Below is the proceedings of the Nigerian Senate for Wednesday 7th March, 2018. In the proceedings, the Senate resolved on so many issues including to ensure democracy reigns especially in respect to Kogi state where the Senate said the Governor has been found abusing his office.
Read more below:
Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, led the Principal Officers into the chambers; took the official prayers; and began the day’s proceedings at 10:45am.
Senator Umaru Kurfi moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Tuesday, 6th March, 2018. Senator Gershom Bassey seconded.
PETITION
Senator Gershom Bassey raised a petition on behalf of a member of his constituency.
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the petition to the committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report back in 2 weeks.
POINT OF ORDER
Senator Ahmed Ogembe cited order 43, said the empowerment programme he is sponsoring was disrupted and this has caused violence in Kogi Central. The police command refused to act, my supporters were seriously injured. However, the political intimidation and violence is on the increase. As at now I cannot go home because I am not sure of my safety.
“The situation between the Governor and the Senators from Kogi State is becoming worrisome, we need to act and make sure the IG is questioned for such an act from the Area Commander.”- Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
“The problem in Kogi State goes to say that the Governor has been abusing his office and this is not democratic”- Senator Bala Na’allah.
“The Governor of Kogi State cannot shut me up because he must pay the salaries of workers and cater for the welfare of the people of the State. Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki please help us on the issue of Kogi State.”- Senator Dino Melaye.
“This must be food for thought for all of us. I am worried for Kogi State, Nigeria and the year 2019. Necessary actions and resolutions must be made. We should use Kogi State as an example to work together with the Federal Government to bring lasting solutions.”- Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“The tragedy we are facing in Nigeria is the tragedy of small minds occupying big offices. The Nigerian Senate should take this seriously.”-Senator Olusola Adeyeye.
“We cannot continue like this and call it democracy if Senators cannot freely go back to their homes. This is wrong and let us have a lasting solution for democracy to stay.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
“It is clear that we are all in support of the issue that democracy has come to stay and there is no other alternative. It is important that we take this discussion on the unfortunate incident that happened to Senator Ogembe today.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“It’s not really just about Kogi State, but it is clear from what we are seeing that Kogi State is coming to the point where it is a threat to our democracy and it cannot be seen to define our democracy because this is not what our democracy is about.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”We must be seen to be making examples to other parts of the world. We must take actions that will prevent this kind of incidents from happening.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“We are almost 20years into democracy and this cannot be the democracy that we should be talking about after 20years and its totally unacceptable.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“Just as Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said, it’s not only in Kogi State, we saw the cases in Kaduna state. How can a Governor proudly say he is going to bulldoze a house in Nigeria at this time and we are all keeping quiet?! These are things that we must condemn totally.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Senate resolved to:
- Condemn this act in totality and in strong terms as it is a threat to our democracy; and
- Set up an Ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the disruption and violence against the empowerment programme organized by Senator Ahmed Ogembe and determine the involvement of the Nigerian Police Force in 2 weeks.
“On the unfortunate incident that happened we thank the Almighty God for your life and that we will definitely not stop until we get to the bottom of this and hold whoever is responsible for this.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“These actions that have been seen in the local governments, but truly if we don’t do something about it, it is a threat to our entire democracy and we must all stand up particularly now that there is a lot of consideration being given to state police.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”When people listen to this I’m sure we will rt having thoughts. This action alone is something that is needed and will influence some of the reforms we want to embark on, so we must be seen to do the right thing.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Senator Dino Melaye cited order 43, drew the attention of the Senate to the issue of the Peace Corps. We want Mr. President to review his stance on the Bill if not we will override it with the support of Nigerian Youths.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS- First Reading
Flags and Coat of Arms Act CAP F31 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 565) by Senator Gershom Bassey.
Flags and Coat of Arms Act CAP F31 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 565) is read the First Time.
Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 640) by Senator Chukwuka Utazi.
Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 640) is read the First Time.
