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Ndikelionwu people move against ‘sit-tight PG’ *Want Soludo to reverse tenure extension
Nothing short of the immediate reversal of the tenure extension granted Edozie Obasi, President General of Ndikelionwu Welfare Association (NWA), will satisfy the community currently protesting the gesture extended by the government of Anambra State.
Community leaders who trooped to Ajali, headquarters of Orumba North Local Government Area are accusing the embattled PG of deceiving Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra State Governor into endorsing the extension, by providing him with false report of the situation in the town.
Contrary to the dummy he allegedly sold that those opposed to the governor were fomenting trouble in the community and were after him for the massive support he had been mustered in the last governorship election, the leaders insisted that the PG’s motive for his sit-tight agenda was actually to cover his track over multiple infractions, ranging from land-grabbing in the community to a plot to transmute into the traditional throne of the ancient kingdom.
Leaders, who led a delegation to the council headquarters in Ajalli, on Wednesday, took turns to brief Casmir Nwafor, its chairman on the details of the PG’s activities, including how he deliberately bungled the NWA elections, scheduled for December 27, last year, thus handing him an alibi to seek the extension.
On the contrary, the community told the council boss, a retired captain of the Nigerian Army of their love for the governor, culminating in their donating a massive 98 per cent vote for him during the November 8 polls, making them the community with the highest votes in that regard in the council.
Those in the delegation, that also handed the council boss a letter to Soludo appealing for a reversal of the tenure extension, included Mazi Fortune Ike the Palace Secretary; Mazi Okechukwu Okereke former PG; Mazi Emeka Nwankwor; former NWA Assist Secretary, Robinson Obidigbo the community’s Youth Leader, and the Emmanuel Nwene who spoke on behalf of the village chiefs.
Hear him: “We’re here to acquaint the Mayor that we need elections between now and Easter. The tenure of the last one elapsed on 27th of December 2025. So, we’re surprised when we heard of a one-year extension, which is not in our constitution.
“We are in support of the Solution Government. We’re not against any development. What we’re saying is that we’re against any tenure elongation, since we have capable men to take care of the affairs of Ndikelionwu people. That is why we are here to make it known to the Mayor that we are in support of the APGA government.”
Nwafor, who received the letter from the protesters thanked the community for their orderly conduct and promised to pass the message to the governor for immediate action, adding that based on the fresh information provided, he was sure justice would be done to all sides.
Cheered in agreement by the crowd, gave further details about the botched election and the demands of the community, Obidigbo, said the people were ready for the election anytime it was called, but would not accept tenure elongation.
His words: “The former executive, they had finished their first and second tenures with the last one expiring on the 27th of December. On the day of election, they gave us details of their stewardship and Ndikelionwu General Assembly dissolved them. Now, the electoral committee, which began their work, now read to us that it is only the financial members that were eligible to vote.
“After several questions and back and forth, they insisted that it was a constitutional matter and it must be followed strictly. Some of us, now agreed that if that was the case, let it be so. We now demanded for the list of financial members. But surprisingly, the same union could not provide the nominal role of the financial members of Ndikelionwu Welfare Association. That became the confusion.
“That bastardised our election. That was the betrayal of our election. If the town union wants to conduct an election and they say it is the financial list of nominal roll, our constitution, article 14.6, item E, has it that the Financial Secretary is responsible for the production, update of the nominal roll of the Ndikelionwu Welfare Association.
“How come they could not provide it on the day of the election? To so many of us, it was a calculated attempt to sabotage our election. Now, the same town union that has been dissolved, brought a letter to us that their tenure has been extended. Now, we begin to question, we don’t know how. But there was a story around obtaining that extension. The question the people of Ndikelionwu are now asking is what is that story.
“Ndikelionwu people are supporters of Solution government. We’re supporters of Solution project in Ndikelionwu. We voted massively for Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, because we believe in him. The question then is who must have done this?
“That is why we’re here. Now what the people of Ndikelionwu are saying is that we want town union election. If you give it to us today, we’re ready for it, if you give it to us tomorrow, we’re ready for it, if you give it to us next tomorrow, we’re ready for it. We don’t want extension. It is illegal in all forms.
“Ndikelionwu people are peaceful people. Ndikelionwu people are ready anytime, any day to collaborate with Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo. We provided our land for development, we’ll continue and we’re ready to provide more. This is why we have come.
“We know our Mayor is a man of justice. He is a youthful Mayor. Our Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo is a youthful governor, he cannot encourage such a thing. That is why we’ve come to tell our own side of the story. We don’t want tenure extension. We want immediate election. This is what we’re asking for.”
Ike, the palace Secretary, who expressed surprise at the turn of events, explained that the mission of the community was based on the record of Soludo’s government for justice and open-handedness, expressing confidence that such attributes would not change in the case of the community.
