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Senate Committee Backs Trump’s Former Lawyer for US Attorney General

August 4, 2026 by admin

President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, moved a step closer to becoming the United States’ top law enforcement official on Tuesday after a Senate committee approved his nomination to lead the Justice Department. The 12-10 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee was along party lines and came after two Republican senators dropped their opposition to Blanche’s nomination. Blanche’s Senate confirmation had been held up by concerns from senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis over a $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of politically motivated prosecution and a tax audit immunity deal with the Republican president. Blanche issued a written order over the weekend scrapping the so-called “anti-weaponization fund” and said the audit immunity agreement with Trump, his two eldest sons and the Trump Organization would only apply “retroactively” to past tax years and not future filings. The full Senate, where Republicans hold a majority, is expected to vote later this week to confirm Blanche as attorney general. He has been serving as acting attorney general since Trump fired Pam Bondi in April. Senate Democrats have been united in their opposition to Blanche amid concerns he has treated the Department of Justice as an extension of the Republican president’s legal team. “Todd Blanche has no business serving as our nation’s chief law enforcement officer,” Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said before Tuesday’s vote. “The attorney general is supposed to be the people’s lawyer,” Durbin said. “Mr Blanche continues to operate as the president’s personal lawyer, treating the Justice Department like a law firm serving one client — the president.” – ‘Retribution’ campaign – Vice President JD Vance, in a post on X following the committee vote, said Blanche “will continue to serve the American people and the Trump Administration loyally, and he will make a great Attorney General.” Blanche has been closely tied to what Democrats have dubbed a “retribution” campaign by the president against his perceived political enemies and he helped negotiate the extraordinary legal settlement between Trump and the government he controls. The out-of-court settlement stems from Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) over the illegal disclosure of his tax records by an agency contractor. It proposed immunity from audits for past tax years and a $1.776 billion fund for people who say they were unfairly targeted by the Department of Justice, potentially including Trump supporters convicted over the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. Federal judges have separately blocked the fund and condemned the tax settlement, which according to US press reports could help the president avoid past liabilities of up to $100 million. Blanche has also come in for criticism from victims of Jeffrey Epstein over his handling of the release of investigative files about the convicted sex offender, a one-time close friend of Trump. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Blanche represented Trump in his New York trial over alleged “hush money” paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. He was also on the legal defense team in two federal cases brought against Trump by special counsel Jack Smith — for allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House and for seeking to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Both cases were dropped after Trump won the 2024 presidential election. AFP

Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Troops in Benin

December 9, 2025 by admin

The Senate has given its approval for President Bola Tinubu’s request to send Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of efforts to help restore calm and stability after last weekend’s attempted military takeover. The endorsement was announced on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, following a review of the president’s letter in the Committee of the Whole, in accordance with Section 5, Part II of the Constitution, Channels reports. Lawmakers voted unanimously to support the deployment, effectively granting parliamentary authorisation for the regional security mission. Akpabio hailed the resolution as timely, stressing that unrest in any neighbouring country could easily destabilise the wider region. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” he stated. He added that Nigeria has an obligation to stand with its partners under the Economic Community of West African States framework. The Senate is expected to immediately forward its formal approval to Tinubu. Tinubu, in his letter to the upper chamber, had requested permission for the deployment, noting that Nigeria bears a historic responsibility to assist Benin under existing ECOWAS security arrangements. He warned that the situation requires “urgent external intervention” to prevent further deterioration. The attempted coup in Benin occurred on Sunday when a faction of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” appeared on national television to declare that they had resolved that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”. The move was swiftly contained, as Benin’s loyal military forces pushed back and reclaimed control. “The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure. It’s just a matter of time before everything returns to normal. The clean-up is progressing well,” sources close to Talon said. Following the failed takeover, ECOWAS announced plans to deploy its standby force. “After consultation among members of the Mediation and Security Council at the level of Heads of State and Government, the Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect,” the bloc stated. “The Regional Force shall be made up of troops from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and the Republic of Ghana. “The Force shall support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin”

JUST IN: Senate Confirms Bernard Doro as Minister

October 30, 2025 by admin

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr Bernard Doro as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Doro’s screening, which lasted less than 30 minutes, saw lawmakers express confidence in his experience and leadership capacity. The Plateau-born technocrat, who becomes the third minister from his state in the current administration, pledged to promote fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s humanitarian interventions. “I will create a humanitarian ecosystem that is inclusive, guided by impartiality and independence,” Doro assured senators during the session. Satisfied with his credentials and vision, the lawmakers asked him to take a bow and leave, confirming his nomination without objection. Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate requesting Doro’s confirmation in line with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter at plenary and referred it to the Committee of the Whole for immediate action. Doro’s nomination came after the elevation of his predecessor, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who now serves as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had earlier described Doro as a highly qualified professional with over 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, and strategic leadership roles in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Doro holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA in IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice. “He is an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with NHS frontline experience across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices, and hospital settings,” Onanuga noted. With Thursday’s confirmation, Doro is expected to be sworn in as a member of the Federal Executive Council at the next meeting.

