News

Motion to immortalize ex-INEC boss, Humphrey Nwosu shut down amid fireworks in Senate

Published

9 months ago

March 26, 2025

Charles Flames

276 Views

The Nigerian Senate Wednesday shut down a motion to immortalize the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.

Nwosu, as Chairman of the National Electoral Commission, presided over the June 12 1993 election that was annulled by former military dictator, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

The motion which was raised by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South, was declined during a plenary presided by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau.

Abaribe rose under Order 41 and 51 which border on personal explanation to draw the attention of the chamber to the need to immortalize the late INEC boss.

The development was contrary to the provision in the Senate Standing Order as the Senate leader, Michael Bamidele Opeyemi contended that the order raised by Abaribe was inappropriate and the plenary had gone beyond the privilege Abaribe would have enjoyed to make senators consider it.

Earlier, the Deputy Senate President declared the point of order as controversial and expressed skepticism of its approval before allowing Abaribe to speak to the order.

Reacting to the Senate Leader’s submission, Senator representing Kebbi North, Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi insisted that Abaribe should be allowed to speak on the matter despite not getting the order correct.

Abaribe at this point insisted on consideration of his order, while he read a relevant provision of the Standing Order, saying: “In all cases not provided for in the standing order or by the sectional or other orders of practice of the Senate, the Senate shall by resolution, regulate its procedure so even if the Senate leader says that it doesn’t follow by the fact that a Senator wants to make a personal explanation you must give that Senator a chance to make that personal explanation.

“We are not under a dictatorship, Mr President. That is why I’m using Order 1(b) though this is at your discretion.”

Reacting, Barau said: “We are all experienced legislators here. Those who are grounded in our rules and I refer you to Order 42 once again. Order 42, by the indulgence of the Senate and the leave of the President of the Senate, the senator will make a personal explanation as though there is no question before the Senate, but no controversial matter may be brought forward nor may debate arise from the explanation.

“When we came this morning let me be frank, I’m a frank person. When we came this morning you approached me in respect of your desire to bring forward this motion under Order 41 and 51.

You never told me you were bringing it under Order 42 and when it came under Order 41 and 51, it was defeated.

“Now you change your mind to bring it under Order 42. We know we respect you very well. That wasn’t discussed. When the Senate Leader came in, I called him and I said Senator Abaribe is bringing a motion under Order 41 and 51.

And we agreed, normally I have to consult with the leadership, and we agreed that it was going to go forward.

“But, leader, did I tell you that he’s going to bring a motion under Order 42? So you didn’t approach me, you didn’t tell me, and I just want to be transparent and plain.

You didn’t tell me. If you had told me, there’s no way I would have stopped you. If you have told us that you are going to bring this motion under Order 42, we will”

Abaribe insisted that the motion to immortalize late Nwosu wasn’t a controversial one as posited by the Deputy Senate President.

He said: “Mr President, I don’t know what is controversial in immortalizing Humphrey Nwosu on June 12th. What is controversial there? What is our problem? What is controversial? It’s not controversial. Mr. President, just one more time, I will refer to our rules.

”Abaribe’s motion was overruled and he was told to bring it up through a motion on another legislative day.

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Entertainment

City FM 105.1 Unveils Plans for Praise in the City 2025

Published

7 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Charles Flames

22 Views

City FM 105.1, Lagos’ leading lifestyle radio station, has announced the official press conference for its flagship annual event.

Praise in the City 2025 (PITC 2025) – a premier gospel music concert, worship experience, and family funfair.

The press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 12 noon at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Since launching in 2015, Praise in the City has evolved into the largest Christmas concert on the Lagos Mainland, attracting over 4,000 families each year for an uplifting atmosphere of worship, thanksgiving, and community bonding. Held annually on Boxing Day (December 26), the free event has become a beloved tradition for families seeking a meaningful and joyous end-of-year celebration.

As a key pillar of City FM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Praise in the City extends beyond music to embody the spirit of giving. The event includes sharing gifts, meals, and joy with the less privileged, fostering unforgettable memories and social impact across Lagos.

“Praise in the City 2025: Celebrating its 10th anniversary as the largest annual praise concert and family funfair on the Lagos mainland.”

The 2025 edition promises an exciting lineup of renowned gospel artists, including:

Bidemi Olaoba, Tope Alabi, Mike Abdul, Testimony Jaga, Yinka Alaseyori, BJ Sax, Laurence and the Covenant, Lilian Nneji, Tosin Alao, Tony Adoki, and many more.

Music curation will be led by DJ Gosporella, joined by City FM’s resident DJs DJ OMG and DJ Gee Lincon, delivering a dynamic mix of praise, worship, and celebratory gospel vibes.

The press conference will reveal detailed program highlights, the full ministerial lineup, family-oriented activities, and City FM’s long-term vision for Praise in the City as a platform promoting faith, unity, and community outreach – especially meaningful as this marks the event’s 10th anniversary.

City FM extends a warm invitation to media representatives, partners, stakeholders, and the public to join the press conference and contribute to the excitement leading up to this milestone celebration.

News

Supreme Court rules Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency

The judgment followed a suit instituted by states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months.

Published

12 hours ago

December 15, 2025

OCHEFA

33 Views

The Supreme Court, on Monday,upheld that President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state to prevent a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos and anarchy.

The judgment delivered today, December 15, 2025, by Justice Mohammed Idris; held that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to adopt extraordinary measures to restore normalcy where a state of emergency has been declared.

In a ruling of six to one, the apex court upheld the President’s authority under the Constitution to proclaim a state of emergency.

The court further held that, during such a period, the President may suspend elected officials, provided any such suspension is for a limited duration.

He noted that the provision does not specify the exact nature of those extraordinary measures, thereby vesting the President with discretion on how to act in such circumstances.

The Supreme Court had reserved judgment in the matter in October.

The plaintiffs were the Attorneys-General of PDP-controlled states, while the defendants were the Federal Government and the National Assembly.