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Akpabio Unveils Senate Principal Officers, New Lineup Revealed
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has officially announced the list of principal officers for the 10th Senate, bringing an end to weeks of anticipation.
The announcement took place during the commencement of plenary on Tuesday, with Akpabio reading out letters purportedly sent by the respective political parties. Let’s delve into the newly revealed lineup and see who will be occupying key positions in the Senate.
The Senate Leadership Takes Shape
Opeyemi Bamidele, representing APC Ekiti Central from the Southwest region, has been appointed as the Senate Leader. With his extensive experience and political acumen, Bamidele is expected to play a pivotal role in steering the Senate’s affairs.
Taking up the position of Deputy Senate Leader is Dave Umahi, representing APC Ebonyi South from the Southeast. Umahi’s appointment reflects the party’s commitment to ensuring diverse regional representation in key positions.
Ali Ndume, hailing from APC Borno South in the Northeast, has been appointed as the Chief Whip. Known for his dedication and unwavering commitment, Ndume is poised to effectively coordinate legislative activities in the Senate.
Lola Ashiru, representing APC Kwara South from the Northcentral region, assumes the role of Deputy Chief Whip. Ashiru’s appointment brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position, promising a harmonious collaboration among Senate members.
Opposition Members Take Their Positions
Simon Devou Nwadkwon, a prominent figure from PDP Plateau North in the North Central, has been appointed as the Minority Leader. Nwadkwon’s vast experience and leadership qualities, coming from the House of Representatives, make him an ideal choice for this crucial role.
Oyewumi Olarele, representing PDP Osun West from the South West, has been appointed as the Deputy Minority Leader. Olarele’s dedication to advocating for the interests of his constituents is expected to translate into effective representation in the Senate.
Darlington Nwokocha, from LP Abia Central in the South East, assumes the position of Deputy Minority Whip. With his astute political acumen and commitment to equitable governance, Nwokocha is set to contribute significantly to the Senate’s functioning.
Rufia Hanga, representing Kano Central (NNPP) in the North West, has been appointed as the Deputy Minority Whip. Hanga’s strategic thinking and ability to forge consensus will undoubtedly enhance the Senate’s decision-making processes.
An End To Speculation And Recess
Following weeks of recess, the Nigerian Senate has finally resumed legislative activities with the principal officers in place.
Elanza News reports that the formation of the Nigeria Red Chamber is based on the three Senatorial Districts per State and one for the Federal Capital Territory. However, the process of appointing principal officers faced challenges, resulting in a prolonged wait for their official announcement.
Deliberation And Lobbying Yield Results
Political pundits and observers expected the Senate and the political parties to engage in extensive deliberations to decide on the lawmakers who would assume these crucial roles. However, the recess period was dominated by intense lobbying, with no final decisions reached until Senate President Akpabio’s recent announcement.
As the Senate reconvenes and resumes its legislative duties, the presence of appointed principal officers will undoubtedly facilitate the smooth operation of the upper chamber. Their collective expertise, diverse backgrounds, and regional representation are expected to contribute positively to the decision-making processes within the Senate.
This recent development marks a significant milestone for the 10th Senate and the Nigerian political landscape as a whole. With the principal officers now in place, the Senate can move forward with its legislative agenda and tackle the pressing issues facing the nation.
In addition to the appointment of principal officers, the Senate is also responsible for deliberating and passing bills, conducting oversight on government agencies, and representing the interests of their constituents.
Elanza News reports that the collective efforts of the Senate members, including the newly appointed principal officers, will play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s legislative landscape and driving progress in various sectors.
As the 10th Senate embarks on its legislative journey, it is expected to address critical issues such as national security, healthcare, infrastructure development, economic policies, and social welfare programs. The diverse backgrounds and expertise of the Senate members, along with effective leadership from the principal officers, will be instrumental in formulating and implementing impactful legislation that addresses these challenges.
Citizens are encouraged to stay informed and actively engage with their elected representatives to ensure that their concerns and aspirations are effectively represented in the Senate. By participating in the democratic process, citizens can contribute to the development and progress of Nigeria as a nation.
The appointment of principal officers in the Nigerian Senate marks a significant step forward in the functioning of the 10th Senate.
