Connect with us

Politics

Senate’s Readiness For Ministerial List Signals Impending Confirmation Process

Published

2 years ago

on

The Nigerian Senate, fully equipped with its newly elected principal officers, said it stand prepared to receive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s list of appointees, including service chiefs and ministers, for the purpose of screening and confirmation.

With the composition of the principal officers, the Senate said it eagerly awaits official communication from the President to carry out this crucial task.

During a plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed letters received from members of the opposition and the ruling party, containing their mutually agreed-upon list of principal officers.

The newly appointed Senate Leader is Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central, Southwest), followed by Dave Umahi (APC Ebonyi South, Southeast) as Deputy Senate Leader, Ali Ndume (APC Borno South, Northeast) as Chief Whip, and Lola Ashiru (APC Kwara South, Northcentral) as Deputy Chief Whip.

The opposition caucus announced Simon Devou Nwadkwon (PDP Plateau North, North Central) as Minority Leader, Oyewumi Olarele (PDP Osun West, South West) as Deputy Minority Leader, Darlington Nwokocha (LP Abia Central, South East) as Minority Whip, and Rufai Hanga (ANPP Kano Central, North West) as Deputy Minority Whip.

Senate’s Readiness for Legislative Activities

In a press conference following the plenary session, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele expressed the Senate’s readiness to undertake full legislative activities. Although acknowledging the need to constitute committees before the month’s end, Bamidele emphasised that the emergence of the principal officers within the 10th Senate was accomplished seamlessly and perceived as a crucial assignment that demands their utmost dedication. Their primary objective is to ensure the welfare and benefit of Nigerians.

ALSO READ:  35 Reps seek rotational presidency, single tenure of 6 years, others

Involvement Of Political Parties In Principal Officers Selection

Bamidele revealed that the emergence of principal officers occurred through the active participation of various political parties. In the case of the opposition, six political parties and 56 members were involved in the decision-making process. Thirty-eight opposition lawmakers endorsed the list of principal officers, thereby cementing their position within the Senate. The selection process was conducted during an executive session, resulting in a collective decision that fostered unity and harmony among lawmakers, regardless of their political affiliations.

Immediate Goals And Committee Formation

Looking forward, the Senate’s immediate focus is to swiftly commence its activities. The initial objective is to establish the first six committees, including the election committee, before subsequently forming other committees, including the standing committees. They aim to achieve this by July to ensure the smooth functioning of the Senate. Additionally, the Senate eagerly awaits communication from President Tinubu regarding his appointees, as they are ready to undertake the vital task of screening and confirming service chiefs and other urgent appointments.

Addressing Concerns Of Influence And Party Consensus

Responding to queries about potential influence from the Villa, Bamidele clarified that no list had been received from the presidency.

However, he acknowledged that it is natural for stakeholders to show interest in leadership positions when a single party controls both the executive and legislative branches of government.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Ighodalo vows to Appeal tribunal verdict upholding Okpebholo’s election victory

Published

2 days ago

on

April 3, 2025

By

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 19 September governorship election in Edo, Mr Asue Ighodalo, has said he will challenge the tribunal’s judgment at the Court of Appeal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Edo election tribunal, sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, reaffirmed Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s victory and dismissed the petitions from the PDP and Ighodalo.

Ighodalo, in a statement in Benin, said his decision to challenge the judgment aimed to protect Edo people’s collective rights and ensure they freely determine their future.

“Today, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered its judgment on our petition challenging the outcome of the Sept. 21, 2024 election in our dear state.

“While we may not all agree with the verdict, we remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must continue as democracy’s foundational bedrock.

“Our pursuit of justice affirms our firm belief that Edo people’s right to freely choose their leaders through credible, free, and fair elections must always prevail.

“As a committed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and urge all Edo people to remain peaceful, calm, and law-abiding,” he stated.

Ighodalo said this was not the end of their journey but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate.

He commended the people for their massive support, sincere love, and belief in their shared vision for a prosperous Edo, which had fuelled their journey.

“For us, this has never been about personal ambition but about our conviction to create a clear ‘Pathway to Prosperity’ for Edo while upholding democracy’s core values.

ALSO READ:  LG elections: NNPP wins chairmanship, councillorship seats in Kano

“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a serious miscarriage of justice.

“This is not about me or any single individual; it is about democracy’s essence, our collective right to determine our future, and our legacy for generations unborn.

“We remain resolute. We remain committed. We shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice,” Ighodalo said. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Politics

Reactions trail Edo tribunal judgement

Published

2 days ago

on

April 3, 2025

By

Mixed reactions have continued to trail the tribunal’s judgment affirming the election of Gov. Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the Sept. 19 governorship election in Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Edo election tribunal, sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, reaffirmed Okpebholo’s victory.

It dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Reacting to the judgment, the Edo chapter of the PDP expressed disappointment with the ruling delivered by the three-man election petition tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi.

Chris Nehikhare, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, said the party was waiting to receive the Certified True Copy of the judgment before making further decisions.

“PDP is disappointed with the judgment of the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led panel.

“As a party, we are waiting for the Certified True Copy. We will study it and decide on our next course of action,” Nehikhare said.

Mr Aslem Ojezua, a former PDP chieftain who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he was unsurprised by the tribunal’s decision, as the petition lacked merit.

“What I expect now is for Ighodalo to congratulate Okpebholo and join hands in solving the problems confronting our people and communities,” Ojezua said.

He added that the verdict was clear, highlighting the distinction between legal and sensational issues.

Chief Dan Orbih, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), said the tribunal had spoken, and they could not question its ruling.

Orbih stated that PDP would now focus on bringing back members who left during the primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.

ALSO READ:  Gale of defection: Our party remains indivisible, intact – Kebbi PDP

He emphasised that efforts would commence to rebuild the party in Edo State following the election setback.

Orbih blamed the PDP’s struggles on former Gov. Godwin Obaseki, accusing him of driving members away from the party.

“Unfortunately, the former governor brought distress, division, and disaster to the PDP.

“Today, I did not see his face among those at the tribunal, waiting for the judgment outcome.

“As it stands, lawyers will study the verdict and make a decision after a careful review of the well-established ruling,” he said. (NAN)

Continue Reading

Politics

Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Confirms Monday Okpebholo as Governor

Published

2 days ago

on

April 2, 2025

By

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has officially recognized Monday Okpebholo as the legitimate governor of Edo State.

In a series of three judgments, the tribunal rejected petitions submitted by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Alliance, and Accord Party.

The tribunal determined that the PDP did not present any witnesses to substantiate its claims of overvoting.

Specifically, the PDP failed to bring forth polling unit agents from the locations where they alleged electoral discrepancies occurred.

Furthermore, the tribunal noted that among the 19 witnesses presented by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents, while the primary witness, who claimed to be a director of strategy for the PDP, had no involvement in the election’s execution.

Additionally, the tribunal remarked that the BVAS evidence submitted by the petitioners was inadequately presented.

ALSO READ:  Meranda remains legitimate speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, lawmaker replies Obasa
Continue Reading