Michael UDOH
The Nigerian Senate reconvened on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, following a one-month recess to mark both Eid el-Fitr and Easter celebrations.
Senators returned to a newly digitized chamber, featuring mini monitors and upgraded microphones at each seat—a move toward enhancing legislative efficiency and modernizing plenary proceedings.
In his welcome address, Senate President Godswill Akpabio charged lawmakers to recommit themselves to tackling the pressing national issues that have intensified during the recess. He highlighted the economic strain, energy sector instability, and ongoing security challenges as key areas needing immediate attention.
“Our people look to us, not for rhetoric, but for rescue,” he said. “The time to act is now, and we must complement the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in delivering real solutions.”
Akpabio lamented the persistent insecurity in the South-East and North-West, the clashes between farmers and herders in the North-Central, and the unresolved issues of environmental justice in the South-South.
One of the major actions taken during the resumed plenary was the constitution of a 19-member ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State, following President Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in the region.
The committee, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), and co-chaired by Senate Minority Whip Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central), has been mandated to oversee developments in Rivers State, including monitoring the activities of the caretaker administration and ensuring adherence to constitutional processes.
Beyond legal oversight, the committee will also pursue reconciliation among political stakeholders in Rivers and contribute to broader peace-building efforts aimed at preserving national unity.
