Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed concern over the growing lack of confidence Nigerians have in their lawmakers, attributing it to poor performance.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume highlighted that, in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, only 25 out of the 109 senators from the previous Assembly returned to the upper chamber.

“This means we have lost the confidence of the people,” he said.

“Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to return, except for a few who sought governorship positions,” Ndume emphasised the need to protect the integrity of the legislature, stressing that when lawmakers fail to meet public expectations, it amounts to a breach of trust.

Ndume also commented on a recent uproar in the Senate concerning President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.

Tensions flared on Wednesday when Ndume objected to the presence of Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), in the Senate, as his briefing was not listed on the agenda.

Ndume, citing Senate rules, argued that visitors should not be allowed to address the chamber without prior notice. “That is why I raised the matter. If not, why not?” he questioned, labelling the incident an “ambush.”

The senator’s remarks come amid growing calls for greater accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s legislature, as public dissatisfaction with lawmakers continues to mount.

The Owo Local Government chairmanship aspirant on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC Amb. Obanoyen Abiola Sikiru has launched seven point agenda aimed to restore hope’s of residents in the council area, if elected .

The aspirant popularly known as Adidas Datiwa, made the declaration during his tour of the wards that constitutes the local government area.

Obanoyen, who said he’s the best candidate to fly the flag of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the January 18th, 2025 LG polls in the state have assured party leaders in the area that his manifesto tagged “Back to Basic would restore good governance and sustain the embolden thoughts of Owo fathers.

He pointed out that , the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the financial autonomy of Local Governments is pivotal beyond the autonomy , noting that , the recent judicial development comes with the huge task to deliver real and lasting changes in the lives of Owo people.

He said “My agenda, *BACK TO BASICS*, is a 7-theme Policy Blueprint designed to restore local governance and ensure that our government works for everyone of our people in Owo and those in Diaspora”.

“the corner stone of our agenda covers economic empowerment and development, strengthening local Industries, vocational trainings to equip women and youth with the essential vocational skills to foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

“ we are in critical need for , what I term Diaspora Engagement to partner with the diaspora community to secure funding for vocational training and MSME financing, particularly in the area of agriculture.

“ it is time we pursue modern farming techniques to boost food security in Owo , so also public and private investments in Infrastructural developments,”

Obanoyen stressed on the need to prioritize the maintenance of rural roads to improve access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, adding that , Owo under his administration, if given the peoples mandate would Install new and maintain existing solar streetlights .

He said the agenda would pursue the provision and maintenance of drainage systems, upgrade public facilities upgrades with the construction of modernize markets, abattoirs , and motor parks to stimulate economic activities.

He added that “there would be introduced an digitalized revenue systems to streamline revenue collection, to ensure transparency and reduce leakages.

According to him, Owo local government under his stewardship would launch an official local government website to facilitate access to E-Governance for civil records, the registration of births, deaths, and marriages to simplify processes for citizens to curb issues related to the delays been experienced .

“We will provide enhanced healthcare services: through Improve health centers, with a focus on maternal and child health, and increase vaccination outreach programs with collaborative medical partnerships with the diaspora and faith-based organizations to provide medical interventions and healthcare outreach.

“this noble agenda will promote improved education and literacy through improved school infrastructure, refurbishing of dilapidated schools in rural areas, improving learning environments and encouraging higher enrollment rates.” Obanoyen said.

Adding that community safety initiatives , peaceful coexistence would serve as his watch words as the council boss through working closely with community leaders and security agencies .

He reassured APC party leaders, members and the entire citizens of Owo that, he is committed towards impacting on the development history of the area, pledging that he would be restless towards pursuing the implementation of his manifesto for the betterment of Owo kingdom.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) in Bauchi has announced an indefinite strike action to demand improved working conditions from the university management.

Comrade Awwal Hussain Nuhu, the Chairperson of ASUU’s SAZU branch, made the announcement following an emergency congress held at the university’s Yuli Campus. Nuhu expressed frustration with the administration’s lack of response to multiple attempts to address the union’s concerns through dialogue.

“Despite several efforts to engage the university’s leadership and the government, we have seen no commitment to resolving the issues,” Nuhu said. He explained that a motion was raised during the congress for the union to proceed with a total and indefinite strike, which was unanimously supported.

The strike officially commenced at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024. Nuhu directed all union members to fully comply with the strike directive, making it clear that no academic activities, including teaching, grading, meetings, or accreditation processes, would take place during the strike.

He further emphasized that the strike would remain indefinite until their demands for better working conditions are addressed.