••Lawmakers Defend 10th Assembly, Criticize Cleric’s “Sweeping Generalizations” on Rivers State Emergency and Performance
By John Audu

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ABUJA – The Senate has issued a firm rejoinder to Pastor Tunde Bakare, urging the prominent cleric to refrain from directing his frustrations towards the 10th National Assembly. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, released a statement responding to what he termed Bakare’s recent “sweeping generalizations and disparaging commentary” aimed at the legislative body.
While acknowledging the right of all citizens to express their views, Senator Adaramodu stated that the Senate felt compelled to respond when such commentary devolves into “unwarranted invective and misleading assertions” that could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
“Pastor Bakare, a cleric and political voice in his own right, has previously contributed to national discourse in ways that have spurred reflection and debate,” Senator Adaramodu noted. “However, his most recent statements veer away from constructive criticism into rhetoric, unfortunately laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.”
The Senate spokesperson further highlighted Bakare’s past political aspirations, noting his candidacy in previous elections. “We view his corrosive criticisms of the National Assembly as a biased and political ecumenical homily,” Senator Adaramodu asserted, suggesting a political motivation behind the cleric’s remarks. “His position as a political leader influences the context of his statements, which are not only reflections of personal views but also carry significant political implications.”
The Senate also pointed out Bakare’s legal background, emphasizing his awareness of constitutional boundaries regarding public commentary, particularly on matters currently before a court. “The National Assembly cannot and will not be drawn into responding to issues that are already before a court of competent jurisdiction out of respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary,” the statement clarified.
Addressing the issue of checks and balances, Senator Adaramodu cautioned against equating “performative hostility” with effective legislative oversight. He cited instances where the National Assembly has constructively disagreed with the Executive, including specific aspects of the presidential declaration on the Rivers State state of emergency, which Bakare had referenced. “These examples reflect our commitment to constitutionalism and fidelity to the Nigerian people — not posturing for effect,” he stated.
The Senate also drew a contrast with past administrations, noting that the current executive has not presented any “unconstitutional agenda” to the 10th Assembly, unlike the “unspeakable but infamous Third Term agenda” of a previous era, which Bakare had used as a performance benchmark.
“To cast aspersions on the entire institution based on personal frustrations, ideological differences, or as positioning ahead of possible future political alignments is not only unfair but also counterproductive to our collective democratic journey,” Senator Adaramodu emphasized. He called for dialogue grounded in “truth, mutual respect, and a commitment to nation-building,” rather than “polarizing rhetoric.”
The Senate concluded by expressing its openness to engaging with all Nigerians, including Pastor Bakare, in a spirit of constructive dialogue, urging public figures to temper their criticisms with facts and national responsibility. “Our democracy, though imperfect, is best nurtured through thoughtful contributions that inspire reform, not resentment,” the statement affirmed.

••Miyetti Allah Decries Being Left Out of Governor’s Stakeholders’ Dialogue Amidst Insecurity

The Fulani community in Plateau State has voiced its strong disapproval over being excluded from a crucial security stakeholders meeting convened by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Monday. The meeting, held at the State Government House, aimed to foster collaboration between politicians, heads of security agencies, and traditional and community leaders to address the escalating attacks and killings in the state.
However, the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), led by its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf-Babayo, issued a statement expressing their deep concern over the omission. MACBAN stated that they had expected the government to be inclusive of all stakeholders in its efforts to find lasting peace.
“We believe that the government, being a mother to all, should carry everyone along. It’s in this spirit that we find it unfair that critical stakeholders from other groups were present, while all relevant Fulani leaders and stakeholders in the state, including our organization, were overlooked and not invited to participate,” the herder group asserted.
Mr. Babayo emphasized that as key stakeholders, the Fulani community’s involvement would have been invaluable, providing an opportunity for their perspectives and concerns to be heard by government officials, security chiefs, and other participants.
“We are unaware of the reasons behind our exclusion and hope the government will consider engaging with the Fulani community in future meetings, ensuring inclusivity and fairness,” the MACBAN chairman concluded.

A shocking confrontation at the heart of Bauchi’s royal festivities has ignited a political firestorm, leaving the state reeling. Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau reportedly slapped Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, amidst the grandeur of the Emir’s Palace on Friday. The incident unfolded during the turbaning ceremony of former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, an event meant to celebrate tradition and unity, which also coincided with the wedding of Abubakar’s daughter, Khadija Mohammed.
The high-profile gathering, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, was abruptly disrupted by the altercation. Eyewitness accounts suggest the clash stemmed from heated words exchanged between the Deputy Governor and the Minister. Sources claim Tuggar’s alleged critical remarks about the current Bala Mohammed administration triggered a swift and physical response from Jatau.
“The Deputy Governor was visibly furious,” recounted one attendee, “It was a moment of utter disbelief. Without the Vice President’s intervention, the situation could have spiraled into complete chaos.”
This incident has thrown into sharp relief the simmering political tensions between Minister Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed. Tuggar, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been a vocal critic of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi. Speculation is rife that Tuggar’s political maneuvering is geared towards a potential governorship bid in the 2027 elections, adding another layer of complexity to the already charged atmosphere.
The silence from both the Bauchi State Government and the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has only fueled the controversy. The opposition APC in Bauchi has also remained tight-lipped, leaving many to speculate on the potential ramifications of this unprecedented incident. The incident leaves many wondering how this outburst will affect the political climate in Bauchi, and what the long term effects will be.

This comes after Wike questioned the sincerity of the coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, led by Atiku, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of being a traitor working to undermine the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and harm Nigerians’ interests.
This comes after Wike questioned the sincerity of the coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, led by Atiku, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai.
Wike had claimed that those seeking a coalition are driven by selfish interests, particularly the ambition to become president.
“Everybody wants to become president of the country. Nobody wants to say, ‘Look, let me build our party so that at the end of the day our party will be in a formidable position as an opposition party to take over power,’” Wike made the statement on Friday on a TVC programme, as monitored by SaharaReporters.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, responded, stating that Wike lacks moral authority due to his alleged betrayal of the PDP.
Atiku emphasised that the coalition involves genuine Nigerians committed to ending the APC’s governance style.
“Wike is not in a position to talk about sincerity. This is a man who betrayed his party, a man working with the APC to destroy and undermine his own party and the interests of Nigerians. So, what does he know about sincerity? Nothing.”
“If he wants to speak on sincerity, let him talk to his principal, Tinubu, an absentee President running government from the Presidential Villa’s WhatsApp group. Wike should be sincere to President Tinubu to return home and do his job.
“Wike is not in a position to talk to anybody. Wike is working against his own state where he was once governor. He is trying to ensure he has absolute control of the government in Rivers, working in cahoots with Abuja to get the governor suspended. It is unfortunate that they just open their filthy mouths and speak on things they know nothing about.
“As for the coalition, the sincere Nigerians are determined to end the reckless, irresponsible, clueless APC government. Nigerians want to reclaim their country. The coalition presents Nigerians with a vehicle. Atiku Abubakar and others who are involved in it are just tools to an end. This is about Nigeria.”
CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh, on his part described Wike as someone who shouldn’t be taken seriously, accusing him of serving APC interests and working against Nigerians’ interests.
Ahmeh said, “Wike is doing the APC’s bidding. He wants to discredit the coalition because it seeks to democratically r