The member representing Bichi Federal Constituency and the Chairman House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Kabir Bichi, has felicitated Muslims across Nigeria and beyond on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

In a statement on Friday, Bichi noted that Eid-el-Fitr marks the end of the successful completion Ramadan, a period devoted to fasting, prayer, sacrifice and spiritual reflection.

He urged Muslim faithful to sustain the devine teachings of honesty, compassion, commitment to family values and love for one another.

The lawmaker called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious and ethnic differences, to remain committed to peace, tolerance and mutual coexistence, stressing that unity remains the bedrock for securing the nation’s future.

Bichi said, “While I congratulate Muslims across Nigeria and beyond on this auspicious occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, I admonish Nigerians, particularly Muslim faithful to use this opportunity to pray for our dear nation.

“The most essential lessons of Ramadan after completing a month-long fast are fear of Allah, love for one another, empathy and care for the less privileged in our society.”

Hon. Bichi further urged all Nigerians to pray for the Nation’s leaders, particularly His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking Allah to grant him the wisdom, strength and ability to deliver on his mandate and reposition this country in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He also expressed deep appreciation to the good people of Bichi Federal Constituency for their continued support, prayers and confidence in his leadership.

He reassured them of his unwavering commitment to effective presentation, responsive leadership and the delivery of more democratic dividends to improve their lives.

“Happy Eid-el-Fitr to all Muslim faithful. May Allah accept our ibadah. Amin.”

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday stated that the country’s collaboration with the United Kingdom in addressing insecurity remained crucial, adding that he planned to discuss Nigeria’s counter-terrorism initiatives and challenges to regional stability during his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday (today).

The President made the disclosure on Wednesday night at a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, marking the first time a Nigerian leader has addressed a gathering at the historic British royal residence.

Wednesday’s dinner which began at 09:00pm (local time) was part of activities lined up for Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom.

On security cooperation, the President disclosed that he would discuss Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability challenges during his meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability.

“In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer tomorrow (today),” Tinubu said.

The President added that the United Kingdom provided him refuge during the military dictatorship of former head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha.

He said the Metropolitan Police placed his residence under surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the military junta.

In an expression of gratitude, Tinubu described the UK’s support during what he called “the dark years of military dictatorship” as deeply humbling, noting that the solidarity remains etched in Nigeria’s collective memory.

He said, “Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has received members of the steering committee of the Nigeria Police Force, established to develop a framework for the creation of State Police.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, inaugurated the eight-member committee on March 4, 2026, with the mandate to design a workable structure for state policing in Nigeria.

Senator Barau, who chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, welcomed the delegation led by the committee’s chairman, Professor Olu Ogunsakin, during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by Ismail Mudashir, spokesperson to the Deputy Senate President, Professor Ogunsakin briefed Senator Barau on the committee’s mandate and sought the Senate’s advice and contributions to enrich its final report.

In his response, Senator Barau commended Inspector-General Disu for aligning the initiative with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening national security. He urged the committee to prioritize accountability, safeguards against abuse, and public enlightenment.

“You must, most importantly, work on a structure to create a robust public safety mechanism and engender a secure nation,” Senator Barau said. “During public hearings of the Senate on amendments to the 1999 Constitution, Nigerians raised concerns and fears about the establishment of state police. We should create a system that allays their fears.”

One of the bills before the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution seeks to amend the Constitution to allow for the establishment of State and Community Police. The proposal aims to enhance local law enforcement capabilities and strengthen community engagement through a structured legal framework.

In a statement issued by Ismail Mudashir Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on media and publicity said to ensure inclusivity, Senator Barau’s committee conducted zonal public hearings across the six geopolitical zones of the country, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to contribute to the constitutional amendment process.