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Articles by Hamza Rufai
‘There Is No Shaking’, Atiku Says ADC Court Judgment Is Designed To Weaken Party
PRESIDENTIAL candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has condemned Thursday’s court judgment removing Senator David Mark’s leadership of the party, describing it as a calculated attempt to weaken the ADC and frustrate his presidential candidacy.
Tinubu Replaces $21.5bn External Loan Request With Fresh $7.7bn Borrowing Plan
PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to halt the processing of his October 26 request for a $20.52 billion and €1.045 billion loan, replacing it with a fresh external borrowing plan of $7.7 billion to partly finance the 2026 budget deficit. News Point Nigeria reports that the latest development was contained in an October 29 letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Wednesday.
Reps Throw ALTON Officials Out Of Hearing, Threaten Telecom CEOs With Arrest Over Poor Network
THE House of Representatives on Wednesday ordered representatives of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) out of its hearing on poor network quality, warning that further unauthorised appearances could attract detention.
Senate Proposes Six-Month Jail Term, N300,000 Fine For Hospitals Rejecting Emergency Patients
THE Senate is considering a bill seeking a six-month jail term or a fine of up to N300,000 for hospitals and healthcare providers that violate proposed emergency treatment standards. News Point Nigeria reports that the bill also seeks to compel public and private hospitals to assess emergency patients within 15 minutes of arrival, commence initial stabilisation within 30 minutes and complete referrals to other facilities within three hours where necessary.
State Police: Senate Gives Kano, Sokoto, Four Other States November 15 Deadline To Respond
THE Senate has given the six state Houses of Assembly yet to approve the proposed establishment of state police until November 15 to communicate their positions, warning that failure to respond by the deadline would be treated as withholding their approval. News Point Nigeria reports that the decision followed an update by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during plenary on Wednesday, indicating that 30 of the 36 state assemblies had approved the proposed constitutional amendment.
State Police: National Assembly Set To Transmit Bill To Tinubu After 28 States’ Approval
THE National Assembly is set to transmit the proposed State Police Bill to President Bola Tinubu for assent after completing the authentication of approvals secured from 28 state Houses of Assembly. News Point Nigeria reports that the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, confirming that the number of state legislatures that had approved the proposed constitutional amendment exceeded the constitutionally required threshold of 24 states.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ningi Clash Over Agricultural Revolution Bill
THE Senate on Tuesday stepped down debate on the Agricultural Revolution Bill, 2026, sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, following disagreements among lawmakers over the scope of the proposed legislation and access to copies of the bill.
Reps Summon CBN Governor Over Alleged Breach Of Unpaid Pension Benefits
THE House of Representatives has resolved to invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, to explain alleged breaches of pension agreements and the non-payment of benefits to retired employees of the apex bank.
Senate Rejects Revival Of Nigeria Air, Demands Direct Flight To China
THE Senate has rejected calls for the revival of Nigeria Air, while urging the Federal Government to renegotiate and enforce Nigeria’s Bilateral Air Services Agreement with China to allow Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to the Asian country. The lawmakers said the existing aviation arrangement needs to be reviewed to address the imbalance in flight operations between both countries and ensure that Nigerian carriers enjoy reciprocal access to China directly.
30 States Have Endorsed Constitutional Amendment For State Police – Akpabio
PRESIDENT of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has disclosed that about 30 state Houses of Assembly had endorsed the proposed constitution amendment to establish state police. He spoke when members of Arewa Revival Project, a northern youth organisation with membership across the 19 northern states, visited him at his office in Abuja on Wednesday.
Wike’s Son Accuses Businessman, Lawyer Of False Claims In $2.1m Abuja Land Dispute
About Us Bilwerks Media Limited are publishers of News Point Nigeria, which was founded on 12th, December 2022. The medium is geared towards being the voice for the voiceless. Contact Info 25a Efab Estate, Life Camp, Abuja newspointnigeria@yahoo.com 07046700007,08061596940
Reps To Ban Landlords From Demanding More Than One Year’s Rent
THE House of Representatives is considering a bill seeking to prohibit landlords, property managers and estate agents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from demanding more than 12 months’ rent as a condition for granting or renewing a tenancy.
