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Senate Gives NNPCL 21 Days to Explain N210 Trillion in Unreconciled Funds

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Nigerian Senate has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to provide explanations for N210 trillion in unreconciled financial records flagged in its audited accounts. The directive was handed down to NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari, on Monday during a session with the Senate Committee on Public Accounts. Ojulari appeared before the committee after previously failing to honor four separate invitations. Committee Chairman Senator Ahmed Wadada (Nasarawa West) disclosed that the discrepancies were identified in 19 audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation. The flagged figures span the years 2017 to 2023 and comprise N103 trillion in liabilities and N107 trillion in assets. “The committee has not said the N210 trillion was stolen or missing,” Wadada clarified. “This is part of our constitutional mandate to examine the audited accounts of public institutions.” Ojulari, who has been in office for just over 100 days, apologized for his earlier absences and asked for more time to review the complex financial queries. He initially requested a four-week extension, but the committee granted him three weeks. “I still need time to do further digging,” he said. “Your explanation now changes my perspective about the issues.” He is expected to submit written responses and appear again before the committee, along with other top officials of the NNPCL. Lawmakers emphasized the gravity of the matter, stressing the importance of transparency in the operations of the national oil company. “NNPCL is in possession of Nigeria’s economic prosperity. We must ensure transparency,” said Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central). Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North West) described the audit findings as “germane and critical,” while Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) called for a fair hearing, noting that some of the discrepancies might be due to errors in the audit process.

Natasha’s Constituents Submit Petition To INEC For Her Recall

Akpoti-Uduaghan Insists Court Ordered Her Recall, Rejects Senate Clerk’s Advisory Interpretation

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago07 mins

Suspended Kogi Central lawmaker Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally rejected the National Assembly’s claim that a July 4 Federal High Court judgment urging her return to the Senate was merely advisory. In a strongly worded July 14 “Rejoinder” to the Clerk of the National Assembly, her legal team—led by Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN—argued the court’s ruling is a binding directive requiring her immediate recall. What Sparked the Dispute Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months in March (formally enforced in early May 2025, according to Senate records citing “unparliamentary conduct” and “gross misconduct”). Critics have called the suspension politically motivated, alleging it targeted her over vocal interventions on budget and governance issues affecting Kogi Central. She sued in FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, naming the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Senate Committee on Ethics chairman among the defendants. The Court’s Decision In a judgment delivered July 4, 2025, Justice B.F.N. Nyako faulted the length of the six‑month suspension, saying it deprived Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents of representation. The court’s enrolled orders, she says, begin with “It is hereby ordered…” and include 12 specific directives—one of which states the “Senate should recall the Plaintiff.” While the word “should” was used, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team contends that read in context, the structure and findings make the recall compulsory, not optional. Senate Clerk Pushes Back Responding in a July 14 letter, the Clerk (through Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation & Counselling) told her counsel that the court issued no mandatory order binding the Senate, describing the pronouncement as non-directive. The Clerk advised that the senator await Senate action should the chamber choose to exercise its power to recall her. Senator’s Legal Counterargument In her rejoinder, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued: Next Steps With the National Assembly in recess following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, plenary is expected to resume July 22, 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan has notified the Clerk of her intention to return that day, barring further obstruction. Her lawyers warned that “all lawful measures” remain on the table should the Senate decline compliance. Wider Political Undercurrents Sources in the Red Chamber say senators are divided—some urging adherence to the court’s ruling (or at least a negotiated political settlement), others resisting on procedural or political grounds. Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) recently urged a political solution in televised remarks. Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has not issued a public statement on the matter. Background Timeline Why It Matters The showdown tests judicial enforceability over internal legislative discipline and raises broader questions about representation rights, checks and balances, and politicized sanctions within Nigeria’s National Assembly. How the Senate resolves—or escalates—this case could shape future confrontations between lawmakers and the courts.

