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42 Reps Become Israel’s Allies, Back Jerusalem As Capital
No fewer than 42 members of the House of Representatives have joined the Nigerian Parliamentary Israeli Allies Caucus, as Nigeria and Israel celebrate 62 years of diplomatic relations.
The caucus, which was inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday, is a member of the global Israel Allies Foundation, is mobilising faith-based support for Israel and Nigeria.
The six-person inauguration committee included four members of the House, Bamidele Salam (Chairman), Sergius Ogun, Chris Azubogu and Oghene Egho as well as Nigeria Director, NPIAC, Sally William-Chinebu (Secretary) and Programme Manager, Chibuzo Okereke.
The pioneer Chairman of the NPIAC, Nicholas Ossai, in his remarks, noted that Israel Allies Caucus exist in over 50 parliaments of the world. He added that the Nigerian caucus would advance strategic engagements to encourage cooperation between Nigeria and Israel in areas of common interests, including agriculture, science and technology, youth development and innovation, culture/tourism, education, security, aviation, power/renewable energy, peace-building, democracy, rule of law and protection of human rights.
He said, “The caucus will from time to time organise parliamentary exchanges and visits to the Israel Knesset and other allies’ parliaments globally. Furthermore, the caucus will seek to organise business and investment summits/democracy promotion activities for the mutual benefit of Nigeria and the state of Israel.
“The caucus is open to legislators at both federal and sub-national levels, policymakers, faith-based leaders, lovers of Israel and Nigeria and the general public who meet the membership criteria. Caucus members have the opportunity to enjoy quality legislative exchange programs and experience visits to member parliaments and countries, Israeli visas, business opportunities, education, tourism and other mutual bilateral opportunities.”
After the inauguration, Ossai read out the resolution and pledge of the caucus.
Ossai said, “Whereas, the State of Israel has appropriately and necessarily exercised its God-given and legal right to declare the reuniûed city of Jerusalem to be the eternal and indivisible capital of the Jewish national home, thereby ensuring the protection of religious freedom for worshipers of all faiths under Israeli sovereignty;
“Whereas, people with faith in the Bible recognise the historic and spiritual significance of the Land of Israel and the City of Jerusalem to the Jewish people, and whereas, the Israel Allies Foundation was established to give clear expression to the moral and ethical bonds that unite Jews, Christians, and people of faith worldwide;
“Whereas, members of the Nigerian Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus wish to enter the Global Israel Allies Network of over 50 parliamentary caucuses in countries worldwide in order to take a public stand on critical issues facing Nigeria and Israel for the mutual beneûts of our both countries;
“Therefore, we the foundational members are stablishing the Nigerian Parliamentary Israel Allies Caucus, whose mission it will be to support the stronger diplomatic ties between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the jewish State of Israel in asserting its God-given and legal rights to sovereignty and self-defense upon the entirety of its lands and territories, recognising the aimed of people of all faiths for a strong and united Israel and Nigeria through legislative diplomacy.”
The caucus called on governments, institutions and people of conscience around the world to “reject all forms of anti-semitism including the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement as a matter of official policy, duly noting its anti-semitic nature against the State of Israel.”
The NPIAC advocated for stronger collaborations and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Israel in the areas of security, aviation, agriculture, science and technology, youth development, innovation and energy, while it “strongly support the relocation of government embassies to Jerusalem in accordance with the understanding that Jerusalem is the eternal and indivisible capital of the State of Israel.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Nigerian Director, NPIAC, Sally William-Chinebu, noted that the Israel Allies Caucus derives its strength from a wide range of political parties, various religious or philosophical convictions, diversified ethnic nationalities, professional orientations and biases. “The caucus uses the instrumentality of advocacy, faith-based diplomacy, and policy dialogues to support good diplomatic relations with the State of Israel,” she added.
William-Chinebu stated that NPIAC is readily available to help deepen the relationship between Nigeria and Israel. She said, “We will assist to facilitate mutually beneficial collaborations and cooperation in areas of parliamentary engagements, cultural and educational exchanges, peace-building, agriculture, renewable energy, youth development, technology, aviation, security and other innovations.
“We will work to ensure and promulgate legislation that prevents discriminations of any kind against Nigerians and Israelis anywhere including anti-semitism. We will always support the right of the Jews to live in Israel, a Jewish state, in peace, harmony, and security and with rights to defensible borders. We also aim at promoting a greater role for Nigeria in the international community, while promoting democracy in Nigeria in an environment that guarantees freedom of expression, peace, social justice, rule of law and electoral integrity.”
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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