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Senator Natasha
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JUST IN: You can’t resume Senate now, NASS tells Natasha

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The National Assembly (NASS) has informed suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that she cannot resume her legislative duties yet after serving her six-month suspension.

According to the National Assembly bureaucracy, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains in effect as the case is still before the Court of Appeal.

Tribune Online earlier reports that after the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in favour of the Senate, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, dissatisfied with the judgment, approached the appellate court seeking redress.

In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (Ag. CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Parliament acknowledged receipt of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intended return to the Senate on the same date, which she cited as the end of her six-month suspension.

However, the letter clarified that her suspension, effective from March 6, 2025, remains in force while the matter is subjudice.

“The matter, therefore, remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read.

Dr. Danzaria further assured that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan “will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”

Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 following an alleged misconduct involving a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat arrangements during a plenary session on the floor of the Red Chamber.

The letter emphasised that the Senate will only review her suspension after the Court of Appeal delivers its final judgement.

 

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Senate
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N210tn Probe: Senate Blasts NNPCL for Absence, Vows Constitutional Action

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Nigerian Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following the company’s failure to appear before lawmakers probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over N210 trillion in its audited financial reports from 2017 to 2023.

Despite being formally summoned, NNPCL officials and external auditors failed to attend Thursday’s session. In contrast, representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) were present.

Reading a letter dated June 25 from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, the committee was informed that the company’s top executives were away on a management retreat. The letter also requested a two-month extension to enable the collation of relevant documents and responses.

“Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for two months from now… Members of the board and senior management team are currently out of the office for a retreat,” the letter stated.

Lawmakers, however, rejected the request, describing it as evasive and unacceptable.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada, insisted that NNPCL had already been served 11 specific audit queries and was only expected to provide oral responses.

“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada said. “If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers.”

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) stressed that the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, who assumed office on April 2, 2025, must personally appear before the committee at the rescheduled session.

Supporting the stance, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) remarked that the request for more time appeared to be an attempt to evade accountability.

“We will still grant them a fair hearing, but they must appear by July 10,” Nwebonyi said.

Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) issued a stern warning to NNPCL: “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”

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Boko Haram
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Senate Task Military Redeployment to Borno, Yobe Over Renewed Boko Haram Attacks

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday called on the military to urgently redeploy personnel and advanced equipment to Borno and Yobe states in response to a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the North-East.

The resolution followed fresh insurgent assaults in the region, including the killing of more than a dozen soldiers in Marte, Monguno Local Government Area, on Monday, May 12, and another attack on Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area, early Tuesday.

Raising a motion on the matter, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Munguno noted that although two-thirds of Borno’s local government areas were previously under Boko Haram control, a joint effort by the military and the civilian joint task force had reclaimed the territories.

He explained that the relative peace restored in the area had led to a shift in tactical military focus to the North-West, where security forces are currently battling banditry and kidnapping.

Munguno expressed concern over the evolving strategies of the insurgents, citing their use of modern technologies such as drones and an increase in improvised explosive devices, which have resulted in heavy civilian and military casualties, as well as the disruption of transportation routes.

The Senate, in its resolution, urged the military high command to promptly redeploy sufficient troops to the affected areas and ensure they are equipped with modern technology to counter the renewed threat. It also mandated its Committees on Army and Air Force to monitor the implementation of the directive.

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Senate
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JUST IN: Senate passes tax reform bills

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The two bills passed are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

These bills were passed after the senators reviewed the report of an ad hoc committee chaired by Niger East Senator Sani Musa. The committee was constituted to address controversies and disputes surrounding the proposed reforms. On Wednesday, each clause of the bills were debated and considered at the Committee of the Whole.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced passage of the bills after a majority of the senators supported them through voice vote.

Mr Akpabio said the Senate will set up a committee to harmonise its decision on the bills wit the version passed by the House of Representatives in March. Once harmonised, the unified bills will be transmitted to President Tinubu for assent.

