Senate Clears Bamidele, Adaramodu Over Commercial Bus Preaching Bill

The Senate has denied reports linking the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, to the controversial proposal seeking penalties for preaching, hawking and trading inside commercial vehicles.

Reacting to the growing public backlash over the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, 2026, Adaramodu clarified that neither he nor Bamidele sponsored or introduced the legislation.

The controversy followed the Senate’s consideration of the amendment bill, which retains a provision prescribing a ₦50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The provision has attracted criticism from religious groups, civil society organisations, opposition parties and many Nigerians, who argue that it is insensitive amid the country’s economic challenges and rising unemployment.

However, the Senate maintained that the provision is not a new attempt to ban religious preaching or evangelism in public transport. According to the upper chamber, the clause has existed in the FRSC Act since 2007 and was merely retained in the amendment bill.

The Senate also clarified that the bill originated from the House of Representatives and was not sponsored by Senator Bamidele.

Adaramodu urged Nigerians not to assume that every debate or proposal in the National Assembly automatically becomes law. He explained that after a bill is considered by the Committee of the Whole, it may be adopted or rejected.

If adopted, the bill is forwarded to the other chamber of the National Assembly for concurrence, where it undergoes another round of legislative scrutiny. Any differences between both chambers are resolved by a joint conference committee before the harmonised version is transmitted to the executive.

He added that the bill is subsequently reviewed by the Federal Ministry of Justice and other relevant agencies before being presented to the President for assent.

According to the senator, only after completing all constitutional and legislative procedures can any bill become law.

Adaramodu also dismissed claims circulating on social media that he and Bamidele were responsible for the controversial provision, describing the reports as false and misleading.

Falana Urges FG to Sanction South African Firms Over Xenophobic Attacks

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to impose economic sanctions on South African companies operating in Nigeria in response to recurring xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and the destruction of their businesses in South Africa.

Speaking with journalists in Ekiti on Saturday, Falana argued that diplomatic protests alone have failed to produce meaningful action from the South African government. He urged Nigeria to apply the principle of reciprocity in its response.

The senior advocate also questioned the effectiveness of taking the matter before the African Union, saying such efforts may only result in resolutions without concrete enforcement.

According to Falana, if Nigerians continue to be attacked and their businesses destroyed in South Africa, Nigeria has a responsibility to respond by taking appropriate measures against South African businesses operating within its borders, particularly where viable alternatives exist.

2027 Candidate nomination portal access codes to be released June 26, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that access codes that will allow political parties to begin uploading candidates’ details for the 2027 general elections through its nomination portal will be released June 26, 2026.

The Commission’s Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, made the announcement in Abuja on Tuesday, during a quarterly meeting with leaders of registered political parties.

According to him, the step follows the completion of party primaries on May 30, 2026, adding that the access codes will be issued to authorised national officers of each political party, who will be responsible for uploading nominees’ biodata and other required information into the system.

Amupitan cautioned that the process must be taken seriously. He therefore urged parties to ensure their ICT personnel are fully prepared ahead of the exercise, as deadlines would be strictly followed.

Protesters storm National Assembly over level of Insecurity

Nigerians staged a protest in Abuja, calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to address the worsening insecurity across the country.

The protesters, operating under the banner ‘Nigerians Unite Against Terror’, on Tuesday, marched peacefully from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to the National Assembly, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs as they demanded stronger action against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.

The convener of the protest, Isah Abubakar, while addressing journalists at the National Assembly complex, stated that bandits do not care about party or faith.

He emphasized that the government’s first duty is to protect its people, but lasting security will require everyone’s involvement.

Abubakar, therefore, called on service chiefs and lawmakers to act with urgency and sincerity, and urged citizens to join with the government in restoring peace and security across the country.

Witness Says Emefiele’s Case Suspects Confessed to Fraud

The 14th prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that some suspects confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23m from the apex bank.

Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama Division of the court on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of $6,230,000.

