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Tension in Saraki’s Senate
As the Senate resumes plenary today, the stage is set for another legislative phase that would be characterised by drama and intrigues given the quantum of national issues.
THE resumption of the Senate today from its one month recess would unarguably be met with so many dicey national issues that require its imprint.
Indeed, the approach to be employed in handling the concerns is likely to put the Senate on the spot light.
With so many contentious questions left unresolved before it embarked on break in August and others that had taken place while it was on recess, today’s resumption heralds a period of uncertainty among the lawmakers.
After sitting for 14 days in two months since its inauguration, the Senate in a move that rattled Nigerians, embarked on its third recess since the commencement of the legislative year on June 8, 2015, leaving so many issues unaddressed.
Key issues
The specific concerns before the senate as of August 29, 2015, were the leadership crisis occasioned by the emergence of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, imbroglio over sharing of principal offices, reduction of salaries and allowances of legislators, power sector probe among others.
However, other issues of note that became more topical while the Senate was on vacation include; Controversy over false assets declaration charges against the Senate President, expected ministerial list, alleged impeachment moves against Saraki and ratification of appointments made so far by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Therefore, as legislative business commences today, there is indeed anxiety among the populace regarding the steps that would be taken on these issues.
Detailed observation
A detailed observation of the underlying issues provides an insight into what to expect from the lawmakers, who have roundly been criticised for allegedly not paying much attention to legislative activities since their inauguration.
Saraki/CCT controversy
FILE: Senate President Bukola Saraki (M) going in for his first plenary session as President of Senate yesterday. Behind him is Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. Photo: NAN.
The invitation of Saraki to appear before the Code of Conduct Tribunal , CC T, and his subsequent appearance, seem to have dwarfed other challenges before the lawmakers given its attending mixed signals across the country.
With arguments and counter-arguments as to the merit and demerit of such development, the relative calm that had existed in the Senate before its vacation, seems to have been mortally affected.
Obviously, another fire has been rekindled among the lawmakers, who were hitherto factionalised by leadership crisis. And this time, the soul of the senate leadership is believed to be at stake, given the perceived intensity of the matter.
Alleged impeachment moves
On the strength of the allegations against the Senate leadership, the prospects of witnessing an anti Saraki revolt in the Senate from today onward are real.
It is one of the few possible developments that could be described as certain as the lawmakers resume. Already, the events preceding this day, did not foreclose such, as media reports had predicted such.
It was gathered that those, who will spearhead the onslaught, may lay claims to morality and subsequently call on the senate president to throw in the towel.
Expectedly, senators under the aegis of the Unity Forum have been touted as those that could lead the campaign.
In spite claims of having secured the needed numerical support to go ahead with such plans, analysts contend that the Senate president may survive what they describedas impeachment scare considering his acceptability among the generality of Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, senators and a section of lawmakers elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress,APC.
Though, the spread of Saraki’s support is a truism, it is regarded as a stumbling block against any impeachment move, against the Senate President, who was earlier given a vote of confidence by over 80 senators.
Indeed, if such plays out, the tone for a stormy phase, which observers say could be distractive and as well consume a considerate phase in the life of the senate.
Expected list of ministerial nominees
Given that political vendetta is believed to be the fulcrum of the crisis in the Senate since inception, the expected list of ministerial nominees, may trigger crisis of interests among the senators, who are not on the same page with the presidency and APC leadership.
With allegations that senators from the PDP states are planning to block the clearance of ministerial nominees from their states when the president submits his list, Nigerians may be treated to surprises on the issue.
The matter may become more contentious given allegations that prominent among the reasons for Saraki’s travail, is the desire to have easy clearance of eventual nominees.
Committee chairmanship
Indications that another impasse may come up over the sharing of principal offices, when the senate resumes exist.
Having constituted special standing committees before embarking on vacation, it is expected that the formal committees would be eventually constituted in line with the vexatious amendments of the Senate Rules 2015, which made it mandatory for the leadership of the senate to appoint the leadership of the committees among the six geopolitical zones.
Pointedly, Order 3 (4) of the Senate Standing Orders 2015, as amended, states that: “The appointment of senators as chairmen and members of committees shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the six geopolitical zones of the country and there shall be no predominance of senators from a few geopolitical zones.”
The Senate Leader, Sen Ali Ndume, had said that the standing committees would be announced when members resume.
