By George Mgbeleke

Sequel to the resumption of plenary by the Senate after its five weeks Easter and Ramadan recess on Tuesday,President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has admonished his colleagues to spare no effort in examining critical bills that will bring about national stability.

According to the Senate President,”The rising cost of living, the instability in the energy sector, and the persisting insecurity in parts of the nation all these demand not just attention but legislative action.”

Continuing he said,”Distinguished Senators, Much has transpired in our dear country while we were away. Our economy continues to stretch the patience and resilience of our people.

“Legislative action to support the great work the Executive Arm led by President Bola Tinubu is doing to fix the myriad of challenges which besiege our nation.

“In the South-East and North-West, communities still battle criminality and terrorism. In the North-Central, farmers and herders still seek protection and justice. And in the South-South, the questions of environmental equity and resource fairness remain unresolved.”

Akpabio further noted,”These are not just news headlines they are the bleeding wounds of the republic. Our people look to us, not for rhetoric, but for rescue. But I believe that there is no river we cannot cross if we put our trust in God and faith in the people He has ordained to lead us in both the Executive and Legislative Arms of our government.

“The task ahead of us this session is as solemn as it is historic. We will be examining bills critical to national stability—on security reform, economic resilience, education, technology, and youth empowerment. Our committees will delve into oversight functions that could unlock the performance potential of many MDAs.

“Let us carry out our duties with the spirit of statesmen, not partisans. Let us elevate debate over division. Let us govern with grace, not grudge.

“To the Nigerian people, I say this: Your Senate is back at work. And we have not forgotten your hopes, your hardships, or your hunger for change. We are here—refreshed in spirit, renewed in resolve—to build a nation where peace is not an illusion, and progress is not a promise, but a pattern.”

By David Owei ,Baylesa

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee in Bayelsa State is set to open a new secretariat for the party.

The party, which also disclosed plans to receive defectors from other political parties, stated that a reconciliation and disciplinary committee has been set up.

This was contained in a communique issued after its first State Working Caretaker Committee meeting of the party under the acting Chairman, George Turnah.

The communique signed by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Alasuote Wright Derri stated that the leadership of Turnah is determined to revitalize and redirect the party.

According to him, the commissioning of the new party and welcoming of defectors from other political parties is fixed for May 26.

Derri stated that two committees have been set up to review the activities of the party in the eight local government areas and also to review the salaries paid to party officials serving in the state, local government, and ward levels.

The communique read in part: The Committee approved the establishment of a reconciliation committee and the reconstitution of the previously dissolved Disciplinary Committee and Elders Advisory Council for the party in the State.

‘’In this regard, the Acting State Chairman is authorized to appoint Party members with proven integrity, honesty, and commitment to these Committees and the Elders Advisory Council.

‘’The Committee has also constituted an ad hoc committee, headed by the State Acting Deputy Chairman, to review the activities of the eight Local Government Areas and 105 Wards Executives of the Party.

‘’This committee is tasked with providing a report at the next meeting of the State Working Committee scheduled for May 8th, 2025.

‘’Also set up is another ad hoc committee Chaired by the State Acting Deputy Chairman to assess and review the salaries and allowances currently paid to Party officials at all levels, from State to Ward, and to make recommendations for upward review to enhance the welfare and living conditions of Party officials, staff and political appointees.

‘’The Committee is expected to present a harmonised salary structure for Bayelsa State PDP for consideration at the next adjourned date of May 8th, 2025.

‘’The Committee on review of the activities of LGA and Ward Executives has the Acting State Organizing Secretary, the Acting Woman Leader, the three Senatorial District Acting Vice Chairmen as members with the Acting State Legal Adviser as Secretary, while the Committee on review of salary structure has the Acting State Treasurer, the Acting Financial Secretary, the Acting Auditor and the Administrative Officer of the Party as members with the Acting State Legal Adviser serving as Secretary.’’

By David Owei, Bayelsa

The President of apex body of the Ijaw nation, Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba has encouraged the acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, George Turnah, to forge ahead and collaborate with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The Special Assistant to Turnah on media, Mr Kevin Loveday Egbo, in a statement, said Okaba also called for diverse political collaboration to ensure the Ijaw nation does not put its eggs in one basket.

Okaba was quoted to have stated this when Turnah paid him a courtesy call to keep him abreast of recent political happenings in the state.

Okaba who commended Turnah for his visit and apology, describing it as hallmarks of strong leadership, however urged him to make a similar visit to Bayelsa State governor and Governor-General of the Ijaw nation, Senator Douye Diri, for reconciliation and the greater good and unity of the Ijaw nation.

The University don also cautioned against divisive behaviours among the political class, stressing that the calm in Ijaw nation over the Rivers political debacle was deliberate to allow for peace and enable Governor Sim Fubara to pursue genuine reconciliation with his benefactor and political father, Wike.

Turnah, while speaking, expressed regrets over some recent public comments regarding the office of the INC, which were misconstrued in some quarters.

The PDP caretaker committee chairman commended Okaba for his dedicated leadership of the INC and urged for greater support.

He also reiterated that ethnicity has no place in politics and urged the socio-cultural leader of the Ijaw race to find means to address political issues without necessarily involving the revered INC institution, which represents the Ijaw interest and speaks for the Ijaw people.

Turnah also pleaded with Prof Okaba and the INC leadership to initiate robust peace moves to facilitate the restoration of suspended Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara to office in no distant time.

According to him, only a sincere apology and genuine reconciliation can yield positive results in the current Rivers political crisis.