The senate president said the remaining two bills, the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 and the Tax Administration Bill, would be passed on Thursday.

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Senate
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Senate Sets Up 18-Member Committee to Oversee Rivers Sole Administrator

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Nigerian Senate has constituted an 18-member committee to oversee the activities of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.).

According to the Senate, the move aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the governance of the state.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, was appointed chairman of the committee. The announcement was made by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Akpabio emphasized the importance of the committee’s mandate, describing it as crucial for ensuring effective legislative oversight in Rivers State. He also noted that the committee’s composition may be reviewed following further consultations.

Members of the committee include Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed, along with the Clerk of the Senate.

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Natasha
Headlines

BREAKING: Senate Suspends Senator Natasha for 6 Months

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Senate has suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over allegations of misconduct, effective today, March 6, 2025.

This follows the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

The panel had recommended a six-month suspension for the senator. The committee also proposed that during the suspension period, her office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises during the suspension period while her salaries and those of her legislative aides will be withdrawn.

In February, Senator Natasha had a disagreement with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the chamber. The situation escalated a few days later when she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment.

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Senate
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USAID/Boko Haram Sponsorship: Senate Summons Ribadu, DSS, NIA, Others

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The leadership of the Nigerian Senate has summoned key agencies over allegations made by a United States Congressman Scott Perry on Boko Haram sponsorship by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The Senate issued the summons at the plenary on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Some of the top security agencies summoned by the Red Chambers include the National Security Adviser (NSA), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

According to the Senate, the agencies’ heads are expected to brief lawmakers on the alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram by USAID through supposed humanitarian aid to Nigeria.

The Senate leadership said it needs more clarification on the matter before conducting its independent investigations.

More details soon…

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Headlines

Senate Committee Rejects Paltry Budget Allocation Given to Culture Agencies

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

……..As NICO laments relegation of Nigeria’s culture

The Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism has expressed worry over the meager amount allocated to agencies under the culture sector, saying there is no way such agencies can be blamed for not meeting their targets.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo made this known when Chief Executives of agencies under the sector appeared before the Committee at the National Assembly Complex to defend their respective budgets for the year 2025.

He lamented that as one of the most important sectors of the economy, the culture sector is yet to receive the appropriate attention it deserves from government. “I don’t see how an agency can be created and no single kobo is given to them from January to December. This is one of the most important sectors of the economy but unfortunately, it is not being given the attention it deserves”.

“Each of the agencies here is capable of generating billions but unfortunately, they cannot do that because they are not properly funded. As a responsible parliament, there is no way we will accept the burden placed on these agencies without adequate funds to operate. The Committee for now is not accepting the envelops given to each of the agencies. This is very sad”.

“If you look at the envelop given to each of them, you will agree with me that it is a far cry but we will sit down and discuss how best to go about it”, he said.

The Committee therefore resolved to present the sad situation of low budgetary allocation to culture agencies before the National Assembly through the President of the Senate to see how their budgets can be reviewed.

Earlier while presenting the budget for the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Executive Secretary/CEO, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye lamented seriously over the regrettable relegation of culture, saying “any country without respect for its culture can never grow”. He therefore assured the eminent lawmakers that the Institute is determined to push culture to the core of policy making and boost international cultural diplomacy.

Other Chief Executives of Culture agencies present at the budget defense were the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Obi Asika; Director General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM); Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Shaibu Husseini; Managing Director, National Film Corporation (NFC), Ali Nuhu; Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN), Hajia Kaltume Bulama Gana, and Aisha Augie, the Director General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC).

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Headlines

Senate halts action on tax reform bills

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Senate has suspended action on the tax reform bills currently before it.

It further instructed the Committee on Finance to stay action on the public hearing pending the time the agitation in the public space is addressed.

The Senate further constituted a special committee to meet with the executive branch and work with the Federal Government to resolve the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.

This was made known by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided during the plenary on Wednesday.

