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NASS Can’t Reconvene Now, Say Saraki, Dogara …Senate President Demands Judicial Probe Of Siege …CAN Declares Three-Day Prayers Over Threat To Democracy
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday explained why the National Assembly cannot reconvene now.
They stated that as a prelude to resumption, the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission would have held a meeting.
Following this, the joint committees were also expected to meet with the joint Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, Loans and Debts on the Eurobond loan request “after which two reports would have been ready for presentation in the two chambers.”
They added that none of these meetings had been held, implying that if lawmakers had reconvened, there would have been no report for them to consider.
“Until the committees have a ready report for the consideration of the two chambers, it will be most irresponsible to recall members from recess especially those that may have travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj”, a statement joint signed by the Special Adviser (Media and
Meanwhile, the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called for an independent judicial panel of inquiry into the siege to the National Assembly by masked security operatives, penultimate yesterday.
Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, had in a swift reaction to the invasion, sacked Lawal Daura as Department of State Service (DSS) director general, for what the presidency described as an unauthorised action.
However, in a tweet on his personal @bukolasaraki handle, Saraki said, yesterday,: “The very serious questions about last Tuesday’s siege on the National Assembly can only be answered through a thorough and neutral investigation.
“I call on Mr. President to immediately institute an independent judicial panel of inquiry to look into that assault on our democracy.”
Publicity) to Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu, and the Special Adviser (Media and Public Affairs) to Speaker, Mr Turaki Hassan, said.
The presiding officers, however, said that the meetings have not taken place and that many legislators have also gone on Hajj, making the prospects for reconvening improbable.
In a related development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day prayer and fasting over what it described as a threat to democracy in the country.
It stated that the decision was informed by the “recent political drama unfolding in our nation.”
The acting CAN General Secretary, Daramola Bade, in a statement, yesterday, directed churches nationwide to mobilise their members for the prayer from August 27-29 to seek God’s face concerning the social and political state of the nation and for the peaceful conduct of 2019 elections.
The Christian body asked the faithful to pray against the election of evil politicians in 2019, and also for peaceful co-existence and an end to bloodshed and violence across the nation.
It also admonished Christians to pray for “unity and mutual respect for each other within the three arms of the government.”
The statement read in part, “Following the recent political drama unfolding in our nation that is becoming really embarrassing and constituting big threats to our nascent democracy, the leadership of the CAN has called for a three-day prayer to be observed in all churches in Nigeria for divine protection for our nation and democracy.”
“In view of the above, we request all bloc chairmen, zonal chairmen, states’ chairmen, local and all church leaders to mobilize our members nationwide for three days of prayer from August 27 -29 to seek the face of God concerning the social and political state of our nation and for peaceful conduct of 2019 election,” it said.
The CAN also asked the churches to pray for divine direction for the political leaders and for the release of Boko Haram captives, including Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok girls.
“We are to pray for economic prosperity of the nation and deliberate effort of the government towards providing gainful employment for the teeming population of unemployed youths in Nigeria.
“For the church’s victory over the forces of darkness that are working against the wellbeing of the Church in Nigeria and for the unity of the church and that those causing destabilisation would repent from their evils and pursue unity or risk divine judgment,” the CAN implored.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
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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