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Interim Govt Plot, Futile Exercise -Mark …As Senate Summons Jega, Receives 8 Ministerial Nominees
Senate has rejected the call by some politicians for an Interim National Government (ING), stressing that such is not in any way in the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.
The Senate also cautioned Nigerians, especially those involved in politics to avoid inflammable statements capable of destroying the very podium on which they stand.
The President of the Senate, David Mark, in his remarks at the resumption of plenary yesterday, said every insinuation to the imagined ING should be disregarded while he expressed strong convictions that the general elections would hold as rescheduled.
“Interim National Government is alien to the 1999 Constitution. Those calling for ING are pushing for an exercise in futility”, the Senate president said.
Speaking further, he said “This Senate is committed to the provisions of our Constitution which we swore to protect, and we will not do anything to sabotage the democratic process”.
Mark called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to prepare to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible elections as rescheduled, and emphasised that on the 29th of May, 2015, a democratic government elected through a free and transparent government would be sworn in for another term of four years.
The Senate president also charged politicians to rise up to the occasion and reduce the tension in the country, cautioning them to refrain from acts or statements that will aggravate the already heated polity.
Meanwhile, the Senate has summoned the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, to appear before it today to explain the circumstances leading to the postponement of the 2015 general elections, which was earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28 for both national and state elections respectively.
Jega is expected to also explain to the Senate, and Nigerians by extension, the workings of the card reader which the commission intends to use for the general elections.
The invitation of the INEC chairman came on the heels of a resolution of the lawmakers following a motion raised by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba which raised issues on the need for Jega to appear before it at plenary to answer questions on how prepared the commission is to conduct the elections next month.
According to Ndoma-Egba, the Senate would also be availed the opportunity to get a firsthand information on whether the card readers being proposed by the commission, would work effectively in the elections.
In his contribution to the motion, Senate Minority Leader, George Akume, recalled that the INEC chairman had repeatedly insisted that the commission was prepared for the elections, until he was over- ruled by the security chiefs.
Senator Akume insisted that the service chiefs should rather be summoned to explain why they claimed that they would not be able to provide security in the North East for just one day that the elections would be held.
However, Mark rejected this suggestion, saying that the Senate would listen to Jega first before it can determine if there is need to invite the service chiefs as argued by Akume.
Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday also received a list of eight ministerial nominees from President Goodluck Jonathan for confirmation.
The list include Senator Patricia Akwashiki (Nasarawa), Prof. Nicholas Akise Ada (Benue) , Col Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu(rtd); Abia, Zambia and Engr Fidelis Nwankwo (Ebonyi).
Others are Mrs Huawa’u Lawan (Jigawa), Mr Kenneth Kobani (Rivers), Senator Musiliu Obanikoro (Lagos) and Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya (Taraba).
According to the Senate’s Spokesperson, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Senate would screen the nominees soon.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi,Abuja
APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside, shaking hands with enthusiastic traders at the popular Mile 3 Market in Diobu, Port Harcourt, during campaign visit, recently.
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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
