From Henrietta Ashikodi

UmuahiaThe traditional ruler of Umudiawa autonomous community, Ohuhu, Abia state, EzeNnamdiOfogbu, has called out on Abia government to empower the traditional rulers so that they can be well equipped to fight crime in their domains.

The traditional ruler made this call while fielding question from newsmen in his palace during the 2024 Ekpe festival which held across Umudiawa autonomous community.

He said apart from the fact that they are the custodian of the peoples tradition and culture,, they are also security officers of their communities, reason they need to be well equipped to fight crime.

He disclosed that traditional rulers need to be empowered financially so that they can be able to solve the mirage of  problems bedeviling their communities. He said whenever there is problem in the community, the people run to them for help.

Speaking on the Ekpe festival, the traditional ruler noted that they used the occasion of the festival to know their children better and help their people in need.

“The Ekpe festival is our traditional Christmas which foster unity among us, it also bring our children who are far home for the celebration”.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has expressed  commitment to adhere to transparency in its financial dealings.

The Comptroller General (C-G) of the service, AdewaleAdeniyi, made this known  in a statement  by the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada yesterday in Abuja.

Adeniyi  said the move was aimed at ensuring efficient auditing of its accounts.

According to the C-G,  the commitment followed queries raised by the Auditor-General of the federation on the 2017 audited account, over NCS’s non-submission of audited financial statements for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 financial years.

This was when the C-G and his management appeared y the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chaired by Bamidele Salam.

Adeniyi said that NCS had been using integrated technology to collect revenue for more than 20 years, with more than 20 commercial banks involved in the process.

He explained that the service engaged the banks through a contractual agreement, which granted them access to a technology platform for the collection of payments.

According to him, the fund is remitted directly by the banks to the federation accounts.

The C-G promised to collaborate with the committee to ensure transparency and accountability in its operations.

“Compliance is something we take seriously, and we will ensure transparency if there are any grey areas that need our service to foster efficiency.

“ I am happy to mention that my team and I are prepared and will, in the most transparent manner, present statements to the committee,” he said.

It would be recalled that the C-G on Monday at a retreat for Senior NCS Officers in Abuja, said  the service had implemented robust risk management strategies to enhance the integrity of customs processes and mitigate risks

The media have been urged to exercise restraint in their reportage concerning the current security challenges in some parts of the country.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, MrBayoOnanuga, stated this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

Onanuga said that the media had the responsibility to promote laudable actions by government and make positive criticism based on the overriding national interest.

According to him, screaming headlines that paint gory pictures of the situations will only hurt the country by scaring away genuine local and foreign direct investments.

“Media reporting about cases of kidnapping, communal killings and isolated terrorism acts must show some moderation by not giving the impression that all Nigerians no longer sleep with two eyes closed or are not safe in going about their day-to-day business.

“To sell our newspapers or clickbait, we tend to exaggerate and embellish, sometimes forgetting the social responsibility of the media, not to give the impression that our country is under siege by criminals or that every nook and cranny of our country is under their stranglehold.

“One of our newspapers took this responsibility to heart in its report on the same Tuesday, making its major headline, the efforts by security agents to rein in the minority vagabonds in our midst,” he said.

The presidential aide stated that though Nigeria had yet to reach the zenith of security, it was still not the worst country in terms of insecurity.

For instance, he said that in robbery and kidnapping, Nigeria was not among the most endemic countries, adding that global listing put the country at less than one person to 100,000 persons involved in the crime.

Onanuga said: “In a report by the World Population Review, Nigeria is not among the top 10 countries in the world, with kidnapping epidemic.

“Turkey leads with 42 people kidnapped out of 100,000 people. Lebanon is second with 15 people out of 100,000 and Kuwait third with 12 out of 100,000 held in captivity.

“Canada, Belgium, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Eswatini and United Kingdom make up the remaining top 10. Kidnapping in Nigeria is 0.334 per 100,000.

