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.

From Yagana Ali, Yola

The Adamawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027. The endorsement was made at a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting held in Yola, where party leaders and members expressed their unwavering support for the President’s re-election bid.

The National Vice Chairman (North East) of the APC, Mustapha Salihu, led the party leaders and stakeholders in affirming the party’s support for President Tinubu.

Salihu described the President’s administration as one committed to economic transformation, institutional reforms, and national stability. He urged party members to close ranks and consolidate the gains of the last two years under the Tinubu-led government.

The APC also passed a vote of confidence on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, lauding his efforts in stabilising the country and restoring Nigeria’s global image through strategic security interventions. The party described Ribadu as a worthy Adamawa ambassador who has not let the state and the country down.

As part of the celebrations, Comrade Salihu donated a modern two-storey duplex, valued at over N300 million, to serve as the APC Adamawa State Secretariat. The gesture is part of Salihu’s efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event witnessed the defection of several high-profile political figures into the APC, including the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Crowther Seth, and prominent businessman and philanthropist, Abdulrahman Haske. Other notable figures who spoke at the event commended President Tinubu for his strides in national security, infrastructure development, economic recovery, and educational reforms.

The endorsement of President Tinubu and the vote of confidence on NSA Ribadu demonstrate the APC’s commitment to consolidating the gains of the current administration and promoting national stability and development.

…Says Imminent Implosion Looms

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

A Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Jackson Lekan Ojo, has cautioned the party about the gale of defection to the party, saying an imminent implosion looms ahead of 2027 general election.

In a telephone interview, Chief Lekan Ojo described the defection of opposition Politicians as ‘worrisome’ and stressed that those joining APC are doing so for political survival and selfish reasons.

According to him, members of APC that sacrificed to solidify the party have their own ambition to use the party platform to contest for elective positions but those ones already in elective positions that are flooring into the party are scheming to upstage the old members of the party during the next general election.

This, he said, will cause crises and implosion that may affect the fortunes of the ruling party.

Chief Lekan Ojo advised President Bola Tinubu added that the actions of the APC and President Tinubu not to focus on governance but engage in a “fight” with the opposition ahead of the next general election is worrisome and counterproductive.

Ojo emphasised that there was a need for caution, stressing that the APC and opposition were causing political tension and anxiety in the landscape.

He also said the APC should not celebrate the crises rocking the opposition parties.

“From the ambience, it is clear that the APC might soon be in disarray too. Look at what is happening in its North East zone.

“It will soon happen in the North Central and other zones.

“APC will be badly wounded if the ongoing drama continues. But at the same time, the opposition also must be united and sincere in their dealings, especially on the issue of coalition.

“There are several disgruntled elements in the APC who contested and lost previous elections.

“Some of the people coming in now are already holding elective offices and would like to suppress those already in the party.

“This will be resisted, I can assure you. And that resistance will cause a crisis.

“Some are moving to APC to race for the position of Vice President, some are rushing to battle for senatorial tickets, while others would be interested in hijacking the party’s hierarchy.

“So in all these, Nigerians are at the receiving end,” he said.