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Senate To Probe Buhari’s Human Rights Violations …As Reps Move To Stop President’s Power To Freeze Assets …Wants Senator Omo-Agege Fired For Treason
The Senate yesterday resolved to investigate all cases of human rights abuses allegedly committed by the police, Nigerian Army and other security agencies purportedly inspired by the executive arm of government.
It also set out to summon the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, for explanation.
The red chamber said it would identify the culprits, victims and offer redress where necessary.
These scheduled positions were listed on the order paper for sponsorship by Senator David Umaru entitled, “Alarming rise in cases of alleged human rights violations and consistent assault on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution by the executive”.
Although this motion was adopted but stepped down for another legislative day, Umaru affirmed that in the last few years, Nigeria’s democratic credentials have become questionable following alarming cases of alleged state-inspired human rights violations and consistent constitutional infractions perpetrated by agencies of government.
Notable instances of such human rights abuses, according to the lawmaker, is the continuous detention of the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), for over two years in total disregard of over four court orders including that of the ECOWAS court.
Other such violations are the continuous incarceration of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shi’ites, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, lack of accountability for human rights violations by security agencies and other militant elements including armed herdsmen, heavy-handed violent responses to peaceful protests as exemplified by previous crackdown on agitators from the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
The upper chamber also interrogated the recent violent clashes between the police and suspected members of the IMN, who were protesting for the release of their leader, El-Zakzaky, in Abuja and Kaduna, respectively.
The lawmakers, in addition, raised alarm over allegations of the country sliding into anarchy and despotism with indices of indiscriminate arrests, unconstitutional detention of citizens under questionable circumstances, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
The upper chamber also queried the recent enactment of the controversial executive order No. 006 which permits security agencies to freeze the assets of persons standing trial without recourse to court order, alleged violent attacks on judicial officers and the release of $496million from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) for the purchase of 12 super Tucano aircraft.
It was on this premise that the lawmakers urged the Federal Government to empanel a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate all the said cases of human rights abuse as allegedly committed.
Meanwhile, coming just few days after President Buhari’s signing of executive order to freeze and confiscate assets those facing corruption charges, the House of Representatives has indicated its readiness to strip President Muhammadu Buhari of powers to freeze and forfeit assets of Nigerians under prosecution or not .
The Representatives said the move is to deepen democracy and ensure true separation of powers amongst the three arms of government as constitutionally, only Judges of high courts now have such powers.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara disclosed this yesterday in his statement at a public hearing on a Bill to amend the currency conversion (Freezing Orders) Act.
Dogara stressed that the three arms of government should be strengthened to effectively perform their constitutional responsibilities, as such deepening democracy to the fullest.
Dogara, who was represented by the deputy minority leader of the House, Hon. Chukwuka Onyeama, regretted that the executive arm was previously usurping the powers of the judiciary to adjudicate and give rulings and orders.
He said it was time that the legislature rose up to play its constitutional roles in crafting laws that will protect both private and public financial investments.
His words ‘’ the essence of the Bill for an Act to amend the Currency Conversion(Freezing Orders) Act is the discretionary power being sought for the judge of the high court to order the freezing and forfeiture of assets of affected persons. ” which previously was exercised by the President
“In the present Act, the power to freeze and forfeit is vested in the president, which invariably usurps and erodes the prerogative power of the judiciary to adjudicate and give rulings and orders’’
He noted that too many petitions were before the House pertaining to breaches, which require such action like this which aims at protecting investments interest and rights and in so doing, protect and develop the Nigerian economy.
The speaker also spoke of two other bills; Bill for an Act to establish Factoring (Assignment Of Receivables) 2018, and a Bill to repeal the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank,(Guarantee) Act, which governs the operations of the Bank of Industry, BOI. He said of was imperative to repeal the law because it was inhibiting the full and effective discharge of the bank’s duties of meeting financial yearnings of individuals and groups seeking to do business in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, chairman of the House committee on banking and currency, Hon. Jones Onyereri (PDP) insisted that the bills were aimed at strengthening the investments, business and banking climate in the country.
Similarly, the House of Representatives yesterday directed the Executive arm of government to ensure the prosecution of Senator Ovie Omo- Agege and six others who allegedly invade the Senate chambers on charges of treasonable felony .