“The frightening headlines on Tuesday were based on the report by the Civil Society Joint Action Group that calls for an emergency on the security situation, surprisingly oblivious that our security agencies have been working in that spirit for a long time, since 2009.”

He called for support media support in the efforts by security agencies at nipping criminality in the bud since the beginning of insecurity in the 1990s.

“Our security agencies deserve society’s appreciation for their efforts so far in trying to nip in the bud the evils of kidnapping, banditry, communal killings and terrorism in our country.

“Their efforts, most often understated, have made our country safer, at least, than South Africa or the United States where 44,310 people were killed last year in gun violence,” he said.

The presidential aide said that government had been putting in place various kinetic and non-kinetic measures to improve security of lives and property. “President Tinubu has been providing material support to security agencies to discharge their duties.

“In recent weeks, we have seen the police setting up a Special Intervention Squad, equipped with drones.

“The DSS has stepped up its anti-kidnapping act, rescuing 154 abducted people in the last few days.

“Last week, President Tinubu approved N50 billion as special funds to address some of the lingering security challenges in North-East. He also approved special funds to the FCT for the acquisition of equipment to track criminals,” he said.

Onanuga urged all stakeholders to complement the efforts of the national and sub-national governments in tackling insecurity in the country.

As part of her agenda to ensure efficient and  seamless operation in the National Identify Management Commission,  NIMC, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Engr. Abisoye Odusote- Coker has approved the distribution of additional enrolment systems to all the states as part of  steps to ease NIN enrolment challenges and increase operational capacity.

This was disclosed by the Commission in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke yesterday.

He said the provision of additional enrolment devices underscored the commitment of the DG/CEO to streamline operations and enhance overall effectiveness.

The systems, according to Adegoke,  had since been installed and in use across all the state, have not only resulted in the reduction of time spent by applicants but has also increased the number of applicants attended to daily.

The statement  also informed that the MD has also sent out monitoring and evaluation teams across various centres nationwide to ensure a smooth running of enrolment and modification exercises.

According to it, the team will also ensure strict compliance with her zero tolerance stance against all forms of extortion and unethical practices.

It could be recalled that Engr Coker-Odusote had reiterated her resolve not to condone  extortion of applicants and had since directed that any staff found wanting will be dealt with in line with the provisions of the constitution and  extant Public Service Rules.

She requested that any applicant extorted should report such incident to the following official channels : phone line 08155015388; 07002255646; email – ie*@ni**.ng; ni**************@ni**.ng

The Nigerian Labour Congress said on Tuesday that the N200,000 minimum wage it earlier proposed to the Federal Government was no longer realistic, considering the country’s current economic situation.

The congress, which spoke through its National Vice President, Tommy Etim, was reacting to Tuesday’s inauguration of the Minimum Wage Committee by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Etim, in an exclusive interview with Our correspondent on Tuesday, emphasised that the congress would base its national minimum wage negotiation on the current economic reality rather than what it earlier proposed.

He said, “You are aware that when we opted for the N200,000, the socio-economic challenges were not as biting as they are now. And when you now look at the exchange rate, it was not what it is now. The naira rate not been devalued as it is now. So, N200,000 is no longer tenable.”

When our correspondent asked whether there was a minimum figure the congress would take along to the committee, Etim said, “We are not going there with a fixed amount, but definitely not N200,000. By the time we get there, we will decide based on the socio-economic situation. That’s what we are going to base our national minimum wage discussion and negotiation on.”

The Federal Government had earlier charged the 37-man wage committee to hasten its deliberations and submit its recommendations promptly while directing the Ministry of Finance to ensure its adequate funding and calling for collective bargaining in good faith, emphasising contract adherence even as he urged committee members to consult outside their ranks.

With its membership cutting across federal and state governments, the private sector, and the organised labour, the panel is to recommend a new national minimum wage for the country.

To guarantee sustainability in all tiers of government, President Bola Tinubu said the committee must pay attention to the ability of all parties to pay the new wage, just as he asked the committee members to ensure the timely completion of their assignment.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, said this when he inaugurated the tripartite committee on the national minimum wage at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.

