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By Hon Eseme Eyiboh

When Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio assumed office as President of Nigeria’s 10th Senate in June 2023, expectations were understandably high. Nigeria was grappling with economic headwinds, persistent security challenges, and growing public demand for more responsive and effective democratic institutions. In such a climate, the National Assembly was expected not merely to make laws, but to provide leadership, strengthen oversight, and restore public confidence in governance.

Three years into his tenure, the Senate under Akpabio has increasingly sought to position itself as a stable, proactive, and policy-driven legislative institution. Through a combination of legislative initiatives, institutional reforms, parliamentary diplomacy, and engagement with critical national issues, the Senate has played a visible role in shaping the country’s governance landscape. While critics have raised concerns on certain matters—an inevitable feature of democratic leadership—the overall record presents a legislature that has remained active, cohesive, and focused on its constitutional responsibilities during a period of significant national transition.

The foremost responsibility of any legislature is lawmaking, and in this regard, the 10th Senate has maintained an ambitious legislative agenda. Hundreds of bills have been introduced and processed, many of them directly targeting Nigeria’s pressing economic, fiscal, and governance challenges. According to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a midterm scorecard released in June 2025, the upper chamber introduced 983 bills and passed 108 into law between June 2023 and June 2025. This included 83 bills passed in the 2024/2025 legislative year alone, compared to 25 bills in the 9th Senate in the same period. Official legislative records also indicate a significant rise in legislative activity compared to previous assemblies, suggesting that the 10th Senate has been notably active by legislative output metrics.

More significant than the volume of legislation, however, has been the Senate’s focus on measures with far-reaching national implications. The emphasis has not been on legislative activity for its own sake, but on advancing reforms designed to address some of Nigeria’s most pressing economic and governance challenges. The Senate has prioritised reforms aimed at stimulating economic growth, improving public finance management, strengthening institutions, and expanding social protection.

One of the defining legislative undertakings of the 10th Senate has been its commitment to tax reform and fiscal modernization. Nigeria’s tax system has long been criticised for fragmentation, multiple taxation, weak compliance, and excessive dependence on oil revenue. Under Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate pursued reforms aimed at simplifying tax administration, broadening the tax base, promoting digital compliance, and providing greater relief for small businesses and low-income earners. In May 2025, the Senate passed four major tax reform bills which, according to the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms and now Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, could increase Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from about 10 per cent in 2023 to approximately 18 per cent by the end of 2027.

These reforms are significant because Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest in Africa, limiting government revenue and public investment capacity. By supporting measures aimed at modernising tax collection and reducing leakages, the Senate sought to create a more sustainable fiscal framework capable of supporting infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services.

Beyond fiscal reforms, the Senate has devoted significant legislative attention to education, regional development, agriculture, energy, and the digital economy. Bills relating to tertiary education, regional development etc commissions, agricultural growth, and public sector modernization have featured prominently on its agenda. Notable examples include the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, which reportedly facilitated over one million applications through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the Electricity Act (Amendment) 2023, which expanded the role of states and private investors in electricity generation and distribution.

To strengthen the country’s electoral process, the Senate also pursued amendments to the Electoral Act aimed at improving internal party democracy and clarifying procedures around party primaries and consensus candidacies. Supporters of the reforms argue that clearer legal definitions and procedural safeguards could help reduce arbitrary candidate selection and strengthen transparency within political parties. Senate Leader Bamidele has also indicated that additional reforms, including possible provisions for diaspora voting and early voting for security personnel, remain priorities for the remaining legislative period.

Beyond lawmaking, one of the less visible but significant developments of the 10th Senate has been institutional stability. Historically, Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber has often been characterised by prolonged leadership disputes, partisan confrontations, and disruptions capable of slowing governance processes. Under Akpabio’s leadership, however, the Senate has largely maintained operational cohesion and stability.

Plenary debates have generally remained issue-focused rather than personality-driven, while contentious national matters have often been managed through consultation and negotiation. This atmosphere of relative stability has reduced legislative deadlocks and allowed committees to function with greater consistency.

The Senate President’s leadership style has leaned heavily toward consultation and consensus-building. In a politically diverse chamber comprising members of the APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, SDP, and other minority parties, Akpabio has consistently emphasized bipartisan cooperation over rigid partisanship. Committee appointments, major motions, and sensitive legislative debates have reflected efforts to accommodate competing interests while preserving institutional cohesion.

As a result, the 10th Senate has witnessed substantial cross-party cooperation on key national issues, even though disagreements naturally remain part of democratic governance.

Another area in which the Senate has demonstrated effectiveness is budgetary coordination. For three consecutive fiscal years, the National Assembly passed the national budget before the start of the new financial year. The 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion, for instance, was approved on December 30, 2023, ahead of the fiscal cycle. The Senate also passed the 2024 and 2025 appropriations totalling N43.5 trillion, although implementation timelines for some projects were subsequently extended to facilitate completion.

This marked a departure from previous cycles characterised by delayed budget approvals and implementation uncertainty. Timely budget passage improves predictability for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, enhances investor confidence, allows contractors to plan more effectively, and supports smoother execution of government projects. In a developing economy like Nigeria, where public expenditure plays a major role in economic activity, budget stability remains important to growth and development.

At the same time, the Senate has continued to discharge its constitutional oversight responsibilities through investigative hearings, committee reviews, and ministerial screenings. During periods of persistent fuel scarcity, the Senate leadership engaged key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including an oversight visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Supporters contend that the intervention helped keep national attention focused on domestic refining capacity and crude supply arrangements. Subsequent Federal Government measures, including support for naira-denominated crude transactions, were widely viewed as part of a broader effort to ease supply constraints and calm the downstream market. Today, the long fuel queues that once defined daily life have receded considerably, although deeper challenges in the energy sector remain.

On the international stage, the Senate under Akpabio has strengthened parliamentary diplomacy, carrying Nigeria’s voice into global conversations on democracy, development, security, and international cooperation. Nigeria has assumed a more visible role within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), contributing to debates on democratic governance, collective security, climate resilience, and legislative best practices. Through these engagements, the Senate has sought not only to advance Nigeria’s interests but also to position the country as a constructive participant in addressing shared global challenges.

A notable diplomatic milestone was Nigeria’s election into the IPU Executive Committee for the first time in decades, a development widely interpreted as recognition of the country’s renewed parliamentary engagement within international legislative circles. Akpabio was also designated to serve on the Preparatory Committee for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in 2024.

Domestically, one of the Senate’s most consequential constitutional moments came in August 2023 during the crisis in the Niger Republic following the military coup. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acting as Chairman of ECOWAS, sought legislative backing for possible regional intervention, the Senate urged restraint and prioritized diplomatic engagement over immediate military action. Widely viewed as a demonstration of legislative independence and respect for the principle of separation of powers, the decision reaffirmed the Senate’s constitutional role in matters of security and foreign policy while underscoring a preference for dialogue, diplomacy, and regional stability at a moment of heightened tension across West Africa.

No balanced assessment of the 10th Senate can entirely overlook concerns raised by critics and observers. Questions have occasionally been raised regarding the depth of scrutiny applied during the confirmation of some executive nominees, while certain oversight investigations produced outcomes that critics considered less robust than expected.

In broader terms, the 10th Senate has combined increased legislative activity with relative political stability while attempting to align its priorities with Nigeria’s economic and governance realities. Supporters point to the passage of the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act, the Investments and Securities Act, and multiple regional development commission bills as examples of substantive legislation with potentially long-term national impact.

With one legislative year remaining before the next election cycle begins to dominate political discourse, the principal test facing the 10th Senate may ultimately be one of implementation and public confidence. If the tax reforms strengthen revenue generation, if the student loan programme continues to expand educational access without major controversy, and if the Senate further enhances oversight transparency, the chamber may secure a more enduring institutional legacy. Conversely, if concerns about public perception and executive accommodation persist, critics may continue to question whether legislative productivity has translated into sufficient institutional independence. It is worth noting, however, that history suggests the most successful periods of national development have often occurred not during eras of executive-legislative confrontation, but when both arms of government cooperated effectively while remaining faithful to their distinct constitutional responsibilities.

If the reforms advanced by the Senate continue to produce measurable national impact, and if the institution successfully addresses concerns relating to oversight and accountability, history may ultimately remember the 10th Senate not merely as a productive legislature, but as one that contributed to stabilising governance and repositioning democratic institutions during a consequential period in Nigeria’s development.

Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr is a former member and Spokesperson in the House of Representatives and currently, the Special Adviser on Media/ Publicity and Official Spokesperson to the President of the 10th Senate

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BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

Sunday May 24, 2026, the curtain was drawn on the 2025/26 season of the English Premier League, (EPL). At various stadia across the United Kingdom, clubs were engaged in the last games of the 380 matches, spanning 40 weeks in a 10-month long time. The EPL, is described as the most successful and popular football league in the world with billions of spectators, viewership, and supporters. As the most watched league globally, it has broadcast deals with numerous organizations like SKY TNT, NBC, and DAZN, covering 212 territories, and earning about 6.7 billion pounds annually on TV Rights only. For some lovers of football, and the EPL in particular, the highpoint of this season was the emergence of Arsenal FC as Champions – the first time after 22 years. For others, it was the exit of Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City FC Manager who won 20 trophies in 10 years. By the way, to underscore the marketing and business positions of the EPL, Arsenal earned 198.7 million pounds for winning the EPL – excluding revenues from other sources.

For the writer; a non-partisan lover of the beautiful game, and with no bias or sentimental attachment with any of the club sides in Europe and across the world, the out-of-the-book performances and achievements of the Sunderland AFC stands out. For soccer aficionados, football statisticians, and chroniclers of events, the feat recorded by the modest club which is from a city in Tyne & Wear of about 12 miles Southeast of Newcastle Upon Tyne will, for many seasons and years remain an important and strategic milestone of the EPL story. Sunderland AFC, which gained promotion back to the EPL before the commencement of the 2025/26 season, after some years in the tricky, tortuous, and difficult English Football League, (EFL) came 7th in the 20-team league.

Aside from earning 168.2 million pounds from the EPL, it qualified for the 2026/27 Europa League competition alongside Bournemouth FC and Crystal Palace FC – they will jointly represent the UK in Europe’s second-tier club competition. Also, the club came tops as the EPL side to have over-performed against the money invested – earning 54 points; 8 more than the projected 36; it had the edge on the decimal points garnered over other clubs including the champions, City, United, Liverpool, and Villa. For unattached, unbiased, and neutral followers of football, the superlative performances of Sunderland AFC deserve special mention, attention, and analysis. Many people still wonder how a club that was in the third tier of English football 3 seasons ago has created a record; arguably the best by any club in its first season at the EPL, after promotion from the EFL.

Founded in 1879 as Sunderland & District Teachers Association Football Club by James Allen, it became a professional club in 1885. Known as “The Wearsiders” and “Black Cats” presently owned by Swiss-born businessman, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus; and partner, Juan Sartori, it has had its fair share of ups and downs in English football. Before the introduction of the EPL, it had won six top-flight titles, with the last one being in 1936, lifted the FA Cup twice, most famously in 1973, and the FA Community Shield in 1936. In the last decade, the club has been oscillating between the EPL, EFL, and League One. Despite its collection of mixed fortunes, Sunderland AFC has produced some notable players who have gone ahead, respectively to become respectable names in English football. It includes Jermaine Defore, Kevin Phillips, David Halliday, Niall Quinn, and Bobby Gurney – the club’s record goal scorer with 228 goals. Reuben Agboola, Asamoah Gyang, Steve Pienaar, Simon Adingra, and Ahmed ElMohamady are some of the Africans that have donned the red and white jersey of the club.

After an 8-year absence from the EPL, which saw Sunderland AFC campaigning in the dregy, cobwebry League One as well as the energy-sapping EFL, it got promoted to the elite division via the championship play-off in May 2025. The Board and Management of the club reasoned that after surviving the challenges and unpredictability of League One and EFL respectively, to stay afloat in the EPL required planning, operations, and results-yielding strategies. Coach Re’gis Le Bris, a French man, who has an impressive coaching career with Lorient FC, and Rennes FC in Ligue 1, came up with a deliberate and intentional blueprint towards ensuring that Sunderland turned the curve. Having crossed the first huddle, Bris, who was appointed as Manager in 2024, went to the next stage with passion, commitment, and conviction. He came up with an admixture of young, hungry players, and older, experienced ones – including home grown, home-adopted, and foreign. His philosophy was anchored on youth development, leadership, and togetherness.

Players like Granit Xhaka; Nordi Mukiele; Dennis Cirkin; Omar Alderete; Enzo Le Fee’; Wisdom Isidor; Brian Brobbey; Betrand Traore; and a few others became the nucleus of the club. On every match day, either at the club’s home ground “Stadium of Light” or any other stadia across the UK, the fans and spectators enthusiastically chant Sunderland AFC anthems – “The Greatest Team Yet” or “Sunderland Till I Die” as the players exhibits grit, brain, focus, hunger, sacrifices on the pitch of play. That Bris has transformed the club is no exaggeration. The club evolved with its unique tactical approach and technical skills with special emphasis on discipline, flexible passing, strong defense, never-tired engine-room, and enterprising build-up play. Through wide overloads, set-pieces, and patient, possession build-up, Bris imbibed the culture of adaptability and willingness to tweak playing styles which resulted in positive results.