“Nobody has given us any cogent reason for not having our election. What we heard is tenure elongation. We’re not happy about it. We demand election and not elongation. All these placards are showing our message. Soludo is our man.
“We’re enthralled about his wonderful record. But unfortunately, we’re hearing a different story when it got to our turn. There is light everywhere and the roads are being expanded and everything is happening good. Let this election be icing on the cake.”
Welcoming the delegation, the council boss, Nwafor, who thanked the community for the massive votes given to the governor, expressed his personal love for the people of the community, the reason he said he picked his deputy from the town.
“Ndike is so dear to the governor and to the local government. Being dear to the governor is not just by empty words. He has demonstrated it by bringing a massive project to your community. So, the governor has special love for Ndikelionwu community.
It is because of that love that he doesn’t want your community to be in crisis. Last year, we were informed in Awka and the local government that Ndikelionwu will have their elections. We sent a delegation to ensure there was no problem. But unfortunately, we heard there was no election. I wasn’t there.
“But when I asked why, I was informed of the list of financial and non-financial members. Of course these things are usually well-stated. Before becoming Mayor, I was PG in Oko. We have the same way of doing it. When we say it is only financial members, it is usually well-stated.
“I don’t know how you conduct your own. It is only now that we’re getting further details. But the governor had reasoned in his own wisdom that instead of leaving your community without a leader, and because nobody came to explain this, he should give these people time to conduct a proper election, so that the project at hand in your community would not be jeopardised.
“We don’t intend to undermine your community. The step was taken in the interest of peace – to ensure that the project in your community is well guarded. But now, we’ve heard you people.
“I’m now going to forward your message to the governor today and not tomorrow. You did well by coming to me first. Some people would have proceeded to Awka first. I like the procedure you took and the peaceful nature of your protest. Everyone has a right to demonstrate. I must commend you that you came here peacefully.
“I particularly notice that your delegation is not made up of anyhow people. You have the timber and calibre of your community here. Fortunately, our governor is a listening governor. We’ll take your message to Awka.
“We’re going to explain to him and see how he could help you to conduct an election, which is what you want. Our governor believes in democracy. He’s not an autocratic human being. So, I’ve heard what you people came for and we’re going to do the needful.”
Abubakar Rabe, retired Major General former spokesman of the Nigerian Army who was abducted by bandits in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago, has died in captivity, reports coming from the state, one of the hotbeds of terrorist activities in Nigeria, confirmed on Saturday.
The retired senior military officer was kidnapped alongside his wife around the Matazu area of Katsina State while traveling to attend a wedding ceremony, was said to have died of complications from diabetes and high blood pressure in the camp of his abductors.
Nasiru Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, in the state, who confirmed the incident, in a statement, said the government received the news with heavy heart and deep sense of loss.
He wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits captivity. Despite the relentless and concerted efforts of the State Government and various Security Agencies to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy.
“The deceased Retired General died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension. His abduction and subsequent death are not only a loss to his family and Katsina State but a monumental loss to the entire country.
“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina State Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, extends his deepest condolences to the family of the late General and the country at-large.
“The Governor has described this incident as a “dark moment” and a reminder of the urgent need for a collective and intensified front against the criminal elements threatening the peace of our communities.
“The Katsina State Government remains committed to working with the Federal Government and security forces to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. We assure the citizens of Katsina State that our resolve to eliminate banditry and ensure the safety of all residents remains unshaken.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May the soul of the departed Retired Major General Rabe Abdulakdir rest in eternal peace.”
By Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr
When Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio assumed office as President of Nigeria’s 10th Senate in June 2023, expectations were understandably high. Nigeria was grappling with economic headwinds, persistent security challenges, and growing public demand for more responsive and effective democratic institutions. In such a climate, the National Assembly was expected not merely to make laws, but to provide leadership, strengthen oversight, and restore public confidence in governance.
Three years into his tenure, the Senate under Akpabio has increasingly sought to position itself as a stable, proactive, and policy-driven legislative institution. Through a combination of legislative initiatives, institutional reforms, parliamentary diplomacy, and engagement with critical national issues, the Senate has played a visible role in shaping the country’s governance landscape. While critics have raised concerns on certain matters—an inevitable feature of democratic leadership—the overall record presents a legislature that has remained active, cohesive, and focused on its constitutional responsibilities during a period of significant national transition.
The foremost responsibility of any legislature is lawmaking, and in this regard, the 10th Senate has maintained an ambitious legislative agenda. Hundreds of bills have been introduced and processed, many of them directly targeting Nigeria’s pressing economic, fiscal, and governance challenges. According to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a midterm scorecard released in June 2025, the upper chamber introduced 983 bills and passed 108 into law between June 2023 and June 2025. This included 83 bills passed in the 2024/2025 legislative year alone, compared to 25 bills in the 9th Senate in the same period. Official legislative records also indicate a significant rise in legislative activity compared to previous assemblies, suggesting that the 10th Senate has been notably active by legislative output metrics.