“The committee is anticipated to conclude its deliberations promptly and submit its report and recommendations.

“This timely submission is crucial to initiate the necessary processes for implementing a new National Minimum Wage.

“The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy has been instructed to allocate the essential funds and logistics to the Committee, facilitating the timely completion of its assigned task. I hereby inaugurate the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage and extend my best wishes for fruitful deliberations,” declared the President.

Tuesday’s inauguration follows months of agitation from organised labour who expressed concerns over the FG’s failure to inaugurate the new national minimum wage committee as promised during negotiations last October.

In May 2017, the House of Representatives moved to amend the National Minimum Wage Act for a compulsory review of workers’ remuneration every five years.

Consequently, the Minimum Wage Act 2019, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, empowers the committee to deliberate and present an agreed wage to be ratified by the National Assembly after due legislative scrutiny.

Buhari also signed the Minimum Wage Act that approved N30,000 for federal and state workers in the same year. However, Tinubu announced the discontinuance of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023, which triggered a sharp rise in the general cost of living.

Although the administration approved an additional N35,000 wage award for six months (starting September 2023) to alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal, the organised labour maintained that this was only a provisional solution and called for a complete review of the minimum wage in 2024.

The President said his administration hopes to surpass the basic Social Protection Floor for all Nigerian workers, considering the sustainable payment capacity of each tier of government and other employers or businesses.

He explained why: “I express this viewpoint because the minimum wage represents the least amount of compensation an employee should receive for their labour, and as such, it should be rooted in social justice and equity.”

“I hope that the results of your deliberations will be consensual and acceptable to all parties involved,” the President told members of the committee.

He reaffirmed his administration’s promise to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers and, by extension, the entire nation, saying, “The labour force stands as the cornerstone of the progress of every nation, and ours has been the enduring engine of our pursuit of development.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged the committee to give its best, noting that the task before it carried the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerian workers.

Akume said the new panel fulfilled the promise of the Tinubu administration to embark on a comprehensive review of the minimum wage for the average Nigerian worker.

On his part, the Chairman of the tripartite committee, Bukar Aji, assured the President that the committee would do justice to the task assigned to it.

“We shall, by God’s grace, carry out extensive consultations with key stakeholders to arrive at a new minimum wage that is fair, practical and implementable,” Aji, a former Head of Service of the Federation, said.

Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State, who is a member of the wage committee, told journalists that he foresaw no challenges in the next two months of the committee’s assignment.

“We don’t want to preempt the outcome of this meeting, but you need to understand that the sub-nationals also have challenges and that the Federal Government, in its own wisdom, has brought the sub-nationals into perspective and this discussion will be done together with the sub-national, so I’m not sure we’re going to foresee any challenge,” he said.

On his part, THE Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Humphrey Ngonadi, argued that raising the minimum wage would make no difference if the prices of essential commodities kept soaring.

“I thank God for this initiative that the government is taking at this particular place, but I’m still worried. We may remember some time long ago, there was the Udoji Award and that was the first time salaries of workers were increased and immediately after the increment, the commodities in the market ran up to meet.

“So while we increase the salary of the workers, let the government work on bringing down the prices of commodities in the market.

“If a worker is paid N1m as the minimum wage and a bag of rice is N900,000, the N1m still has no meaning. So what I think is while we are thinking of minimum wage, to hike the salary of the worker, the government, on its side, has to think of how that money will have value,” Ngonadi argued.

The 37-man tripartite Committee has six Governors, some cabinet Ministers, representatives of the organised labour and the private sector among its members.

The governors include Bago of Niger State, representing the North Central; Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, representing the North-East; Dikko Radda of Katsina State, representing the North-West; Charles Soludo of Anambra State, representing the South-East; Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, representing the South-West, and Otu Bassey of Cross River State, representing the South-South.

The ministers are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. (Mrs) Yemi Esan, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

Enugu State Government has inaugurated an Inter-ministerial Committee for property/land reconciliation and compensation in the state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who inaugurated the committee yesterday in Enugu, urged its members to carry out their duties diligently.