Senate Hails Tinubu Over Nigeria’s Exit From FATF Grey List

October 28, 2025 by admin

The Senate on Tuesday lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, and other key institutions for their roles in securing Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force Grey List, described as a major victory for the nation’s financial integrity and global reputation. The motion was sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende under matters of urgent public importance pursuant to Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended). Moving the motion, Udende said Nigeria’s delisting by FATF reflects the country’s remarkable progress in addressing strategic deficiencies in its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework and demonstrates its strong commitment to global financial integrity standards. He recalled that Nigeria’s previous inclusion on the FATF Grey List had subjected the country to “heightened international monitoring, scrutiny, and reputational risks, which adversely affected investor confidence and limited access to global financial markets.” The senator credited the development to “the successful implementation of extensive reforms and policy measures by the Executive Arm of Government, the National Assembly, and several regulatory and enforcement agencies.” In its resolution, the Senate recognised “the invaluable leadership and contributions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Senate, the NFIU, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other relevant stakeholders whose coordinated actions culminated in this significant national achievement.” Lawmakers expressed delight that the delisting has boosted investor confidence and reassured the international community of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and global financial standards. “The delisting has boosted investor confidence and reassured the international community of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and global financial standards. “Nigeria’s financial and regulatory systems have regained international credibility and compliance with FATF recommendations, enhancing the country’s reputation as a safe and attractive destination for foreign investment,” the motion noted. The Senate further observed that Nigerian financial institutions previously burdened by “additional scrutiny, high compliance costs, and delayed transactions” now enjoy smoother, faster, and more cost-efficient cross-border operations, improving trade facilitation and remittance inflows. The motion also highlighted the long-term benefits of Nigeria’s delisting, including “transformative impacts on the economy through sustained foreign direct investment across key sectors such as energy, technology, agriculture, and manufacturing,” as well as a stronger naira, greater regulatory stability, and job creation. Adopting the motion, the Senate resolved to commend the President and urged relevant financial and enforcement agencies to consolidate the gains by maintaining continuous compliance with international standards to prevent relapse. The lawmakers also mandated the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes to sustain legislative oversight and policy reviews to further strengthen Nigeria’s financial governance. Nigeria was first placed on the FATF Grey List in 2021 following concerns about weaknesses in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime. The country’s removal from the FATF Grey List was officially announced at the FATF October 2025 Plenary in Paris, France. The decision followed the country’s successful implementation of a 19-point action plan aimed at strengthening its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework. The global watchdog for financial crimes had in February 2023 placed Nigeria on its grey list after identifying strategic deficiencies in its AML/CFT systems. Over the past two years, Nigeria has worked closely with the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa and the FATF to address the gaps through sweeping legislative and institutional reforms.

BREAKING: Senate Screens INEC Chairman-Designate Amupitan

October 16, 2025 by admin

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, is currently appearing before the Senate for his screening and confirmation. Amupitan, who arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier and exchanged pleasantries with Senators, was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries. At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise. Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow strangers into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South). Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence. Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, after vetting and fingerprinting. According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him. The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, he was cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the Police. The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials. President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who resigned from his position. The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law. His appointment has, however, generated mixed reactions from civil society groups and political stakeholders, with some calling for reforms that will strengthen the independence and transparency of the electoral body. The screening session is expected to focus on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process. If confirmed by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