The House also summed the senator’s action on the day , the Mace was stolen from the Senate chambers as “assault occasioning harm, conspiracy to steal and actual theft of mace, the symbol of authority of the Parliament”.
The lower chamber also commended the Deputy Senate president, Ike Ekwermadu, the press and international community for being steadfast during the period of hostility with the thugs
These resolutions were taken at plenary presided over by deputy speaker, Hon. Sulaimon Yussuff Lasun.
Considering a report of the ad hoc committee, which investigated the Senate chambers invasion, the lawmakers also approved prosecution of the Delta Senator for incitement and breach of peace in the chamber of the Senate, in addition to suspension for 180 legislative sitting days, as provided by section 14(2) of the legislative Houses (Powers and privileges) Act, 2017.
The Reps committee had explained that it was imperative to prosecute the Senator and six others for obstructing and assaulting officers of the National Assembly in the course of their duty contrary to section 14 (1) © of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which provides that: “any member of a legislative house who assaults or obstructs any officer of the legislative house while in the execution of his duty shall be guilty of contempt of the legislative House” and should be dealt with on accordance with the provision of the law.
It was also recommended that the preliminary investigation on the issue by the Police should be quickly concluded to allow for prosecution of the senator and his accomplice, while a new and much more secured National Assembly be made by designing a new security operational order and security architecture.
The lawmakers resolved to be henceforth more courteous and cooperate with security operatives and NASS staff.
The report had also recommended r compensation and commendation to some staff of Sergeant- at- arms for being exemplary and brave to retrieve the mace though were overpowered by the hoodlums.
Before the adoption of the report, co-chairman of the investigative panel, Hon. Betty Apiafi (Rivers) noted that the multitude of protesters at the entrance of the National Assembly help to distract the attention of the security agents which made it easier for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and his accomplices to gain access into the premises of the National Assembly.
On that, Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta (PDP,) proposed the retraining of the sergeant at Arms at the National Assembly in order to conform with what is obtainable in other security compliant Parliaments.
However, Hon. Zakari Mohammed (, Kwara) said the distraction was not an excuse as according to him a lawmaker that is suspended would not fir any reason be admitted into the premises of National Assembly by the Sergeant at Arms hence the security agents has no excuse , good enough for such security breach.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi,Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has now received a total of 129 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.
The update was provided during the commission’s regular weekly meeting held in Abuja, yesterday.
According to a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, seven new applications were submitted within the past week, adding to the previous number.
“At its regular weekly meeting held today, Thursday 10th July 2025, the commission received a further update on additional requests from associations seeking registration as political parties.
“Since last week, seven more applications have been received, bringing the total number so far to 129. All the requests are being processed,” the commission stated.
The commission revealed the introduction of a new digital platform for political party registration. The platform is part of the Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System and aims to streamline the registration process.
Olumekun disclosed that final testing of the portal would be completed within the next week.
“INEC also plans to release comprehensive guidelines to help associations file their applications using the new system.
“Unlike the manual method used in previous registration, the Commission is introducing a political party registration portal, which is a module in our Party Financial Reporting and Auditing System.
“This will make the process faster and seamless. In the next week, the commission will conclude the final testing of the portal before deployment.
“Thereafter, the next step for associations that meet the requirements to proceed to the application stage will be announced. The commission will also issue guidelines to facilitate the filing of applications using the PFRAS,” the statement added.
In the meantime, the list of new associations that have submitted applications has been made available to the public on INEC’s website and other official platforms.
President Bola Tinubu yesterday signed into law four tax reform bills aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fiscal and revenue framework.
The four bills include: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.
They were passed by the National Assembly after months of consultations with various interest groups and stakeholders.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, yesterday.
The ceremony was witnessed by the leadership of the National Assembly and some legislators, governors, ministers, and aides of the President.
The presidency had earlier stated that the laws would transform tax administration in the country, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment, and give a boost to domestic and foreign investments.
“When the new tax laws become operational, they are expected to significantly transform tax administration in the country, leading to increased revenue generation, improved business environment, and a boost in domestic and foreign investments,” Special Adviser to the President on Media, Bayo Onanuga said on Wednesday.
Before the signing of the four bills, President Tinubu had earlier yesterday, said the tax reform bills will reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory and simplify its complex fiscal landscape.
Announcing the development via his official X handle, yesterday, the President declared, “In a few hours, I will sign four landmark tax reform bills into law, ushering in a bold new era of economic governance in our country.”
