Olasunmibo Aboluwade, Abuja

The Senate, through its Committee on Finance, late Sunday evening, asked the executive arm of government to put in place, strong measures to mitigate against negative impacts of the fuel subsidy removal on the average Nigerians.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, declared in a statement in Abuja late Sunday evening that while the red chamber supported the removal of fuel subsidy, there was the urgent need to reduce the negative impacts on innocent Nigerians.

The expected mitigating measures that should be put in place according to the Senator, includes strategic

investments in social welfare programmes, improvements in security, and support for economic growth at all levels.

The Senator made the call in a personally signed statement to clarify his support for subsidy removal and commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns .

The statement reads, “When I said, “Removing subsidy is the best thing that happened to Nigeria,” my assertion was not intended to overlook or diminish the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

“Rather, it was a statement grounded in the reality that, for years, subsidy payments have lined the pockets of a few powerful individuals at the expense of the nation.

“Hundreds of billions of naira that should have been channeled into vital

infrastructure, education, and healthcare ended up benefiting a few

privileged, depriving over 230 million Nigerians of necessary resources and opportunities.

“The removal of the subsidy is a step towards eliminating systemic

corruption and redirecting resources to where they are truly needed.

“However, I agree that it must be accompanied by strong measures to

mitigate the impact on everyday Nigerians.

“This includes strategic investments in social welfare programs, improvements in security, and support for economic growth at all levels, and that has been my focus.

“I am deeply aware of the pressing issues of insecurity affecting even my

Senatorial District for many years and other parts of the country.

“I have not and will not remain silent on these matters, and I am committed to

amplifying our voices and pushing for comprehensive strategies that address safety, economic empowerment, and equitable development”.

Olasunmibo Aboluwade , Abuja

The Senator  representing  Niger East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sani Musa, has advocated the immediate convocation of the Niger State Security Summit to address  incessant, killings of innocent farmers and miners by bandits in the state.

Musa, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, made the call while reacting to the heinous attack carried out by bandits at approximately 12 noon in Bassa, Alawa Ward of Shiroro Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

The Senator, in a statement he personally signed and made available to our correspondent in Abuja yesterday, condemned the act and urged relevant security agencies to take necessary proactive steps to secure the state.

Part of the statement read, “It is with profound sorrow and anger that I condemn the heinous attack carried out by bandits at approximately 12 noon in Bassa, Alawa Ward of Shiroro Local Government Area.

“These ruthless criminals slaughtered innocent people, many of whom were simply working on their farms or at local mining sites. 

“The heart-wrenching scenes of people fleeing into the bush, trying to escape the rain of gunfire, are deeply disturbing. 

“This bloodshed is an unacceptable and persistent tragedy in our communities. Too many lives have been lost, and too many families have been shattered by this senseless violence. 

“I stand with the people of Shiroro and all affected areas in Niger East Senatorial District. We must take immediate and decisive action to end this cycle of violence. 

“I call upon the relevant authorities to intensify efforts to secure our communities, and | urge all stakeholders to come together in finding lasting solutions to restore peace and safety to our land. 

“Enough is enough. We cannot allow these atrocities to continue. The safety and security of our people must be our utmost priority,” he said.

Olasunmibo Aboluwade, Abuja 

FLEADERS Nigeria, a female leadership project of Emerge Women Development Initiative, has demanded an unreserved apology from Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio over his sexist comments towards the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. 

Senator Akpabio had come under fire for telling Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan -a female lawmaker – that the Senate chamber was not a night club, therefore, she must be recognised before speaking during plenary. 

Responding to the matter, FLEADERS Nigeria described the remark as not only condescending and disrespectful but also perpetuated harmful gender stereotypes. 

The organisation lamented that the female legislator was subjected to unjustified bullying and total disregard, stressing that this ‘affects all Nigerian women’. 

In a statement by the Chairwoman, FLEADERS Nigeria, Bridget Obi and Executive Director, Nana Kazaure, they  demanded an unreserved apology from the Senate President, describing the remark as reckless, derogatory and unacceptable. 

“As a leader, Akpabio’s words have a profound impact on Nigerian women and girls. FLEADERS will not tolerate attempts to silence or diminish women’s voices in leadership and governance. We demand an immediate and unreserved apology from the Senate President, not only to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan but also to the women and girls of Nigeria whom he has offended.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time Akpabio has displayed disrespect towards female senators. We recall his previous condescending remarks towards Senator Ireti Kingibe during her disagreement with the FCT Minister, Wike. This behavior is unacceptable and perpetuates a culture of sexism and intimidation.

“We acknowledge the Senate President’s role in maintaining order on the Senate floor and correcting members when necessary. However, such corrections should be made respectfully and professionally, devoid of personal attacks or gender-based stereotyping.

“Akpabio’s actions contradict the spirit of the gender-related bills that FLEADERS submitted to the Constitution Review Committee, aimed at promoting gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes. We urge him to support these bills and foster a safe and inclusive environment for women in politics,” the statement reads. 

The group tasked the Senate President to lead by example by respecting the rights of all women, especially those in politics.