Politics |

October 19, 2023

October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 IFMNEWS

Senate President Godswill Akpabio Addresses Red Chamber Crisis

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the lawmakers are working in synergy despite disagreements on the Senate floor.

Akpabio said the senators will never resort to physical fights, no matter the level of debate or dissenting views during proceedings.

Senator Akpabio spoke to journalists after meeting with President Bola Tinubu behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

His visit comes barely 24 hours after the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, stormed out of the chamber after being ruled out of order.

Akpabio said in a democracy, the minority will have their say, while the majority will always have their way.

The senate president said he only visited President Tinubu to inform him of the first 10th Assembly retreat in Akwa Ibom State.

October 19, 2023

October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 IFMNEWS

Atiku Abubakar Urges Supreme Court To Admit Fresh Evidence In Tinubu Case

The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 presidential poll, Atiku Abubakar, has again asked the Supreme Court to scrap technicality and grant his application seeking to tender fresh evidence against President Bola Tinubu.

The former Vice President stated this in his reply on the point of law to Tinubu’s objection to granting leave for him to present the fresh evidence before the apex court.

Atiku predicated his plea because presenting forged documents by any candidate, especially one for the highest office in the land, is a grave constitutional issue that must not be encouraged.

President Tinubu had based his objection on the grounds of jurisdiction and that the qualification issue is a pre-election matter, amongst others and subsequently prayed the court to deny the grant of the application.

While faulting President Tinubu, Atiku submitted that issues of merit ought not to be determined or pronounced upon at the interlocutory stage.

The appellants note that they are only at this stage merely applying for leave of the Supreme Court to receive the fresh evidence, submitted that “to refuse to grant the leave as the respondents have argued, will amount to undue technicality.”

Atiku also faulted President Tinubu’s submission that he was inconsistent in his name, describing the submission as immaterial and pedestrian, as there is no petition challenging his qualification.

October 18, 2023

October 18, 2023October 18, 2023 IFMNEWS

Akpabio Not Behind My Removal, Embattled Senator Abbo Apologised

Senator Elisha Abbo, representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, has apologised for his earlier allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was involved in a plot to remove him through the Court of Appeal. The apology was made during an interview on a monitored program.

Abbo expressed his humility and a sense of responsibility in acknowledging that the press release issued the day before was premature and based on the information available at that time. He explained that upon further investigation and a conversation with the Senate President, he was convinced of Akpabio's lack of involvement.

According to Abbo, Akpabio assured him of his innocence, swearing on his mother's grave that he had no knowledge of the court case and was not involved. Abbo cited the significance of this personal pledge by Akpabio and expressed his belief in its sincerity.

Previously, the Court of Appeal in Abuja had nullified Abbo's election, declaring Amos Yohanna of the People’s Democratic Party as the winner of the senatorial election held on February 25. At the time, Abbo had attributed his unfavourable court judgment to Senate President Akpabio, but he has since retracted those accusations and extended an apology.

October 18, 2023

October 18, 2023October 18, 2023 IFMNEWS

Senate Urges Federal Government To Declare A State Of Emergency On Substance Abuse

In a pressing plea to the Federal Government, the Senate has urged immediate action to combat the escalating crisis of drug and narcotics abuse in Nigeria. The nation is grappling with a concerning surge in substance abuse, prompting the Senate to take swift action.

During a plenary session, the Senate discussed and passed a motion titled: "Immediate Intervention Required to Combat Drug Abuse in Nigeria." This motion was presented by Senator Babangida Uba Hussaini of the APC, representing Jigawa Northwest. The Senate emphasized the urgency of addressing the drug abuse crisis and its far-reaching consequences.

In response to this critical situation, the Red Chamber has mandated its National Agency for Administration Control, Drugs, and Narcotics committee to collaborate with relevant federal agencies to convene a National Summit focused on tackling the issue of drugs and narcotics abuse in the country. This initiative reflects the Senate's commitment to finding comprehensive solutions to this pressing problem.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed deep concern about the extent of drug abuse in the country, highlighting a shocking practice where some young individuals resort to inhaling vapours from soakaway pits to achieve a high. He urged parents to regularly inspect their soakaways to ensure they remain intact, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to protect young people.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau emphasized the critical role that youth play in a nation's future. He underscored that when the youth are adversely affected by drug abuse, it poses a significant threat to the nation's prospects. Barau also pointed out that drug abuse is not limited to any particular segment of society; it affects people from all walks of life, including celebrities and politicians.

While acknowledging the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Barau called for heightened vigilance and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders responsible for addressing this grave issue. The Senate's call for a state of emergency reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate and comprehensive action to combat drug and narcotics abuse in Nigeria.

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