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10th Senate passed over 90 bills, 52 signed into law — Akpabio’s aide

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Kenny Okolugbo, Media Consultant to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has highlighted what he described as unprecedented achievements in lawmaking, economic reforms, and governance under the leadership of his principal.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Okolugbo said the 10th Senate, within two years, had passed more than 90 bills, with 52 of them already signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

He described the record as a testament to Akpabio’s “uncommon leadership style,” noting that the upper chamber has played a crucial role in stabilising the economy, improving fiscal policies, and promoting inclusive development across the country.

According to him, interventions by the Senate have contributed to strengthening the naira and reducing inflation, which currently stands at 20.12 per cent — a 4.23 per cent improvement in recent months.

“We are not yet there, but there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Okolugbo said.

He listed key legislations such as the Student Loan Act, which enables indigent students to access education loans repayable only after employment, and the Tax Reform Bill, which was initially resisted but later passed to expand the tax net and ease the burden on low-income earners.

Other notable achievements, he added, include the passage of the Minimum Wage Act, which doubled workers’ pay by 100 per cent and exempted those earning the minimum wage from personal income tax, as well as the establishment of five regional development commissions across the South-East, South-West, South-South, North-West, and North-Central zones.

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“These commissions will bring governance and development closer to the people, addressing long-standing issues of regional imbalance,” he said.

Despite the Senate not yet receiving the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper from the Executive, Okolugbo said the upper chamber had taken proactive steps to extend the implementation of capital projects in the 2024 and 2025 budgets to prevent economic disruptions.

He disclosed that plans were underway to convene a National Security Summit to address the root causes of insecurity in the country, while the Electricity Act had been strengthened to prevent arbitrary tariff hikes.

“We cannot continue to pay higher bills for electricity we rarely get,” he noted.

Okolugbo maintained that the achievements of the 10th Senate show that legislative effectiveness is not measured by confrontation with the Executive but by constructive collaboration that delivers tangible results for Nigerians.

The media aide also praised Akpabio’s leadership style, describing him as “a man in a hurry to achieve results.”

He added, “Working with him gives me insight into why he was called the Uncommon Governor during his tenure in Akwa Ibom. His developmental strides then still speak for him today.”

Okolugbo also commended the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, for ensuring smooth legislative business whenever Akpabio is away, maintaining that there is no vacuum in the chamber’s operations.

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UK Threatens To Deport Nigerians Over Illegal Jobs

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The United Kingdom has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians and other migrants against taking up jobs without proper permission, stating that anyone caught working illegally will face arrest, detention and deportation.

It was reports that the UK authorities said actions against illegal workers have increased across the country, with immigration raids now happening more frequently than before.

Officials explained that enforcement teams are actively visiting workplaces to identify people who are breaking immigration rules.

According to the UK government, migrants found working without valid authorisation will be dealt with immediately and may be removed from the country.

The Home Office in a tweet said it is committed to enforcing immigration laws and will not tolerate illegal employment.

The authorities added that working illegally harms the UK labour system and puts lawful workers at a disadvantage, as it allows employers to bypass rules meant to protect jobs and wages.

“Those caught working illegally in the UK will be arrested, detained and removed.

“Immigration Enforcement raids are at record levels, with those found to be working illegally being arrested, detained and removed from the country,” the UK government said.

The warning comes as the UK tightens its border and labour policies, leading to more workplace inspections, especially in sectors known to employ migrant workers.

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Resident Doctors Insist On Planned Strike Despite Court Order

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The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has said it will proceed with its planned nationwide strike on January 12, 2026, unless its National Executive Council decides otherwise.

The NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, stated this on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

It was reports that the development follows a National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja restraining the association and two of its officials from embarking on any form of industrial action from January 12.

Justice E. D. Subilim granted the interim injunction in a suit marked NICN/ABJ/06/2026, filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation against NARD, Dr Suleiman and Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim.

Speaking via telephone during the programme, Suleiman said the association was not deterred by the court order, alleging that the Federal Government had failed to act in good faith despite NARD’s earlier decision to suspend its strike in November 2025.

Suleiman said, “We signed the MoU on the 27th of November. The strike was supposed to start on the 27th of December. NEC carried it over, and at the beginning of this year, we met again and gave more days.

“Then, at the close of work today, I started hearing from social media that a court injunction has been served. I’m even hearing that ‘no work, no pay’ documents have been released.

“When we are discussing and negotiating, it should be done in good faith. Once you start bringing out armouries and arms like this, it means you don’t want to negotiate in good faith.”

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Asked whether the association would proceed with the strike despite the court order, the NARD president said the action would go ahead unless the NEC decides otherwise.

“We will proceed unless the National Executive Council of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors says otherwise,” he said.

Suleiman, however, said the association was still engaging with the Federal Government and expressed optimism that the dispute could be resolved before the strike date.

“We are in conversations. We are in discussions with the Federal Government’s team. I hope that between tonight and Sunday, a lot of things will be done properly,” he added.

 

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‘I’m Not A Criminal, They Are In Your Offices And Corridors Of Power’ – Baba-Ahmed Recounts DSS Invitation

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The Labour Party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has described his recent encounter with the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) as mild Nollywood drama.

It was learnt that Baba-Ahmed’s invitation followed concerns about recent public remarks about the judiciary and presidency.

Baba-Ahmed had, during a television interview, blamed the judiciary and the military for allowing the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

An insider in security operatives said, “He even went to the length of inciting the military, saying it was President Tinubu’s swearing-in that made it possible for them to look you in the face and call you ‘bloody fools.’

“His comments carry undertones capable of heightening national tension, particularly given the sensitivity of Nigeria’s current political climate. It has nothing to do with politics, but the corporate existence of our nation could be threatened if such rhetoric is allowed to fester.”

Recounting the encounter with the DSS, Baba-Ahmed, who also doubles as the founder and chancellor of Baze University, Abuja, in an interview with Punch, said he voluntarily honoured the agency’s request and was curious about its motive because he is not a criminal.

He also denied being invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying the anti-graft agency had no reason to summon him.

According to Baba-Ahmed, his encounter with DSS officers made him feel sorry about the state of leadership and governance in the country.

He said, “The EFCC did not invite me, and it is very unlikely they will anytime soon. However, there was a mild Nollywood drama between some gentlemen of the DSS and myself on November 28, 2025. It lasted just two hours and 15 minutes.

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“To sum it all up, I walked into their national headquarters very curious, wondering: Why are you looking for me? I’m not a criminal. The criminals are in your offices and in your corridors of power.

“But anyway, here I am. Talk to me. What do you want? I came out feeling very sorry for the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If these are who you call our leaders, then I understand why the United States of America will have to come and attack terrorists on behalf of Nigerian forces. I feel sorry for us.

“But yes, a Nollywood drama played out. They pleaded with me that, please, you know, this government is very weak. And the way you’re punching, it can crash. Now listen, these are what we call paper tigers.”

Dismissing any sense of intimidation, the LP chieftain urged Nigerians not to succumb to fear, insisting that democratic accountability must not be silenced.

He added, “The wind is blowing and they’re scaring people. Do not be afraid. Trust in God and believe in yourselves. They will add up to nothing.”

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