Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments - Newstrends
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Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole

Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments

The Nigerian Senate crisis deepened on Wednesday after a heated confrontation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Adams Oshiomhole disrupted plenary proceedings for over 15 minutes.

The tense exchange occurred during the routine consideration of the Votes and Proceedings from Tuesday’s sitting. Trouble began when Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) abruptly raised a point of order while Akpabio was reading the official record.

Citing the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), Akpabio ruled him out of order, explaining that such interruptions are not permitted at that stage of proceedings. However, Oshiomhole insisted on being heard, challenging the interpretation of the rules and triggering a Senate plenary disruption.

In a bid to restore order, Akpabio called on former Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu to clarify the procedural position. Kalu backed the Senate President, stating that the rules clearly prohibit such interruptions.

The situation escalated further when Chief Whip Tahir Monguno warned that disciplinary measures could be invoked if the disruption continued. Despite this, Oshiomhole remained defiant, citing Order 20(f) and stressing that lawmakers must fully understand the rules guiding legislative business.

A visibly displeased Akpabio issued a stern warning, stating, “We should not just go home, buy forms and come here without knowing the rules,” before cautioning that the Senate would not hesitate to enforce discipline if necessary.

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Calm was eventually restored, allowing the Senate President to complete the reading. Senator Adamu Aliero subsequently moved a motion for adoption, seconded by Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro.

The confrontation is widely linked to the controversial Senate rule amendment adopted a day earlier, which has sparked intense debate within Nigeria’s political space ahead of the 2027 elections. During a closed-door session lasting nearly three hours, lawmakers amended key provisions—Orders 4 and 5—effectively tightening eligibility criteria for leadership positions in the National Assembly.

Under the revised rules, only senators who have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before nomination will be eligible to contest for positions such as Senate President and Deputy Senate President. This new Senate eligibility rule significantly narrows the pool of contenders.

The amendment also reinforces the principle of ranking, prioritising former presiding officers and experienced lawmakers over first-time entrants. Additionally, Order 5 now requires that any senator seeking a principal office must have completed two consecutive terms prior to nomination.

The implication is clear: only returning members of the current Senate who secure re-election into the next Assembly will qualify for top leadership roles, effectively excluding many new and returning political heavyweights.

The Nigeria Senate controversy has raised concerns about inclusiveness and internal democracy. While Senate leadership argues the changes will strengthen institutional memory and ensure stability, critics believe the move could consolidate power among a select group of ranking lawmakers.

Oshiomhole is reported to have been among the few senators who openly resisted the amendments, making Wednesday’s clash a continuation of deeper disagreements within the chamber.

Observers say the incident signals early 2027 election power struggle dynamics, with growing tensions over succession, leadership control, and legislative procedure already playing out in the Red Chamber. As debates continue, the episode underscores broader concerns about transparency, fairness, and the balance of power in Nigeria’s legislative process.

Senate Erupts as Akpabio, Oshiomhole Clash Over Controversial Rule Amendments

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NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

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NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall across several parts of Nigeria from Monday to Wednesday.

The agency, in its weather outlook released on Sunday, also warned that strong winds could occur ahead of thunderstorms in some areas.

For Monday, NiMet expects thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Taraba and Kebbi during the morning. Later in the day, moderate rainfall is expected across several areas in the North-East, Kaduna, Taraba and Kebbi.

In the North-Central region, parts of Niger State could experience thunderstorms and light rain in the morning, while most parts of the region may record thunderstorms with moderate rainfall by afternoon or evening.

 

The southern states are also expected to experience wet conditions. NiMet forecasts cloudy skies in the morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain over parts of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. More thunderstorms and light rain are expected later in the day.

Tuesday and Wednesday Forecast

On Tuesday, the northern region is expected to have patches of cloud in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rain possible in parts of Taraba.

By afternoon or evening, most parts of the region could experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rain.

In the North-Central, parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau states are expected to receive thunderstorms and moderate rainfall later in the day.

Southern areas, including parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and the South-South, may also experience thunderstorms and light rain.

NiMet expects more widespread rainfall on Wednesday, particularly across northern and North-Central states. Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba are among the areas listed for morning thunderstorms and moderate rain.

The agency also forecasts thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across much of the South later on Wednesday.

