AKPABIO URGES SECURITY AGENCIES TO INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO RESCUE CAPTIVES
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians held captive by terrorists and other armed groups across the country.
Akpabio made the call while welcoming senators back from recess. He also sympathised with families who lost loved ones in recent attacks.
He condemned the abductions at Mariga and Dutsen-Kura Mosque in Niger State, as well as attacks in Plateau State and other parts of the country.
The Senate President said the National Assembly could not consider itself free while Nigerians remained in captivity. He pledged that the Senate would use its legislative, appropriation and oversight powers to support security agencies in protecting lives and property.
On the economy, Akpabio urged senators to focus on policies that address the daily challenges faced by Nigerians, particularly the rising cost of living, insecurity and the impact of flooding.
Meanwhile, the Senate has passed a bill extending the implementation period of the capital component of the 2025 Appropriation Act from September 30 to December 30, 2026.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, said the extension would allow the Federal Government to complete ongoing capital projects for which funds had already been released.
The bill was passed after clause-by-clause consideration, extending the implementation period for the fourth time.