Reps not plotting revolt against House Leadership — Agbese

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has dismissed reports of an alleged plot by lawmakers to challenge Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and the House leadership when plenary resumes later this month. Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Agbese described the claims as speculative and a deliberate attempt to sow discord
Reps not plotting revolt against House Leadership — Agbese

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has dismissed reports of an alleged plot by lawmakers to challenge Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and the House leadership when plenary resumes later this month.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Agbese described the claims as speculative and a deliberate attempt to sow discord in the Green Chamber.

According to him, members remain united behind the Speaker, stressing that the reported grievances over staff recruitment were based on misinformation. He clarified that recruitment is handled by the National Assembly Service Commission, an independent body, and not the Speaker or the leadership of the 10th House.

“The confidence of members in Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen is not negotiable. Since his emergence, the Speaker has demonstrated fairness, respect for colleagues, and commitment to members’ welfare as well as constituency development,” Agbese said.

He noted that Speaker Abbas has already set up two special committees, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, to look into issues raised.

Agbese assured that when the House reconvenes on September 23, focus would shift to national priorities such as constitutional review, insecurity, economic reforms, and budget implementation.

He urged the media to verify information before publication to avoid undermining the legislature’s cohesion and its relationship with Nigerians.

Reps not plotting revolt against House Leadership — Agbese

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Benue 2027: I will not replace Sam Odeh as my deputy – Gov Alia

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has stated that he has no intention to replace his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode. He emphatically reiterated that there is no vacancy for the position of the Deputy Governor’s seat in 2027. Gov. Alia disclosed this during the inauguration of his commissioner nominees at the Old Banquet Hall
Benue 2027: I will not replace Sam Odeh as my deputy – Gov Alia

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has stated that he has no intention to replace his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode.

He emphatically reiterated that there is no vacancy for the position of the Deputy Governor’s seat in 2027.

Gov. Alia disclosed this during the inauguration of his commissioner nominees at the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi.

Recall that there has been widespread speculation that the Governor may replace his Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, in 2027.

He stated emphatically that he has never contemplated getting a new deputy, maintaining that the incumbent is capable.

“There is no vacancy for any Deputy Governor in 2027.

“I have a Deputy Governor who understands governance, who is people-oriented.

“He is always with the people and for the people, and he is one who is very cerebral.

“For anyone thinking otherwise, I do not know, but my Deputy is very capable.

“He has all the capacity it takes to perform his functions, and he understands what is good for Benue, and that is what he is doing exactly.

“So if anybody is eating and dreaming, there is no vacancy. I love him, I enjoy working with him.

“I enjoy a personal relationship, so for those wishing the negativity, they won’t have their way.”

Benue 2027: I will not replace Sam Odeh as my deputy – Gov Alia

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Police launch probe into attack on Malami’s convoy in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed an investigation into the attack on the convoy of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Birnin Kebbi. Daily post reports that Malami’s convoy came under attack on Monday while he was returning from a condolence visit in the state capital. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged, while
Police launch probe into attack on Malami’s convoy in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed an investigation into the attack on the convoy of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in Birnin Kebbi.

Daily post reports that Malami’s convoy came under attack on Monday while he was returning from a condolence visit in the state capital. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged, while some of his supporters sustained injuries.

Speaking after an emergency security meeting with service chiefs, Commissioner of Police Bello Sani said no suspects had been arrested yet.

“We have commenced an investigation into the attack, and no arrest has been made so far. The governor convened this meeting to review the security situation,” he told reporters.

Sani explained that the violence erupted around the GRA area and involved rival political supporters in violation of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, campaign regulations.

He disclosed that leaders of the parties concerned would be invited and cautioned to prevent further political violence in the state.

Police launch probe into attack on Malami’s convoy in Kebbi

Biafra: Kanu’s persecution cannot be compared to Ekpa’s conviction — Lawyer

An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has rejected the comparison between Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa. Reports emerged on Monday that a Finland court had convicted a self-acclaimed Biafran leader, Simon Ekpa. Chidera, a member of the Nnamdi Kanu global defence team, took exception to any comparison between the two agitators. This was
Biafra: Kanu’s persecution cannot be compared to Ekpa’s conviction — Lawyer

An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has rejected the comparison between Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa.

Reports emerged on Monday that a Finland court had convicted a self-acclaimed Biafran leader, Simon Ekpa.

Chidera, a member of the Nnamdi Kanu global defence team, took exception to any comparison between the two agitators.

This was in reaction to a recent article on social media titled “From Finland to Nigeria: What Ekpa’s Conviction Teaches Us About Kanu and the Biafran Question.”