9.5bn Litres: Senate Summons NMDPRA, NNPC, NEITI Chiefs Over Suspicious Petrol Import Figures
THE Senate has rejected records of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) importation presented by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for 2022 and 2023 over wide disparities between the figures and those presented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
Reps Give MTN, Airtel, Glo Seven Days To Explain Poor Network Services
THE House of Representatives has given MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, Mafab Communications and other telecommunications operators seven days to explain the persistent poor quality of network services across the country, warning that their chief executives could face arrest summons if they fail to appear.
National Assembly Demands Mandatory Ebola Screening At Airports, Seaports, Land Borders
THE National Assembly has called for mandatory health screening of all passengers arriving in Nigeria through international airports, seaports and designated land borders to prevent the importation of Ebola and other contagious diseases. The development comes amid concerns over the spread of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola and follows the Federal Government’s confirmation of a case of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria on Tuesday.
Senate Confirms Ex-Sport Minister, Sani Ndanusa As Ambassador-Designate
THE Senate has confirmed the nomination of Sani Ndanusa for appointment as a non-career ambassador/high commissioner-designate. News Point Nigeria reports that the confirmation followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs during plenary on Tuesday.
Reps Summon Finance Minister, Accountant-General Over ₦75bn UBEC Debt
THE House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has summoned the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, over an outstanding debt of ₦75 billion owed to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
After Corps Member’s Death, Senate Probes Healthcare Gaps In NYSC Camps Nationwide
THE Senate on Thursday ordered an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Etimbuk Daniel, at the Enugu State orientation camp, as well as the state of medical facilities and emergency response services in NYSC camps nationwide. News Point Nigeria reports that the probe is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death and determine whether any lapses occurred in the provision of medical care at the camp.
‘No Vacancy In Senate Presidency’, Senators Rally Behind Akpabio
THE Senate on Thursday unanimously resolved that there is no vacancy in the office of the Senate President, currently occupied by Senator Godswill Akpabio, amid what lawmakers described as political attacks targeting the leadership of the upper chamber.
How Neighbours Discovered Senator Bello Mandiya’s Body After Three Days In Abuja, Ningi Tells Senate
SENATOR Abdul Ningi has recounted how his colleague, former Senator Bello Mandiya, reportedly died after slipping in his bathroom and hitting his head, with his body discovered about 72 hours later in his Abuja residence. News Point Nigeria reports that Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District, said neighbours discovered Mandiya’s lifeless body after a foul smell began emanating from his apartment, raising concerns among residents over his prolonged absence.
Tinubu’s Second Term Will Be Unity Government, Says Senate President
SENATE President Godswill Akpabio has said the composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign council indicates that President Bola Tinubu’s second term, if he wins the 2027 election, will take the form of a unity government. News Point Nigeria reports that Akpabio made the statement while reacting to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s comments on the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, which includes some members of opposition parties.
‘If You Attempt Suicide, Make Sure You Die’, Akpabio Opposes Bill To Scrap Jail Term
THE Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide rehabilitation for survivors, despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who insists that the act should remain punishable by imprisonment.
Ondo Crash: Senate, Reps Demand Aircraft Audit, Probe Into Air Force Maintenance Funding
THE Senate has resolved to investigate budgetary provisions for the maintenance of Nigerian Air Force aircraft following the crash of an aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which reportedly claimed 25 lives, raising fresh concerns about military aviation safety, ageing aircraft and funding for regular maintenance.
Reps Summon DMO, TCN Over Irregular N54.57tn Borrowing, N446.7bn Debt
THE House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee will question senior officials of the Debt Management Office (DMO) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Monday and Tuesday over queries raised in the 2024 Auditor-General for the Federation’s report.
