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Speaker Abbas on same page with us in defending Gbajabiamila, Reps Deputy Spokesperson, Agbese
…describes Tinubu’s CoS as institutional legacy of NASS
Deputy Spokesperson of the Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has described Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as an institutional legacy of the National Assembly, saying, the legislature would go all out to defend his integrity, anytime.
Agbese was apparently speaking on the sidelines of the comments in some sections, casting aspersions on the World Press Conference organised by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas last week, wherein he addressed the state of the nation’s Insecurity, economy, hardship and the workings of the 10th House.
Abbas had also addressed the incessant media attacks on the former Speaker, Gbajabiamila and the endless allegations against him, advising those using social media instruments to attack him to cease forthwith, for the sake of his integrity and the sanctity of the institution of National Assembly; the comments which were viewed in some sections as defending the executive.
But while reacting to questions from Journalists in his office, shortly after the plenary yesterday evening, the deputy Spokesperson, affirmed that, what the Speaker said during the World Press Conference was the collective opinion of the Members of the House.
“The Speaker was right and he has the backing of the entire parliament to do what he did”, said Agbese; adding that, “Nigerians have long understood the personality of the Rt. Hon. Speaker as an advocate of the masses”.
The Deputy Spokesperson said the parliament is an institution and, “all over the world, parliament is respected for its creations, antecedents and impacts on the society”.
Agbese further hinted that no “element” would be allowed to rubbish the image of citizens who have sacrificed their all for the good of the country.
“Those who hate Gbajabiamila should have a rethink. We all don’t have to like Femi. No. Everybody cannot like him.
But we will not allow vested interests to sacrifice Femi’s integrity”, he added.
Agbese further advised those making efforts to rubbish the integrity of Gbajabiamila to back out, stressing that, “that man has built a reputation and this cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity and frivolities”.
“People who served our country for many years, refused to steal or become wealthy from the public coffers should at least be respected and celebrated.
“Gbajabiamila spent over 20 years in National Assembly, where he served in various leadership capacities, as Minority Whip, Minority Leader, House Leader and eventually Speaker of the 9th House.
“I’m sure if his integrity was in question, the totality of the House, numbering 360 Representatives of the entire Nigerians, would not have entrusted him with much leadership responsibilities every other dispensations.
“That was all the Rt. Hon. Speaker tried to say in his speech at that press conference and the entire House is in agreement with Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, in defending the sanctity of the institution of the National Assembly, which is the only beacon of democracy in Nigeria.
“I said so because, during the military regimes, the executive and judiciary were functioning as arms of government, it was only the National Assembly that was muted. So, the institution of National Assembly is sacred and should not be toyed with. That is the only reason we can comfortably say we are practising democracy”, Agbese submitted.
Finally, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, Adelabu said the decision would take effect from April 30, 2026, to allow for a smooth transition.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture, President Bola Tinubu, has sent a formal communication to the House of Representatives on seeking legislative approval for the repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Establishment Act, 2025.
The request which was transmitted to the House for consideration and passage on Wednesday at plenary, underscores the need to improve the management and administration of the fund, enhance police training, and provide modern equipment for the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the letter,, the proposed amendment is aimed at boosting the operational capacity, accountability, and sustainability of the Police Trust Fund in line with current security challenges.
The President urged lawmakers to give the bill expeditious consideration, as the said the reform will improve the welfare of police personnel and support skill development across the force.
In another development, the House Committee on Rules and Business has moved to tighten legislative discipline, directing all standing and ad hoc committees to submit reports on bills and motions within set timelines in line with House procedures.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Francis Uwaive, reminded all committee chairmen to treat all assigned matters within 30 days, with the risk of losing such assignments after 60 days if no progress is made, except where a short extension is granted.
A firm deadline has also been set for all outstanding reports, with the end of April 2026 as the cut-off point, and non-compliance attracting automatic discharge.
Amid the formal proceedings, lawmakers briefly paused to celebrate two members marking their birthdays, acknowledging their contributions to public service and national development.
The mood later shifted as the House paid tribute to a former member of the Fifth Assembly, observing a minute’s silence in his honour following his passing after a prolonged illness.
He was remembered for his dedication and service to his constituents in Benue State, with colleagues noting that his death represents a significant loss to the legislature and the country.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday that their naval forces stopped two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz and directed them to the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval force this morning identified and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz two violating ships,” the Guards said in a statement.
“The two offending ships… were seized by the IRGC’s naval forces and directed to the Iranian coast.”
They identified one ship as “MSC-FRANCESCA”, which they said belonged “to the Zionist regime” in reference to Israel, and the other as “EPAMINONDAS”, which they said was “tampering with navigation systems and jeopardising maritime security.”
The Guards further warned against any action against the regulations imposed by the Islamic republic in the strait “as well as activities contrary to the safe passage” through the waterway.
Tehran has said vessels must seek permission to leave of enter the Gulf through Hormuz, through a route that in peacetime accounts for a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports along with other vital commodities.
Source: AFP
BREAKING: Finally, Power Minister, Adelabu resigns from Tinubu’s cabinet
Reps Begin Review of Police Trust Fund Law, Tighten Timeline for Committee Work
Iran Seizes Two Ships attempting to cross Strait of Hormuz
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