The article tends to compare the conviction of Ekpa in Finland with Kanu’s ongoing legal ordeal in Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday, the lawyer rejected the comparison, saying, “Let it be clear from the outset: this article is not journalism, it is propaganda—crafted to deceive the public and to prepare the ground for a judicial ambush against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ahead of his next court date.”

Ekpa, who claimed to be the Prime Minister of Biafra, was convicted for terrorism-related activities.

IPOB in an earlier statement said that Ekpa would bear his burdens alone, insisting they are not concerned about his conviction.

According to Chidera, Kanu’s case is fundamentally different from that of Ekpa.

“To compare a lawful conviction abroad with an unlawful persecution at home is shameless falsehood,” he added.

Biafra: Kanu’s persecution cannot be compared to Ekpa’s conviction — Lawyer

Nasarawa Assembly tasks Gov Sule on strengthening environmental protection agency workforce

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to urgently address the shortage of personnel in the State Environmental Protection Agency, NASEPA, stressing that the gap is weakening the agency’s capacity to deliver on its mandate. Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Mohammed Omadefu, made the appeal in Lafia
Nasarawa Assembly tasks Gov Sule on strengthening environmental protection agency workforce

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to urgently address the shortage of personnel in the State Environmental Protection Agency, NASEPA, stressing that the gap is weakening the agency’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Mohammed Omadefu, made the appeal in Lafia on Monday during the agency’s appearance for its 2025 Second Quarter Budget Performance Review.

Omadefu explained that the oversight session was meant to assess how the agency had performed within the period under review.

He stated that without adequate manpower, the agency cannot operate effectively, particularly in tackling growing environmental challenges across the state.

“I strongly appeal to His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, to prioritize closing the manpower deficit in NASEPA.

“This step is critical to boosting productivity and ensuring sustainable development of the state,” Omadefu said.

The committee chairman further assured the management of legislative support to enable them succeed in their mandate.

Earlier, the General Manager of NASEPA, Mr. Iliyasu Adeka, pointed out the core duties of the agency, which include environmental protection, public health safety, and fumigation of public and private spaces.

He, however, admitted that understaffing remains the single biggest challenge facing the agency, hampering its operations.

Also appearing before the committee was the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project team.

Project Coordinator, Dr. Elias Globe, lauded the lawmakers for their consistent support, noting that ACReSAL, funded with World Bank assistance, seeks to combat land degradation and mitigate the impact of climate change in northern Nigeria.

Globe pledged that the project would continue to roll out interventions with direct benefits to communities across Nasarawa State.

In response, Hon. Omadefu praised ACReSAL’s initiatives, describing them as “robust and people-centered interventions,” while promising closer collaboration between the Assembly and the project for its successful execution.

Nasarawa Assembly tasks Gov Sule on strengthening environmental protection agency workforce

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Simon Ekpa’s conviction has exposed Nigeria, FG should release Kanu – Lawyer

Activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has said the conviction of a self-acclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa, by a Finnish Court within one year has exposed the Nigerian criminal justice system. Idam said the Finnish Court has exposed Nigeria’s criminal justice system to scorn, mockery and dishonor before the international community. In a terse statement he
Simon Ekpa’s conviction has exposed Nigeria, FG should release Kanu – Lawyer

Activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has said the conviction of a self-acclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa, by a Finnish Court within one year has exposed the Nigerian criminal justice system.

Idam said the Finnish Court has exposed Nigeria’s criminal justice system to scorn, mockery and dishonor before the international community.

In a terse statement he signed, the lawyer said the Nigerian government should not be influenced by the court judgment but should consider releasing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

He said: “Securing a verdict in Simon Ekpa’s case in less than a year is more of interest to me than the conviction itself.

“The expeditious conclusion of Ekpa’s case by the Finnish court has exposed Nigeria’s criminal justice system to scorn, mockery and dishonor before the international community.

“Rather than gloat over the news, the government should seize the time to reflect on the practice and procedures of its criminal justice for possible improvement.

“Importantly, the Federal Government must not be influenced by the conviction but should consider the release of Mr. kanu as the best peaceable option for the southeast, especially at the moment.”

On Monday, a Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Ekpa to six years imprisonment for terrorism offences.

Finnish authorities had on November 21, 2024 arrested Ekpa following an investigation by its National Bureau of Investigation into allegations of inciting terrorism and promoting violence through social media, activity that was believed to have contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria.

Ekpa was linked to terrorism activities in the Southeast.

Simon Ekpa’s conviction has exposed Nigeria, FG should release Kanu – Lawyer

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