Court Strikes Out Evidence Of Kyari Defence Witness Over Repeated Absence
A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has struck out the evidence of John Nwonke, the second defence witness in the trial of Abba Kyari, the suspended former head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and four other officers over alleged drug trafficking. Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, dismissed Nwonke’s evidence on Wednesday after the witness failed to appear in court despite an earlier warning that his testimony would be struck out if he was absent.
₦100bn Audit Query: Again, FCT Council Chairmen Shun Reps’ Invitation
THE six area council chairmen in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have again failed to appear before the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to answer questions over alleged financial infractions contained in audit reports involving about ₦100 billion. The chairmen had requested September 22, 2026, as the date for their appearance before the committee but failed to attend or send representatives.
Reps Direct INEC To Disqualify 2027 Candidates Not Listed In Party Registers
THE House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify candidates whose names are not contained in the membership registers of their respective political parties.
Reps Probe HyPREP Over N400bn Audit Queries, Demand Answers On Ogoni Clean-Up Fund
THE House of Representatives on Monday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Programme Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HyPREP) to appear before the Public Accounts Committee of the House and explain allegations of mismanagement of over N400 billion contained in the 2021 and 2024 audit reports from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (oAuGF).
Yahaya Bello Predicts Landslide Victory For Tinubu, APC In Kogi In 2027
FORMER Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 presidential election in Kogi State by a landslide. News Point Nigeria reports that Bello, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Kogi Central Senatorial District, also expressed confidence in the continued support of the people of the district for the APC and its leadership.
Fire Guts Abuja Furniture Market, Destroys Millions Of Naira Worth Of Property
TRADERS at the Kugbo Furniture Market in Abuja were left counting their losses on Friday after a fire destroyed several shops and goods estimated at more than N500 million. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Friday, ravaged part of the market where traders deal in wood, foam, boards and furniture accessories.
‘My Heart Was Never There’, Senate President Denies Ever Belonging To PDP
SENATE President Godswill Akpabio has denied ever being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, despite his previous political positions and elective offices on the platform of the party. News Point Nigeria reports that Akpabio made the claim during Tuesday’s plenary while responding to a motion seeking to honour the late former governor of Kogi State, Ibrahim Idris.
Reps Extend 2025 Capital Budget Deadline Again, Set New Date For December 31
THE House of Representatives has once again extended the implementation period for the capital aspect of the 2025 Appropriation Act from September 30, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
North Will Be Biggest Loser If Tinubu Fails To Secure 2027 Mandate – APC Chairman
THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that the North would be the ultimate loser if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu failed to secure a fresh mandate in the 2027 general elections. The APC National Chairman made the remarks on Monday while receiving some members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who defected to the ruling party.
Why Nigeria’s Economy Falls Short Of Development Needs – Budget Minister Bagudu
THE Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, says Nigeria’s economy remains too small to meet the country’s development needs. The minister stated this on Monday at the National Assembly, noting that without the right economic choices, the nation’s economy would continue to fall short of citizens’ expectations.
Nigeria Is Open For Business Despite Negative Social Media Stories – Shettima
VICE President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly those living in the United States, that Nigeria remains open for business despite negative stories about the country circulating on social media.
‘I’m Not Acting President’, Akpabio Says Tinubu Still Running Nigeria From Abroad
SENATE President Godswill Akpabio has declared that there is no vacancy in the Presidency, insisting that President Bola Tinubu remains in charge of Nigeria despite his continued absence from the country. News Point Nigeria reports that Akpabio made the declaration on Tuesday in Akwa Ibom State while dismissing concerns over Tinubu’s continued stay in Europe and the simultaneous absence of the President and Vice President Kashim Shettima from Nigeria.
How I Rejected N250m To Back Obasanjo’s Third Term In 2006 – Farouk Aliyu
FORMER Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouq Aliyu, has claimed that he rejected N250 million allegedly offered to him to support the third-term agenda of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. News Point Nigeria reports that Aliyu also said the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the time, Aminu Masari, rejected N400 million allegedly offered to him to support the bid.
