The leaders of both the Senate and the House of Representatives have openly declared their full support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term, asserting that the country is currently on a trajectory of growth and progress.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who initiated the motion on Thursday during the APC National Summit at the State House banquet hall in Abuja, acknowledged that the 2023 election presented considerable challenges for President Tinubu.

Akpabio, joined by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, among others, expressed optimism regarding the future.

He predicted that Tinubu would secure even more states in the 2027 elections, stating that he perceives a “clear shift in momentum” in the President’s favor.

He stated, “If this President has done well, isn’t it our responsibility to say so? And if he hasn’t done well, isn’t it also our duty to serve him a notice of impeachment?”

“We are not giving him a notice of impeachment. We are giving him a notice that it was difficult for him in 2023. But in 2027, I see everything turning around. I see things changing. The number of states that are coming to join you is growing.”

“As I was leaving today, a senator grabbed my dress and said, please take me there. I told him, “You can’t come now. And he is a Labour Party senator, I won’t mention his name.”

“But just imagine, he is a Labour Party senator, pleading to be brought in. This reflects the political sagacity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” These quotes capture Akpabio’s direct address and anecdotes.

Akpabio remarked that despite significant challenges, President Tinubu is actively working to reposition Nigeria.

He continued, “Despite very difficult times, he has managed to set Nigeria on a path to growth, confirmed by the international community and by the International Monitoring Forum.”

“It is evident that Nigerians, especially those at the grassroots, are very enthusiastic. Even members of the National Assembly and senators have said they’ve never had it this good.”

“I hereby move, and let it be moved that not only should President Bola Ahmed Tinubu be the sole presidential candidate of the APC in 2027, but he should also be the unanimous choice of the Nigerian people.” These quotes highlight the perceived progress and popular sentiment.

The Senate President asserted that with opposition parties, particularly the PDP, currently “in disarray,” President Tinubu should be re-elected in 2027 as the sole candidate.

“All other political parties are in disarray. I went to my state and saw the PDP’s umbrella,it had over 100 holes. Very soon, you will hear the news, though it’s not my place to announce it. But I know the National Chairman has already hinted at it, everything (political structure) in the South-South has collapsed in your favor.”

“This reflects what is happening across the nation. Nigerians are saying that because you have handled a difficult job successfully, it’s time we reward you by returning you to the Presidency for a second term.”

“Therefore, as the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I move that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu return, first, as the APC’s sole presidential candidate, and secondly, as Nigeria’s next President in 2027.” These quotes further emphasize the disarray of the opposition and the call for Tinubu’s re-election.

Akpabio’s stance received full support from other National Assembly leaders, with no dissenting voices.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company has announced another N15 reduction in the price of its high-quality Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The company announced this reduction in petrol prices in a statement released to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos State.

According to the firm, with this new reduction, Nigerians will now purchase the product at the following prices: N875 per liter in Lagos; N885 per liter in the South West; N895 per liter in the North West and North Central; and N905 per liter in the South East, South South, and North East.

These prices will be applicable across all of its partners, including MRS, AP (Ardova), Heyden, Optima Energy, Techno Oil, and Hyde.

The refinery urged other marketers to join its expanding network of partners. By doing so, they would be demonstrating their support for President Bola Tinubu’s “Nigeria First policy,” which advocates for the prioritization of locally produced goods and services.

Since it began operations, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently implemented strategies to reduce costs. These efforts are aimed at delivering tangible savings to Nigerians.

In February 2025, the company implemented two price reductions on petrol, resulting in a total decrease of N125 per liter.

This was followed by an additional reduction of approximately N45 per liter in April.

Furthermore, the prices of other key products, such as diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), have been significantly lowered. This has improved affordability across the transportation, industrial, and domestic energy sectors.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently reassured Nigerians of price stability, even amidst fluctuations in global crude oil prices. This reaffirms its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economy.

It stated: “By refining petroleum products domestically at the world’s largest single-train refinery, we are proud to make a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s energy security, foreign exchange savings, and overall economic resilience—aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on addressing the nation’s economic challenges and improving the well-being of Nigerians.” This highlights the refinery’s significant economic impact.

“We are immensely grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for making this possible through the commendable Naira-for-Crude Initiative, which has enabled us to consistently reduce the price of petroleum products for the benefit of all Nigerians.” This expresses gratitude for the government’s role in facilitating the price reductions.

Dangote Refinery further assured the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand. Additionally, it noted there would be a surplus for export, which will help enhance the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

President Bola Tinubu has requested that the national assembly approve N1.481 trillion as the 2025 budget for Rivers State.

Tinubu’s request was read by Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker of the house of representatives, during plenary on Thursday.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also read the letter on the floor of the red chamber.

In the budget’s breakdown, Tinubu indicated that N324 billion is proposed for infrastructure, N166 billion for the health sector, N75.6 billion for education, and N31.4 billion for agriculture.

The president asked the house to consider and pass the appropriation bill expeditiously.

On April 3, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, stated that the state would soon have a new 2025 budget.

Ibas mentioned that the budget would prioritize education, healthcare, social services, and infrastructural development.

• Recall

On March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. He cited a “protracted political crisis” and “torching of oil installations” as reasons.

Tinubu also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the state’s governor; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly “for an initial period of six months.”

Ibas, an ex-naval chief, was subsequently appointed as the sole administrator for Rivers. Following his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders who had been appointed by Fubara.

Several stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have criticized Ibas for his handling of the state’s affairs.

There have also been protests in the state demanding the reinstatement of Fubara.

On April 15, Abbas inaugurated a 21-member committee to ensure transparent governance and the rule of law in the state.

A day after the committee was formed, the lawmakers invited the Rivers sole administrator to appear before them on April 17.

Ibas, who was expected to brief the lawmakers on governance in the state, requested a rescheduling, and the meeting was moved to April 24.

However, the sole administrator failed to honor the invitation.

When he finally appeared before the committee on April 25, he appealed for more time to prepare for the briefing, stating that the political situation in Rivers is “complex.”

Earlier this month, Abbas announced that the national assembly would constitute a committee to facilitate the restoration of democratic rule in the state.

• The Rivers’ Budget Crisis

The budget crisis in Rivers State dates back to 2023, when the state’s house of assembly became polarized into two factions.

In December 2023, Fubara presented an N800 billion budget estimate for 2024 to a five-member house of assembly led by Edison Ehie.

Barely 24 hours later, the Rivers governor signed the 2024 appropriation bill into law.

In January 2024, a federal high court in Abuja “voided and set aside” the presentation and passage of the 2024 budget.

The court also prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the accountant-general of the federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State.

James Omotoso, the presiding judge, had ordered Fubara to re-present the budget to the “legally” constituted house of assembly.

In October 2024, a court of appeal in Abuja affirmed the judgment of the federal high court.

The judgment of the federal high court was upheld by the supreme court on February 28.

In January 2025, Fubara mirrored the 2023 incident by presenting an N1.18 trillion 2025 appropriation bill to just four members of the house of assembly. He signed the bill into law within 72 hours.