NEWS
Apprehension as senate fails to deliberate on Terrorists’ Threats to Abduct, Buhari, El-Rufai, lawmakers
By John Danjuma
The senate’s unusual silence over recent threats by terrorists to abduct President Muhammadu Buhari, Kaduna Governor El-Rufai and lawmakers is creating more fears Nigerians over the state of insecurity that seemed to have overwhelmed every sector of Nigeria.
Two days after terrorist who hijacked the Kaduna-bound train released a video, where they threatened to kidnap President Muhammadu Buhari and Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufai, apprehension heightened in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leading to the immediate closure of all unity schools in Abuja.
Even the federal Government was panic striken to the extent of ordering the closure of schools over the matter.
Despite the obvious the lawmakers upon their resumption on Tuesday did not give any thought to the issue
The terrorists abducted the train passengers on transit from Abuja to Kaduna on March 28, 2022 had in their latest video that had gone viral identified the Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s armed forces and President, Buhari, the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai and Senators as their next target.
The same video showed the terrorists flogging the remaining defenceless captives in their den as they passed home the disturbing message to shift their focus on Buhari and other top government functionaries including senators.
But surprisingly, the federal lawmakers in the Senate who are directly possible victims on the list with the terrorists did not deem it necessary enough to mention or deliberate on the issue even behind closed doors in an executive session as they returned to work on Tuesday.
At the senate, the lawmakers rather embarked on their routine legislative work, attending to three separate letters from President Buhari for various appointments including the confirmation and approval of the appointments of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as Substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
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Others were requests for them to confirm and approve the re-appointments of 4 Non-Executive Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria as Board members of the apex bank and the confirmation of Suleiman Afikpo as Commissioner ( South-East ), National Hajj Commission.
An attempt in the House of Representatives to initiate the discussion was countered by the stronger voices who were of the opinion that the handlers of Nigeria’s security should be allowed to do their job.
The silence of lawmakers in both chambers has further heightened the apprehension of many Nigerians who have been on the edge, wondering if the lawmakers are exhibiting signs of being overwhelmed by politics
The National Assembly had through several resolutions had severally drawn the attention of the executive arm of government to the activities of bandits and terrorists in the country, forcing Buhari to overhaul his entire security architecture.
This was as lawmakers granted Buhari express approval for the purchase of military hardwares to boost Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and other criminal acts. All of which seems to have been to no avail and now their reluctance to say a word even as the threats inch closer to their door steps.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a 5-day Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 Training in Rivers State, targeting 50 participants.
The training, being executed by Mathnebi Nig. Ltd, commenced today, March 16th and will run until Friday, March 20th.
The intensive hands-on program aims to equip participants with practical skills in project management using Oracle Primavera P6, enhancing their capabilities in the energy and construction sectors.
The NCDMB’s sponsorship of the training underscores its commitment to boosting local capacity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth through skills development.
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The training is expected to benefit participants and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s project management landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination last Wednesday.
Oyedele, 50, from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings over two decades of experience in fiscal policy and tax administration.
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He previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system, introducing zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N50 million.
During his Senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”
He replaces Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Oyedele also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, held executive programs at top global institutions including the London School of Economics and Harvard Kennedy School, and currently serves as a professor at Babcock University.
The minister’s appointment signals a continued focus on implementing the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while boosting economic growth.
Passengers were thrown into panic on Monday after a train operating along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed, leaving several passengers injured and disrupting services on the busy route.
The train, which was travelling from Kaduna to Abuja, reportedly failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the incident occurred along the rail line linking both cities.
According to passengers on board, the incident happened suddenly, sending shock through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt.
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Some passengers said they heard a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden impact caused confusion inside the train compartments, with some passengers sustaining cuts and bruises after hitting seats and metal fittings.
Initial reports suggested that the Abuja-bound train might have collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to pause temporarily while authorities assessed the situation.
A source within the Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the incident but declined to give full details, noting that he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.
One of the passengers, Sada Malumfashi, shared his experience on social media shortly after leaving the train.
He described the moment as frightening, stating that the loud sound and sudden stop caused many passengers to be flung from their seats.
He said the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly toward Kubwa, located on the outskirts of Abuja.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the development and said an official statement would be issued.
Authorities are yet to disclose the exact cause of the derailment or the full extent of injuries as investigations continue.
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