Politics
Senate Resumption: Between Recess Lapses and Legislative Hurdles Ahead
As Senate resumes on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the upper chamber intends to steer the course of governance in the months ahead. The recess, traditionally described as a “working break” for lawmakers, is designed for committees to engage in oversight, investigative hearings, and public interactions with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Yet this year’s experience revealed a troubling disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
A Deserted Red Chamber
Before proceeding on recess in July, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had reassured Nigerians that the chamber would remain alive with committee activities. “The recess is not for rest but for work,” he declared, noting that the Constitution empowers lawmakers to provide oversight, monitor the implementation of laws, and interface with government agencies even when plenary is suspended.
But walking through the Red Chamber in those weeks told a different story. Committee rooms were locked, offices deserted, and the once vibrant building reduced to an echo chamber of silence. For parliamentary reporters, it was a sobering picture: a legislature that seemed to have gone on full holiday, despite public pronouncements to the contrary.
In stark contrast, the House of Representatives presented another face. Its members could be seen holding committee meetings, conducting public hearings, and engaging ministries in oversight discussions. The lower chamber gave off an impression of lawmakers still tethered to their mandate. As one House member put it during a recent interaction: “Recess should not mean retreat from responsibility. Nigerians expect us to work whether we sit in plenary or not.”
The comparison raises difficult questions for the Senate. Can it afford to project an image of inertia at a time when the nation grapples with economic hardship, security challenges, and deepening public distrust in governance?
A Heavy Agenda on Resumption
The recess lull is now behind. Upon resumption, senators are faced with weighty national issues that will test their legislative will and political discipline.
1. The Constitution Review Exercise
Constitution amendment has almost become a recurring decimal in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Since 1999, every Senate has initiated some form of review, yet the country still operates under the weight of unresolved contradictions in its federal structure. The Tenth Senate is expected to push forward with the latest round of amendments, with debates centering on electoral reforms, judicial restructuring, local government autonomy, and revenue allocation.
History has shown how contentious these issues can be. During the Seventh National Assembly, attempts to amend Section 9 of the Constitution collapsed after disagreements between the legislature and the executive under President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2018, the Eighth Assembly under Bukola Saraki succeeded in pushing through amendments on financial autonomy for state assemblies and the judiciary, but other critical proposals fell short of the two-thirds requirement across state legislatures.
Now, as the Tenth Senate resumes, Nigerians will be asking whether this review will move beyond rhetoric into substantive restructuring. The credibility of the exercise will rest not only on what changes are proposed, but also on the sincerity of senators to prioritize national interest over partisan divides.
2. The 2026 Federal Budget
Another immediate assignment is the 2026 budget presentation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Early presentation has often been the missing piece in Nigeria’s budget cycle, leading to delays that undermine economic planning and project implementation.
If the President lays the budget before the National Assembly in September or early October, the Senate has a real chance to achieve timely passage by December—a practice the Ninth Assembly briefly institutionalized before political distractions set in. The process will involve first and second readings, committee scrutiny, and exhaustive defence sessions with MDAs.
The question, however, is whether supervising committees will display the seriousness required to interrogate fiscal assumptions, probe wasteful expenditure lines, and demand accountability from government agencies. Too often, budget defence sessions have been reduced to perfunctory rituals, with lawmakers either absent or inattentive. The coming weeks will determine if this cycle will be broken.
3. The Return of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Equally significant on the chamber’s agenda is the resumption of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, whose six-month suspension has elapsed. Her return is bound to stir interest for multiple reasons.
First, the suspension itself had attracted criticism from civil society and gender rights groups, who saw it as an attempt to silence one of the few female voices in the Red Chamber. Second, her outspoken style and willingness to challenge entrenched interests mark her out as a senator who will not easily blend into the background. Her reinstatement will therefore test the Senate’s tolerance for dissent and its commitment to inclusivity.
In a country where women represent less than 5% of the National Assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return carries symbolic weight. It could also re-energize debates around gender bills, which were controversially voted down during the Ninth Assembly despite widespread advocacy.
