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Address Flooding Crisis in Adamawa, Ondo States, Senate tells FG

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The Senate has asked the federal government agencies to urgently assess and respond to the humanitarian crises caused by recent flooding in Adamawa and Ondo states.
This appeal was made during a session on Tuesday, as Senators discussed the devastating impact of floods that have left thousands of residents displaced and in dire need of assistance.

In separate motions, Senator Amos Yohana, representing Adamawa North, and Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN, representing Ondo Central, highlighted the urgent need for intervention in their respective regions. Senator Adegbonmire brought attention to the severe flooding that struck Ondo town in Ondo West Local Government Area on October 4, 2024, causing widespread destruction.

During his address, Adegbonmire lamented the destruction of approximately 1,000 homes, 25 schools, and 20 worship centers, displacing over 7,000 individuals. He detailed the severe impact on vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, with reports of missing children and substantial property damage. “Residents now find themselves homeless, their houses and vehicles submerged,” he stated, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation.

Senator Adegbonmire expressed deep concern over the negative effects of the flooding on shelter, security, food, medical care, clean water, electricity, and the overall economic situation of the affected communities. “This has exacerbated the already challenging economic conditions of those impacted,” he asserted, calling for urgent action to alleviate their suffering.

In response to the Senators’ concerns, the Senate unanimously agreed on several requests, including conducting an urgent assessment
The Senate called on the Federal Government to undertake an immediate on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas in both Ondo and Adamawa states to devise long-term solutions to the recurring flooding issues.
It also urged for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief materials to those displaced by the floods in Ondo West Local Government Area.
It also urged the Federal Ministry of Power to ensure that the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) restores electricity supply to the impacted regions.
The Senate also stressed the importance of developing a robust response plan for natural disasters to mitigate future crises.

Senator Yohanna also presented a motion detailing the catastrophic flooding in five local governments within Adamawa North Senatorial District: Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North, and Mubi South. He reported widespread destruction of homes and farmland, as well as the loss of lives due to the floods.

“The flooding has overwhelmed local capacities, leaving thousands in urgent need of shelter, food, medical care, and clean water,” Yohanna remarked, warning that the situation could lead to a further humanitarian crisis with many displaced individuals taking refuge in schools.

The Senate resolved to direct NEMA to prioritize outreach and assistance to the affected communities and called on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency to rehabilitate the damaged bridges, including Shuwa, Jigalambu, and Baladega.

As the Senate takes decisive steps to address the ongoing crises in Adamawa and Ondo states, it underscores the critical need for swift government intervention to support affected residents and restore stability in these communities.

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Senate

Senate Demands Tough Penalties for Oil Giants Over Niger Delta Spill, Senator Natasha Leads Charge

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian Senate is ramping up pressure on oil companies operating in the Niger Delta, as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) called for stringent penalties against operators responsible for environmental disasters.

Speaking during a debate on the motion titled “Urgent Need to Mitigate the Recent Fire Outbreak and Oil Spillage from Manifold Well 8/BUG 008 in OML 18 Bukuma (Agum), Rivers West Senatorial District, Rivers,” Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the Ecological Project Management Committee (EPMC) and other relevant agencies to enforce accountability in the oil sector.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call comes in response to the devastating oil spill and subsequent fire at Bukuma Island in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The incident, traced back to OML Well 8 operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has left widespread environmental damage in its wake.

“It’s time we hold these oil operators accountable,” Akpoti-Uduaghan declared. “We must ensure that the costs of cleanup, damages, and penalties are fully shouldered by the companies responsible for these disasters. Our environment and the livelihoods of our people are at stake.”

The Senate has tasked the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) with conducting an immediate investigation into the cause of the spill and fire. Lawmakers voiced concern over the recurring nature of such incidents in the Niger Delta, often attributed to weak safety protocols, regulatory lapses, and delayed responses by both oil companies and oversight agencies.

“This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human crisis,” Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized, pointing to the long-standing impacts of pollution on local communities, from health risks to the destruction of farmlands and fishing areas.

The Senate’s directive reflects growing frustration over the handling of oil-related environmental disasters in the region. Lawmakers are pushing for a more transparent process that ensures companies are held to higher environmental standards and that affected communities receive timely support and compensation.

The oil spill, initially reported on January 1, 2025, has reignited national debates over corporate responsibility and environmental justice in Nigeria’s oil-producing regions. As the Senate’s investigation unfolds, communities in the Niger Delta are hoping for more than just another round of promises—they want action.

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Drama in Senate as APC, PDP Senators Clash Over Ned Nwoko’s Defection

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Senate plenary

The Nigerian Senate turned into a battleground of political fireworks on Tuesday as lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) locked horns over the defection of Senator Ned Nwoko from the PDP to the APC.

The plenary session quickly descended into heated exchanges as PDP senators challenged Nwoko’s defection, arguing that the party was not in crisis and, therefore, his move was unconstitutional.

The debate kicked off when Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro raised a constitutional point of order, questioning whether there was a legitimate division in the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) to justify Nwoko’s defection.
Moro engaged the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibril Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Barau stated that the constitution allows any person to decamp, provided there is a division in their party.
“Everybody in the country knows there is a division—you have the Wike faction and the Bala Mohammed faction,” Barau argued.

Moro responded, “I want to say at this point that the PDP is a law-abiding organization. The Court of Appeal made a pronouncement on the secretaryship of the party, and the party is adhering to that decision until ruled otherwise.”

Akpabio interjected, “What does the Supreme Court say?”