Gbajabiamila: Lawmakers Forced Into Budget Insertions Due to Broken Local Governments

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago14 mins

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, says Nigerian lawmakers are often forced to insert constituency projects into the national budget to meet public expectations caused by the collapse of local government systems. Speaking on Tuesday during the opening of the 2025 Open Week of the House of Representatives in Abuja, Gbajabiamila — a former Speaker of the House — said there is a widening disconnect between the constitutional role of lawmakers and what the public expects of them. “It is a source of frustration that, nearly three decades later, the vast majority of our nation’s people still do not fully comprehend the legislative functions, powers, responsibilities, and limitations of each member of parliament and the institution,” he said. Gbajabiamila explained that the public pressure on legislators to build roads, classrooms, and healthcare facilities — responsibilities assigned to the executive and local governments — has driven lawmakers to rely heavily on budget insertions to deliver tangible projects to their constituents. His remarks follow revelations by BudgIT, a civic tech group, which recently said it uncovered over 11,000 projects worth N6.93 trillion inserted into the 2025 national budget by the National Assembly. The group described the practice as a systemic abuse of power. But Gbajabiamila argued that in the absence of functioning local governance, lawmakers have little choice but to fill the vacuum. “A member of the House of Representatives who isn’t actively engaged in providing education and healthcare facilities, who isn’t doing road construction and waste management, while delivering sustained empowerment for commercial activities, is not going to be a legislator for very long,” he said. He warned that the blurring of legislative and executive roles risks long-term dysfunction and growing public resentment. Legislators, he said, are being judged on duties they were never constitutionally designed to perform. “For example, when the executive builds roads, there is a framework for maintenance through the public works department. No legislator can provide that, nor should they be expected to,” he noted. Gbajabiamila assured that the Tinubu administration is working to restore autonomy and functionality to local governments through improved funding, transparency, and accountability. He emphasized that in more advanced democracies, local governments handle most quality-of-life services — from waste disposal to community policing — now unfairly expected of federal lawmakers. He expressed hope that a strengthened local government system will allow legislators to return to their core constitutional duties: lawmaking, policy development, and oversight of the executive.

Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill Passes Senate by Razor-Thin Margin, Heads to House Amid Healthcare and Debt Concerns

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

In a dramatic late-night session, the U.S. Senate has narrowly passed what President Donald Trump has dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill” — a sweeping tax and spending reform package that has stirred intense political debate. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, where a heated showdown is expected. The bill scraped through the Senate in a 50-50 tie, broken by Vice President JD Vance’s deciding vote after more than 27 hours of intense floor debate and behind-the-scenes negotiations. At least three Republican senators — Rand Paul, Susan Collins, and Tom Tillis — initially voiced opposition, citing concerns ranging from ballooning national debt to drastic cuts in healthcare coverage. In the end, only Collins held her ground, while Murkowski and others yielded under growing pressure from party leadership. Paolo von Schirach, president of the Global Policy Institute, told Al Jazeera that Trump’s firm grip on the Republican Party played a major role in securing the bill’s passage. “He essentially threatens anybody who votes against anything he wants with a primary challenge,” von Schirach said. “That’s how he keeps people in line.” The bill’s passage has drawn fierce criticism from progressive Democrats. Representative Pramila Jayapal, chair of the House Progressive Caucus, condemned the legislation in a post on social media: “A victory lap for ripping health care away from 17 million poor Americans. There are no words.” Senator Rand Paul, a vocal critic, warned that the bill could add up to \$3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Meanwhile, Senator Tillis raised concerns about millions of Americans potentially losing access to various forms of health coverage. Despite the opposition, Republican leaders celebrated the bill as a legislative win for the Trump administration and a key piece of the president’s economic agenda. With the House vote expected soon, the political stakes remain high as both parties prepare for what could be one of the most consequential legislative battles ahead of the 2026 midterms.

