By George Mgbeleke

The Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to sustain and intensify ongoing military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

This is as the Red chamber has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security agencies and other stakeholders for the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a remarkable demonstration of courage, professionalism and commitment to national security.

The call followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti Central) and co-sponsored by all other senators during plenary on Tuesday.

It urged the government to strengthen security operations by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence capabilities, improved logistics and better welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces.

The lawmakers stressed that these measures should be pursued consistently until all Nigerians can live, work, conduct their businesses and pursue education without fear.

The upper chamber also urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other welfare entitlements to the families of fallen security personnel.

It further called for sustained investment in the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

Moving the motion, Bamidele praised Tinubu for what he described as his decisive leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture following the abduction of the pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026.

He noted that the President at that time immediately directed the Armed Forces and all security and intelligence agencies to deploy every lawful resource, necessary to secure the unconditional rescue of the victims.

The senate leader recalled that after more than 50 days of coordinated intelligence-driven operations, security forces rescued the victims on July 10, arrested eight suspected terrorists and neutralised several others.

He observed that the operation restored hope among Nigerians, especially parents and school communities, while demonstrating the growing operational effectiveness and professionalism of the nation’s security agencies.

Bamidele, however, paid glowing tribute to three security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission.

They were identified as Lt. F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sgt. Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Senate also commended Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion, who sustained injuries during the operation, wishing him a speedy recovery and urging the relevant authorities to provide him with the best medical care and all his welfare entitlements.

The lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen heroes and extended condolences to their families, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the entire security community

The Senate noted that the abduction of the students and teachers represented a serious threat to national security and a disturbing expansion of organised criminal activities into the South-West region.

According to the motion, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The Senate stated that following the incident, President Tinubu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, directed security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the safe return of the victims.

Contributing to the motion:Senator Abdulfatai commended the Nigerian military and other security agencies for their continued sacrifices and for the successful rescue of the teachers and pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. He also narrated the events that led to the successful rescue of the victims. He further appreciated the Federal Government for securing the release of the students.

Senator Muhammad Adamu, on his part, commended the Senate Leader for bringing forth the motion, which he described as timely. However, he noted that thousands of Nigerians are still in captivity and urged security operatives to double their efforts in rescuing those still being held across the country.

Senator Muhammad Mongono thanked the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commended the bravery of Nigerian troops. He called for that same energy and courage to be used to rescue the other victims still being held captive across the country.

Senator Ningi called for those arrested over the kidnapping of teachers and pupils in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, to be prosecuted immediately. He also urged security agencies to apply the same teamwork used to rescue the Oyo victims to other parts of the country where Nigerians are still being held captive.

On his part, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) knocked Gov. Seyi Makinde of
Oyo over his call for a United Nations-led probe into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

He said: “Makinde should not be seen as downplaying and politicising the issue.

“At this moment, suggesting that external bodies such as the United Nations should take over responsibilities that rightly belong to Nigeria would amount to questioning our nation’s sovereignty.

“It will also be undermining the efforts of our security institutions and the leadership that has supported these operations.

“This is a time for us to unite, commend the achievements recorded and encourage our security agencies to sustain their efforts until peace and security are restored across the country.

Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) called on government to provide psychological support, trauma counselling and rehabilitation of the rescued victims.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau who presided over plenary commended President Tinubu saying “the president has done very well”.

“We know the commitment he has deployed to change the trajectory of insecurity in the country.

The motion further revealed that the Nigerian Armed Forces, working alongside intelligence and other security agencies, carried out a coordinated intelligence-driven operation lasting more than 50 days, leading to the rescue of the abducted children and teachers.

“The successful rescue operation demonstrated the increasing operational effectiveness, professionalism and tactical superiority of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation’s security architecture,” the Senate stated.

The lawmakers also acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation, particularly Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force, who lost their lives while defending the lives of innocent citizens.

The Senate paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing their sacrifices as acts of “exceptional courage, patriotism and selfless service to the nation.”

It also recognised the bravery of Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the Nigerian Army, who sustained injuries during the operation, and called for adequate medical care and welfare support for him.