The committees earlier constituted include; Senate Services, under the chairmanship of Ibrahim Gobir, who is an APC senator from Sokoto State; Rules and Business, headed by Senator Babajide Omoworare, an APC senator from Osun State; Ethics and Privileges, chaired by Samuel Anyanwu (PDP, Imo East) and Public Accounts Committee, headed by Sen Andy Uba (PDP, Anambra South).
The senators, who may wish to serve in the committees, were asked by the Senate leadership to pick forms from the Clerk of the Senate and indicate the committees where they wish to serve.
Power probe
Saraki docked
The legislators are also expected to continue with the probe of the power sector, which it had embarked upon lately.
The investigation, which has attracted criticisms from many, who described as a misplaced priority, seeks to unearth irregularities in the sector that had resulted in the poor power supply despite huge investment in the sector.
The Senate had constituted the ad-hoc Committee to carry out a holistic investigation into the management of funds appropriated to the power sector from the Olusegun Obasanjo civilian administration to date.
Announcing the 13-man ad-hoc committee, Senate President, Bukola Saraki urged members of the committee to consider their reputation and integrity and come up with a report that would be acceptable to Nigerians.
Challenge of power supply
He lamented that a lot of money had been spent on the sector with no results, while Nigeria is still faced with the challenge of power supply.
The committee which has Senator Abubakar Kyari, APC, Borno North, as chairman, was also saddled with the responsibility of looking into irregularities in the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN.
Approval of appointments
Some key appointments made by President Buhari, are expected to be ratified by the Senate as it resumes.
However, some of them had already attracted condemnations, following the notion that the President had not carried the National Assembly,NASS, along in making the appointments.
Some legislators had expressed anger over what they termed as the refusal of the presidency to subject nominees into appointive offices to screening and confirmation processes before assumption of office.
In claiming that , the legislators argued that such actions violated the law.
The appointments in this regard are; the appointment of the acting chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, appointment of the board of the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, AMCON, the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service ,FIRS, and the National Communications Commission, NCC.
source: vanguard
Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration
…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance
LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.
Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.
The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.
The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.
The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.
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ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
ANOTHER PROPHECY FULFILLMENT BY PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO OVER THE EXIT OF DR. KENOLY, ANNOUNCING FEBRUARY’S OPEN PROPHETIC REVIVAL
– Another Prophecy Fulfillment by Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Following the Passing of Ron Kenoly Ahead of February Open Prophetic Revival
– Prophet Kingsley Aitafo Records Another Prophecy Fulfillment as February Open Prophetic Revival Is Announced
In the released prophecies for 2026, renowned Nigerian cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, shared a series of revelations touching on Nigeria’s economy, global events, political transitions, natural disasters, religious transformations, and the future of world leaders.
During a special prophetic session, the prophet stated that he foresaw the departure of two world-renowned musicians in 2026 and urged the Nigerian people and the global community to pray for them.
He urged Nigerians and everyone around the globe to pray for the musicians, among other prophecies, and already gave insight concerning them.
On February 3, 2026, American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader Ron Kenoly passed away at the age of 81. Widely known as the “Professor of Praise,” Kenoly was celebrated for anthems such as “Majesty” and “Lift Him Up,” which have significantly influenced modern congregational worship around the world.
He was recognized as a pioneer of the contemporary praise and worship movement, leading Scripture-based worship services that became widely adopted in churches across different nations and cultures.
The development has been described by followers of Prophet Kingsley Aitafo as a confirmation of the prophecy earlier declared in the year.
Meanwhile, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, leader and shepherd in charge of Oneness in Christ, in conjunction with CCC Living Grace Tabernacle, invites everyone to its February Open Revival. It is a prophetic service determined to change lives through miracles, healings, signs, and wonders.
It is not an ordinary service; it is another time for a divine encounter where your faith is strengthened, prayers are answered, and breakthroughs and favour are about to rain. With its theme — Jesus Christ is the same forever — the revival is promised to release the power of Jesus Christ like never before. It is a period of shift and divine encounter.
This revival service is said to hold on the 25th of February, 2026, from 5pm – 8pm at 20, Showole Street, Ewupe, Singer Sango, Ogun State.
It is a season where God is ready to reveal Himself like never before. Members of the public are invited to attend.
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.
The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”
“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”
Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”
The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.
The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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