Author: Gabby

Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi has offered a robust defense of the recent amendments to the Senate’s standing orders, clarifying that the primary objective is to safeguard institutional knowledge and foster stability within the upper legislative chamber.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, the lawmaker dismissed allegations that the revised rules were meant to single out any individual. Instead, he emphasized that the changes mirror the evolving character of the legislature itself.

According to Nwebonyi, the Senate under Godswill Akpabio’s leadership bears little resemblance to its predecessors from 1964 or 1999. He argued that contemporary parliamentary realities demand legislators who possess up-to-date experience in national affairs.

“The amendments were not designed to target a particular person,” Nwebonyi stated. “Our goal is to preserve institutional memory and guarantee continuity. Experience is critical because the Senate of today is not the Senate of 1964 or 1999. We need someone familiar with recent political developments in the parliament to steer the Senate as its President or Deputy President. That is the sole rationale behind the change.”

As reported by DAILY POST, the Senate adopted the amendment on Tuesday through a voice vote presided over by Akpabio. The new rule restricts eligibility for presiding and principal offices to senators who have completed no fewer than two consecutive terms. Only current members of the 10th Senate who secure re-election to the 11th Senate in 2027 will qualify for top leadership contests.

This development unfolds against a backdrop of speculation that former governors and ex-senators—including Hope Uzodimma, Ifeanyi Okowa, and Ovie Omo-Agege—may be plotting a return to the Senate ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially with leadership ambitions.

A Gusau Magistrate Court in Zamfara State has mandated the state police commissioner to probe a criminal complaint lodged by a former lawmaker, Yusuf Alhasan Kanoma, against Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, an aide to the governor. The allegations include defamation, death threats, and inciting public disorder.

During the hearing, Magistrate Murtala Abdullahi issued the order, referring the case to law enforcement for a comprehensive inquiry.

The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulaziz Sani (SAN), represented by the Director of Litigation, argued for transferring the case to the Ministry of Justice, citing Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution. However, the complainant’s lawyer, Barrister Surajo Garba Gusau, objected, stating that such a move was unsuitable given the circumstances.

Gusau alleged that the defendant had avoided service and mobilized thugs to impede court officials from delivering summons at his home. He insisted that the Attorney-General should facilitate justice rather than attempt to assume control of the case.

While acknowledging the Attorney-General’s constitutional authority, the counsel emphasized that those powers must be exercised lawfully, particularly in light of the severity of the allegations.

The court has now ordered a police investigation, and further proceedings will be determined based on the outcome.

The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has unveiled plans to introduce a paid parking system on designated roadways across the state, with the rollout scheduled to commence before the end of 2026. This initiative aims to address the persistent issue of disorderly roadside parking that has long contributed to traffic congestion in the bustling commercial hub of Africa.

Adebisi Adelabu, the general manager of LASPA, made the announcement during a meeting with Akeem Dauda, the chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, along with other council officials. The details were later confirmed through a statement released by Dunkwu Divine, the agency’s Head of Public Affairs.

Under the new On-Street Parking Scheme, a pilot phase will first be implemented in select local government areas, including Ikeja. Adelabu highlighted that the program is designed to bring better organization to parking, enhance traffic circulation, and create job opportunities for local residents. She stated, “This scheme will not only improve parking management but also help decongest our roads and provide employment, especially for those living in the pilot areas.”

The LASPA chief clarified that the authority over parking operations had previously rested with local governments but was transferred to LASPA following a decision by the Conference of the 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas. She noted that local councils would receive benefits in proportion to their level of cooperation and urged them to actively facilitate the scheme’s launch. Adelabu also emphasized the agency’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders and incorporating their input to ensure the program’s success.

In response, Chairman Dauda expressed support for the initiative and pledged the council’s cooperation. He called for robust public awareness campaigns to prepare residents adequately before the system begins.

The state government envisions the paid parking plan as a key component of broader efforts to alleviate traffic snarls and eliminate haphazard parking, particularly in commercial zones like Ikeja, Lagos Island, Surulere, and Apapa. Unregulated parking in these areas has frequently narrowed lanes, disrupted traffic flow, and hampered economic activities. With this new policy, LASPA hopes to restore order and improve mobility across Lagos.