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We’ll ensure rule of law remains foundation of our democracy – Senate President
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswil Obot Akpabio, has expressed the commitment of the National Assembly to ensure that the rule of law remains the foundation of the country’s democracy.
He stated this when he delivered a keynote address at a workshop organized by the Senate Committee on Compliance, with a theme; ‘The Imperative of Legislative Compliance in Deepening Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria’, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
Represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, the Senate President appreciated the Chairman and other members of the Committee for putting the workshop together, adding that the workshop is another bit of evidence that the present Senate will ensure the rule of law remains the foundation of the country’s democracy.
He said since the establishment of the Committee in 2016, it had become the eyes of the Senate and has sought to ensure compliance with legislative resolutions with the various institutions of government to ensure compliance for democracy to thrive.
He assured of the commitments of the Senate through the Committee to ensure respect for rules of law governing the various sectors of the country to ensure well-being and development among the citizens of the nation.
“The 10th Senate is fully conscious that it carries a mandate freely given to its members in one of the fairest and freest elections ever in the country. We are conscious that to whom much is given, much is expected. So, the Tenth Senate is a mass movement that carries the desires, hopes and wishes of our people.
“Therefore, let this workshop raise awareness of the importance of the decisions and resolutions of the Senate. Let it generate confidence among and obtain support and commitment from relevant agencies, ministries and departments to emphasize the need to set up robust compliance mechanisms and systems,” he said.
He appreciated the Committee and its members for their performance in strengthening the relationship between the executive arm of government and the Senate, assuring that members of the public would appreciate more the dynamics of lawmaking and see the need for laws to be respected to have a decent society and breathe the air of democracy.
“Though this Committee was established on December 15, 2016, in the 8th Senate, it has discharged its duties responsibly and has never given the Senate any reason to regret its setting up. Past members of the Committee, starting from Senator Bukola Saraki, who was the inaugural committee, deserve our plaudits for their dedication to duties and commitment to building and deepening our democracy,” he said.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
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