More significant than the volume of legislation, however, has been the Senate’s focus on measures with far-reaching national implications. The emphasis has not been on legislative activity for its own sake, but on advancing reforms designed to address some of Nigeria’s most pressing economic and governance challenges. The Senate has prioritised reforms aimed at stimulating economic growth, improving public finance management, strengthening institutions, and expanding social protection.
One of the defining legislative undertakings of the 10th Senate has been its commitment to tax reform and fiscal modernization. Nigeria’s tax system has long been criticised for fragmentation, multiple taxation, weak compliance, and excessive dependence on oil revenue. Under Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate pursued reforms aimed at simplifying tax administration, broadening the tax base, promoting digital compliance, and providing greater relief for small businesses and low-income earners. In May 2025, the Senate passed four major tax reform bills which, according to the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms and now Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, could increase Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from about 10 per cent in 2023 to approximately 18 per cent by the end of 2027.
These reforms are significant because Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest in Africa, limiting government revenue and public investment capacity. By supporting measures aimed at modernising tax collection and reducing leakages, the Senate sought to create a more sustainable fiscal framework capable of supporting infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services.
Beyond fiscal reforms, the Senate has devoted significant legislative attention to education, regional development, agriculture, energy, and the digital economy. Bills relating to tertiary education, regional development etc commissions, agricultural growth, and public sector modernization have featured prominently on its agenda. Notable examples include the Student Loan (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, which reportedly facilitated over one million applications through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the Electricity Act (Amendment) 2023, which expanded the role of states and private investors in electricity generation and distribution.
To strengthen the country’s electoral process, the Senate also pursued amendments to the Electoral Act aimed at improving internal party democracy and clarifying procedures around party primaries and consensus candidacies. Supporters of the reforms argue that clearer legal definitions and procedural safeguards could help reduce arbitrary candidate selection and strengthen transparency within political parties. Senate Leader Bamidele has also indicated that additional reforms, including possible provisions for diaspora voting and early voting for security personnel, remain priorities for the remaining legislative period.
Beyond lawmaking, one of the less visible but significant developments of the 10th Senate has been institutional stability. Historically, Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber has often been characterised by prolonged leadership disputes, partisan confrontations, and disruptions capable of slowing governance processes. Under Akpabio’s leadership, however, the Senate has largely maintained operational cohesion and stability.
Plenary debates have generally remained issue-focused rather than personality-driven, while contentious national matters have often been managed through consultation and negotiation. This atmosphere of relative stability has reduced legislative deadlocks and allowed committees to function with greater consistency.
The Senate President’s leadership style has leaned heavily toward consultation and consensus-building. In a politically diverse chamber comprising members of the APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, SDP, and other minority parties, Akpabio has consistently emphasized bipartisan cooperation over rigid partisanship. Committee appointments, major motions, and sensitive legislative debates have reflected efforts to accommodate competing interests while preserving institutional cohesion.
As a result, the 10th Senate has witnessed substantial cross-party cooperation on key national issues, even though disagreements naturally remain part of democratic governance.
Another area in which the Senate has demonstrated effectiveness is budgetary coordination. For three consecutive fiscal years, the National Assembly passed the national budget before the start of the new financial year. The 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion, for instance, was approved on December 30, 2023, ahead of the fiscal cycle. The Senate also passed the 2024 and 2025 appropriations totalling N43.5 trillion, although implementation timelines for some projects were subsequently extended to facilitate completion.
This marked a departure from previous cycles characterised by delayed budget approvals and implementation uncertainty. Timely budget passage improves predictability for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, enhances investor confidence, allows contractors to plan more effectively, and supports smoother execution of government projects. In a developing economy like Nigeria, where public expenditure plays a major role in economic activity, budget stability remains important to growth and development.
At the same time, the Senate has continued to discharge its constitutional oversight responsibilities through investigative hearings, committee reviews, and ministerial screenings. During periods of persistent fuel scarcity, the Senate leadership engaged key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including an oversight visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Supporters contend that the intervention helped keep national attention focused on domestic refining capacity and crude supply arrangements.
Subsequent Federal Government measures, including support for naira-denominated crude transactions, were widely viewed as part of a broader effort to ease supply constraints and calm the downstream market. Today, the long fuel queues that once defined daily life have receded considerably, although deeper challenges in the energy sector remain.
On the international stage, the Senate under Akpabio has strengthened parliamentary diplomacy, carrying Nigeria’s voice into global conversations on democracy, development, security, and international cooperation. Nigeria has assumed a more visible role within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), contributing to debates on democratic governance, collective security, climate resilience, and legislative best practices. Through these engagements, the Senate has sought not only to advance Nigeria’s interests but also to position the country as a constructive participant in addressing shared global challenges.