The money was said to be meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused the former CBN governor of conferring corrupt advantages on two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Senate begins screening of Tinubu’s ministerial nominee

The Senate on Thursday commenced the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, marking the latest step in the administration’s efforts to strengthen its cabinet.

The minister-designate was ushered into the chamber at exactly 12:32 pm, where he appeared before lawmakers in plenary for the constitutionally mandated exercise.

As of press time, senators had begun questioning the nominee on his qualifications, policy direction, and readiness to manage the critical housing portfolio.

The screening follows a formal request transmitted to the upper chamber by the President on Wednesday, seeking Darma’s confirmation as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who read the communication from Tinubu during plenary, subsequently referred it to the Committee of the Whole for consideration, directing that the panel report back as soon as practicable.

Cross River dismisses report of new COVID-19 cases

The Cross River Government has dismissed reports alleging 10 new COVID-19 symptomatic cases, describing the claim as misleading and inaccurate, while reaffirming that only one confirmed case exists in the state.

The rebuttal followed publications claiming the state had identified additional persons showing COVID-19 symptoms, raising concerns among residents about a possible resurgence of infections across communities.

Dr Henry Ayuk, the Commissioner for Health, earlier confirmed a COVID-19 case involving a Chinese national working in the state, who was currently receiving treatment and responding well.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Calabar, Ayuk clarified that as of April 23, 2026, Cross River had only one confirmed COVID-19 case and no new confirmed or suspected cases recorded.

He explained that the 10 individuals referenced in the report were contacts traced from the single confirmed case, noting that contact tracing remained a standard public health response to contain potential spread.

According to him, the individuals are not symptomatic and do not meet the criteria for suspected cases, adding that they are currently under home isolation and monitored daily by health officials.

Ayuk emphasised that the isolation measure was purely precautionary and should not be interpreted as evidence of new infections, reiterating that the state had not recorded any additional COVID-19 cases.

Tinubu ministers gripped by fear after cabinet sackings

President Bola Tinubu’s ministers appear gripped by fear following the recent sacking of some of their colleagues.

Recall that the President relieved the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, and the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, of their positions on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, complaints had earlier emerged in some quarters that some cabinet members add no value to the administration.

It was also alleged that some political appointees lack the pedigree to translate President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda into reality across their ministries, departments, and agencies.

A minister, who visited the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, jokingly told journalists that there is an earthquake going on and everyone is in panic mode now.”

US mission reaffirms deep-rooted ties with Nigeria

The United States Mission has reaffirmed its strong partnership with Nigeria, highlighting deep cooperation across security, trade, health, education, and cultural exchange.

In a statement on the mission’s X handle on Monday, the mission said both countries continue to share enduring ties that support mutual prosperity and development.

The statement underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration between both countries in addressing regional and global challenges, particularly in areas such as security cooperation and economic development.

It noted that the relationship between both nations extends beyond government-to-government engagement, reflecting strong links between citizens, institutions, and private sector actors.

The Mission added that these partnerships continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening stability, expanding economic opportunities, and improving social outcomes in both countries.

Environmental Officials Visit Ogun School Over Suspected Chemical Leak

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, alongside the general manager of the State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Kehinde Bello, on Tuesday visited Our Lady of Apostle Primary School in Ijebu-Ode following a suspected chemical leak in the area.

Last week Wednesday, a strange chemical smell was perceived in the school premises, shortly after the assembly session making it difficult for many students and staff to breathe.

This resulted to the admission of 30 students and two teachers at the State General Hospital, Ijebu Ode.

Reacting to the incident, Governor Dapo Abiodun ordered the immediate closure and full investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Tuesday’s visit was part of the state government response to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents within the affected environment.

During the inspection, Kehinde Bello also visited a neighbouring school, Sacred Heart Catholic College, to evaluate the impact of the incident and reassure the school authorities of the government’s swift intervention.