Members of the committee include the SSG, as the chairman; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kingsley Udeh, and Mr Gerald Otiji, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure.

Others are Mr Uchenna Nwatu, Mr Justus Chime (the Acting Surveyor-General of the state) and Mrs Juliet Okonkwo, who will serve as the secretary of the committee.

Prof. Onyia said that the committee was expected to verify all documents related to lands and properties in any designated area assigned for construction and asked them to verify all the constitutionally approved documents.

The SSG urged the committee to reconcile all issues of double allocation and to do a thorough verification of all allocations and payments.

According to him, they are to resolve all issues of land acquisition, recommend the amount of compensation to be paid and ensure that the compensation is paid to the right owners.

Responding on behalf of members, the Commissioner for Justice thanked the state government for setting up the committee to deal with land and property matters in the state.

“This government has a human face in whatever it does. We know, we are about to embark on massive infrastructural development from the city to the nooks and crannies of the state.

“And of course, we know that the infrastructural development will from time to time affect the status quo where people live and how people live.

“And we know that when they are affected, there should be mechanism in place to cushion the adverse effect of this development,’’ Udeh added.

He pledged that the committee would discharge its responsibilities creditably to ensure that no one was left behind and free the state from unnecessary litigations.

By Senator Onyekwere

The National Population Commission (NPC) has commissioned Vital Registration Center in Awa Autonomous Community in Oguta Local Government Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency’s boss,   Chibuzor Umunnakwe, gives awards tImo Signage and Advertisement Agency’s boss,   Chibuzor Umunnakwe, gives awards to deserving staff.

Commissioning the center on behalf of the National Chairman Of NPC, Hon Nasir Isa Kwarra, the state Director of the Commission, Barr Ike Justice said that the Vital Registration Center will serve for the registration of birth, death, marriage, divorce and other vital events.

The State Director who Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency’s boss,   Chibuzor Umunnakwe, gives awards to deserving staff.

was accompanied by the Head of Department Vital Registration, Mrs Nwanyanwu Faith and other staff of NPC noted that the establishment of the center will help the commission on the area of census.

Barr Justice pointed out that the establishment of the center is in line with the Nigeria Constitution, adding that the commission has Vital Registration Center across the 27 LGA in the state.

He prayed that the center will leave upto expectation and thanked the people of Awa for their cooperation.

In his speech, the Traditional Ruler of Awa Ancient kingdom, Eze Ihezie Felix Ononuju commended the NPC for establishing the center in his community.

Eze Felix Ononuju promised that the community will cooperate with the workers of NPC to enable them discharge their duties effectively.

Also speaking the comptroller NPC Oguta, Mr Iheanacho Raphael stated that the center will also serve the neighbouring communities such as Akabor, Ejemekwuruo, Umuofor and Abiaziem.

The labour union has proposed a minimum wage of $300 (N436,500) for Nigerian workers ahead of negotiations on the new national minimum wage. Chairman, Trade Union Side, Joint Meeting of the National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Comrade Benjamin Anthony, made this proposal at the 2023 meetings of the Separate and Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council held in Goshen City, Nasarawa State, on Tuesday. The union argued that the current minimum wage of N30,000 has since been eroded by the high exchange rate coupled with the abrupt removal of fuel subsidy which has translated into the high cost of living in the country, hence the demand for a new wage.

Anthony, who was represented by the Secretary of the Union, Comrade Boma Mohammed, also frowned at the recent delays in the payment of salaries by the Federal Government to workers, saying the trend must be stopped and avert the repeat of such things as the suffering in the land, which is already unbearable.

He said, “In light of the above, Labour has proposed a Living Wage of $300 (N436,500) for Nigerian Workers. This is due to the fall in the value of our currency, today if you carry N100,000 to the market you will come back with a leather bag of items.

“We call on Government to immediately pay the arrears of the N35,000 wage award along with the current and expedited action on the process of getting a new living wage to bring succour to the working class people,” he added.

