POLITICS
Summon CBN Gov, CGC, Finance Minister, Adani Mega System MD, to end Debacle

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
The House of Representatives yesterday, resolved to end the delay in the takeoff of the planned e-Customs project in the country, as it summoned all the principal actors to resolve the matter for the take off of the project.
The principal actors summoned by the House were the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, the Chairman, CBN Technical Committee on CISS, the Minister of Finance, the Controller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd), and the Managing Director of Adani Mega Systems Ltd.
The House presided by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, mandated the House Committees on Customs & Excise, Finance, Banking and Currency to carry out the assignment and report back to it within four weeks, for further legislative action.
This followed the motion of urgent public importance, brought by Hon Leke Abejide, on the urgent need to resolve the debacle between the CBN technical committee on CISS and the Adani Mega System LTD, hindering the takeoff of the NCS e-Customs project.
Abejide said that the CBN Technical Committee on Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) had agreement with Adani Mega Systems Ltd to engage the latter as Service Provider/Vendor for screening service infrastructure for the inspection of all inbound and outbound cargo in Nigeria.
Also, he said that CBN in the said letter of engagement of February, 2017, also stated its statutory mandate to manage and supervise the project as provided in Sections 13(1),15(i), and 5 of Pre-Shipment Inspection of Export Act, and Pre-Shipment Inspect of Imports Act.
The lawmaker further said that a Build, Operate, and Own Agreement between the Technical Committee on CISS, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and Adani Mega Systems Ltd in relation to the provision of the scanning services infrastructures (scanners) required for all operations was sealed and a certificate of “NO OBJECTION” was granted by the BPP after evaluating the profile of the company.
He expressed concernes that the level of engagement had reached the turning point whereby Adani Mega Systems Ltd had procured necessary equipments to commence the E-Customs projects as provided for in the contract but since 13th July, 2017, the project had stalled without solution in sight, further causing tremendous revenue loss to the Federal Government which according to the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, had earlier appraised of having the potential of yielding Up to $176 billion over the course of the 20 year concession period.
He noted that the 2022 Budget provided for N3.9 Trillion for debt servicing alone, and this was asides repayment of principal, stressing that if the e-Customs is allowed to take off by settling the issues between the FGN and ADANl the issue of borrowing would be “reduced to the barest minimum, if not eradicated, because the Nigeria Customs Service would be able to generate twice, if not thrice, of what is currently being generated. Despite all these obstacles there is possibility of NCS to generate over N2 trillion this year 2021.”
The lawmaker further noted that for the interest of the country and to reduce the country’s debt profile, the lingering crisis between the Federal Government through the CBN Technical Committee on CISS and Adani Mega Systems Ltd needed to be urgently resolved.
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)