A notable diplomatic milestone was Nigeria’s election into the IPU Executive Committee for the first time in decades, a development widely interpreted as recognition of the country’s renewed parliamentary engagement within international legislative circles. Akpabio was also designated to serve on the Preparatory Committee for the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in 2024.
Domestically, one of the Senate’s most consequential constitutional moments came in August 2023 during the crisis in the Niger Republic following the military coup. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acting as Chairman of ECOWAS, sought legislative backing for possible regional intervention, the Senate urged restraint and prioritized diplomatic engagement over immediate military action. Widely viewed as a demonstration of legislative independence and respect for the principle of separation of powers, the decision reaffirmed the Senate’s constitutional role in matters of security and foreign policy while underscoring a preference for dialogue, diplomacy, and regional stability at a moment of heightened tension across West Africa.
No balanced assessment of the 10th Senate can entirely overlook concerns raised by critics and observers. Questions have occasionally been raised regarding the depth of scrutiny applied during the confirmation of some executive nominees, while certain oversight investigations produced outcomes that critics considered less robust than expected.
In broader terms, the 10th Senate has combined increased legislative activity with relative political stability while attempting to align its priorities with Nigeria’s economic and governance realities. Supporters point to the passage of the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act, the Investments and Securities Act, and multiple regional development commission bills as examples of substantive legislation with potentially long-term national impact.
With one legislative year remaining before the next election cycle begins to dominate political discourse, the principal test facing the 10th Senate may ultimately be one of implementation and public confidence. If the tax reforms strengthen revenue generation, if the student loan programme continues to expand educational access without major controversy, and if the Senate further enhances oversight transparency, the chamber may secure a more enduring institutional legacy. Conversely, if concerns about public perception and executive accommodation persist, critics may continue to question whether legislative productivity has translated into sufficient institutional independence. It is worth noting, however, that history suggests the most successful periods of national development have often occurred not during eras of executive-legislative confrontation, but when both arms of government cooperated effectively while remaining faithful to their distinct constitutional responsibilities.
If the reforms advanced by the Senate continue to produce measurable national impact, and if the institution successfully addresses concerns relating to oversight and accountability, history may ultimately remember the 10th Senate not merely as a productive legislature, but as one that contributed to stabilising governance and repositioning democratic institutions during a consequential period in Nigeria’s development.
* Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr is a former member and Spokesperson in the House of Representatives and currently, the Special Adviser on Media/ Publicity and Official Spokesperson to the President of the 10th Senate.
For those believing that President Bola Tinubu’s exclusion of Humphrey Nwosu, the late Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), was an error that would be corrected subsequently, their expectation came to naught on Friday, with his non-recognition once again.
In a surprise outing, the President failed once again to name the late Professor of Political Science as one of the Nigerians honoured, on the day Nigerians would be celebrating this year’s anniversary of June 12, designed to mark the historic 1993 presidential election, which has now been designated as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
It was a day Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO), the candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), was elected President in a transition programme undertaken by the military government of then President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).
Expectations are that because the Option A4 model used in achieving the outcome of the election, acknowledged as the freest and fairest election in Nigerian history, the late electoral commission’s boss, would feature prominently in the list of those to be honoured by the government.
But another list contained in the national broadcast by the President, suggested that the position of the treatment meted to the former NEC Chairman, reflected the thinking in the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu’s predecessor, under whom June 12 was given national recognition.
The list, populated mainly by names from the South West, which included both civilians and military personnel, did not capture the category of national honours to be bestowed on the recipients, as the government said further information would be released in due course.
Prominent among those recognized, was Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, a General and former Chief of Army Staff, Supreme Headquarters between 1976 and 1979, under the military regime of Olusegun Obasanjo, who died in Abakaliki Prison in 1997, where he was detained for allegedly participation in carrying out a coup against Sani Abacha, then Head of State.
Tinubu, said the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, would now be known as General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology, to honour the General, who later became a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, “for his vision of national partnership.”
Listing the other names, Tinubu said: “I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.”
The recipients included: Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole and the duo of Lade Bonuola, former Managing Director of The Guardian and Femi Kusa, former Editor of the Nigerian foremost newspaper.
Others, were: Debo Adeniran, Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Osa Director, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous) and Osagie Obayuwana, all pro-democracy activists.
The list also included Joe Okei-Odumakin , Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous), George Mbah Niran Malaolu, Ishola Williams, a retired Major-General, Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.
“We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle: Major General MA Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Col Umar Farouk Ahmed; Col Sambo Dasuki;
Col Lawan Gwadabe; Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Col Musa Shehu; Major General Chris Eze; Major General Harris Dzarma; Col Isa Jibrin; Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin; Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom), Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Col J Okai;
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze; Lt Col Yakubu Muazu and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.”
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