By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja

The Senate yesterday took a firm stand on Nigeria’s worsening security crisis while intensifying oversight of public institutions, rejecting the rehabilitation of terrorists, scrutinising the finances and operations of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), and declining to intervene in the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) pending a formal petition.

In a debate sparked by a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), lawmakers unanimously rejected government policies that rehabilitate and reintegrate former Boko Haram fighters and other terrorists, insisting that perpetrators of terrorism should face justice instead of being rewarded with rehabilitation programmes.

The motion followed the abduction and death in captivity of retired Major General Rabiu Abubakar, former Director of Defence Information, in Katsina State, which senators described as another grim indication of the country’s deteriorating security situation.

The Senate adopted resolutions calling for stronger intelligence gathering, improved surveillance, deployment of modern security technology, enhanced early warning systems and closer collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities.

The chamber also resolved that the Federal Government should ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing of the retired general and other victims of terrorism and banditry.

An additional prayer sponsored by Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea (Edo Central), and strongly backed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, rejected the rehabilitation of terrorists and other violent criminals.

Oshiomhole argued that reintegrating terrorists into society amounted to rewarding criminality while victims continued to suffer.

“It does not make even common sense to grant pardon, rehabilitate and integrate criminals into society,” he said, insisting that those responsible for killings, kidnappings and the destruction of communities should face the full weight of the law.

Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) maintained that Nigerians expected concrete action from security agencies, urging the Senate to mandate the arrest and prosecution of those behind recent attacks, including the killing of Major General Abubakar.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also secured the adoption of a resolution mandating the Senate leadership to meet President Bola Tinubu and formally present lawmakers’ concerns over the country’s worsening security situation.

Throughout the debate, senators lamented the increasing attacks on military personnel, academics and ordinary citizens, with Minority Leader Abba Moro recalling the killing of a university professor near a police checkpoint after refusing to surrender his vehicle to gunmen.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, however, defended the Armed Forces, saying personnel were making enormous sacrifices despite the growing regional threat posed by terrorism and banditry across West Africa.

Following the debate, the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of Major General Abubakar and all victims of terrorism, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, while resolving to send a delegation to condole with his family, the Katsina State Government and the Nigerian Army.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Regional Development questioned the management and governing board of the North West Development Commission over the expenditure of about N943 million on board allowances, allegations of internal disagreements and the continued absence of executive directors.

During an investigative session with officials of the commission and the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, lawmakers expressed concern that the NWDC remained the only regional development commission without executive directors despite being among the earliest established.

Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu, attributed part of the commission’s operational challenges to disputes over its headquarters in Kano, disclosing that the Kano State Government had since provided a permanent office, operational vehicles and land for the commission.

He said the absence of executive directors had weakened the commission’s management structure and slowed its operations.

Lawmakers also questioned financial records showing that about N943 million out of N1.19 billion spent by the commission went to board allowances, describing the expenditure as inconsistent with the commission’s mandate of driving development, infrastructure and peace-building across the North West.

The committee further queried delays in staff recruitment, implementation of the capital budget and the execution of board resolutions.

Chairman of the Governing Board, Abdullahi Lawal, defended the expenditure, insisting that all board activities were authorised under the North West Development Commission Act, 2024, and explained that the board had held seven meetings, approving governance frameworks and operational policies for the commission.

He, however, blamed management for delays in implementing board resolutions and processing approved expenditures.

The committee later moved into executive session to consider sensitive issues and receive further clarifications from officials.

Separately, the Senate ruled out any immediate intervention in the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), saying it had no petition before it to warrant legislative action.

Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the allegations and counter-allegations involving the purported agency, its alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, and the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President remained matters within the Executive arm of government.

He noted that although the agency reportedly had a budget line, the National Assembly neither created the agency nor appointed its leadership.

Adaramodu added that since the matter had become the subject of litigation, the Senate would refrain from commenting unless a formal petition was submitted by any of the parties or concerned Nigerians.

He stressed that any petition received would be subjected to legislative scrutiny in accordance with Senate rules.

Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the attempt to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), through judicial means,  as  evidence of the desperate determination of President Bola Tinubu to impose a de facto one-party state in Nigeria, against the democratic wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.

In a statement at the weekend by his media office, Atiku said that he was not surprised by the disturbing situation, which may have grave consequences if the sinister plot to weaken opposition parties in order to help Tinubu have his way in the 2027 election, comes to fruition.

According to Atiku, the participation of citizens in a free, fair and credible poll is the soul of democracy and any attempt to stifle such freedom of choice could be a trigger to chaos and anarchy.

The ADC Presidential candidate explained further that “Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections.”

He urged Tinubu to borrow a leaf from the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who despite being a retired military officer turned politician, never deregistered any opposition party. Ditto for former President Goodluck Jonathan,  who lived by a non-violent mantra that political ambition should not be worth the blood of any citizen.

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku reminded Tinubu. 

 “Tinubu cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.” 

“You can’t attempt to rule the people against their will and still pretend that you’re committed to free and fair elections in 2027,” Atiku stated.

The former Vice President also advised judges “to resist being used by dishonorable politicians who are bent on destroying the hard-earned democracy in the country.

“Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses. Don’t allow unscrupulous politicians to stain your reputation for their own short-term gain at the expense of justice. The judiciary is the last hope of the people. Let’s avoid anything that is capable of ruining the credibility  and reputation of our courts; not for a messy pot of pottage or love of lucre. 

“There are great judges in Nigeria, but the unchecked excesses of some who allow themselves to become judicial swords on the hands of politicians, are capable of damaging the larger image of the judiciary,” Atiku said.

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial bye-election, David Emmanuel Ombugadu on Wednesday intensified his grassroots engagements across Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area, receiving widespread support from residents, traditional leaders, women, youths, elders, and religious leaders ahead of the poll.

Earlier in his consultations across the constituency, Ombugadu visited Igga-BrumBrum, Ikka-Wangibi, Mada Station, Lambaga/Arikpa, and Kagbu wards, where he was warmly received by enthusiastic supporters.

The PDP candidate also paid a visit to the hometown of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, where he met with members of the family. During the visit, the father of the late senator described Ombugadu as his son and symbolically adopted him as “Ombugadu Akwashiki.” He prayed for the success of the PDP candidate and urged him to remain committed to the ideals of service, unity, and development championed by the late senator.

In his latest round of engagements, Ombugadu visited Ezen/Lizzi, Agunji/Ogbagi, and Alogani/Gale communities, where large crowds turned out to welcome him. Women groups, youths, elders, and pastors offered prayers for the PDP candidate and publicly endorsed his senatorial ambition, expressing confidence in his ability to provide quality representation at the National Assembly.

Speaking during the meetings, several community leaders recalled projects executed by Ombugadu during his tenure in the House of Representatives, noting that the impact of those interventions remains visible years after he left office.

According to them, many communities continue to benefit from the developmental projects he attracted, a record they said has strengthened public confidence in his leadership.

“The projects Ombugadu brought to our communities are still fresh in our minds. We have not forgotten what he did for our people, and that is why we are supporting him for the Senate,” a community representative said during one of the engagements.

Addressing supporters, Ombugadu expressed gratitude for the overwhelming reception and assurances of support from the various communities. He pledged to provide effective representation and attract more development projects to Nasarawa North if elected.

“I am humbled by the love, prayers, and confidence the people continue to show me. This support is a call to greater service, and I assure our people that I will continue to work for the progress and development of every community in Nasarawa North,” he said.

The former Lawmaker reiterated his commitment to promoting infrastructure development, education, youth empowerment, agriculture, and improved social services, stressing that his campaign remains focused on issues that directly affect the lives and wellbeing of the people.

Political observers say the growing turnout at Ombugadu’s campaign engagements across Nasarawa Eggon reflects increasing grassroots momentum as candidates intensify consultations and voter outreach ahead of the highly anticipated senatorial bye-election.