Some Senators have thrown their weight behind Godswill Akpabio to return as Senate President in the 11th National Assembly, saying the seat is not vacant. The development could narrow the chances of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is also aspiring to the position.
The endorsement came after Akpabio spoke during plenary yesterday, following criticism of his comments on a suicide prevention bill a day earlier.
During debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator representing Cross River South, on Tuesday, Akpabio had said some young people consider suicide because they believe seven virgins await them in the afterlife.
The remark drew backlash, with critics accusing the Senate President of attacking Muslims.
Responding yesterday, Akpabio said debates in the chamber should not be seen as attacks on any religious group.
He said he was worried that comments made during debates were being taken out of context on television and used for political purposes.
“I don’t like the idea of people sitting down on television and trying to misinterpret what we discuss here in the Senate.
“We want to make the best laws, so we are bound to oppose each other, and we are also bound to support each other,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio also dismissed claims that he would disparage Islam, pointing to his personal ties with Muslims and his record of supporting religious pilgrimages when he was governor.
He said he sponsored 5,800 Muslims to the Holy Land and more than 10,000 Christians to Rome and Jerusalem.
The Senate President also asked commentators to focus on issues rather than attempt to tarnish people’s images.
After his remarks, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, who represents Borno North, said he was confident that most serving lawmakers would return to the Senate after the 2027 general election.
“Insha Allah, by the grace of God, majority of us are going to make it back to the Senate, and this seat is hereby declared: there is no vacancy. Including the seat of DSP, there is no vacancy — including principal officers,” Monguno said.
Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) also backed the position, describing Akpabio as the person to occupy the Senate presidency in the next assembly.
“My name is Senator Cyril Fasuyi from Ekiti North, a serving senator and an incoming senator in the 11th Assembly.
“I hereby support the motion, ably moved by Senator Monguno, that the seat of the Senate President in the 11th Assembly is not open to any contest. It is already occupied by Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio,” he said.
Akpabio subsequently asked lawmakers whether the position reflected the general view of the Senate.
“Those in support say aye,” he said, drawing a resounding response from Senators.

The United States Department of Homeland Security has released the names and photographs of 24 Nigerian nationals arrested by immigration officers over alleged criminal offences as the Donald Trump administration intensifies its immigration enforcement campaign.

According to information published by the department, the Nigerians were arrested by officers of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in different locations across the country.

The offences listed include wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, drug-related crimes, identity theft, assault, forgery, weapons violations and child cruelty.

Announcing the arrests, DHS said it was highlighting non-US citizens with criminal records apprehended by immigration enforcement officers.

“The US Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of worst criminal aliens arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),” the department said.

It added, “Under DHS leadership, the hardworking men and women of DHS and ICE are fulfilling President Trump’s promise and carrying out mass deportations – starting with the worst of the worst – including the illegal aliens you see here.”

The list published by the department identifies the Nigerian nationals, the offences associated with their cases and the locations where they were arrested. The list includes

1. Emmanuel Omowaiye — Mail fraud; Richmond, Texas.
2. Laurene Onwuka — Fraud and impersonation; Chantilly, Virginia.
3. Olusegun Shonekan — Wire fraud; Newark, New Jersey.
4. Olusegun Olaseni — Amphetamine sale; Greencastle, Indiana.
5. Peter Ude — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.
6. Newton Jemide — Wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud; Fort Dix, New Jersey.
7. Shedrack Umukoro — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.
8. Olasoji Akinbode — Fraud and impersonation; Kearny, New Jersey.
9. Oluwatosin Afolabi — Fraud; Conroe, Texas.
10. Alameen Adetunji Tokosi — Drug possession; Chicago, Illinois.
11. Joshua Ipoade — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.
12. Michael Orji — Weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and mfoney laundering; Oxford, Wisconsin.
13. Ahmadu Apooyin — Drug-related offence; Baltimore, Maryland.
14. Teslim Kiriji — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.
15. Onomen Uduebor — Identity theft; Seattle, Washington.
16. Charles Ochi — Money laundering; White Deer, Pennsylvania.
17. Daniel Eta — Wire fraud; White Deer, Pennsylvania.
18. Ifeanyi Ibennah — Cruelty towards a child; Tampa, Florida.
19. Kazeem Runsewe — Wire fraud; Thomson, Illinois.
20. Fatiu Lawal — Wire fraud; Lompoc, California.
21. Justin Akubueze — Money laundering; Orem, Utah.
22. Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo — Larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property; Orlando, Florida.
23. Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi — Assault; Alden, New York.
24. Bright Eigbedion — Money laundering; Lompoc, California.

DHS said the announcement was part of the US government’s broader immigration enforcement drive, with ICE carrying out arrests across the country.

The publication comes as the Trump administration pursues its policy of removing non-US citizens identified as priorities under its immigration enforcement programme.

However, the information released by DHS does not specify the final immigration status of each individual or provide details of their respective deportation proceedings.

Their inclusion on the list does not, by itself, establish that they have already been deported or that every offence listed resulted in a criminal conviction.