Lessons From Past Recesses
Nigerians have long complained that lawmakers treat recesses as extended holidays. In 2017, then Senate President Bukola Saraki faced public backlash when pictures of senators traveling abroad during recess went viral, prompting criticism that oversight duties had been abandoned. Similarly, in 2022, the Ninth Senate came under fire for failing to hold MDAs accountable during the recess period, leading to delays in project execution.
Political observers argue that a legislature that spends months on recess without active oversight erodes public trust. As constitutional lawyer Jiti Ogunye once remarked, “Recess is no excuse for dormancy. The committees are the engine room of parliament, and when they go to sleep, governance suffers.”
The Senate, therefore, cannot afford to ignore these lessons. Its credibility is at stake, not just in passing laws, but in demonstrating that even outside plenary, it remains engaged with the problems of the people.
A Senate Under Public Scrutiny
The return from recess is not just a routine reopening; it is a test of the Tenth Senate’s seriousness. Nigerians are weary of promises unfulfilled and budgets that fail to translate into tangible impact. With inflation biting hard, unemployment high, and security challenges persisting, the public mood demands urgent and visible legislative action.
Moreover, the contrast with the House of Representatives has put the upper chamber on the defensive. While the House has been seen as more energetic in oversight and constituency engagement, the Senate risks being branded as aloof and disconnected. For an institution that prides itself as the “House of Elders,” such an image would be politically damaging.
The Road Ahead
As the gavel strikes on September 23, the Senate must confront three defining questions:
- Will it redeem its image after a visibly inactive recess?
- Can it deliver on constitution review in ways that strengthen democracy and federalism?
- Will it ensure a transparent, timely, and accountable budget process for 2026?
How the chamber answers these questions will shape its legacy and its relevance in the larger democratic project.
Editorial Verdict
The Tenth Senate stands at a crossroads. The deserted corridors during recess raised doubts about its commitment, but the agenda ahead provides an opportunity to reset the narrative. The Constitution review, the 2026 budget, and the return of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are not just legislative items; they are tests of credibility, inclusivity, and governance.
By Our Correspondent
Seventeen members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, on Friday, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The lawmakers announced their defection during plenary on Friday, December 5, 2025 at the Auditorium of the Assembly quarters currently used as the hallowed chambers.
The defected lawmakers, led by Speaker of the House, Martin Amaehwule, cited the division in the PDP at the national level as the reason for their defection, noting that the situation has made the future of the party “hazy and nebulous”.
Among the lawmakers who defected to the All Progressive Congress were; the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker, Dumle Maol, Majority Leader, Major Jack, Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Somiari- Stewart, Chief Whip, Hon. Frankline Nwabuchi, and the Deputy Whip, Hon. Ofiks Kabang.
Others are; Hon. Peter Abbey, Smart Adoki, Igwe Aforji, Arnold Davids, Enemi George, Tekenari Granville, Christian Nwankwo, Gerald Oforji, Azeru Opara, Lolo Opuende, and Hon. Solomon Wami.
Recall that the Speaker, Martin Amaehwule had in December 2023, in the heat of the over two years political crisis in the state, led all 27 members of the Assembly loyal to the FCT Minister to the APC but later denied their defection, and returned to the PDP.
Meanwhile, the PDP which is now the minority party in the House with 9 members, has constituted their officers with Hon. Sylvanus Nwankwo emerging the Minority Leader, Hon. Barile Nwakoh was elected Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. John Dominic Iderima, Minority Whip, and Hon. Justina Emeji, Deputy Minority Whip.
The Assembly has also renewed its earlier call on the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to forward his list of Commissioner-nominees to the House for screening and confirmation in line with the 1999 Constitution; regretting that “the State is yet to have the complement of a full cabinet.”
The Assembly also reaffirmed its earlier resolution made on the 14th of December, 2023, and adopted the auditorium at the State House of Assembly quarters as its legitimate and lawful Chamber for the conduct of legislative businesses for the life of the Tenth Assembly of the State.
Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaehwule in his speech lauded President Bola Tinubu for his purposeful and exceptional leadership and pledged their support to the APC and the President.
Politics
Sulu – Gambari , Ita Enang , Dambazzau , Ibas Ibok -Ete, 61 others make Tinubu’s Ambassadorial list
By George Mgbeleke
The Senate Thursday received requests for confirmation of nominations of 65 Ambassadorial nominees from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The nominees as read from two different lists by the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio during plenary, fell into two categories of 34 Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners and 31 Non – Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners designate .
Notable names among the 34 Carrer Ambassadors and High Commissioners are Ambassador Sulu – Gambari Olatunji Ahmed from Kwara State , Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno from Borno State , Ambassador
Maimuna Ibrahim from Adamawa State etc .
Notable in the list of Non Career Ambassadors and High Commissioners are Senator Solomon Ita Enang from Akwa Ibom State , Vice Admiral Ibas Ibok – Ete from Cross River State , Ex Chief of Army Staff, Abdulrahaman Dambazzau from Kano etc .
President Tinubu in the requests hinged on section 171 sub section 1, 2 and 4 of the 1999 Constitution , sought for expeditious consideration of the nominees .
Accordingly, the President of the Senate, forwarded the requests to the committee on Foreign affairs for screening and report back within one week .
Recall that President Tinubu had earlier forwarded to the Senate , three ambassadorial nominees last week for appointment confirmation .
The three earlier nominees , namely
Kayode Are ( Ogun State), Aminu Dalhatu ( Jigawa) and Ayodele Oke ( Oyo State ), were screened on Wednesday by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello ( Niger North ) led committee .
Full list of the Ambassadorial nominees per state reads : ” Ambassador Ezenwa Chukwuemeka ( Abia ) Maimuna Ibrahim ( Adamawa ), Monica Ogochukwu ( Anambra) ,
Ambassador Mohammed Mahmoud Lele ( Bauchi) ,
Endoni Sindo ( Bayelsa) and Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Minguno ( Borno ) .
Others are Jane Adams Okon Michael ( Cross River ), Clark Omeruo Alexandra ( Delta ), Chimma Geofrey Davies ( Ebonyi) ,
Oduma Yvonne Ehinose ( Edo State ), Wasa Segun Ige ( Edo State )
Ambassador Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel ( Ekiti ), Ambassador Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley ( Enugu ) and
Magaji Umar ( Jigawa) .
Other nominees in the category of Career Ambassadors are
Mohammed Saidu Dahiru ( Kaduna ) ,
AbdulSalam Abus Zayat ( kano) ,
Shehu Barde ( Katsina ) , Aminu Nasiu ( Katsina ),
Abubakar Musa Musa ( Kebbi) ,Mohammed Idris ( Kebbi) ,
Bako Adamu Umar ( Kogi ) ,
Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed ( Kwara ),
Ramata Mohammed ( Lagos ), Shaga John Shama ( Nasarawa )
Salau Hamza Mohammed ( Niger ) and Ibrahim Danlami ( Niger ) .
Others are
Adeola Ibrahim Mopelola ( Ogun) ,
Ruben Abimbola Samuel ( Ondo),
Akande Wahab Adekola ( Osun) ,
Adedokun Esther ( Oyo) ,
Gedagi Joseph John ( Plateau ) ,
Luther Obomode Ayokalata ( Rivers ),
Danladi Yakubu Yaku ( Taraba ) and
Bello Dogondaji ( ( Zamfara ) .
Names on the list of the 31 Non – career ambassadorial nominees are
Senator Grace Bent ( Adamawa ) , Senator Eta Enang ( Akwa – Ibom),
Nkechi Linda Okocha ( Anambra ),
Mahmud Yakubu ( Bauchi )
Philip K. Ikurusi ( Bayelsa ) ,
Paul Oga Adikwu ( Benue ),
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas rtd ( Cross River ),
Hon. Abasi Braimah ( Edo ) and
Erelu Angela Adebayo Ekiti )
Others are Barrister Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa ( Ekiti ),
Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi ( Enugu State ) ,
Barr. Mrs. Chioma Ohakim ( Imo State ),
Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd.) ( Kano State ),
Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari ( Katsina ) ,
Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Aliyu ( Kogi) and
Olufemi Pedro ( Lagos State ) .
