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Senate declares top Senator’s seat vacant

Published

5 months ago

December 12, 2024

The Senate Wednesday declared Edo Central Senatorial Seat vacant and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to conduct bye- election to fill the vacant seat.

The red Chamber had before declaring the Edo Central Senatorial Seat vacant , held valedictory session for Governor Monday Okpebholo who before his assumption of office on the 12th of November, 2024 served as the Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District.

Specifically, the.President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who declared the seat vacant, said the declaration was made in adherence to Section 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which stipulates that a federal lawmaker’s seat becomes vacant upon assumption of another public office.

The announcement followed a letter submitted by Senator Abba Moro, Senate Minority Leader, which highlighted the constitutional requirement to declare the seat vacant and invited the Senate President to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a fresh election for the district.

Before declaring Edo Central senatorial seat vacant, many Senators during the valedictory session, expressed their joy on emergence of Senator Okpebholo as Edo state governor but added that they will miss his absence in the Senate.

They eulogised his virtues as a humble, hardworking, dedicated and committed person who is loved by his people and many Nigerians.

Specifically, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin described the governor as a humble person and man of few words but full of action, noting that the people of Edo State elected him “because he’s someone who has people’s interest at heart.”

He said that Okpebholo was doing the right thing in the Senate and had started doing same in Edo, advising him to remain focused without distraction.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC Edo North) , in his own remarks, pointed out that the governor has made a great mark within his one year of being a senator and short period as the governor.

In his valedictory speech, Governor Okpebholo thanked all the Senators for their kind words and best wishes.

He promised to be a good ambassador of the Senate in the executive arm of government.

With declaration of Edo Central Senatorial Seat vacant and death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (APC Anambra South), two out of the 109 Senatorial seats are vacant, making configuration of the Senate in membership across party lines to be 63 APC Senators, 34 PDP Senators, five Labour Party Senators, two NNPP Senators, two SDP Senators and One APGA Senators.

Related Topics:APC Election Nigeria PDP Senate

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NiMet Forecasts Haze, Thunderstorms Across Nigeria

Published

4 minutes ago

May 6, 2025

ADMIN

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather warning for the period from Tuesday to Thursday, forecasting haze and thunderstorms across the country.

In the northern region, dust haze is expected over parts of Katsina and Kano on Tuesday, while thunderstorms will affect areas like Taraba and Adamawa during the afternoon and evening. The North-Central region will experience sunny skies with some clouds, but thunderstorms are likely later in parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, and Abuja.

In the southern region, NiMet predicts cloudy skies with periods of sunshine, as well as morning thunderstorms in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, and Bayelsa. Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected in parts of Lagos, Delta, Edo, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and other southern states.

On Wednesday, sunny skies will prevail in the northern region, with thunderstorms anticipated in Taraba and Adamawa later in the day. The North-Central region will see thunderstorms in parts of Plateau, Kogi, and Benue, while in the south, thunderstorms are forecast over Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom in the morning and other southern states like Ogun and Imo in the afternoon.

For Thursday, sunny skies are expected in the northern and North-Central regions, while thunderstorms will occur later in parts of Abuja, Plateau, Kwara, and other northern states. In the south, morning thunderstorms are likely in Delta and Bayelsa, with more storms in other southern states later in the day.

The public is advised to take necessary precautions as dust particles may affect people with respiratory problems. Strong winds may precede thunderstorms, so securing loose objects and avoiding travel during heavy rain is recommended.

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Reps Move To Strengthen Security Operations In Borno, Yobe States

Published

26 minutes ago

May 6, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has resolved to strengthen security operations in Borno and Yobe states to protect military personnel and civilians.

The House also resolved to provide support and compensation to families of soldiers affected by these incidents.

The lawmakers also agreed to conduct a thorough review of security measures in military installations to prevent similar incidents.

These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep Ahmed Satomi on the recent fire incident at the armory at Giwa Barracks and the escalating attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe state.

Rep. Satomi expressed deep concern about the escalating attacks on military formations in Borno and Yobe states, especially the recent fire incident at the armory 127 battalion, Giwa Barracks.

He said: “Aware that the Boko Haram have escalated their attacks on several military formations within these two months

Also aware: that several soldiers and civilians where killed in the recent attacks

“Worried that the Baracks was severally attack by boko haram and the surrounding civilian settlement continue to be at risk”.

He further expressed concern that the recent surge in Boko Haram attacks on military formation is deeply alarming, and also bravery and sacrifice of our military personnel are being tested by these relentless assault.