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, said most governors of the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage are not complying with the proposed base pay structure.

Ajaero stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.

Recall that Vice President KashimShettima inaugurated the committee in Abuja earlier on Tuesday, saying the decision was aimed at ensuring a decent living wage and in compliance with the existing National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which will expire in a few months.

He said, ”Most of the governors in the minimum wage committee are those who are not paying minimum wage or paying them in breaches.”

”The governors who are in full compliance with the minimum wage are not adequately represented, so whatever made the Federal Government bring in those who are not compliant or compliant in breaches to form the bulk of the membership of the minimum wage committee from the state government that will unfold with time,” he added.

From Henrietta Ashikodi, Umuahia

 Abia State Government said it has concluded plans to develop a new master plan that will guide the development of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state as a mega city for the next 30 years or more.

Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing the press alongside his colleagues on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

According to him, with the plans, Aba is going to metamorphose into a mega city and a major business hub East of the Niger.

The Commissioner while emphasizing the importance of the plan towards the expansion project of Aba, said that details of the master plan will be made public at the appropriate time.

The information Commissioner also said that a special committee has been approved by the Executive Council to spare head the development of a new commercial core for Aba.

According to the Commissioner, the initiative aims at facilitating the establishment of new markets in Aba and rebuilding the Ngwa road market (Ahia Ohuru ) recently gutted by fire.

He also disclosed plans by the State Government to rebuild the Enyimba International Stadium into a modern stadium that is befitting.

He observed that the market around the Enyimba International Stadium creates traffic congestion, adding that the special committee has been mandated to decongest the Ngwa road market axis leading to the Enyimba International Stadium .

The Information boss said that  the  payment  of compensation  for the second phase of the  demolition of Houses on Ossah road has commenced. Those   affected have started receiving their compensation.

On the allegation that some people that were allocated lands by ABSEDA under the past administration were being denied access to the land, the general management Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr Kingsley Agomuo said those affected do not have any document covering the land and advised anyone who desire to get allocation from the State to first visit the Ministry of Lands to be guided appropriately.

Regarding the Ajatakiri Contaminated stream in Ajata-na-Igu Autonomous Community in Ikwuano Local Government, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna said that investigation is ongoing to unravel the source of the contamination,even as he made public that a team of environmentalists have visited the area.

He cautioned members of the community to stay clear from the stream until investigations are concluded, assuring that those affected would be well taken care of by the State Government.

He added that those behind the contamination will be punished according to the law

The Senate has invited the service chiefs in the country for an interaction concerning the rising spate of insecurity in the country.

The service chiefs are: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is expected to be part of the meeting amongst others.

The service chiefs are expected to brief the lawmakers on their efforts and areas they need support.

The service chiefs are expected at the National Assembly next week since the lawmakers have adjourned for one week in order to participate in the by-elections campaigns. The elections take place on Saturday.

The Senate had in December 2023, invited the service chiefs but the invitation was not honoured because the lawmakers went on recess.

Put reading a motion on the spate of insecurity in Nigeria sponsored by the entire 109 senators and presented by the Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate noted with sadness the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry, and other criminal activities in the nation.

“Senate further noted the recent killings in Agatu local government area of Benue State, which led to loss of lives, including security personnel and wanting destruction of properties as well as the brutal killings of eleven residents of Logo local government area of Benue State.

“Senate equally noted the various kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory where victims have been killed after collecting ransom.

“The Senate is also aware of several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed.

“The Senate is also aware that the recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country.

“Senate notes the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan Oyo State where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels, and religious centres were destroyed.“The Senate equally notes the killing of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos, and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau State,” Bamidele said, praying that the lawmakers should invoke its earlier resolution and invite the security chiefs.”That the Senate do invoke its earlier resolutions to invite the security chiefs for an interactive session with the Senate with a view to resolving the insecurity that is plaguing the country,” Bamidele said before the prayers were approved by the lawmakers who also observe a minute silence in honour of the departed.

