National Assembly - Abia ThinkTank News

Oct

2025

Benjamin Kalu: When No: 6 Becomes An Anathema – By Ebere Uzoukwa Ph.D (SSA To Governor Otti On Public Affairs)

Columns/Opinions/Letters, Abia State, National Assembly

Benjamin Kalu: When No. 6 Becomes an Anathema By Ebere Uzoukwa, PhD In the evolving political landscape of Abia State, one figure has increasingly drawn attention not for the depth of his contributions, but for his tendency to wield political rank like a weapon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, has in recent times turned his so-called “Number 6” position on the national protocol list into a symbol of political arrogance rather than service. Instead of leveraging his influence to uplift his people, Kalu appears more preoccupied with using it…

Sep

2025

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‘Akpabio Not More A Senator Than I Am’, Natasha Declares On Resumption

National Assembly, News Flash, Politics, Senate

‘Akpabio Not More A Senator Than I Am’, Natasha Declares On Resumption The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has declared that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio is not more of a senator than she is. Addressing newsmen shortly after gaining access to her office at Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, insisting that she would not tender any apology over her suspension. The senator resumed duties on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, just hours after her office was unsealed inside the Senate Complex. “Senate President Akpabio is not more of a senator…

Sep

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Senator Natasha’s Trial Stalled, New Date Picked

Crime, Judiciary, National Assembly, News Flash

Senator Natasha’s Trial Stalled, New Date Picked The trial of suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, which was schedule to begin on Monday has been stalled due to an objection raised by the defendant. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is standing trial over cybercrime charges brought against her by the federal government before a Federal High Court in Abuja. Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, and was granted bail, following which Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned till September 22 for the commencement of trial. During proceedings…

Aug

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Senate Moves To Probe K1, Female Passenger’s Face-Off With Airlines

National Assembly, News Flash, Transportation

Senate Moves To Probe K1, Female Passenger’s Face-off With Airlines The Senate has waded into two recent high-profile incidents involving airline passengers, vowing to investigate and hold all parties accountable. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (APC, Oyo North), said on Tuesday that the probe would cover operational standards, passenger rights, and discipline in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “We will not allow procedural gaps or lapses in enforcement to undermine safety, professionalism, or public trust in our aviation system,” he said. The committee will meet with regulators, airline operators, security agencies, and public interest groups to review…

Aug

2025

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Hon. Obi Aguocha Calls For Urgent, Decisive Action From IGBO Leaders To Defend Our People

Abia State, National Assembly, News Flash

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE10th August, 2025 Hon. Obi Aguocha Calls for Urgent, Decisive Action from Igbo Leaders to Defend Our People The Honourable Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha has issued a strong call to Igbo political, cultural, and community leaders to rise in defence of Ndigbo in the face of escalating acts of discrimination and marginalisation across the country—particularly in Lagos State. Hon. Aguocha expressed grave concern over credible reports of: Street names of Igbo origin being erased and replaced with Yoruba names. Lawfully acquired and developed Igbo estates and properties being branded…

Aug

2025

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Ikenna Ukwa Congratulates Deputy Speaker On His Successful Completion Of Doctorate Degree

Education, National Assembly, Personality

IKENNA UKWA CONGRATULATES DEPUTY SPEAKER ON HIS SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF DOCTORATE DEGREE Hon Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa , the Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Nigerian Senate has joined well meaning Nigerians and the Academia to congratulate the member representing Bende Federal Constituency and the Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, RT Hon Benjamin Kalu , CFR on his successful completion of Doctorate Degree in Philosophy (Policy & Strategic Studies) at the Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. Chief (Dr) Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa , who describes the accomplishment as inspiring, said Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has demonstrated vigour and enthusiasm, resilience…

Jul

2025

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Reps Approve Tinubu’s Additional $347 Million Loan Request For 2025-2026 Borrowing Plan

FGN, Economy, National Assembly, News Flash

Reps Approve Tinubu’s Additional $347 Million Loan Request For 2025–2026 Borrowing Plan The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for an additional $347 million loan under the Federal Government’s 2025–2026 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan. This followed the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the House Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management, chaired by Abubakar Nalaraba (APC, Nasarawa), during Wednesday’s plenary session. The House gave its approval after dissolving into the Committee of Supply, where it unanimously endorsed the committee’s recommendations. Coastal highway cost adjustmentPREMIUM TIMES reported that the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen,…

Jul

2025

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Senate Approves Tinubu’s $21 Billion Loan Plan

CBN/Commercial Banking, Economy, FGN, National Assembly, News Flash

Senate Approves Tinubu’s $21 Billion Loan Plan The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for a comprehensive external borrowing plan totaling over $21 billion for the 2025–2026 fiscal years. According to the Senate, the funds are earmarked to support key national development projects across sectors such as infrastructure, security, agriculture and human capital development. During plenary on Tuesday in Abuja, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt, Senator Aliyu Wamako, presented the long-awaited report, which was first introduced on May 27, 2025. He explained that the delay in adoption was due to parliamentary recesses and challenges…

Jul

2025

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FGN Set To Clear N81 Billion N-Power Backlog – Senate

FGN, Economy, National Assembly

FG Set To Clear N81 Billion N-Power Backlog – Senate The Senate on Tuesday said the Federal Government was preparing to clear the outstanding N81bn owed as backlog of N-Power allowances in 2022 and 2023. This development followed a meeting convened by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who brokered dialogue between the Federal Government, representatives of the aggrieved N-Power beneficiaries, and their counsel, Abba Hikima. Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Barau disclosed that the discussions were fruitful and had led to an understanding that payment arrangements were already underway. “The beneficiaries came here to the…

Jul

2025

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Natasha Announces New Date To Return To Senate

Judiciary, National Assembly, News Flash, Politics

Natasha Announces New Date To Return To Senate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has informed the Senate of her decision to return to legislative duties on July 22, 2025. This follows a recent Federal High Court ruling that nullified her suspension and directed the Senate to reinstate her. The court delivered its judgment on July 4, stating that her suspension was excessive and should be set aside. However, the Senate, through the Clerk of the National Assembly, claimed the judgment was not a direct order but a suggestion. This position was communicated after Akpoti-Uduaghan earlier announced plans to resume on July 14.…