After an emotional debate by so.e lawmakers describing the incidence, the House adopted the motion and mandate the committee on Army, Defense and National Security, to investigate and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

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Rep Raises Alarm After Deadly Attacks In Borno, Says Boko Haram Is Returning Stronger

Published

45 minutes ago

May 6, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…N19.7trn spent on security issues between 2015 – 2019 – Rep Jaha

…call for legislation to empowers local communities to defend themselves

By Gloria Ikibah

A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Ahmed Jaha, on Tuesday issued a passionate and urgent warning on the worsening security situation in Borno State, declaring that Boko Haram insurgents are returning with greater force and more sophisticated weaponry than the Nigerian military.

His contribution came during a debate on a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Ahmed Satomi on recent deadly incidents in Borno and Yobe States.

Speaking emotionally, Jaha, who represents Damboa/Chibok/Gwoza Federal Constituency, recounted harrowing details of fresh attacks in his constituency, and described a series of violent incidents in which civilians and military personnel lost their lives.

He said: “I represent the extremely displaced and highly victimized constituency of Chibok, Bomboa and Goza.

“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of your court. I am talking as a victim of the recent resurgence of an insurgence of Boko Haram. I went to my constituency on Saturday to sympathize, to condone with the people that lost their lives as a result of this sporadic, uninterrupted attack.

“In Pulka ten peasant farmers went out to scavenge for what we call sawroot. Peasant farmers were slaughtered by Boko Haram members and five are still at large and three are critically ill in the hospital.

“In Chibok, 14 peasant farmers were attacked in their community. In less than a blink of an eye, they reduced 14 people to nothing. New motorcycles, new AK-47s kill people when they are running for their own lives”.

The lawmaker went further to highlight attacks on security operatives. “In Izge, I lost two military men, a captain and a senior officer. In Kampu, I lost two men and one military officer. In Wajiboko, I lost so many constituents, because Boko Haram is using armed drones.”

Rep. Jaha warned that the insurgents are now deploying weaponized drones, a technological edge he said the Nigerian Army does not yet possess.

“This will be a record. They are using armed drones, weaponized drones, which the Nigerian army is not using. In other words, they are more sophisticated and advanced than the Nigerian army.

“Boko Haram is first coming back worse than what we had in the past. Take it or leave it. Boko Haram is whatever name you tell them, they are coming back. Let us do something serious in order not to go back to our days when 22 local governments out of 27 local governments were occupied by Boko Haram”, he warned

He likened the situation to historical empires that collapsed due to complacency. “The world used to be the greatest empire of the world, but it was destroyed by the compliance of Syria, of Iran and Syria, because of their inability to get things serious, to deal with their enemies.”

Rep. Jaha said the root problem is not the commitment of troops, but inadequate numbers and equipment. “Personnel there are no Nigeria army personnel. They don’t have enough personnel to face these boys, that is the truth. They are committed, they are very strong in their own stand, but unfortunately they don’t have enough personnel and equipment to face the Boko Haram. I have seen it. Nobody reported it to me because I went to my constituency on Saturday and came back on Sunday.”

He echoed the need for serious legislative oversight, referencing huge past security expenditures. “We shouldn’t be complacent with this. I align with Honourable Deputy by saying that we should do our own mixing. By doing the proper oversight, as many expanded, because between 2015 to 2019, Nigeria government spent N19.7 trillion on security issues. I have the record with me. So we shouldn’t be complacent”, he stated.

Rep. Lawan Shettima, who represents Busari/Gaidam/Yunusari Federal Constituency of Yobe State, decried the persistent insecurity plaguing the North-East, expressing frustration at the seeming ineffectiveness of legislative motions in addressing the crisis.

“Our people are being killed day by day, Mr. Speaker. I want this House to come up with another idea to deal with our people. Mr. Speaker, we have to think how to create a law that will allow our people to protect themselves,” he said.

Shettima emphasized the need for legislation that empowers local communities to defend themselves, citing the inadequacy of current security personnel who “don’t know the terrain” of affected communities.

“Mr. Speaker, let this House think a law that will allow our people to protect themselves from these menace,” he added.

Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, also lent his voice to the debate.

Rep. Benson who represents Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, gave a blunt assessment of the federal government’s handling of national security.

“I stand here with all sense of responsibility and humility to say that the presidency has expended so much money, so much resources on Nigerian military without commensurate results,” he stated.

While commiserating with the victims of recent violence and their representatives in the House, Benson also called for clearer and more effective legislative responses. He addressed Hon. Satomi’s motion, proposing a shift from summoning top military officials to engaging a joint committee.

“I do not think that that amendment is necessary because you have the power to summon everybody,” he argued.

The session underscored mounting frustration among lawmakers over Nigeria’s security challenges and the need for structural reforms, including grassroots defense mechanisms and state policing.

As tensions rise and communities remain vulnerable, the House appears poised to revisit longstanding debates about local security autonomy and the decentralization of force with increasing urgency.