There have been a lot of controversies surrounding the Tax Reform Bills since its introduction to the National Assembly.

The bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

Northern governors have rejected the bills, describing them as anti-democracy.

Following this, the National Economic Council requested that the tax reforms bill be withdrawn from the NASS for more consultations.

Amidst the controversy, Senator Shehu Buba (APC, Bauchi South) in an interview with British Broadcasting Service, Hausa Service said Northern Senators agreed to recall the Tax Reforms Bills.

He said, “These bills are complex and require thorough review by tax policy experts.”

He claimed that northern lawmakers strongly oppose the proposed “derivation” formula in the value-added tax (VAT) distribution system, arguing that northern states would be unfairly impacted.

Also, on Tuesday, the president instructed the Ministry of Justice to liaise with the judiciary.

Speaking about these controversies, the Deputy Senate president noted that the delegation will meet on Thursday at the National Assembly to resolve all the issues that have been the cause of the uproar.

Barau said, “On the tax reform bills currently before us, we acknowledge that the Senate remains the highest legislative assembly in this country.

“The Senate comprises men and women of wisdom and experience, entrusted to legislate for the peace, stability, and development of the nation.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, like similar bodies globally, serves as a stabilising force in times of difficulty or disagreement. Through dialogue and consensus, the Senate has consistently provided solutions to national challenges since 1999.”

He added, “In this regard, we have decided to set aside politics, ethnicity, and regionalism to work together on resolving the issues surrounding the tax reform bills.

“In collaboration with the Executive Arm of Government, we agreed to establish a forum to identify and address contentious areas to ensure national unity and progress.

“Before the introduction of these bills, we faced numerous challenges, including insecurity and economic issues.

“The President has been working to address these problems, and we are committed to supporting these efforts while tackling global economic challenges. We also agreed that no other issues should aggravate the country’s current difficulties.

“It has been mutually decided between the Executive and the Senate to engage the Judiciary to sort out these matters.

“the Attorney General of the Federation will be involved in discussions to identify and resolve areas of disagreement for the nation’s benefit.

“Tomorrow, the committee established by the Senate, along with its leadership, will meet with the Attorney General to address these issues.”

Barau further instructed, “Consequently, the Senate Committee on Finance has been directed to pause further actions on public hearings and other matters related to the tax reform bills until the issues are resolved.”

Members of the committee are all the leadership of the Senate including other members, Adamu Ailero (PDP, Kebbi Central), Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) Titus Zam (Benue South), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi), Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) and Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East).

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Headlines

” I will remove you if you don’t perform optimally’ Akpabio threatens chairmen of Senate committees

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday threatened to remove committee chairmen in the Senate who failed to perform optimally in the discharged of their statutory oversight functions.

Akpabio queried how heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the federal government continued to disregard invitation to appear before committees of the National Assembly for questioning.

Akpabio made these assertions during plenary while responding to the concerns of Bauchi Central Senator, Abdul Ningi, alleging that the Senate Committee on Finance failed to carry out oversight on 92 revenue generating agencies.

The Senate President said the Senate leadership would not hesitate to change the composition of its committees so that those who have capacity could take over.

“If for any reason some committees are finding it too difficult to oversight their agencies, we will change the composition of the committees so that those who have the capacity and the capabilities can take over and do the job for the benefits of democracy in this country,” Akpabio said.

Akpabio also called on all chairmen of standing committees in the Senate to submit annual reports about their oversight activities of their respective committees by January 2025.

“I would like a report from almost all the committees to be submitted by January 31st of the activities so far so that we will know where they have difficulties,” he said.

He said the lawmakers have constitutional power to issue a warrant of arrest on heads of MDAs resisting invitation to appeal before National Assembly committees m.

“The powers are there and the constitution backs us. I do not see where any MDAs or any agency will refuse to comply with the invitation or demands from any committee of the Senate or the National Assembly as a whole.

“Where you overlook it as a committee, that is where they get away with it and then it now becomes a norm, so please let us take it seriously.”

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