Tinubu made a call to investors and citizens alike, saying, “Let the world know that Nigeria is open for business, and this time, everyone has a fair shot.”
He described the bills as not just technical adjustments but a direct intervention to ease burdens on struggling Nigerians.
“These reforms go beyond streamlining tax codes. They deliver the first major, pro-people tax cuts in a generation, targeted relief for low-income earners, small businesses, and families working hard to make ends meet,” Tinubu wrote.
According to the President, “They will unify our fragmented tax system, eliminate wasteful duplications, cut red tape, restore investor confidence, and entrench transparency and coordination at every level.”
He added that the long-standing burden of Nigeria’s tax structure had unfairly weighed down the vulnerable while enabling inefficiency.
The tax reforms, first introduced in October 2024, were part of Tinubu’s post-subsidy-removal recovery plan, aimed at expanding revenue without stifling productivity.
However, the bills faced turbulence at the National Assembly and amongst some state governors who rejected its passing in 2024.
At the NASS, the bills sparked heated debate, particularly around the revenue-sharing structure, which governors from the North opposed.
They warned that a shift toward derivation-based allocations, especially with VAT, could tilt fiscal balance in favour of southern states with stronger consumption bases.
After prolonged dialogue, the VAT rate remained at 7.5 per cent, and a new exemption was introduced to shield minimum wage earners from personal income tax.
By May 2025, the National Assembly passed the harmonised versions with broad support, driven in part by pressure from economic stakeholders and international observers who welcomed the clarity and efficiency the reforms promised.
In his tweet, Tinubu stressed that this is just the beginning of Nigeria’s tax evolution.
“We are laying the foundation for a tax regime that is fair, transparent, and fit for a modern, ambitious Nigeria.
“A tax regime that rewards enterprise, protects the vulnerable, and mobilises revenue without punishing productivity,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, the National Assembly, and Nigeria’s subnational governments.
The President added, “We are not just signing tax bills but rewriting the social contract.
“We are not there yet, but we are firmly on the road.”
The Senate has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over its failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts probing alleged financial discrepancies amounting to over ?210 trillion in its audited reports from 2017 to 2023.
Despite being summoned, no officials or external auditors from NNPCL showed up yesterday.
However, representatives from the representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and Department of State Services were present.
Angered by the NNPCL’s absence, the committee, yesterday, issued a 10-day ultimatum, demanding the company’s top executives to appear before the panel by July 10 or face constitutional sanctions.
A letter from NNPCL’s Chief Financial Officer, Dapo Segun, dated June 25, was read at the session.
It cited an ongoing management retreat and requested a two-month extension to prepare necessary documents and responses.
The letter partly read, “Having carefully reviewed your request, we hereby request your kind consideration to reschedule the engagement for a period of two months from now to enable us to collate the requested information and documentation.
“Furthermore, members of the Board and the senior management team of NNPC Limited are currently out of the office for a retreat, which makes it difficult to attend the rescheduled session on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.
“While appreciating the opportunity provided and the importance of this engagement, we reassure you of our commitment to the success of this exercise. Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
But lawmakers rejected the request.
The Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said NNPCL was not expected to submit documents, but rather provide verbal responses to 11 key questions previously sent.
“For an institution like NNPCL to ask for two months to respond to questions from its own audited records is unacceptable,” Wadada stated.
“If they fail to show up by July 10, we will invoke our constitutional powers. The Nigerian people deserve answers,” he warned.
Other lawmakers echoed similar frustrations.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) insisted that NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, must personally lead the delegation at the next hearing.
The Tide reports that Ojulari took over from Mele Kyari on April 2, 2025.
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) said the two-month request suggested the company had no answers, but the committee would still grant a fair hearing by reconvening on July 10.
Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) warned the NNPCL against undermining the Senate, saying, “If they fail to appear again, Nigerians will know the Senate is not a toothless bulldog.”
Last week, the Senate panel grilled Segun and other top executives over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in NNPCL’s financial statements.
The Senate flagged ?103 trillion in accrued expenses, including ?600 billion in retention fees, legal, and auditing costs—without supporting documentation.
Also questioned was another ?103 trillion listed under receivables. Just before the hearing, NNPCL submitted a revised report contradicting the previously published figures, raising more concerns.
The committee has demanded detailed answers to 11 specific queries and warned that failure to comply could trigger legislative consequences.
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