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Senators Yar’Adua, Kelvin Chukwu, Ifeanyi Uba, others pay oversight visit to COAS Lagbaja
The senate committee on Army Wednesday, paid a familiarization visit to the Army Headquarters Abuja.
Senator Abdul Aziz Yar’Adua who is the senate committee chairman on Army led other members of the committee on the visit.
They were received by the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
It was an interactive session aimed at establishing a working relationship between the Army and the legislature.
Distinguished Senator Kelvin Chukwu representing, Enugu, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Anambra south, Senator Tony Nwoye, Anambra north and other members of the committee were present during the visit.
While speaking, the Senate, represented by the committee members, assured the Nigerian Army (NA) of total support in surmounting security challenges plaguing the country.
Senator Yar’Adua appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian Army in diligently performing its statutory roles as mandated by the constitution. The Senator advocated for cooperation between the legislative body and the Nigerian Army to perform its legislative oversight functions in bringing about legislative reforms that will enhance NA’s efforts in effectively actualizing its constitutional responsibilities of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and guaranteeing security in the country.
The legislators, who were briefed on the operational and administrative activities of the NA, admitted that the Nigerian Army is confronted with daunting security challenges and pledged to provide necessary support in ensuring that troops’ welfare is catered for adequately. He added, that this will motivate the troops to perform optimally.
A statement on the visit, issued by Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, has it that the Senate Chairman presented the draft legislative agenda for the NA to the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, noting that the committee will give priority to the quest for the NA to acquire requisite enablers to enhance its operational efficiency.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff , appreciated the committee for their critical role in promoting effective functioning of the NA.
The COAS stated that the NA appreciates the importance of the oversight function of the legislature, pointing out, that this has guided the NA, as it strives to execute its constitutional roles.
The Army Chief averred that the NA being the representative of the people from various constituencies across the country, cherish the feedback from the Senate, which has helped in redefining ongoing operations of the NA.
General Lagbaja expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for the support the NA has so far received, since the inauguration of the National assembly.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of proposed legislative agenda to the COAS by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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