Police Repatriate Chinese Fugitive Wanted Since 2021 Over Alleged Rosewood Smuggling
THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has repatriated Zhang Shijie, a Chinese fugitive wanted in China over the alleged smuggling of about 1,400 tonnes of endangered African rosewood. News Point Nigeria reports that Zhang was arrested by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, on September 10, 2026, in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
FG, States, LGs Share ₦2.338trn August Federation Account Revenue
THE Federal Government, states and Local Government Councils have shared ₦2.338 trillion from the August 2026 Federation Account revenue. News Point Nigeria reports that the revenue was shared at the September meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), held in Abuja. The ₦2.338 trillion distributable revenue comprised ₦1.565 trillion in statutory revenue and ₦773.233 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT).
National Assembly Transmits 1999 Constitution Alteration Bill To 36 State Assemblies
THE National Assembly has formally advanced the ongoing constitutional review process by transmitting the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for their review and approval.
₦1,470/L Petrol: ADC Accuses Tinubu Of Pushing Nigerians To ‘Limits Of Human Endurance’
THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening economic hardship in the country, following the rise in petrol prices to as much as ₦1,470 per litre.
2027: Dasuki, Manu Soro, Agbedi, Others Exit House As 98 Reps Miss Return Tickets
ABOUT 98 serving members of the House of Representatives will not return to the Green Chamber in 2027 after failing to secure tickets to contest their seats or opting to seek higher elective offices. News Point Nigeria reports that a state-by-state analysis showed that about 262 serving members secured return tickets either on their current parties’ platforms or after defecting to other parties.
Court Adjourns Suit Seeking To Stop David Mark-Led ADC Leadership To Sept 28
THE Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned till September 28 a suit seeking to stop the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from parading themselves as leaders of the party. News Point Nigeria reports that the suit, filed by an aggrieved ADC member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, was fixed for the hearing of all pending applications before Justice Peter Lifu. However, the matter could not proceed as the judge did not sit.
Speaker Abbas Demands Tougher Action Against Drug Traffickers, More Support For Addicts
THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for tougher action against drug traffickers and increased support for people struggling with drug dependence, warning that drug abuse poses a serious threat to society. “We must punish those who profit from drugs. We must also treat those who have become trapped by them. The dealer needs the law. The dependent person needs care,” Abbas said, News Point Nigeria reports. He added: “The government is present. The law is active.
National Assembly Suspends Engagements With South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks
THE National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and resolved to boycott legislative activities hosted or organised by the Southern African country until further notice, in response to continuing reports of xenophobic attacks and hostility against Nigerians and other African nationals.
‘You Will Suffer If Tinubu Loses’, Akpabio Denies Viral Anti-North Statement, Writes DSS
THE President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has denied making a purported anti-North statement allegedly warning Northerners that they would “suffer” if President Bola Tinubu loses the election.
Reps Probes NNPCL, 146 Other Oil Companies Over ₦432bn NMDPRA Debt
THE House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has opened an investigation into outstanding regulatory debts owed to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and oil companies, with liabilities under review put at ₦432.07 billion.
Sycophants, Not Cabal, Undermined Buhari’s Administration – Daura
LAWAL Daura, former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), has said the late former President Muhammadu Buhari was surrounded by sycophants who betrayed the trust he placed in them and took advantage of his administration. News Point Nigeria reports that Daura, who is also the vice-presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, aired on Monday.
NDC Debunks Claim Of No Governorship Candidates In 12 States, Lists 2027 Flagbearers
THE Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports that it is without governorship candidates in 12 states, describing the claim as false propaganda intended to undermine the party’s growing political influence. News Point Nigeria reports that the party said it has duly nominated candidates for governorship elections in all 28 states where the polls will be held in 2027.
Reps Dissolve All Ad Hoc Committees, Order Immediate End To Activities
THE House of Representatives has dissolved all its Ad Hoc Committees with immediate effect, directing members of the affected committees to cease all activities being carried out in their names. News Point Nigeria reports that the directive followed the expiration of deadlines given to the temporary committees to conclude their assignments and submit their reports in line with the Rules and established practice of the House. The dissolution took effect from Friday, August 28, 2026.
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