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Crisis Erupts In Nigeria’s Legislature Over Senate Leader Position
A fresh crisis emerges in the 10th National Assembly as Northern Senators insist on producing the Senate leader, causing dissatisfaction in the Red Chamber. Learn more about the power struggle and its implications for the composition of principal offices in the National Assembly.
Despite the emergence of presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly, a new crisis has erupted within the federal legislature. The focus of the controversy lies in the camp of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, specifically regarding the appointment of the Senate leader. Northern Senators elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are adamant about their demand to produce the next Senate leader.
Northern Senators Advocate for Equitable Composition of Principal Offices
Several Senators from the Northern region, speaking confidentially to journalists, have expressed concern about the potential consequences of South West lawmakers pushing for the majority leader position. They assert that such a move could deepen the dissatisfaction within the Red Chamber. These Northern Senators are calling on the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure that their region is not marginalized when it comes to the allocation of principal offices in the National Assembly. They argue that an imbalanced Senate leadership could jeopardize the stability and longevity of the new leadership.
Doubts About the Capability of Proposed Senate Leader Candidate
In addition to their objections against the South West lawmakers’ push for the majority leader role, some Northern Senators have raised doubts about the suitability of Opeyemi Bamidele for the position. Describing Bamidele as a junior senator unable to effectively lead the Red Chamber during times of crisis, these Senators emphasize the need for a more experienced and capable candidate. They highlight previous instances where the Senate Leader was selected based on campaign roles, asserting that the deputy campaign coordinator, Bamidele, should not assume the position. Instead, they suggest that Senator Ndume, who has demonstrated leadership skills and seniority in the National Assembly, be appointed as the Senate Leader to foster unity in the upper chamber.
Appointment of Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff Sparks Criticism
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has faced severe backlash from lawmakers following his recent appointments of chief of staff and deputy chief of staff, both hailing from the South. This decision has ignited tensions among the Northern Senators, who now insist that the leader of the Senate should be chosen from their region. Historically, Senate presidents have made appointments to these positions with consideration for both the North and the South. Akpabio’s exclusive selection of individuals from the South has triggered fresh realignments within the National Assembly and intensified criticisms against him.
The demand of Northern Senators to produce the Senate leader, combined with the appointment of South-based individuals to key positions, has stirred controversy within the federal legislature. The outcome of this power struggle will significantly impact the composition of principal offices in the National Assembly. It remains to be seen how the Senate President and the APC’s National Working Committee will address the concerns raised by the Northern Senators and navigate this critical phase in the 10th National Assembly.
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising junta-led Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso have imposed a 0.5 percent import duty on goods from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.
The move further strains relations between the three junta-led nations and the ECOWAS, which they withdrew from earlier this year following a series of military coups and economic sanctions.
The AES, which began as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries in 2023, has now metamorphosed into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.
In a joint statement last week, the AES said the levy aims to generate revenue to fund the alliance’s activities.
The tax, which came into effect on Friday, applies to all imports from ECOWAS countries, except humanitarian aid.
The taxes also disrupt the free trade once enjoyed by all countries in the West African region.
The economic implications could be severe, leading to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and strained regional economic stability.
While it may provide short-term revenue for the junta-led governments, it risks other long-term consequences, including weakened regional integration.
ECOWAS has maintained that it will keep diplomatic channels open with the junta-led states until July, despite announcing their permanent expulsion from the bloc earlier this year.