Moro continued, “The Court of Appeal has ruled that Senator Anyanwu is the secretary of the party until the Supreme Court decides otherwise. And the party, as a law-abiding organization, is…”

Akpabio cut in again, “What about your governors? What did your governors say, Minority Leader? We are going to set up an ad-hoc committee to look into your party affairs.”

Moro replied, “The party is an organization; the governors are a forum. As members of the party, they are entitled to their opinions, but as a party, we recognize the pronouncements of the court and abide by its rulings.”

The Senate Leader also interjected, “I am rising on a constitutional point of order. My point of order is based on Section 232 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. In fact, relevant to my submission is the entire Chapter 7 of the Constitution, which deals with the judicial arm of government.

“While I thank the Minority Leader for the grandstanding he’s done on the floor today—which was expected of him as the Minority Leader—I want him to know that the PDP secretary has already taken note of his action here, and I congratulate him for that.

“However, this matter rests squarely on the constitution. Every legislator has the right to cross-cap, and the constitution defines the circumstances under which this can happen. Our own rules also take legislative note of that constitutional principle.

“The Minority Leader defeated his own argument by reading the proviso to Section 68, Subsection G. Whether or not there is a division in the PDP is a matter of fact, but it will not be tried on the floor of this Senate. It is for the court of law. It is visible—even to the blind—that there are sharp divisions in the PDP today. Wike is leading one faction, and the other faction is being led by Bala Mohammed.

“Mr. President, I want to appeal that you save the precious time of this Senate by ensuring we bring this debate to a close because it is an attempt to distract us. It is also an attempt to take away from the credit of the APC, which has gained a major member today.

“Furthermore, it is an attempt to fetter the discretion of other PDP and minority party members who may be considering joining the APC. It is the constitutional right of everyone to cross-cap as long as they fulfill the constitutional provisions of Section 68, Subsection G. If anyone doubts this, the courtroom is available to adjudicate. I thank you, sir. We cannot take over the job of the court.”

As the exchanges grew more intense, the Senate President intervened, attempting to restore order. However, the back-and-forth continued, with the Minority Leader insisting that the APC itself had internal disputes, yet no senators were defecting from the ruling party. “If we say PDP is divided, then is APC not in court over its internal crisis? Does that mean APC is divided too?” he asked.

In a final ruling, the Senate President dismissed the PDP’s objections, stating that the chamber could not assume the role of a court in determining party divisions. He upheld Nwoko’s defection and ruled the opposition’s point of order out of order, paving the way for the continuation of legislative proceedings.

With tensions still simmering, the session proceeded to the next item on the order paper, but the political drama left no doubt that the battle for party supremacy in the Senate is far from over.

Earlier, Akpabio had read Nwoko’s defection letter from the PDP to the APC, in which he urged the Senate to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard the nation’s democracy.

Senator Nwoko’s defection letter was read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

According to Nwoko, he left the PDP because the party, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction.

In the letter, Nwoko urged the Senate to, as a matter of urgency, set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard democracy.

The letter, titled “Notice of Departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” reads:

*”I write to formally inform you and my distinguished colleagues of my decision to resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and consequently join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This decision was not made lightly but after deep reflection and extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Delta North Senatorial District. The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy.

“Mr. President, democracy thrives on a strong and credible opposition that keeps the government in check, promotes accountability, and ensures that the voice of all Nigerians is heard. The continued deterioration of the PDP raises serious concerns about the future of our multi-party democracy. If urgent steps are not taken to address this national emergency, Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system, which history has shown to be detrimental to governance and national stability.

“In view of this, I urge the Senate to take this matter seriously by setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the crisis within the PDP and recommend a way forward to safeguard our democracy. This committee should examine the root causes of the party’s internal implosion, engage relevant stakeholders, and propose reforms that will ensure the survival of a viable opposition in Nigeria.

“I remain committed to serving the people of Delta North and contributing to the progress of our dear nation. Accordingly, I kindly request that my new party affiliation be reflected in the records of the Senate.

“Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.”*

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Senate Appoints Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Committee Chairman on Diaspora

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Godswill Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Senate has named Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during plenary on Tuesday, alongside other committee appointments.

Following her appointment, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan pledged to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians abroad while ensuring that the country maximizes the benefits of their technological expertise and financial contributions.
She expressed concern that Nigeria has not fully capitalized on the knowledge and innovations of its diaspora community, despite their immense contributions.

“No country has received as much foreign inflow as Nigeria in the last decade. Amidst the ongoing ‘JAPA’ wave, Nigeria’s foreign inflows, currently at $25 billion, are expected to rise,” she stated.

She further emphasized the need to reduce the cost of remittances from 7.5% to 3% and explore the possibility of establishing a Diaspora Bank, similar to Ghana’s initiative, to facilitate easier and cheaper transactions for Nigerians abroad.

In addition to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appointment, the Senate also named Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC-Abia) – Chairman, South-East Development Commission, Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC-Jigawa) – Chairman, North-West Development Commission, Senator Mohammed Dandutse (APC-Katsina) – Vice Chairman, North-West Development Commission, Senator Ken Eze (APC-Ebonyi) – Vice Chairman, South-East Development Commission

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed optimism that her leadership of the Diaspora Committee would bring significant benefits to both Nigeria and its global diaspora community.

With Nigeria’s diaspora community playing a pivotal role in economic growth, the Senate’s focus on policy reforms and financial incentives under Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s leadership could unlock new opportunities for both Nigerians abroad and the nation’s economy.

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