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Senate Rule Amendment: Debate Should Focus on Institutional Stability, Not Personalities – Eyiboh

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The heated controversy triggered by the recent amendment to the Senate Standing Rules has been dominated by personalities and emotions rather than substantive institutional issues, Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh has said.

In a strongly worded statement, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President argued that the core question before the Senate is not about Senator Godswill Akpabio or Senator Adams Oshiomhole, but whether Nigeria’s legislature should strengthen itself through rules that promote continuity, competence, and long-term stability.

Eyiboh noted that every serious institution worldwide periodically reviews and updates its rules in response to practical experience. “The refusal to review procedures in the face of experience is often a sign of stagnation, not democracy,” he said.

The amendment, which sets a minimum legislative experience threshold for senators aspiring to presiding and principal offices, should be examined through the lens of institutional development, he added.

The former House of Representatives member emphasised that the Senate Presidency is one of Nigeria’s most sensitive constitutional positions. It demands more than political popularity — it requires deep knowledge of parliamentary procedures, committee systems, constitutional interpretation, negotiation, and intergovernmental relations.

“Experience matters,” Eyiboh stressed.

He acknowledged that critics have valid concerns that experience requirements could entrench incumbents and create a closed oligarchy. However, he maintained that the proper response is not to reject minimum standards, but to set a reasonable bar — such as one full term or proven committee leadership — and commit to periodic review to prevent the rule from becoming a barrier to fresh talent.

“Experience without openness becomes arrogance; openness without experience becomes amateurism,” he said. The amendment, according to him, tilts towards correcting amateurism while safeguarding institutional stability.

Eyiboh dismissed suggestions that the rule change was merely intended to shrink competition or protect personal interests. He argued that institutions grow stronger by learning from experience and refining their processes, not by freezing rules indefinitely.

On calls for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to resign if the new qualification is enforced, Eyiboh described the argument as fundamentally flawed. He pointed out the well-established legal principle that laws and rules apply prospectively, not retroactively.

“Senator Akpabio emerged under the rules in existence at the time. Applying today’s standards to yesterday’s mandate is neither legally sustainable nor institutionally rational,” he said.

The statement urged Nigerians and senators to elevate the discussion above personal rivalries and chamber politics. While affirming Senator Oshiomhole’s right to hold dissenting views, Eyiboh insisted the debate must centre on whether the amendment strengthens the Senate as a durable institution.

“Institutions outlive individuals,” he concluded. “Senate Presidents will come and go. But the rules and traditions we establish today will shape legislative stability for decades to come.”

Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh, mnipr, is a former Member and Spokesperson of the House of Representatives and currently serves as Special Adviser on Media/Publicity and Official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate.

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Ogun Govt Warns Public Against Fraudulent ₦20,000 Youth Empowerment Scam

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The Ogun State Government has issued a strong alert to residents over a circulating fraudulent social media message falsely claiming that Governor Dapo Abiodun is offering a ₦20,000 Youth Empowerment Cash Transfer through an online registration link.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the government described the message as “entirely false and fraudulent,” labelling it the handiwork of unscrupulous individuals attempting to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by exploiting the Governor’s name and image.

The government emphasised that no ₦20,000 cash transfer programme is currently being offered by the state. It clarified that the online link being circulated has no connection whatsoever with the Ogun State Government or the Office of the Governor.

Residents have been strongly advised to refrain from clicking the suspicious link, providing any personal or banking details, or forwarding the message to others, as doing so could expose them to financial fraud and identity theft.

“Members of the public should disregard the fake message completely and rely only on information released through the official communication channels for authentic announcements on government programmes and initiatives,” Akinmade said.

The statement further revealed that security agencies have been notified to track down and prosecute those behind the criminal impersonation.

The Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting residents from such fraudulent schemes and urged the public to remain vigilant against online scams designed to exploit innocent citizens.

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Kano Gov Yusuf Nominates Garo as Deputy Governor for 2027 Re-election

The Governor said that the decision followed Garo’s outstanding loyalty, commitment, and unwavering passion for the development of Kano State since assuming office as Deputy Governor.

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Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially announced the nomination of his deputy, His Excellency Murtala Sule Galadima Garo, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Monday.

Governor Yusuf made the announcement during a strategic meeting with Federal Political Appointees of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu held at the Kano Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.

The Governor said that the decision followed Garo’s outstanding loyalty, commitment, and unwavering passion for the development of Kano State since assuming office as Deputy Governor.

He expressed satisfaction with the working relationship between them, noting that Garo had demonstrated competence, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of his duties.

“I have no regrets for choosing Garo as my Deputy in the last few months, and he has proven to be the right choice so far. I want to confirm to you that I have every confidence in him,” Governor Yusuf declared.

The Governor also passed a vote of confidence on the Deputy Governor, describing him as a dependable partner whose contributions have strengthened the administration’s drive to deliver meaningful development across Kano State.

Governor Yusuf urged party leaders, political appointees, and supporters to remain united and committed as the administration continues to consolidate on its achievements while preparing for the 2027 general elections.

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Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour loses mum

Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.

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Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour image credit: Instagram

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour.

Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.

The statement, issued on behalf of the family by Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, described the deceased as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother.

” With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the call to glory of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso). A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother. The epitome of love,” the statement read.

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