By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Senate has announced plans to hold an executive briefing on the December 25 United States air strikes on terrorist targets in Sokoto State, following complaints by lawmakers that the National Assembly was excluded from discussions preceding the operation.
Raising the issue under Order 42 (Matters of Privilege), Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) said the strikes amounted to a violation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and should have been subjected to legislative oversight.
“It is not right. If we begin to dilly-dally, it becomes a problem. The security agencies should brief the leadership of the National Assembly on what actually happened. This is a violation of our territorial integrity,” Ningi said.
He warned that allowing the executive arm to approve foreign military operations without legislative involvement could set a dangerous precedent.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed that arrangements had already been made to brief senators in a closed session.
“This is a security matter, and we really should not discuss it in the open. We wanted to do it behind closed doors yesterday, but because of Senator Akwashiki, we couldn’t. Your point of order is noted, and arrangements will be made to brief senators in a closed session,” Akpabio said.
The U.S Africa Command had earlier confirmed that the air strikes, carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities, targeted camps linked to the Islamic State group and resulted in the death of several fighters.
*Akpabio warns senators on certified tax laws copies
In a related development, Akpabio also moved to stem rising controversy over alleged alterations to Nigeria’s newly passed tax laws, directing all senators to rely only on certified copies issued by the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly.
He warned lawmakers to disregard any versions of the Tax Reform Act not officially certified.
“Only copies obtained from the Clerk’s office accurately reflect what was passed by both chambers and assented to by the President. Any other version is not valid,” Akpabio said.
His intervention follows claims that sections of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025, were modified after legislative approval.
An ad hoc committee set up by the House of Representatives Minority Caucus reported that three versions of the law were in circulation. However, the House leadership rejected the report, describing the committee as procedurally flawed.
House spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi, said, “Only the Speaker or the plenary has the authority to constitute committees. Caucus-led inquiries are informal and non-binding.”
*Electoral Act repeal bill deferred
Meanwhile, the Senate has deferred consideration of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, resolving to reconvene in an executive session before taking a final decision.
The decision followed debate on the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, held in the absence of its chairman, Senator Simon Lalong.
Akpabio stressed the need for scrutiny of the bill.
“This is a significant bill, especially as it is election time. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all, so that we do not end up at the tribunal,” he said.
Lawmakers agreed to step down debate to allow for further study, with consideration expected to resume later in the week.