How Oshiomole Disrupted Air Peace Operations

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

A prominent lawmaker, Senator Adams Oshiomole have been accused of disrupting the operations of Nigeria’s largest flag carrier, Air Peace, on Wednesday. The airline’s statement followed the circulation of a viral video on social media showing former Edo State Governor locking the terminal gate at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, MMA, Terminal 1, also known as Zulu Terminal, after a heated exchange with an airport official. Although Air Peace did not name the politician, it revealed that the individual arrived at MMA Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) at about 6:10 a.m. for Flight P47120, which was scheduled to depart Lagos for Abuja at 6:30 a.m. According to the airline, upon the politician being informed of the missed flight, he resorted to violence, physically assaulting its staff and forcefully barricading the terminal’s entrance. The statement by the airline reads: “In line with our standard on-time departure policy, the boarding process had closed, and the flight departed as scheduled. “Upon being informed of the missed flight, the politician resorted to violence, physically assaulting our staff and forcefully barricading the terminal’s entrance. He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal. “This unacceptable behaviour caused significant disruption to ongoing operations and affected numerous travellers scheduled for various flights. To minimise further inconvenience, Air Peace swiftly activated an operational contingency plan to board affected passengers through an alternate terminal, ensuring the continuity of their travel plans. “We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel. Air Peace maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence or any form of aggression against our staff and passengers. “We urge all guests to remain civil and cooperative at all times. Aviation operations are bound by strict timelines and safety protocols, and we remain committed to upholding these standards while delivering safe and timely services to the Nigerian public. “Air Peace continues to stand for discipline, integrity, and respect for due process. No individual, no matter how influential, is above these values.”

Senate Passes Bill for Same-Day General Elections

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

A bill aimed at empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct all general elections on the same day has passed its second reading in the Senate. The bill, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022, is designed to reduce the high costs associated with elections, shorten campaign periods, and allow elected officials to serve as ad hoc delegates in party congresses. Senator Saliu Mustapha, who led the debate on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, pointed out the unsustainable rise in election costs, which have grown from ₦1.5 billion in 1999 to ₦350 billion in 2023. He stressed that the current staggered election system is financially burdensome and inefficient, contributing to voter fatigue and low turnout. According to Mustapha, holding all elections on the same day would save costs, increase voter participation, and reduce political tension. While the proposal received support from several senators, some expressed reservations about INEC’s capacity to manage nationwide elections in a single day. Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned that the reform should not be rushed, urging lawmakers to consider INEC’s preparedness for such an undertaking. He also raised concerns about the potential confusion caused by multiple ballots, particularly for illiterate voters. The bill will undergo further scrutiny in the coming weeks, as the Senate evaluates its implications for Nigeria’s electoral process.

Sports

Deputy Senate President, Ndidi, others motivate Flying Eagles big for AFCON ticket

Fola Badmus11 months ago11 months ago04 mins

As part of efforts to spur the U20 Boys National Team, Flying Eagles, to book an AFCON 2025ticket at the expense of Niger Republic on Saturday, well-meaning Nigerians from all walks of life have donated cash towards motivating the squad to victory. Deputy Senate President, Distinguished SenatorBarau Jibrin has rewarded the team’s effort so farwith the sum of N2 million. Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, who graduated through the Flying Eagles’ rank, came up big and showered his blessings on the team with the sum of N5 million. Chairman of Crystal Sapphire Ltd, Frank Peters doled out the sum of N1.5 million with a pledge of another huge sum if the team defeats their Nigerien counterparts in Saturday’s semi-final.Also, a member of the football family, Mr. Victor Apugo has gifted the team N1 million with a promise to add another N2 million if the Flying Eagles fly past Niger Republic in the semi-final tie. Meanwhile, Switzerland-based Nigerian coach, Adedeji Adeyemi Anthony has redeemed his pledge of N1 million to the team for the victory over the Young Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.Mavlon FC Chairman, Barrister Kenneth Agadugba has deposited the sum of N2 millionwith a pledge to make it N12 million if the team soars high to the grand finale of the tournament. Earlier on Thursday, a senior member of Staff of the Nigeria Football Federation dished out the sum of N1 million, while another member of the football fraternity who does not want his name in print has given the seven-time African championsthe sum of N1.5 million. The Flying Eagles are billed to take on Niger Republic in the semi-final on Saturday at 2pm Nigeria time. Victory will earn them a place in the final, as well as a ticket to next year’s AFCON U20 finals.

Senate passes vote of confidence on Akpabio

Fola Badmus11 months ago11 months ago01 mins

The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, passed a Vote of Confidence on Godswill Akpabio, reiterating loyalty in his leadership as President of the red chamber. The lawmakers also passed a confidence Vote on the entire leadership of the 10th Senate. Repots claimed that the assurances of loyalty to the leadership of Akpabio by the senators followed social media reports on Wednesday, that some aggrieved senators from the North planned to impeach the Senate President. While the the Presidency and the upper chamber refuted the reports, the Senate also directed its Committee on Special Duties chaired by Shehu Kaka to investigate and reports findings within 24 hours.