“The supreme sacrifice made by our gallant personnel deserves the highest national recognition and serves as an inspiration to all security personnel serving across various theatres of operation,” the Senate noted.

The upper chamber also congratulated the rescued schoolchildren, teachers and their families, while sympathising with the family of the teacher who died during captivity.

In its resolutions, the Senate commended President Tinubu for his “decisive leadership, strategic direction and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.”

It equally praised the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and all officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

It called for improved equipment, advanced surveillance technology, stronger intelligence capabilities, better logistics and enhanced welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

The lawmakers further urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies through timely sharing of information, cooperation and patriotism.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau who presided over plenary commended President Tinubu saying “the president has done very well”.

“We know the commitment he has deployed to change the trajectory of insecurity in the country.

“The Senate will continue to support him,” Barau said.

The Clerk of the National Assembly was also directed to transmit copies of the Senate resolution to President Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, security advisers and heads of relevant security agencies as a mark of appreciation and support.

By George Mgbeleke

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Nafiu Bala Gombe following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) dismissal of his claim that he had obtained the commission’s access code and uploaded candidates for the 2027 general election.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said that INEC’s disclaimer that the document that Nafiu Bala Gombe circulated was false and forged, amounted to a criminal attempt to undermine the integrity of INEC.

The party urged the commission to refer the matter to law enforcement agencies, warning that allowing such claims to go unpunished could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The full statement read:

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes the prompt clarification by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which unequivocally confirmed that the document circulated by Mr. Nafiu Bala purporting to show that he had obtained the Commission’s access code and uploaded candidates on behalf of the ADC for the 2027 general election was forged, and that the claim itself was entirely false.

“The issue before us is no longer simply about the continuous false statements that have been issued by Nafiu Bala Gombe at the behest of his sponsors. It is about the clear and unmistakeable attempt to mislead the Nigerian public by making false claims and fabricating and sharing forged documents that directly impugn the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral management body.

“To publicly claim that one has gained access to INEC’s restricted nomination platform and exercised powers reserved for duly recognised party officials is a grave matter. As INEC has now confirmed, Nafiu Bala Gombe’s actions raise serious questions that deserve the immediate attention of law enforcement agencies.

“This is because such claims are capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process, creating unnecessary political tension and casting doubt on the security and credibility of INEC’s systems.”

The statement further added,”As a responsible party, the ADC therefore calls on INEC to take all the necessary steps to ensure that Mr. Nafiu Bala and anyone else involved in originating or promoting this falsehood are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“This is not about the ADC alone. It is about protecting the integrity of public institutions. It is about ensuring that no one believes they can make false claims that involve critical national institutions without consequences. More importantly, it is about preserving public confidence in the processes that underpin our democracy.
INEC must see Nafiu Bala Gombe’s action for what it is: a direct challenge to its institutional integrity.

“How this matter is handled will send an important signal about the seriousness with which our institutions defend their credibility and the rule of law. If individuals can falsely claim access to the Commission’s secured systems, generate widespread public anxiety and simply move on when the claim is disproved, a dangerous precedent would have been established. Others may be tempted to deploy similar falsehoods in the future to create confusion, inflame political passions or undermine confidence in the electoral process. The public is watching.

“The ADC remains committed to democratic politics, respect for institutions and the peaceful conduct of political competition. We trust that the relevant authorities will act decisively to ensure that deliberate falsehoods of this nature do not become an accepted feature of our democratic life.”

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Government, on Monday, unveiled a laundry list of fresh approvals covering new allowances, promotion arrears, and other welfare packages for workers in the state’s mainstream civil service, local government and education sectors, running into billions of naira.

This is even as the state government reiterated its irrevocable commitment to prioritizing the welfare of workers and strengthening its bureaucracy to deliver more dividends of good governance to the people.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, made this known at an enlarged meeting with the labour leaders and representatives, as well as other top government functionaries including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei and the Head of Service, Dr Ebiye Sawyer, at his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

Giving a breakdown of the approvals, Dr. Akpe, said Governor Douye Diri had given approval for the elongation of service years and retirement age of health workers from 35 to 40 years and from 60 to 65 years.

