Connect with us

Politics

El-Zakzaky’s Freedom Debate Divides Reps

Published

7 years ago

on

Members of the House of Representatives yesterday, disagreed over a motion urging Kaduna State Government to obey a court order and release the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
After a long debate which lasted for more than two hours, Speaker of the House, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila put the matter to a voice vote, but he could not clearly rule as members shouted loudly in support and against the motion.
Gbajabiamila called for the House to be divided and that members in support of the motion should occupy the left wing and those against should occupy the right wing of the chambers.
While members were moving across the green chambers in a rowdy session, the Speaker called for an executive session and journalists and guests were asked to go out.
Moving the motion earlier, Rep. Shamsudeen Danbazau (APC-Kano), said that the actions of the group had threatened the peace and security of the nation’s capital and the Corperate existence of Nigeria.
He said the killing of a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Usman Umar and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mr Precious Owolabi among others victims and vandalisation of private and public properties were “terrorising.”
Dambazau called on the House to make recommendations that would outlaw the Shiite group as its activities contravened the 2011 Terrorism Act as passed by the National Assembly.
Rep. Stanley Olajide (PDP-Oyo) said that it was a critical situation and that it was important to be seriously dealt with.
Olajide said that it was easy to call for more security personnel to be positioned at strategic points but it was important to engage in dialogue.
Also Rep. Luke Onofiok (PDP-Akw Ibom), said that heads of security agencies should be invited to explain their challenges with a view to finding a lasting solution to the security situation in the country.
Onofiok said that a lot of resources were invested in training the late DCP, the corps member and other victims who were avoidably killed in the clash.
He commiserated with members of the families of the victims and the Nigerian Police Force and prayed for the repose of the souls of all those who had died.
Also, the Leader of the House, Rep. Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano) said that he had earlier engaged the Shiite group on behalf of the House.
The leader said that he promised the group to present their concerns to the leadership of the National Assembly and ensure they get results.
Doguwa said he was disappointed that the group invaded the Assembly the next day, injuring security agents, vandalizing public and private properties.
The lawmaker said that the National Assembly which is the symbol of democracy should always be respected as it plays its role in ensuring that the people’s voices are heard.
When the House reconvened after the executive session, members resolved to set up an ad hoc committee led by Doguwa to interface with the executive with a view to resolving the matter.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Politics

AKPABIO, DIRI, OBOREVWORI, OTHERS VOW TO REELECT TINUBU  …AS GIADOM RETAINS APC ZONAL CHAIR 

Published

21 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

By

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has declared that with the six South-South states now being controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the zone is set to return the highest votes cast for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
He stated this in Asaba, Delta State, at the party’s zonal congress, noting that the coming together of the governors of the region in the APC was made possible by its zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Victor Giadom.
Senator Akpabio also praised the outgone zonal chieftains of the party, saying they worked hard for the unity of the party and the zone.
“Now that we are complete and focused, we will be the geo-political zone in Nigeria that will turn out the highest votes in 2027 for President Tinubu.
“In the last 46 years or so, our region had not produced a senate president. But under President Tinubu, the South-South region is recognised. We thank the president for giving the South-South a senate president”, he said.
In his speech, the Bayelsa State Governor, and Chairman of the South-South Governors Forum, Senator Douye Diri, described the APC adoption of the  consensus option for electing its officials as the best way to foster unity and consolidation in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He expressed satisfaction that politically, the South-South zone now speaks with one voice under the APC, stressing the need for the region to be part of the decision-making process at the national level.
The governor recalled that when he contested for the governorship in 2019, the delegate election process for primaries in the political parties made the exercise rancorous, saying
the slogan then was that without delegates, there will be no governor, but that that has since changed with the consensus mode.
“I like to align myself with the previous speakers on the unity of the South-South zone. In this region politically, the South-South now speaks with one voice. This is important because of the strategic nature of the zone.
“If you are not on the sharing table, in terms of decision-making process, you will be left behind. We need to be united that we will not allow petty divisions among us.
“Let us work together for the unity and protection of APC in the South-South and God willing, all our candidates will come out tops in the 2027 elections. There cannot be anything better than a united family.
“Let me congratulate President Bola Tinubu for his remarkable achievements so far. Political events such as elective congresses like this were usually filled with rancour and violence. But, today, we have adopted the consensus model to produce our party executives from the wards to the regional level”, Senator Diri said.
In their goodwill messages, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and others all spoke on unity of purpose to be able to re-elect the President for a second term.
Meanwhile, Chief Victor Giadom was returned as the party’s zonal chairman alongside seven other zonal executives of the party.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, moved the motion for the dissolution of the immediate past zonal executive of the party and was seconded by his Bayelsa State counterpart, Abraham Ingobere.
In his remarks, the reelected zonal Vice Chairman, Chief Victor Giadom, said the gathering of the six governors of the region, lawmakers, ministers and other major stakeholders was an indication of the zone’s commitment to return all APC candidates in next year’s poll.
 By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Continue Reading

Politics

RIVERS WOMEN RALLY SUPPORT, CONTINUOUS PRAYERS FOR TINUBU 

Published

21 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

By

A coalition of women under the aegis of “Renewed Hope Women of Faith in Politics,” have organized a rally in support of President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They equally called for continuous prayers with a view to seeking God’s intervention on the affairs of the nation.
The rally which, held in Port Harcourt, drew participants from diverse religious and political backgrounds, underscoring its interfaith outlook and focus on unity, national development and grassroots engagement.
Powered by Rivers Women Unite for SIM, the movement was described as a strategic initiative aimed at bringing women together across the federation as a unified force committed to prayer, advocacy and civic responsibility.
Speaking at the event, the Convener, Amaopuorubo Sotonye Toby, said the platform was designed to function as a nationwide network of women committed to interceding for Nigeria’s peace, stability and good governance.
She stressed that sustained prayer remains a vital instrument for national transformation, particularly in challenging times.
According to her, the role of women in nation-building cannot be overemphasised, especially in a multicultural society like Nigeria, where women continue to contribute significantly across sectors such as education, business, entrepreneurship and politics, while also fulfilling family responsibilities.
“In our diversity lies our strength. As women of faith, we must unite across religious and political lines to build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria,” she said, adding that the movement represents a renewed commitment to collective purpose and national progress.
Amaopuorubo Toby further emphasised that beyond its spiritual focus, the initiative is anchored on action through responsible civic engagement, particularly at the grassroots level. She noted that the group aims to mobilise women, empower them with purpose, and amplify their voices as key drivers of peace and development.
Reaffirming the group’s political stance, she declared support for the re-election of President Tinubu, aligning the movement with the ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We recognise the importance of continuity in leadership and the need to support governance that promotes stability, growth and national development. As women, we stand firmly behind the President as we look ahead to 2027,” she stated.
She also highlighted the transformative power of women’s unity, noting that history has consistently shown that when women rise with a shared vision, societies are strengthened, communities are healed, and hope is restored.
The convener commended participants for their resilience and commitment, urging them to remain steadfast as pillars of faith, courage and hope in the face of national challenges. She called on women at all levels—from ward to national—to take their rightful place in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Amaopuorubo Toby also lauded the leadership of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside President Tinubu, for what she described as their “fatherly leadership” and commitment to governance and development.
Speaking with newsmen at the occasion, a woman activist in the state, Madam Ankio Briggs said the women will also support the reelection of Governor Fubara for a second term if he decides to run.
Madam Briggs praised the women for coming out to declare their support for the reelection of President Tinubu and the Governor and urged them to sustain the support.
The event concluded with a call for sustained unity among women of all faiths, as well as continued prayers for the peace, prosperity and stability of Nigeria.
Observers say the emergence of faith-based political movements such as Renewed Hope Women of Faith in Politics reflects a growing trend of grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections, with women increasingly positioning themselves as influential stakeholders in Nigeria’s political and developmental landscape.
By: John Bibor
Continue Reading

Politics

APC Unveils New NWC At National Convention

Published

21 hours ago

on

March 30, 2026

By

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its 8th national convention in Abuja — reaffirming Prof Nentawe Yilwatda as national chairman and Sen. Ajibola Basiru as its national secretary.

Delegates at the convention, held at the Eagle Square, also produced a new national working committee (NWC) through a consensus arrangement endorsed by stakeholders.

Dr Ben Nwoye was named deputy national chairman (south), replacing Mr Emma Eneukwu, following consultations within the party.

Sources within the party said the decision was influenced by zoning considerations and consultations among party leaders, with Mr Peter Mbah, Enugu State governor, playing a significant role in ensuring Dr Nwoye’s inclusion.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Yilwatda said his re-election was a call to greater service and pledged commitment to unity within the ruling party.

“We are ready to serve, ready to lead, and we are ready to build the party, together with the nation,” he said.

He added that the new leadership would not “fail or falter” in carrying out its responsibilities.

President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors, members of the national assembly, and other party leaders graced the convention.

FULL LIST OF APC NWC

• National chairman — Nentawe Yilwatda

• Deputy national chairman (north) — Ali Bukar Dalori

• Deputy national chairman (south) — Benjamin Obi Nwoye

• National secretary — Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru

• Deputy national secretary — AbdulKarim Abubakar Kana

• National legal adviser — Murtala Aliyu Kankia

• National treasurer — Uguru Mathew Ofoke

• National financial secretary — Haruna Ginsau

• National organising secretary — Muhammad Sulaiman Argungu

• National welfare secretary — Donatus Enyinnah Nwankpa

• National publicity secretary — Felix Morka

• National auditor — Abubakar Maikafi

National women leader — Mary A. Idele

• National youth leader — Dayo Israel

• National leader (persons with disabilities) — Durotolu Oyebode Bankole

• Deputy national financial secretary — Hammam Adamu Ali Kumo

• Deputy national organising secretary — Emeka Okafor

• Deputy national women leader — Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim

• Deputy national publicity secretary — Meseko Durosinmi Josiah

• Deputy national welfare secretary — Christopher Michael Akpan

• Deputy national auditor — Olugbenga Olayemi

• Deputy national legal adviser — Ibrahim Salawu

• Deputy national treasurer — Ben Akak

• Deputy national youth leader — Jamaludeen Kabiru

• National ex-officio (north-central) — Opawoye Oluwatoyin Bunmi

• National ex-officio (north-east) — Adamu Jallah

• National ex-officio (north-west) — Kano Muhammed Jamu Yusuf

• National ex-officio (south-east) — Ikechukwu Umeh

• National ex-officio (south-south) — Francis Kolokolo.

Continue Reading

Trending