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

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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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Lagos Announces Traffic Diversions for Wednesday and Thursday Project Commissionings

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The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for Wednesday, April 8, and Thursday, April 9, 2026, in preparation for the commissioning of several key infrastructure projects by President Bola Tinubu.

According to the state Ministry of Transportation, partial road closures and diversions will be implemented in affected areas to ensure smooth movement during the events, which include the inauguration of the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridge and other major projects such as the Lagos State Geographic Information Service building in Alausa and the Tolu Schools Complex.

On Wednesday, April 8, diversions will be enforced around venues for the commissioning ceremonies, while on Thursday, April 9, restrictions will apply between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. during the Tolu Schools Complex event and additional project unveilings.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays. The government urged residents and commuters to cooperate with traffic management officials and security personnel deployed to the areas.

The projects form part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and education facilities across the state. Further details on specific diversion routes are expected to be released by the Ministry of Transportation in the coming hours.

Commuters are encouraged to monitor official announcements via Lagos State traffic radio and social media handles for real-time updates.

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Abiodun Presents Ceremonial Sword to Tinubu, Urges Sustained War on Crime

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Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has presented a ceremonial sword to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, symbolically conferring on him the title of “Jagaban” (leader of warriors and conquerors), while calling for continued aggressive action against crime and insecurity across Nigeria.

The presentation took place during President Tinubu’s official visit to Ogun State on Saturday, where he was received warmly by the governor and other dignitaries.

Governor Abiodun described the sword as a mark of appreciation and a charge to the President to press on with his administration’s security efforts.

In his remarks, Abiodun reminded Tinubu of the strong political and personal ties between them, noting that Ogun State was where the President had previously made significant declarations.

He urged Tinubu to maintain the momentum in the war against criminal elements, banditry, and other threats to national peace.

President Tinubu, who has repeatedly vowed to defeat insecurity by mobilising all military and law enforcement assets, received the gift amid smiles and applause. His administration has emphasised reforms in security architecture, including procurement of new equipment for the armed forces and enhanced coordination among agencies.

The event formed part of a broader visit during which the President is expected to commission key infrastructure projects in the state, including developments linked to the Gateway International Airport. Governor Abiodun used the occasion to commend Tinubu’s economic reforms, such as foreign exchange unification and fuel subsidy removal, describing them as necessary steps that are already yielding positive impacts.

Security analysts view the symbolic gesture as a show of solidarity between the state and federal government in tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. The “Jagaban” title, rooted in Yoruba cultural and warrior traditions, underscores expectations of strong, decisive leadership in the ongoing fight against crime.

The Presidency has not issued a detailed official statement on the sword presentation, but sources close to the visit described it as a morale-boosting moment that reinforced the alliance between the two leaders.

This development comes as the federal government continues to prioritise national security, with recent commitments to equip the military and intensify operations against threats in various parts of the country.

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BudgIT appoints Nigeria Country Director

He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.

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BudgIT has appointed Mr. Vahyala Kwaga as Country Director for Nigeria.

The appointment took effect on April 1, 2026.Kwaga was appointed following a leadership transition within the civic-tech organisation.

He brought with him a track record in governance, research, and institutional leadership.

Since joining BudgIT in 2021, Kwaga has held several leadership roles, including Senior Researcher, Head of the Open Government and Institutional Partnerships (OGIP) Unit, Group Head of Research and OGIP, and Deputy Country Director.

In these positions, he contributed to strengthening BudgIT’s research output, deepening its policy engagement, and improving coordination across programmes.

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