Reps Reject US Senate’s ‘Genocide Against Christians’ Claim

October 8, 2025 by admin

The Nigerian House of Representatives has rejected a narrative by the US Senate describing the country’s security challenges as a ‘genocide against Christians’ or state-sponsored persecution. The move comes after US lawmaker Riley Moore urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take immediate diplomatic action over what he described as the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria, which he called the deadliest place in the world for followers of the faith. In Moore’s October 6 statement, the lawmaker called for Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and for the suspension of arms sales until the Nigerian government demonstrates a “tangible commitment” to ending the violence. In a motion presented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and supported by all members of the House, lawmakers dismissed the narrative and directed the relevant committees to, within 21 days, collaborate with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C., and security agencies to file a formal diplomatic protest against the sponsors of the resolution. Aired on Wednesday on the National Assembly TV, Nigeria, Kalu said the motion, titled “Need for a Coordinated Diplomatic and Domestic Response to the Proposed Nigerian Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (U.S. Senate Bill 2747),” was necessary to counter “the mischaracterisation of Nigeria’s security and religious freedom landscape.” “The House rejects outrightly narratives that frame Nigeria’s security crisis as a singularly religious conflict or a state-sponsored persecution,” he added. “Our Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and bars the adoption of a state religion. Successive administrations, security agencies, and faith leaders have undertaken measures to protect all worshippers and prosecute offenders.’ The Deputy Speaker explained that the U.S. Senate Bill 2747, introduced on September 9, 2025, seeks to compel the U.S. Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and impose sanctions on Nigerian officials under the Global Magnitsky framework. Kalu warned that such a move, based on “incomplete or decontextualised assessments,” could misrepresent facts, strain diplomatic relations, and embolden violent actors. “Insecurity in Nigeria is complex and multi-causal. It is driven by insurgency, criminal banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, separatist violence, and communal disputes that affect citizens of all faiths. International reporting attributes a significant share of fatalities to terrorist groups and criminal gangs, rather than to state policy or any single religious dynamic,” he said. He emphasised that Nigeria remains committed to protecting religious freedom and upholding human rights, noting that both Christian and Muslim communities have suffered from violence. “We condemn all forms of violence and persecution against any person or group on the basis of religion or belief and commiserate with all victims, irrespective of faith,” Kalu said. The House, while reaffirming Nigeria’s “longstanding partnership with the United States as an ally,” stressed that the country’s sovereignty must be respected. He said, “We are mindful of Nigeria’s longstanding partnership with the United States, especially on counterterrorism, human rights, democratic governance, and interfaith dialogue. However, external legislative actions that misrepresent our situation risk undermining that partnership.” To address the issue, the House mandated its committee on Foreign Affairs, National Security and Intelligence, Information, and National Orientation to coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C., and other relevant agencies to submit a formal diplomatic protest to the sponsors of the U.S. bill within 21 days. It also urged engagement with U.S. legislators to establish a joint Nigeria-U.S. fact-finding mechanism on religious freedom, involving faith leaders and independent experts, and to invite the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to a hearing before the House. Furthermore, the House directed the National Human Rights Commission, Police, and Department of State Services to submit, within 30 days, a consolidated report on investigations and prosecutions related to religion-linked violence since 2023 to confirm that “there is no state-sponsored persecution based on religion.” The resolution will be transmitted to the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Congress, the State Department, the African Union, and ECOWAS.

Natasha Returns to Senate, Occupies Seat That Sparked Her Suspension

October 7, 2025 by admin

ABUJA – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central on Tuesday made a calm return to plenary, resuming duties and occupying the same seat that triggered her suspension earlier in the year. The senator entered the red chamber around 12 noon, shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio took over the session from his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, who had presided since about 11:15 a.m. Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan proceeded directly to her assigned seat in the minority section—right side of the sixth row in the seven-row section—without hesitation. Clad in an elegant white outfit with a matching head tie and dark sunglasses, she was warmly received by colleagues including Senators Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Ogoshi Onawo (PDP, Nasarawa), Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East), and Samaila Dahuwa (PDP, Bauchi North), who greeted her with handshakes. As of the time of filing this report, the senator had yet to make any contributions to the ongoing deliberations. Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 for six months following the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The committee accused her of defying the chamber’s seating arrangement and exhibiting alleged misconduct during the February 20 plenary session, when she protested the reassignment of her seat—an action that disrupted proceedings. Following the suspension, the Senate withdrew her security aides, locked her office, halted her salary and allowances, and barred her from entering the National Assembly complex. Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was eventually reopened on September 23 by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, allowing her to resume official duties later that day. Although she has now completed her six-month suspension, the matter remains pending before the court.

