News
Lawmakers Probe Shortage Of Passport, Alleged Sharp Practices At NIS
The House of Representatives, yesterday, resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the shortage of the passport booklets.
Also to be investigated were alleged sharp practices by personnel of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).
The House also directed the service to stop the policy for biometrics capture and immediately purchase more machines to aid the process.
The decision of the House followed the consideration of a motion of urgent public importance moved at the plenary by Hon. Fred Agbedi.
Agbedi, in his motion, said the “House is aware that in recent times the process of applying for Nigerian passport has become so frustrating as the process is bedevilled with delays occasioned by the shortage of passport booklets.
“These have brought about sharp practices as well as rip off charges, to the detriment of the people within and outside the country.
“The duties of Nigerian Immigration Service include the control of persons entering or leaving the country. The issuance of travel documents including Nigerian passports and the issuance of resident permits to foreigners in Nigeria and border surveillance. The Nigerian immigration service was quoted to have commenced the production of 30,000 e-passport with the aim of being an end to the issues of delays.
“Despite these modalities, the issues of shortage of passport booklets are still lingering. Consequently intending travellers wait for several months and sometimes a year after capturing for their passport before it issued to them. Worried that there are persons who need their passport to travel out of the country for several reasons such as medical attention, businesses, education or be with family.”
Adopting the motion, the House gave the committee two months within which to carryout the investigation and report back for further legislative action.
In a related development, the House also called for the Intervention of the Federal Government on the communal clashes between Lyangit and Kumbwanv communities of Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Coming on the heels of the motion moved by Hon. Beni Lar at the plenary, the House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide the people with relief materials to cushion the effects of the crises.
It mandated its relevant committees to liaise with the relevant government agencies to intervene between the warring communities to restore lasting peace.
Similarly, the House also adopted a motion moved by Hon. Michah Yohanna Jiba, which urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to immediately construct pedestrian bridges across the Mabushi/Ministry of Works and Housing Junction highway Abuja to avoid more accidents in the area.
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
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