According to him, the Governor has also approved the 2026 medical residency training fund, the revised earned allowances, as well as implementation of the 2025 promotions and arrears for staff of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH).

Other approvals announced by the Deputy Governor include uniform allowance for primary health workers and nurses, promotion and step increment arrears, specialist allowance to doctors on CONMESS 5, and the implementation of gratuities and pensions for staff remunerated on the CONHESS salary structure at the Environmental Sanitation before their retirement, amongst others.

Dr. Akpe, who noted that government and organized labour were strategic partners in strengthening the bureaucracy for effective service delivery, said the present administration in the state, led by Governor Douye Diri, had done much for workers through its labour-friendly policies and programmes.

He, therefore, called on the various labour unions and their affiliate bodies to support government and its policies to sustain and strengthen the cordial relationship existing between the Prosperity Administration and its workforce.

His words: “Labour and government are one and the same, because whether we like it or not, all of us are put together to deliver Governance. Labour is the arm that deals with the welfare of the bureaucracy, and you know that without the bureaucracy, political governance will be in shambles.

“I hope you know the source of bureaucracy. The crafters needed to ensure that there is institutionalization of the transmission from one political leadership to another. That means politicians come and go, but the civil servants, the bureaucracy remains.

“You will agree with me that this government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, has always recognized and intentionally always ensured that the bureaucracy is strengthened.

“I believe that all of you that have been in governance, and your leadership of unions did not just start. You have your evolution over the years and you should also know how it had been, how it was, and how it is now on issues of welfare.

“Labour should appreciate what this government is doing for workers in this state. His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, has given an unprecedented approval to virtually all the 40-point demand made by labour on government. It had never been witnessed in the history of this state.”

Addressing members of the press at the close of the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, stated that government had holistically looked into the demands of labour and had approved a lot for them.

According to Mrs. Koku-Obiyai, over 95 percent of their demands were approved by the Governor, stressing that the Prosperity Government was committed to improving the welfare of the people for better living despite the present harsh economic realities in the country.

She said, “The ASSURED Prosperity Government has actually looked at all labour demands from the NLC, the TUC, NMA and from all the unions, and a lot of things were approved for them according to what they asked for.

” We have approved over 95 percent and that is a good development. The workers are jubilating and we are also happy because we enjoy industrial peace in Bayelsa. That is to say that the relationship we have is harmonious.

“And to put on record, the prosperity government is all about making people happy, and you can see the smiles on their faces.

“Issues of promotion arrears, and uniform allowance – this is the first time since the creation of Bayelsa State when uniform allowance was approved for them. A lot of things have been approved – the resident doctors got all their approvals; the teachers also got theirs.

“The governor and government have done their part, the workers are expected to reciprocate same to deliver the services they are supposed to render correctly and to also be at their duty posts. We believe that the workers are the engine-room and they must keep the engine-room steaming so that the state will continue to develop.”

Equally addressing the press, the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chief Saturday Odoko, underscored the friendly disposition of the Governor Diri-led Prosperity Administration towards workers and their respective unions.

Chief Odoko remarked that July 13, 2026 would go down in history as remarkable day in the life of workers in the state, stressing that what the administration had achieved was a win-win for both government and the various labour unions in Bayelsa.

In their separate remarks, State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Simon Barnabas, represented by the Secretary, Dr John Angese, and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Edwin Fefegha, expressed gratitude to Governor Douye Diri, his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, and the entire government team, for taking the bold step to meet almost all of their demands.

The labour leaders, while acknowledging the huge financial burden on government arising from the approvals, observed that no government had done this before in the history of Bayelsa State, and assured that the workers would continue to give all the needed support the administration deserved.

Other labour leaders who spoke in the same light, included the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Embeleakpo Andabai; the President of the Association of Resident Doctors, NDUTH, Dr. Otorufa Nathaniel, and the State NUT Chairman, Comrade Richman Otobo.

Also, the State Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Comrade Anthony Akpe; the State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade ThankGod Singer, and the Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Stephen Umuwe, appreciated the Diri-administration in glowing terms.