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Senate confirms Buhari’s nominees as members of Judicial Service Commission

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SENATE-PRESIDENT
Senate President Ahmad Lawan
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The Senate, on Wednesday, confirmed the nominations of Nnamonso Ekanem and Mahmoud Abubakar Magaji as members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

The nominees who are from Akwa-Ibom and Niger States are to represent the South-South and North-Central zone on the Commission, respectively.

The confirmation of both nominees followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, in his presentation, said their nominations were made by President Muhammadu Buhari pursuant to Section 154, subsections (1) and (3) in conformity with Paragraph 12 (e) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

According to the lawmaker, the nominees “are fit and proper persons for appointment as Members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.”

He disclosed that there was no petition or adverse report against the nominees, adding that, “record checks and other forms of investigations by security agencies did not reveal any negative trace against them.”

Bamidele expressed satisfaction with the qualifications, experience, competence and integrity of the nominees as Members of the Commission.
 
In a related development, the Senate has forwarded President Buhari’s request for the confirmation of four nominees as Commissioners for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the Committee on Power.

The nominees who are to appear before the panel for screening include Dr. Yusuf Ali (North Central), Engr. Chidi Ike (South East), Mr. Nathan Shatti (North East) and Mr. Dafe Akpeneye (South South).

The Committee was given two weeks by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, to report back to the chamber in plenary.

Meanwhile, the chamber, on Wednesday, stepped down the consideration of a report by the Committee on Aviation on the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (Establishment) Bill, 2021.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Smart Adeyemi, gave a presentation on the report.

The consideration of the report was, however, suspended midway after the lawmakers identified a “mix-up in the Committee’s report on the bill.

The motion for the report to be stepped down was moved by the Deputy Whip, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North) and seconded by Ahmad Babba Kaita (Katsina North).

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Tinubu Approves Cabinet Reshuffle, Appoints Oyedele as Finance Minister

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Taiwo Oyedele
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle affecting the Federal Executive Council (FEC), with key changes in the finance and housing ministries.

According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, have been directed to step down from their positions.

Taiwo Oyedele has been elevated to serve as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. He previously held the position of Minister of State in the ministry.

In the housing sector, Muttaqha Rabe Darma has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister-designate for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

All affected officials have been instructed to complete their handover processes on or before Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The presidency said the reshuffle is aimed at improving coordination in governance and delivering better economic outcomes under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The President also thanked the outgoing ministers for their service and wished them well in their future endeavors.

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Bamidele: 2026 Electoral Act Reflects Stakeholders’ Consensus, Not Legislative Imposition

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Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has stated that the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act were the outcome of broad consultations with stakeholders rather than unilateral decisions by the National Assembly.

In an Easter message issued on Sunday through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele explained that the new electoral law aligns with global best practices and was not designed to serve any political interest. He urged political actors to adhere to the rules collectively established to ensure stability, peace, and order within Nigeria’s democratic system.

His remarks come amid criticisms from opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which alleged that certain provisions—such as Sections 77 and 84 of the Act—were introduced to weaken their chances ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, Bamidele dismissed the claims, insisting that all sections of the law were products of consensus involving civil society groups, development partners, and other stakeholders.

He defended the requirement for political parties to submit a digital register of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as a transparency measure aimed at preventing undue influence by individuals outside party structures. According to him, the reform is essential for strengthening internal democracy and ensuring that party decisions reflect the will of legitimate members.

Bamidele also justified the restriction of candidate nomination processes to either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, noting that the move is intended to eliminate the delegate system, which he said had been susceptible to manipulation by wealthy individuals. He added that the new system empowers party members and reinforces majority rule in line with democratic principles.

Beyond electoral matters, the Senate leader condemned recent violent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna states, describing them as unacceptable acts against innocent citizens. He assured that the National Assembly is collaborating with federal and state authorities to tackle insecurity and prevent further loss of lives.

He disclosed that ongoing legislative efforts, including amendments to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, are aimed at introducing stricter penalties for kidnappers, their sponsors, and collaborators. Bamidele expressed confidence that these measures would help restore security and stability across the country.

Reflecting on Easter, Bamidele called on Nigerians, especially political leaders, to embrace the values of sacrifice, tolerance, and unity exemplified by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging a collective commitment to nation-building.

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FG to Deploy AI Cameras to Tackle Insecurity in Plateau — Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government will deploy over 5,000 artificial intelligence-enabled digital cameras across Plateau State to help security agencies combat rising insecurity.

The President made this known on Thursday during a visit to Jos, following the March 29 gun attacks in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed several lives. He assured residents that such incidents would not recur, pledging decisive action to bring perpetrators to justice.

Tinubu directed security chiefs, including the Minister of Defence, Chief of Army Staff, and Inspector General of Police, to track down those responsible for the killings. He also tasked the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, with overseeing the immediate installation of the surveillance system, starting in Jos and later expanding across the state.

Expressing sympathy to affected families, the President said no compensation could replace lost lives but promised government support and justice. He also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to compile data on victims to ensure fair distribution of relief.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the incident as a temporary setback, noting that the state had previously enjoyed relative peace. He expressed confidence in ongoing security efforts and thanked the Federal Government for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen local security.

Stakeholders at the meeting, including former governors and political leaders, called for greater collaboration and dialogue among Plateau indigenes, stressing that lasting peace would require collective responsibility.

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