Speaking, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said after the interactive session with the security chiefs, which has been agreed for next week, they will also have a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“After our interaction with the service chiefs which should be next week, we would also fix a time to discuss the outcome with Mr President.

“We have a responsibility to collaborate with the executive and contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves, including our children can sleep with their two eyes closed.

“Security is everybody’s business, and without security, we can not make progress. We are very determined to make laws and pass resolutions aimed at ensuring rapid progress of the country and the immediate improvement of the Nigerian economy.

“This will not be possible without a secured nation. We will take this up with Mr. President after the interaction with security chiefs,” Akpabio said while announcing a one week recess for the Senate and the House of Representatives in order to participate in the office season campaigns.

“In view of the elections taking place on Saturday, we are taking part in the campaign and will resume on the six days of February, 2023,” Akpabio said.

While welcoming the lawmakers back from the new year recess Akpabio said their performance last year has raised the expectations of Nigerians, describing it as commendable.

“When a task is executed with excellence, expectations naturally soar. Thus, the recess provided us with an opportunity to reconnect with our loved ones, reignite our commitment to the public good, and return to this esteemed chamber with renewed vigour and determination.

“Our constituents have bestowed upon us the weighty responsibility to serve, lead, and make decisions that shape our nation’s course and the welfare of our people. We must never forget the gravity of this responsibility or the faith our constituents have placed in us. “Allow me to recount a story from American history captured in the publication “A Message to Garcia” by Elbert Hubbard. During the Spanish-American war, the United States needed to contact the Cuban rebel leader, Gen Calixto Garcia, for a joint military strategy. However, Garcia was a wanted man, and his whereabouts were unknown. The American president, William MacKinley, entrusted a man named Andrew Rowan with a letter to deliver to Garcia, without giving him any directions. Rowan did not ask “Where do I find him?” He strapped the letter to his chest, journeyed to Cuba, found Garcia, delivered the letter, and returned with a great reply.

“Just like Rowan, each Senator has been entrusted with a mandate, akin to Rowan’s letter. Our constituents believe that we can navigate the corridors of power, do what is right, make them proud, and return with tangible results. We must carry this mandate close to our hearts, act upon it, and make our constituents proud. Like Rowan, we must traverse uncharted territory, break new ground, and find the building blocks needed to create a great and united country. These blocks are courage, unity, integrity, and strategy. We are trusted, just as Rowan was trusted, we must take results home, just like Rowan did.

Distinguished colleagues, it is our duty to justify the trust vested in us by diligently addressing the challenges facing our nation and striving for the betterment of society. As Distinguished Senators, we have a unique platform to effect change and advocate for our constituents’ interests. History and future generations will not forgive us if we squander this opportunity or fail to leave our mark on the annals of time,” Akpabio said, urging the lawmakers to use their time in the revered chamber to delve into pressing issues, engage in passionate and respectful debates, and craft legislation that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people they represent.

“In the coming months, we will face a multitude of challenges, from economic recovery and healthcare reform to national security and social justice. It is imperative that we approach these issues with a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to finding common ground. Let us rise above partisan divides and work together, transcending party lines, for the greater good of our nation. Our patriotism demands that we heed no other call except Nigeria’s call—the call echoed in our National Anthem. Let us continue to work and collaborate with the Executive Arm under His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, without compromising our independence as enshrined in our constitution.

“I urge each and every one of us to embrace the power of dialogue and the importance of compromise. Let us listen to one another with open hearts and open minds, guided by reason and evidence in our decision-making. Let us be champions for the marginalised and the voiceless, advocates of justice and equality. Our purpose should be twofold: to do as much good as we can to all the people we can, and to prevent any injustices from befalling anyone in our great nation, for injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

As we embark on this new legislative session, let us be inspired by the limitless potential of what we can achieve together. Let us remember that the work we do here has the power to transform lives, uplift communities, and shape the destiny of our great nation and the fortunes of our continent. We must be bold in our vision, unwavering in our commitment, and steadfast in our dedication to the principles of democracy and good governance,” Akpabio added.