated schedule to journalists in Enugu.
Ngwu said the framework outlines activities leading to elections on Sept.
26 and re-run polls on Oct. 10.He explained the adjustments followed the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022 and enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
“The revised timetable aligns with the new law and other relevant statutes guiding elections in the state,” he said.
He recalled ENSIEC earlier issued a notice on Aug. 20, 2025 alongside an initial timetable.
According to him, party primaries will be held from Jan. 23 to May 26.
“Campaigns will begin on April 29 and end on Sept. 25, 24 hours before polling,” Ngwu added.
He said submission of nomination forms closes on May 29, while candidates’ particulars will be published on June 19.
“The final list of candidates will be released on July 27,” he stated.
Ngwu added that submission of polling agents ends on Aug. 31, while the official notice of poll comes on Sept. 11.
He confirmed elections will be held on Sept. 26, with voting from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. using the open secret ballot system.
“In case of inconclusive results, re-run elections will be conducted on Oct. 10,” he said.
Ngwu stressed the timetable was issued under the commission’s constitutional mandate and in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
Son Kills Father While Defending Mother in Niger
ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna A tragic domestic incident has left a 60-year-old man dead after he was allegedly assaulted by...
Man City, Inter, Chelsea, Juventus Face Off in Hong Kong for Preseason
ShareEnglish and Italian football giants Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus will square up for pre-season friendlies in Hong Kong in August, the clubs...
Pope Leo XIV Pays Tribute to Predecessor on Anniversary of His Death
SharePope Leo XIV commemorated the first anniversary of the death of his predecessor, Francis, as he addressed worshippers in Equatorial Guinea yesterday. The pontiff paid tribute to his...
Labour Party Fixes National Convention April 28
ShareThe Labour Party has fixed its national convention for April 28 in Umuahia, Abia. The party also officially released the list of chairmen and members of its electoral sub-committees for the forthcoming...
Cross River Confirms Case of COVID-19
ShareFrom Ene Asuquo, Calabar The Cross River State Government has confirmed a case of COVID-19 and swiftly activated its public health emergency response mechanisms to contain any potential...
Nigeria Imports 61.7m Barrels US Crude In Two Years
ShareNigeria imported about 61.7 million barrels of crude oil from the United States between January 2024 and January 2026, underscoring...
FG Slams 13-Count Charge against Alleged Coup Plotters
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against...
Tinubu Restructures Economic Team, Drops Wale Edun, Dangiwa
ShareBy Tony Obiechina and Raphael Atuu, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council,...
Nasarawa Lawmaker Supports Wadada Endorsement
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged...
Centenary City Access Road Reaches 35 Per Cent Completion as Community Backing Drives Progress
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent...