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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.

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Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has advised the Nigerian government to rethink its stance on refusing to negotiate with terrorists, saying dialogue may be key to ending the country’s long-running violence.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Kaduna-based cleric argued that Nigeria is being influenced by a “Western slogan” that does not always reflect reality.

He stressed that talks, rather than force alone, could help break the cycle of attacks affecting many parts of the country.

Gumi also warned that weak border control is worsening insecurity, allowing weapons and criminal elements to move freely.

According to him, this has made it more difficult to defeat terrorism and protect citizens.

He pointed to ongoing tensions involving the United States and Iran, saying even powerful nations engage in negotiations despite public positions against it. He urged Nigeria to draw lessons from such situations.

He said: “We should not be misled by the Western slogan, ‘We don’t negotiate with terrorists.’”

Gumi added that violence often leads to more suffering for civilians, as both terrorist attacks and military operations tend to harm innocent people.

He further explained: “As long as Nigeria’s borders remain porous, the cycle of violence will persist.”

The cleric emphasised that understanding the root causes of terrorism is crucial to finding lasting solutions, warning that force alone cannot resolve the crisis.

In his words: “The lesson is clear: lasting solutions require realism, dialogue, and strategic understanding, not just force.”

Gumi suggested that Nigeria may need a neutral mediator to help open dialogue and reduce tensions, similar to efforts seen in other conflict zones.

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Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has nominated and forwarded Murtala Garo to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation as the new deputy governor of the State.

This is contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mustapha Muhammad, late Tuesday night.

According to the statement: “The nomination is in line with Section 191(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Governor to nominate a Deputy Governor where a vacancy exists.”

Recall that the position of the deputy governor became vacant after the resignation of Abdussalam Gwarzo on March 27, 2026.

“Following wide consultations with key stakeholders, the Governor has requested the Assembly to grant the necessary approval for Garo’s nomination,” the statement added.