POLITICS
APC Convention: Musa Exudes Confidence with Gov Bello’s Backing

From Dan Amasingha, Minna.
The camp of Senator Sani Musa, a frontline All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship aspirant has expressed confidence on the chances of the lawmaker clinching the position following the endorsement of Governor Sani Bello of Niger State.
The Chairman of the North Central Governor’s Forum has thrown his full weight behind the chairmanship aspiration of Senator Sani Musa.
Senator Musa, Chairman of the Senate House Services Committee is representing Niger East Senatorial Zone in the upper chamber of the National assembly and is one of the nine contenders for the national chairmanship seat of the APC.
Governor Bello endorsed the Minna born politician when the Niger State Caucus in the Senate paid him a sympathy visit over the series of attacks on some communities in the state and to seek his blessing for Senator Musa to become the National Chairman of the ruling APC.
Responding to the request for his support, Governor Bello said he believes that the aspirant will give ” the purposeful leadership that will give our party a good direction”.
Though the Governor conceded that there are many contenders for the chairmanship seat especially from the north central geo political zone he however submitted that:
“As a leader in the North Central zone I am open to all aspirants especially those from the zone but of course your own is your own and pulling this crowd makes a statement”.
The Governor also described Senator Sani Musa as ” A friend and brother” before further assuring him of his support.
The senate caucus was led by its chairman Senator Sabi Abdullahi who spoke eloquently about senator Musa after commiserating with the governor over the loss of lives and property to the recent bandit attacks.
Meanwhile Senator Musa has condemned in unmistakable terms the wanton killing and destruction of property of innocent villagers in Galadima-kogo by armed men.
Musa in a statement on Wednesday described the incident as not only unfortunate but very sad and pathetic and appealed to security operatives in the area to be more alive to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of harmless villagers.
He also charged the security operatives to take seriously intelligence provided by the villagers which he argued will assist them to bring an end to the carnage going on the villages and towns in Shiroro local government areas and other parts of Niger state.
” I sympathize with all those that have lost loved ones and property as a result of these dastardly acts” Musa said assuring that the relations of the deceived will not be abandoned.
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)