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Saraki Disbands Buhari Support Group In Senate …As Court Rejects APC Senator’s Plea To Stop Suspension
The Senate President, BukolaSaraki, yesterday ordered the immediate disbandment of the Parliamentary Support Group in the Senate.
His directive was met with no resistance from members of the pro-Buhari group.
It is not clear if Dr Saraki as Senate President, has such constitutional powers to disband a freely formed group. especially as the constitution guarantees freedom of association. However, none of the members of the pro-Buhari group, r aised objection whren Mr Sararki gave the directive.
The group was formed in March by pro-Buhari Senators, after a face-off with their colleagues on the amendment to the electoral act.
Early this month, members of the group including Abdullahi Adamu, OvieOmo-Agege, Abu Ibrahim, Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, BabajideOmoworare, Ali Ndume, openly identified with President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura as his parliamentary support group.
The Senate, adopting a motion moved by Ibrahim Gobir (Sokoto -APC), also mandated its committee on Ethic, Privileges and Public Petitions, t probe both ,Mr Adamu amd Mr Omo-Agege for their roles as chairman and Secretary of the group respectively.
Earlier yesterday, Mr Omo-Agege was suspended by his colleagues for accusing them of working against Mr Buhari’s re-election bid in 2019 through the amendment of the electoral act.
While debating on the report that led to the suspension of the secretary of the group, OvieOmo-Agege, the existence of the group was once again mentioned by KabirMarafa (Zamfara, APC).
“Mr President, in as much as I am against the suspension of any senator, but I am equally against the formation of any other group in this chamber. The formation of the parliamentary support group is evil and it should not stand, it is counter-productive and against the president himself,” Marafa said.
Ruling over the issue, Saraki ordered the group to be disbanded.
“Distinguished Colleagues, a number of points have been raised. One borders on the issue of preserving the integrity of this institution. To me, that is what i think is the most important thing for us.
“Second, is where we take actions that are not sincere. I think in this chamber, if we want to talk about who has the right to say he is chairman of a Parliamentary Support Group for Mr President both by action and by what we have done, I think that I have the right to lead that more than anyone else here.
“Those of us that understand politics, understand that because of our own peculiar interest, sometimes some people decide to act like they are holier than thou or more committed — at the expense of others. This is not something that we should tolerate, and I believe that in an institution like this we must show discipline, but at the same time we must also show compassion.
“Distinguished Colleagues, there must be discipline. We must show that such groups must be suspended and the case in court must be withdrawn. I think by that we would have captured, no more of these kind of groups in the Senate,” he said.
The disbandment of the group was also part of the recommendations adopted by the Senate.
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an ex parte application filed by the Delta Central senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, to stop his suspension by the Senate.
He had, on April 3, filed the ex-parte application before Justice NnamdiDimgba, asking the court to order that “all further proceedings against the plaintiff (the senator) in respect of the allegations referred to the first defendant’s (Senate’s) Committee for Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition” be halted pending the hearing and determination of his main suit.
He asked the court to order parties to the main suit earlier filed on March 26, 2018 “not to consider, act on or give effect to any recommendation, resolution or decision of the first respondent’s (Senate) committee for Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition.”
The defendants to the suit are the Senate, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. AbubakarMalami (SAN).
But the Senate yesterday suspended the Senator for 90 days over his comment that the amendment to the Electoral Act 2010 to reorder the sequence of polls in a general election was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.
This came after the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Wednesday, rejected his ex-parte application requesting that parties be ordered to maintain status quo by suspending all actions concerning the issues raised in respect of the case.
Last Wednesday, Omo-Agege’s lawyer, Mr. E.R. Emukpoeuo, had moved his client’s ex parte application filed before Justice NnamdiDimgba on April 3, 2017.
Ruling, however, Justice Dimgba refused to grant the order, directing the parties to maintain status quo.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
