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Senate Commences Jan-Dec Budget Cycle …Each Senator Earns N750,000 As Salary -Lawan
The Nigerian Senate has stated disclosed its readiness to commence the January to December budget cycle as it promised to work towards ensuring that the appropriation Bills are passed within three months if President Buhari presents the document in September ending.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan made this known yesterday when he received in audience the Forum of Senators who paid him a courtesy call in his office.
Senator Lawan therefore urged the executive to cooperate with the National Assembly to ensure that the 2020 Appropriation Bill is submitted to the parliament before September ends.
Addressing members of the forum which comprises both serving and firmed senators, Lawan also called for more funding of the parliament to enable it oversight the executive.
According to Lawan, his salary as a Senator is not more than N750,000, but emphasised that more funds is required to fund his office and that of other senators adequately. Lawan also said insinuation of jumbo pay for federal lawmakers was untrue.
According to him, the 9th National Assembly in collaboration with the executive arm of government wants to get rid of yearly budget delays which affects past budget issues.
His words “In achieving this, as soon as budget proposals are received from the executive in September, this Senate will spend only three months for its consideration and passage.
“It is our determination that once the executive does its own side of the processes by presenting budget proposal in September of every year, we will ensure the passage of the budget before embarking on Christmas break in December”.
He appealed to the former senators to join in giving the true narratives to Nigerians as regards emoluments of federal lawmakers.
“Although as an important institution, monies are provided for office running, oversight functions by lawmakers etc, which are always added up by the ordinary man on the street as monthly salary of lawmakers.
“My monthly salary is N750,000 and nothing in the radius of millions”, he explained.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman of the Senators’ Forum , Senator Khariat Gwadabe told the President of the Senate that as former senators with institutional memory, they will always be there, to support him in leading the 9th Senate and by extension, National Assembly aright.
Meanwhile, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan offered tacit support to the call of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu for budgetary provision for State Commissioner of Police, across the 36 states of the federation.
He made his position known yesterday when the IGP paid him a courtesy visit.
Adamu said separate statutory provisions for the Commissioner of Police in each state would go a long way in enhancing the funding of the Police and guarantee effective policing.
Senator Lawan who said the nation craved for a Police Force “that is efficient in discharging its functions,” however added that the central police commanded needed organisational restructuring for optimal performance.
He said: “When our Police Affairs Committee is constituted, they will work with you. This administration will work assiduously to give you the support that you require. You need restructuring, we need to look at the command structure to make the Police give us the kind of policing that we require. We want a police force that is efficient in discharging its functions.”
He noted that with the Police Trust Fund Bill passed into law, the IGP and his team already has ample financial reserve to lessen his financial challenge.
“With Police Trust Fund, you will have enough. You are lucky to have the Police Trust Fund passed. Such resources will help us fight the kind of challenges that we face. We shall pass those bills that will give you the kind of support that you require that will make the police perform optimally.”
The courtesy visit which also has the head of Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohammed Mustapha Abdallah and the head of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Rabiu Yadudu in the entourage briefed the President of the Senate on their joint investigation on the drug cartel that planted narcotics on two innocent Nigerians, Zainab Aliu and Ibrahim Abubakar, who were arrested in Saudi Arabia.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol