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NANS Cautions APC Over NASS Leadership Zoning
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), yesterday, called on the All Progressive Congress (APC) to allow merit and due process in the emergency of the leadership of the 8th National Assembly.
NANS said it had observed with keen interest and discovered that the party placed emphasis on zoning, adding that it would be counter productive.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the President of NANS, Tijani Usman said zoning should not be allowed to override national interest.
His words: “the leadership of Nigerian students having observed the moves by the All Progressive Congress, (APC), in zoning the leadership of the National Assembly is alarmed that at this critical point in our democracy, zoning is being emphasised above merit.
“While, we acknowledge the imperative of having national spread in the composition of principal officers in the National Assembly, parochial issues like zoning should not be allowed to overshadow national interest.
“The Nigerian people demonstrated this in their voting patter as voting was not based on sectional, religious or tribal sentiments but on perceived merit.
“The overwhelming support the APC enjoyed is traceable to the fact that Nigerian were not satisfied with the pace of development which we all know is as a result of deficit in leadership.
“We therefore appeal to the APC to put national interest above party interest. Nigerians are in a hurry to get good governance; and for this to be achieved, the national assembly must be robust in their engagements.
“That means, the right persons should be allowed to emerge through a seamless process. We cannot afford to gamble with who emerges as leaders in the National Assembly at this point in our journey as a nation.
“The APC must bear in mind that it became the bride of most Nigerians when it conducted the Presidential primaries in a manner that was adjudged free, fair and transparent.
“It will therefore be fool-hardy for the party to deviate from the standard from which it is been assessed. We wish to state that the process that will produce the leadership of the NASS will determine what to expect in the coming days.
“Therefore, it is our submission that APC comes to the realisation that what is at stake is not a party affair but a national affair. Let those who feel they have what it takes to lead the 8th Assembly submit themselves for scrutiny by the colleagues and Nigerians in general.
“It is a known fact that the leadership that have emerged by mere sentiments of zoning have failed us in the past as they have at best served as rubber stamp for the executive.
“The vibrancy currently witnessed in the House of Representatives is a good example of what we get when the process of selecting legislative leadership is seamless.
“Finally, permit me to buttress that, Nigerians are in a hurry to get dividends of democracy, which she has long been deprived of because of deficit in leadership. With the APC promising change, it must be clear that that change can only come when the right persons are in the driving seat,” it said.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene