National
Senate Passes Confidence Vote On Akpabio
The Senate has passed a vote of confidence in its President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, reaffirming its support for his leadership amid recent controversies.
This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) and seconded by Deputy Minority Leader Olalere Oyewumi (PDP-Osun) during Thursday’s plenary.
In his motion of urgent national importance, Bamidele cited Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules, emphasising that Akpabio had demonstrated effective leadership since the inauguration of the 10th Senate despite the controversy surrounding allegations of sexual harassment.
Addressing concerns over Akpabio’s handling of a petition referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Bamidele clarified that the matter had nothing to do with sexual harassment.
“Some critics have accused this Senate of allowing Akpabio to preside over his matter. However, the issue before us was strictly about a motion referred to the Ethics Committee,” Bamidele stated.
He urged Nigerians to recognise that the Senate operates within the framework of the law, not personal biases.
“We are guided by rules, not the whims of individuals. This is not about a group of men conspiring against a woman but ensuring our rules are respected. That is the only way we can guarantee peace, law, and order,” he added.
Bamidele further dismissed claims that the Senate lacked the authority to suspend a member, stating that legal interpretations would ultimately confirm the Senate’s position.
He urged Nigerians not to be distracted by the sexual harassment allegations, noting that the matter was already before the courts.
“While we acknowledge public concern, we remain focused on our legislative duties. There are pressing matters that require our attention for the good of the country,” he said.
According to him, the Senate will continue to work alongside the executive to improve economic conditions and promote democratic participation.
“Our priority is to bring economic stability and development to Nigerians. We will not be sidetracked,” he affirmed.
In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio thanked his colleagues for their support and emphasised that the 10th Senate remains united in its commitment to national progress.
He also accused Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of misrepresenting her suspension at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting, stating that she embarrassed the country with a misleading narrative.
United States President Donald Trump has ordered the dismantling of government-funded news agency Voice of America (VOA), accusing it of promoting biased media reports.
“Voice of America has been out of step with America for years. It serves as the Voice for Radical America and has pushed divisive propaganda for years now,” FOx News quoted a senior White House official as saying.
Last Friday, Trump signed an executive order to dismantle seven government offices, including the United States Agency for Global Media, the parent company of VOA and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
“The non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law,” the executive order reads.
The US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its senior advisor, Kari Lake, said the agency is “not salvageable.”
“From top-to-bottom, this agency is a giant rot and burden to the American taxpayer–a national security risk for this nation–and irretrievably broken. While there are bright spots within the agency with personnel who are talented and dedicated public servants, this is the exception rather than the rule,” the statement read.
VOA employees reportedly received notification of the changes via email from Crystal Thomas, USAGM’s human resources director.
Freelance workers and international contractors were also said to have been informed of a funding halt. At the same time, federal grants for Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty were terminated.
VOA’s director, Mike Abramowitz, said he and nearly all 1,300 staff members were placed on paid leave following the order.
The executive order also targets other agencies, including the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service; the U.S. Agency for Global Media; the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution; the Institute of Museum and Library Services; the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness; the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund; and the Minority Business Development Agency.
The Senator who represented Kaduna Central (2015-2019), Shehu Sani, has challenged the ex-Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, to publicly provide evidence that Governor Uba Sani misappropriated funds from Local Government Councils.
In an interview over the weekend, Shehu Sani, a civil rights activist, responded to the allegations of fund diversion made against his successor. Speaking with DAILY POST on Monday in Abuja, Sani refuted the claims, asserting that they were unfounded.
He stated that El-Rufai’s allegations were “fabricated to tarnish the reputation of the Governor, especially with the ongoing investigation involving N420 billion looming over him like the sword of Damocles.”
Sani urged the former Governor to publicly disclose proof of any property purchases in South Africa, Seychelles, and London allegedly made by Uba Sani if he wishes to be taken seriously.
He remarked that the people of Kaduna would not soon forget how Nasir El-Rufai mismanaged the State during his eight years in office, emphasising that he should cease spreading falsehoods.
“As residents of Kaduna, we have all witnessed how El-Rufai misappropriated State resources, and now that investigations have implicated him, he should confront the issue rather than disseminate misinformation,” Sani asserted.
“El-Rufai should have the courage to present evidence linking Governor Uba Sani to the purchase of properties abroad; only then will we take him seriously.
“However, he must also be prepared to account for the whereabouts of N420 billion, as that sum is significant enough to transform Kaduna State,” Sani concluded.
Sani’s comments come in response to El-Rufai’s accusations that Governor Uba Sani has redirected Local Government funds for the purpose of acquiring properties in South Africa, Seychelles, and London.
… Bishop Kukah is pro-chancellor
… Tinubu appoints varsity’s principal officers
Prof Williams Barnabas Qurix has emerged as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State.
President Bola Tinubu made the appointment on Monday, appointing Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.
In a statement issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, he said he appointed the university’s principal officers, including Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas as Vice Chancellor, Sanusi Gambo Adamu as Registrar, Ibrahim Dalhat as bursar, and Prof Daniel Abubakar as university Librarian, because of their track records.
President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Mr Thomas Etuh, representing the North Central, Chief Fabian Nwaora (South East), Prof Femi Taiwo (South West) and Zarah Bukar (North East) as members of the university’s Governing Council.
All the appointees were carefully selected based on their distinguished careers, leadership experience, and dedication to advancing education in Nigeria.
President Tinubu implored them to use their collective expertise to position the university as a hub for academic excellence and research, aligning with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
President Tinubu urged the newly appointed officers to provide visionary leadership and lay a solid foundation for the university’s growth as it prepares to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025.
The Federal University of Applied Sciences was formerly known as Nok University. It was renamed after the federal government took over its assets.