NiMet advised residents to secure loose objects and take precautions against strong winds. Motorists were urged to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, while residents were advised to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms and stay away from tall trees.

Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather information when planning flights.

NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms, Rain Across Nigeria Till Wednesday

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Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

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Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

Civic organisation Working People United has congratulated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, praising her contributions to humanitarian services, education, healthcare and the empowerment of vulnerable Nigerians.

Oluremi Tinubu celebrates her 66th birthday on Monday, September 21, 2026, with messages of goodwill coming from individuals and organisations across the country.

In a congratulatory message issued on Sunday, National Coordinator-General of Working People United, Prince Williams Akporeha, described the First Lady’s years of public service as an important part of her contribution to Nigerian society.

Akporeha said the organisation recognised Oluremi Tinubu’s continued involvement in programmes designed to improve the welfare of children, women, young people and underserved communities.

He particularly highlighted her advocacy and interventions in education, healthcare access, youth development and economic empowerment, saying such initiatives were directed at addressing challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

According to the group, the First Lady’s humanitarian activities have focused on providing practical support to communities and creating opportunities for people who might otherwise have limited access to social and economic resources.

Working People United also commended Oluremi Tinubu’s interest in family welfare and children’s development, describing those areas as important to the long-term development of the country.

The organisation said efforts to strengthen access to basic education and healthcare, particularly at the grassroots, remained critical to improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

It also praised initiatives aimed at providing young people with skills and economic opportunities, noting that youth empowerment could help reduce vulnerability and expand participation in the economy.

Akporeha urged the First Lady to sustain her advocacy for vulnerable Nigerians as she begins another year of her life.

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He said the organisation was joining Nigerians across the country to celebrate Oluremi Tinubu and acknowledge what it described as her commitment to humanitarian service.

Working People United wished the First Lady good health, wisdom, strength and fulfilment as she continues her public responsibilities and supports initiatives focused on the welfare of Nigerians.

The group also expressed hope that her birthday would provide an opportunity to renew attention to issues affecting children, women, young people and low-income families, particularly in education, healthcare and economic empowerment.

Oluremi Tinubu, a former senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, has been involved in public service and humanitarian activities for several years.

As First Lady, she has continued her intervention programmes through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which has focused on areas including education, health, agriculture, social investment and economic empowerment.

Her recent programmes have included support for women, vulnerable households, students, farmers, young people and families affected by economic hardship.

The birthday messages therefore come as the First Lady continues her public engagements and humanitarian programmes across different parts of Nigeria.

Working People United Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Commends Her Humanitarian Efforts

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18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse

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18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse
18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse

Eighteen suspects accused of involvement in the 2021 assassination of former Haitian President Jovenel Moise have been transferred from Haiti to the United States to face trial.

US officials said the suspects were transported to Florida on Sunday, as American authorities continue their prosecution of people allegedly connected to the plot.

Federal prosecutor Jason Reding Quinones said the suspects were flown from Haiti on a military aircraft to face proceedings in the Southern District of Florida.

He said US authorities had so far indicted 30 people in connection with the assassination and warned that the prosecutions were not over.

Among those transferred was Joseph Felix Badio, a former anti-corruption official with Haiti’s Ministry of Justice who has been identified as a major suspect in the investigation.

Haitian government and police sources said the other suspects included Colombian nationals who were allegedly part of the group involved in the operation.

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Colombian Nationals Among Suspects

Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 17 of its citizens had been transferred from Haiti to the United States.

The ministry said the Colombian government was monitoring the development but had not participated in the decision or process that led to the transfer.

Moise was killed at his private residence in Port-au-Prince on July 7, 2021. Investigators said a group of about 20 Colombian military-trained mercenaries had been hired in connection with the operation.

The president’s security detail came under scrutiny after failing to prevent the attack.

In May, four men were convicted in a Miami federal court over charges connected to the plot, including conspiracy to kill or kidnap Moise and providing material support for the operation. They could face life imprisonment.

US prosecutors said the men were linked to CTU Security, a Florida-based private security company, and had allegedly been attracted by the prospect of lucrative contracts after Moise was removed from power.

The assassination plunged Haiti further into political and security turmoil. The country has since struggled with gang violence and remains without a president, while preparations continue for elections scheduled for December, subject to security conditions.

18 Suspects Transferred to US Over 2021 Killing of Haitian President Moïse

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