FG Set To Clear N81bn N-Power Backlog — Senate

July 22, 2025 by admin

The Senate on Tuesday said the Federal Government was preparing to clear the outstanding N81bn owed as backlog of N-Power allowances in 2022 and 2023. This development followed a meeting convened by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who brokered dialogue between the Federal Government, representatives of the aggrieved N-Power beneficiaries, and their counsel, Abba Hikima. Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Barau disclosed that the discussions were fruitful and had led to an understanding that payment arrangements were already underway. “The beneficiaries came here to the Senate to seek my intervention. I called the minister, and he responded positively. “We held a very fruitful discussion that assured the beneficiaries that the government is actively making preparations to settle the backlog,” he said. “Having seen the clear commitment of the government, they have agreed to suspend legal action. “This is a responsive government under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and no one will be denied what is rightfully theirs,” Barau added. Echoing the Senate’s position, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, explained that the debt arose from unpaid allowances captured in the 2022 and 2023 budgets but rolled over without being funded. “We acknowledge that we owe them. These arrears were part of the 2022 and 2023 recurrent budgets, but there was no provision for them in the 2024 and 2025 budgets. “We approached the service-wide vote and got an approval late last year. Now, we’re working to activate the payment in the current fiscal year. As a responsible government, we will resolve this before the year ends,” he assured. Hikima, who represented the N-Power beneficiaries, confirmed that litigation was being suspended due to the assurances given during the Senate-brokered meeting. “The government owes my clients about N81 billion. The minister has assured us that once the 2025 budget implementation kicks off, payments will commence. “We appreciate the Senate Deputy President and other government officials for stepping in,” Hikima said. Chairman of the N-Power beneficiaries, Kehinde James, thanked Barau and the ministers involved for their intervention and commitment to settling the long-standing arrears. The N-Power programme, a flagship social intervention initiative, has faced delays and funding gaps in recent years, sparking protests and legal threats from unpaid participants. Punch

“We’re Tired Of Killings”- Senate Declares••• Reiterates Commitment To National Security Summit•••To Join Tinubu On Visit To Benue

June 17, 2025 by admin

ABUJA – The Senate on Tuesday declared that it was tired of the continued senseless killings in parts of the country, particularly in Benue State. Spokesman of the Red Chamber, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, briefing newsmen at the National Assembly, said the House was “tired of the killings and mournings. The time to act is now. Security is local and locals must be part of the solution.” “About the tragic incident in Benue: it was very unfortunate. We sympathize with the victims and families affected. “The Senate, in collaboration with the executive, will visit Benue tomorrow with a delegation of Senators to commiserate.” He urged for collective and concrete action to stem the tide of killings across the country. Adaramodu said, “More importantly, we are organizing a national security summit, not just for the military, but for CSOs, media, women, youth, and other critical stakeholders because enough is enough. We cannot keep going from Plateau to Benue, paying condolence visits. “We are tired of the killings and mornings. The time has come to act. Security is local, and locals must be part of the solution. “With Mr. President’s support, the Senate and the House have appropriated adequate funds to support the military and security agencies. Together with traditional rulers and communities, we must put a stop to this bloodshed. “We are tired of the killings and mournings. “We cannot keep going from Plateau to Benue, paying condolence visits. The time has come to act.” “To this end, the Senate announced plans to convene a National Security Summit, a multi-stakeholder gathering that will bring together not only military and law enforcement agencies but also civil society organisations, the media, women, youth groups, traditional rulers, and local communities. Security is local, and locals must be part of the solution. With Mr. President’s support, the Senate and the House have appropriated adequate funds to support the military and security agencies.” He also revealed that the Senators would join President Bola Tinubu’s entourage, Wednesday, to the state for an on the spot assessment of the situation. Tinubu had abandoned a scheduled visit to Kaduna for an urgent touchdown to Benue. Recall, the latest massacre happened on June 12 where over 200 people were said to have been killed, and settlements sacked. Senator Adaramodu further added “Together with traditional rulers and communities we must put a stop to this bloodshed.” On the planned security summit, the Senate Spokesman said the summit will be an opportunity to clinically diagnose the root causes of insecurity in the country, and to forge better approaches to addressing the problem. According to him, the summit will not be another “talk shop.” “When we hold the national security summit, we hope to uncover hidden problems and find lasting solutions to the killings of innocent Nigerians,” says Adaramodu.

Senate Endorces N124.2bn Police Trust Fund Budget To Boost Security

May 28, 2025 by admin

The Senate has approved a budget of N124.2bn for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for the 2024 fiscal year. The approval followed the presentation and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs during Wednesday’s plenary. Presenting the report, Vice Chairman of the committee, Senator Yunus Akintunde (APC-Oyo State), disclosed that the committee upheld the proposed figure, allocating N1.2bn for personnel costs and N98.6 billion for capital projects. According to Akintunde, the budget aims to bolster police operations nationwide by training personnel, renovating and constructing police stations, and upgrading critical infrastructure. It also includes funding for barracks and clinic renovations, as well as the procurement of compressed natural gas vehicles to improve police mobility and promote energy sustainability. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, expressed confidence that the budget would significantly boost national security. He emphasized the need for diligent oversight by the Police Affairs Committee to ensure full accountability in the fund’s execution. “The expenditures from the Police Trust Fund should directly enhance security across the country. “The committee must ensure proper oversight so that every Kobo appropriated is used effectively for the benefit of the police and the Nigerian people,” Akpabio said. The Nigeria Police Trust Fund was created to provide supplementary financing for the Nigeria Police Force’s training, welfare, and operational needs, with the goal of strengthening law enforcement and public safety across the country. Punch