Indeed, the Sunderland AFC model of success, which is hinged on strategic recruitment, astuteness, team dynamics, investment in youths, adaptability, and fan engagement can be adopted for realistic growth and development at the sub-national and national levels. From records, the seed of the club’s achievements were fed and watered – through proper planning, sincerity of purpose, and regular appraisals – a few years back. There was no rush or “fire brigade approach.” Though there were some negative results along the way, the entire segments of the club kept their focus on the bigger picture and target. At every stage, the club had to embark on necessary pruning, reviews, recalibration and renewals towards meeting the set objectives; to avoid relegation. Through deliberate, intentional, and sacrificial actions and operations, Sunderland AFC achieved this and more. From observation, all through the season, the tactical principles were pursued with utmost passion and unambiguous dedication.

Considering the overarching levels of accentuating poverty, pervading hunger, disabling unemployment, and other socioeconomic challenges in the country; particularly across the states, the Sunderland AFC’s model may be useful. From reports, the humongous allocation of funds to states have not translated to realistic and visible changes in the lives of the people. Despite the huge monthly allocations of between 1.818 trillion and 2.036 trillion between June 2025 and April 2026, there have been no positive impacts in the lives of people and improvements on infrastructures in the majority of the states. Apart from a few, residents are served menus of unbridled insensitivity, quantum deceit, and in-your-face shenanigans by their Leaders. While a few are alleged to be involved in spurious and wasteful ventures that are at variance with the pressing needs of states, some others are said to be involved in shameless thievery, multifaceted buffeting, and primitive acquisitions.

That Sunderland AFC was able to make 168.2 million pounds (about 302.8 billion naira) from EPL in its first season; outside other revenues, implies that their development model is working. What lessons can be learned? Are there principles that States can domesticate? Are there takeaways for States to make the people happy? Sub-nationals should be involved in proper planning that is built on sincerity of purpose, focus, and vision. Sunderland AFC’s ambition was to make it to the EPL in three years, and avoid relegation – they achieved all and more. How well do states carry out peer review assessments, and regular appraisals of policies and programmes? Are they strategic in the recruitment of appointees and aides? How well do the chief executives head-hunt for resourceful and experienced people or appointments are made purely on ethnic and tribal sentiments? Are they investing in youths as a deliberate policy for governance, leadership, and development?

Indeed, to justify the huge quarterly FAAC allocations, and some other revenues accrued to the sub-national level, Governors must imbibe the words of Brain Tracy that, “excellence is not a destination; it’s a continuous journey.” Like Sunderland AFC, States must be visionary; astute in thinking, operations, and assessments; promote dynamism; imbibe adaptability; and evolve avenues of engagement with the people at all times. As the chief executives of their respective states, they should realize that the improvement of the well-being of their citizens, the attraction of meaningful development, and protection of lives and properties are the reasons for being elected into office – not self-centredness, selfish demagoguery, and crass sectionalism.

* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.

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UGHELLI, Delta State

My attention has been drawn to the deliberate circulation of my old photograph with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, by a handful of political distractors within our party.

Let me state clearly: this act is nothing but cheap blackmail orchestrated by unstable politicians who are political tourists and migrants with no genuine stake in the growth of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP].

I joined the PDP in 2018 and have remained steadfast, contributing to the development and growth of our great party across Delta State, especially in the Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency. Even when the Governor defected, I stood firm and remained committed to the ideals, unity, and future of our great party.

No old photograph, no blackmail, and no smear campaign can erase my record of service, loyalty, and sacrifice to the PDP. The people of U3 know my antecedents, and they know where I stand.

I therefore urge our party leaders, women, youths, and supporters across U3 Federal Constituency to remain calm, focused, and undistracted. We must not allow mischief-makers to derail our collective resolve as we prepare for the 2027 elections.

The PDP remains our home, and together we will reclaim and strengthen our mandate for the good of our people.

Signed
Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP
House of Representatives Candidate Hopeful_
Ughelli North, Ughelli South & Udu Federal Constituency
Peoples Democratic Party [PDP]