With a diverse and capable lineup, including Opeyemi Bamidele as the Senate Leader and other prominent figures in key positions, the Senate is well-positioned to fulfill its legislative responsibilities and work towards the betterment of the nation.
As the Senate commences its legislative activities, Nigerians can look forward to a period of constructive debates, robust decision-making, and impactful legislation that addresses the pressing needs of the country.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Muahammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has commended the developmental strides of Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, just as he assured of the support of traditional institutions in the state.
Sultan who admonished other governor’s to also borrow a leaf from governor Ahmed Aliyu who ensures that resident communities enjoys equal benefit from everybody, added that, Nigerians should project what unites us moe than that which divides us.
“In Sokoto, we appreciate what the Governor is doing and we’d like to assure him of the support of the traditional institution so that he can continue the good work he’s doing of transforming our State.
“The Governor and our security agencies are doing their best and this has made the state to record tremendous improvement in the fight against banditry,” the Sultan averred.
While adding that governor Ahmed Aliyu deserves special commendation for the massive distribution of food items during the just-concluded Ramadan fast, Sultan urged Nigerians to always be law-abiding and desist from any act that may jeopardise the long lasting peace the country is enjoying.
Registering his displeasure over how the social media is been used negatively to promote and sow seed o discord, the Sultan said, some unpatriotic citizens use social media to spread falsehood, misinformation and provocative statements that can destroy the peaceful atmosphere the country is enjoying.
He, therefore, called on the security agencies in the country to be watchful of the unpatriotic citizens trying to create chaos in the land.
Speaking during his
Sallah homage on governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Lodge, Sokoto, Sultan
said, “”In Sokoto all Nigerians are treated as indigenes, an act that gives Nigerians residing in the State a sense of belonging.
Sultan equally stressed the need for for state governors to give much emphasis in protecting the lives and property of their subjects, describing security as the basis upon which all societies could progress.
Responding, governor Ahmed Aliyu reassured his administration’s determination to do everything humanly possible to make the state safe and secured.
He blamed unemployment especially among the youths as responsible for the insecurity being recorded in many parts of the country.
According to Aliyu, many youths have joined informants’ groups so as to be getting stipends to make ends meet.
“This administration has so far trained and graduated thousands of youths and women in different trades so as to make them productive members in the society.
” I want to assure you that we would soon embark on another massive skills acquisition programme to engage more unemployed youths in our modest attempt to reduce restiveness among our youths,” he vowed
Gov. Aliyu further reassured the people of the state that his administration would continue to prioritize Islamic affairs, adding that more Mosques and Islamiyya schools would continue to receive the desired attention from the state government.
He thanked the people of the state for their fervent prayers and support to his administration and called for it’s sustainance.
Sterling Bank has made a groundbreaking move by eliminating transfer charges on local transactions, aiming to create a more equitable banking experience for Nigerians. The question now arises: will other financial institutions follow this lead?
On April 1, Sterling Bank announced the removal of transfer fees for all local digital transactions, positioning itself as the first major bank in Nigeria to implement such a policy. Initially, the announcement faced skepticism, with many believing it to be an April Fools’ Day joke. However, Sterling has since reaffirmed the policy’s legitimacy and immediate implementation, signaling a significant evolution in the industry’s customer service approach.
Obinna Ukachukwu, the Growth Executive overseeing the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, stated, “We believe that accessing your own funds should not incur a penalty. This decision transcends financial implications; it reflects our core values.”
With this new policy, Sterling customers can now make free transfers for all local transactions via the bank’s mobile app. This initiative is anticipated to yield considerable savings for individuals and small business owners who frequently engage in transfers.
“We may not be the largest bank in Nigeria, but we are certainly the most audacious,” Ukachukwu declared. “Sterling Bank is committed to the future of Nigeria, and we are backing our fellow citizens with more than just words.”
Sterling Bank has a history of prioritizing customer welfare, having previously offered financial assistance to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest initiative has garnered widespread public support, igniting conversations on social media and prompting calls for other banks to adopt similar practices.
“We take pride in leading this transformative change,” Ukachukwu concluded. “We hope to inspire others to rethink what customers truly require from their banks, not only in terms of services but also in values.”