•Nigerian Senate and Tinubu
The Senate yesterday resumed plenary from the Christmas and New Year recess with a promise to intensify work on pending legislation and other matters of national importance.
In his opening remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio highlighted the need for urgent legislative interventions to address rising insecurity and hunger across the country, reports Daily Independent.
He commended ongoing military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, while expressing condolences to families who have lost loved ones to insecurity
Akpabio warned that worsening food shortages demand immediate attention, referencing projections that millions of Nigerians could face severe hunger in 2026 if proactive steps are not taken.
He also urged politicians to be guided by conscience as the country gradually moves into the campaign season ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the plenary, the Senate President read three communications from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The first was the transmission of the Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen the capacity of the appellate court.
The proposed amendment includes an increase in the number of justices from 70 to 110, clarification of judicial structure and seniority, and the establishment of an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre within the Court of Appeal to handle matters that may be settled out of court.
In another correspondence, the president requested Senate confirmation of the appointment of Honourable Justice Oyewole Olubunmi Kayode as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The third communication conveyed the president’s request for the Senate’s consideration of 24 health sector bills aimed at reforming existing health laws, including efforts to streamline what was described as an over-bloated membership of governing councils in the sector.
Lawmakers also observed a minute’s silence in honour of former Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who represented Nasarawa North.
The Senate subsequently adjourned plenary to Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (today).