PRESENTATION OF A REPORT
Report of the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the national commission for peace, reconciliation and mediation (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 44) by Senator David Umaru.
Senator Gilbert Nnaji seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the national commission for peace, reconciliation and mediation (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 44).
The Report was LAID.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
Conference committee report on Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 535) by Senator Chukwuka Utazi.
Senate Shehu Sani seconded that the Senate do consider the Conference committee report on Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 535).
Senator Chukwuka Utazi presented the Report.
The Report was approved and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 535) was PASSED.
“I want to thank the Chairman of the Committee on Anti-Corruption. The good thing is that clearly, after your report on the floor, this Report has now been passed quickly. At least, that was achieved.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”I want to thank the Members of the Senate, for the action that they have taken here again in the fight against corruption. This is because our suspension from the EGMONT Group has had a lot of ramifications.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”I hope that with this Bill that we have passed today, and this Conference Report, that they will have a second view and re-admit us into the process.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”I hope on the part of the Executive, they quickly assent to this Bill and also ensure that the independence of the Financial Unit goes beyond just signing this Bill into law. It is important that we see it being practiced — this is very important.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”I hope on their part, this will be done so that our country stays as part of the EGMONT Group that has a lot of benefits for our fight against corruption. I thank you all, my colleagues, for how quickly you responded to this. You came quickly to save the country.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Report of the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the confirmation of nomination of Hon. Ibrahim Rufai Imam for appointment as the Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT, Abuja by Senator David Umaru.
Senator James Manager seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the confirmation of nomination of Hon. Ibrahim Rufai Imam for appointment as the Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT, Abuja.
Senator David Umaru presented the Report.
“I know Ibrahim Rafiu, he is humble. He has served in many capabilities. Looking at the recommendation of the committee I feel he should be confirmed.”-Senator Tijjani Kaura.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the confirmation of nomination of Hon. Ibrahim Rufai Imam for appointment as the Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT, Abuja.
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
The nomination of Hon. Ibrahim Rufai Imam is confirmed as Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, FCT, Abuja.
“Let me on behalf of the entire Senate congratulate the new Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Ibrahim Rufai Imam and wish him a successful tenure. I hope that he continues to play his role in the judiciary.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“We have treated about 240 confirmations here in the Senate, of which 227 have been affirmative and only 13 have been negative.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”Sometimes, we get the impression that this Senate tends to say more ‘No’ than ‘Yes.’ But these numbers today show the level of cooperation that we will continue to give the executive.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Report of the committee on Public Accounts on the status of compliance of parastatals submission of audited accounts (Auditors report) to the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation by Senator Matthew Urhoghide.
Senator John Enoh seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the committee on Public Accounts on the status of compliance of parastatals submission of audited accounts (Auditors report) to the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
Senator Matthew Urhoghide presented the Report.
“I think it is important to know if this is constitutional or statutory. What is happening now expresses the dis-functionality of the system. I think we should give them a unified punishment.”- Senator Bala Na’allah.
The Senate approved the recommendations of the committee.
“I want to thank the committee for this very important report. We can now see that when they keep on saying that we are not making much progress in the fight against Corruption it’s because the fundamental issues, the foundation is still very weak.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”If you are having out of 497 parastatals only 47 have sent their reports, i think there is a serious problem. and we now find out that the agencies that are even meant to supervise are part of those who have not sent.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”Now we have taken a resolution here today to say that unless the remaining agencies do that, their budget for 2018 is withheld.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”So let us remember that when we are passing the 2018 budget, the committees that are presenting the reports of the parastatals should please confirm with us whether they have complied with the auditors report.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
”In the meantime, we will make sure we communicate to the Secretary of the Government to ensure that all these parastatals get their accounts audited and submitted.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“I thank you for this report, it will go a long way in us continue to support the Executive in the fight against corruption.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader moved that all other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.
Plenary is adjourned to Thursday, 8th March, 2018.
#GavelBangs.
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