Others are
Barr. Mohammed Ubandoma Aliyu ( Nasarawa ),
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim ( Ondo), Ambassador Joseph Sola Iji ( Ondo ),
Fani-Kayode ( Osun ) , Professor O. Adewole ( Osun) , Florence Ajimobi ( Oyo ), Lola Akande ( Oyo), Professor Nora Ladi Daduut ( Plateau) , Yakubu N. Gambo ( Plateau ) , Chukwujinka Okocha ( Rivers ) , Haruna Abubakar ( Sokoto ) , Rt Hon Jerry Samuel Manwe ( Taraba ) and Adamu Garba Talba Nangree ( Yobe State ) .
By George Mgbeleke
Former local government chairmen in Kano State have adopted the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship race in the state.
The former LG chairmen who served between 2019 and 2022, during the era of Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as Governor of the state, adopted Senator Barau during a courtesy call to the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday.
A motion for the adoption of Senator Barau was moved by the former chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government Area, Barrister Dahiru Mannir Maigari, and seconded by the former chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Hon. Baffa Mohammed Takai.
When the former chairman of Madobi LGA, Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, put the vote, all the former chairmen unanimously approved it through a voice vote.
Two members of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon Zubairu Hamza Masu (Sumaila) and Hon Garba Yau Gwarmai (Tsanyawa/Ghari), witnessed the event.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, said that after the voice vote, the local government chairmen appealed to Senator Barau to declare for the governorship race as soon as possible.
Former chairman of Gwale LGA. Alhaji Khalid Ishak Diso informed the Deputy President of the Senate that the people of Kano, especially at the grassroots level, are eagerly awaiting his declaration for the race.
” Kano people are waiting for you to declare for the governorship race. We recently organised an event, where we asked you to declare. You are yet to. The people of Kano are anxiously awaiting your declaration. When are you declaring? Please answer the call to serve our people,” he said.
Also, the former Chairman of ALGON, Baffa Mohammed Takai, who led his colleagues on the courtesy call, said they adopted Senator Barau in view of his outstanding performance in parliament, adding that his contributions to Kano’s development are immense.
” We are here to throw our weight behind you. We are 100 per cent with you. Insha’Allah, you will be the next governor of Kano State, come May 29, 2027. You have the capacity to address the challenges facing our state,” he said.
Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate thanked the former local government chairmen for their support, describing them as grassroots politicians.
“It’s indeed true that Kano was second to Lagos before, in terms of development, in terms of commerce and so on. Unfortunately, Kano is now trailing behind due to a lack of good leadership. Let us not live in denial. This is a fact that we must all work together to address in the interest of our people and state.
“I wish to assure you that by the grace of God, we will take bold steps to bring Kano back to its glorious days. We will succeed by the grace of God. We will always stand by the truth and for our people,” he said.
* Tsanyawa, Ghari stakeholders endorse Barau
Meanwhile, stakeholders from Tsanyawa and Ghari LGAs of Kano State have also thrown their weight behind Senator Barau’s candidature during their visit to him on Wednesday.
A member of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Garba Yau Gwarmai, representing Tsanyawa/Ghari, moved the motion, which Hon. Aminu Yakanawa seconded. A thunderous ovation from over 100 stakeholders in attendance followed the announcement of the endorsement.
Yakanawa told the Deputy President of the Senate that the people of the two local government areas are solidly behind him.
” By the grace of Allah SWT, you are the next governor of Kano State. Our people are solidly behind you, and we are committed to supporting you,” he said
Responding, Senator Barau thanked them for the support, saying the massive support from all the people of the state is a signal of what will happen in 2027.
On the security challenges facing some parts of Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs, he said, ” We are not leaving any stone unturned in tackling this challenge. We are working underground to bring an end to it. We have taken all the necessary steps. It is not something that we go to radio stations to announce.”
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