Politics
Senate Set To Amend Fiscal Responsibility Act
Sixteen years into its existence, the Senate has resolved to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), 2007, based on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) report.
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) is one of the most critical agencies of Government because its role is not just to monitor the fiscal policies but also to help generate what the monetary policies can achieve.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja during the ongoing 2023 budget defence and 2024 budget presentation at the National Assembly, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator MuhammedSani Musa (APC, Niger East), explained that the Senate was going to work on the FRA, 2007 and look at those areas that they feel can strengthen the Commission.
Senator Musa said, “We are worried every day about the huge debt burden we are experiencing in Nigeria.
“We have made laws, and we must abide by those laws because most sub-national governments are not supposed to go to any bank to collect any overdraft without clearance or proof of compliance from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.”
The lawmaker assured that the Senate was ready to create a better working environment for the Commission and commended the Commission for making inputs that were already yielding positive results on revenue.
Senator Musa who noted that the Upper legislative Chamber was going to consider this at the Committee level and make recommendation to the Senate, said that his hope was that the appropriation Committee of the Senate would reason with them and do something about the budget proposal of the Commission.
In his presentation, the Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Barrister Victor Muruako appealed to the Senate Committee on Finance to continue supporting the Commission in actualizing her mandate, emphasising on adequate funding for the successful implementation of the Act.
He therefore solicited the assistance of the Senate and expressed the willingness of the Commission to ensure higher remittances of revenue by the ministries, departments and agencies.
Muruako who considered the proposal of independent revenue generation estimated N3m as an error, proposed a further increase to the sum of N20m and expressed the hope that this would be attained while challenging other agencies to improve on their revenue drive.
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.