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Senate Passes Bill For Life Imprisonment In Child Defilement Cases.

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The Nigerian Senate has approved a bill proposing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, marking a major shift from the current five-year jail term. The proposal, contained in the “Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” seeks to impose stiffer penalties for defilement, rape, and related offences.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, the upper chamber described the defilement of minors as a grievous crime that inflicts lasting damage on victims and must therefore attract equally severe punishment. The bill, originally passed by the House of Representatives, was transmitted to the Senate for concurrence and received unanimous approval from senators during plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while presiding over the session, stressed that defilement is even more serious than rape and should carry harsher consequences. “Any defilement of a minor in Nigeria henceforth attracts life imprisonment. Let everyone be aware,” he declared.

Lawmakers also approved a minimum 10-year jail term for rape and all forms of sexual assault involving men, women, boys, or girls, whether in a brothel or any other premises. This marks a significant expansion from the previous law, which limited the definition of rape to female victims. The amendment, influenced by Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s submission, acknowledges that men and boys can also be victims of sexual violence.

Meanwhile, the Senate has referred the clause on abortion and pregnancy termination to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further review. Lawmakers agreed that the section requires clearer definitions, especially regarding medical emergencies that may necessitate abortion to save a mother’s life. Senator Abdul Ningi cautioned that leaving the clause vague could endanger healthcare providers and patients alike.

During deliberations, a mild drama unfolded when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan sought to contribute to the abortion debate after the matter had been officially stepped down. Akpabio, however, ruled her out of order, citing Senate rules that bar reopening concluded discussions.

In a related development, the Senate is set to debate a motion today seeking an upward review of salaries and welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies. The motion, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume of Borno South, decried the “grossly inadequate” pay structure of security personnel, who earn between ₦50,000 and ₦60,000 monthly despite their hazardous duties.

Ndume argued that improved remuneration would enhance morale, discipline, and professionalism within the ranks, noting that military personnel in countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa earn far higher wages. He called on the Federal Government, Ministry of Defence, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to urgently review pay structures in line with current economic realities.

If adopted, the motion could pave the way for a periodic wage review framework for the Armed Forces and other security institutions — a move expected to boost motivation and strengthen the nation’s security apparatus.


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Fubara Declares Support For Tinubu, Promises Three Million Votes From Rivers

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to secure three million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Fubara made the commitment on Saturday during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South campaign for Tinubu’s re-election in Port Harcourt.

The governor also revealed that the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were working together in Rivers State under what he described as a rainbow coalition to ensure victory for the president.

Speaking at the event, Fubara commended Tinubu for his intervention in the political crisis that threatened his administration, saying the president’s efforts helped restore peace in the state.

According to the governor, Tinubu demonstrated statesmanship through his intervention and commitment to resolving the disagreement.

He explained that the president’s interest in Rivers State, guidance and efforts to reconcile the opposing parties enabled his administration to remain focused on fulfilling its promises to residents.

Fubara also praised Tinubu for appointing individuals from the South-South region to key positions in his government, describing the appointments as evidence of the president’s recognition of the region and its people.

The governor subsequently urged Rivers residents to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, assuring the president that the state was committed to delivering the promised three million votes in January 2027.

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Social Media Fame Won’t Give You Election Victory – Eniola Badmus Warns Politicians

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Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has declared her support for President Bola Tinubu, praising his administration for introducing reforms she believes are already having a positive impact on Nigerians.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The actress made this known during an interview with media personality Daddy Freeze, where she argued that some Nigerians deliberately refuse to acknowledge the president’s achievements, particularly when his administration is discussed.

Badmus highlighted the government’s tax reforms and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as examples of initiatives she believes have benefited citizens.

She also commended Tinubu’s efforts in the education sector, insisting that his administration deserves recognition for its achievements.

The actress further disclosed that she was actively campaigning for the president and would vote for him in the next election.

Expressing confidence in Tinubu’s chances, Badmus argued that social media popularity does not necessarily translate into electoral success, stressing that grassroots support remains crucial to winning elections.

According to her, Tinubu enjoys significant support among voters at the grassroots level.

She said: “Tinubu has done a lot for Nigeria. Some Nigerians don’t like the truth, especially when it concerns President Tinubu. He has introduced so many good reforms that Nigerians are now benefiting from, including the tax reforms and NELFUND. Tinubu has done well in the education sector and should be applauded for that.

“That’s why I’m campaigning and voting for him, and he will win. Some people think elections are won on social media. Being popular on social media does not guarantee that you will win an election. The grassroots are the key, and Tinubu has them.”

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‘I Cannot Remain In Darkness’ – Okowa Dumps Opposition, Declares Support For Tinubu

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Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has announced his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Okowa made his position known on Saturday while speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The former governor, who served as the running mate to former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 election, explained that his political stance had changed after assessing the direction of the country under Tinubu’s administration.

He acknowledged that he supported a different presidential ticket during the last election but said developments under the current government had convinced him to back Tinubu for another four years.

According to Okowa, the President has demonstrated genuine commitment to Nigeria through his policies, despite the difficult decisions and challenges associated with his administration.

Speaking at the rally, the former governor said:

“I was in another ticket in 2023 but I have now seen the light. I have seen what Tinubu is doing. I have seen where Nigeria is going. I cannot stay in darkness when there is light.

“According to him, Tinubu has shown that he means well for Nigeria. He admitted that while the President has taken hard decisions, those decisions are beginning to yield results.

“I am not here to deceive anybody. I have been in opposition before. I know what it is to be in opposition. But when you see the truth, you must follow the truth.”

Okowa’s declaration marks a shift from his political alignment during the 2023 presidential election, when he contested alongside Atiku under the PDP.

His endorsement also comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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