Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan led the Principal Officers into the Chamber, took the official prayers and began the day’s proceedings at 10:58am.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Nora Ladi Daduut moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 2nd February, 2021.
Senator Akon Eyankeyi seconded.
PETITION
Senator Ayo Akinyelure submitted five petitions from the Office of the President of the Senate:
i. Petition from Engr. E. O. kediuwa on behalf of Emaco Works and power Ltd against the vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaira over gross injustice against us by the Vice Chancellor, Almadu Bello University, Zaira: An appeal for urgent intervention.
ii. Petition from Comrade Ebidouwei Miyenpirigha and three others on behalf of Egbemna youths Progressive Foundation against The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC): Demand for (NPDC) to stay away from Ijaw Territories in OML 40 until Communities recognition and a Memorandum of Understanding issues are resolved.
iii. Petition from Chief Wagibowei N. Dowei and seven others on behalf of Ohoniweitoru Community against Conoil in respect of Gas/oil pollution by the rig, exploration and exploration activities of Conoil affecting and occasioning loss of livelihood of the people of Fish Town Community and the outright Marginalization of Fish town Community, Akassa Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa state: The need for Justice.
iv. Petition from Armond Longinus and Kyrian Chima against Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for a further appeal against the nomination, screening and Confirmation of the appointment of Hon. Chidiebere Kyrian as the Member representing Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area Imo State on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
v. Petition from Samuel Toru Ibiama and 3 others on behalf of Bonny kingdom Environment Activities Group against NLNG Over non implementation of integral waste management scope for the Bonny and Finima Community in the NLNG Train 7 Master Plandent of the Senate:
Petitions were laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and to report back within four weeks.
POINT OF ORDER
Senator Emmanuel Bwacha cited Order 42 to announce his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic People (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing huge division and factionalization in the Taraba State Chapter of the PDP.
“Let me congratulate you for taking the most deserving decision to flow along with your constituents who have seen the real thing on the ground. What you have related here is that you have seen the presence of infrastructure in your constituency and your people have identified with the infrastructure and they ask that you see the light and you have seen the light.” – Senate President Ahmad Lawan
With the development, the ruling APC now has 70 Senators, the PDP has 38 Senators and YPP has one Senator. This is the present composition of the Ninth Senate.
Senator George Sekibo cited a Constitutional Point of Order, Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution as amended to raise objection to the defection of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha from the opposition PDP to the ruling APC
Senate President Ahmad Lawan, in his response, cited Order 20(G) of the Senate Standing Order to rule against the Point of Order cited by Senator George Sekibo.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 163) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi
National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 163) was read the First Time.
2. Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Act 2018 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 906) by Senator Chukwuka Utazi
Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Act 2018 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 906) was read the First Time.
3. Internal Affairs Services Board (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 909) by Senator George Sekibo
Internal Affairs Services Board (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 909) was read the First Time.
4. Federal Polytechnic Orozo (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 911) by Senator Philip Aduda
Federal Polytechnic Orozo (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 911) was read the First Time.
5. Council for Certification of Professional Counselors in Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 914) by Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
Council for Certification of Professional Counselors in Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 914) was read the First Time.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
1. Executive Communication
Confirmation of the Appointment of Mrs. Emily Chidinma Osuji as Executive Director of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the confirmation of Mrs. Emily Chidinma Osuji as Executive Director of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation in accordance with Section 5(4) of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation Act, 2010
Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe seconded.
The request of Mr. President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on Banking, Insurance and Financial Institutions to report back within two weeks.
2. Executive Communication
Confirmation of Appointment of Executive Directors of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the confirmation of of Executive Directors of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 41(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
i. Francis Alabo Ogaree – Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure
ii. Dr. Mustapha Lamorde – Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community
iii. Mansur Kuliya – Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas lnfrastructure
iv. Bashir Saqiq – Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration
v. Dr. Zainab Gobir – Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning
Minority Leader Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe seconded.
The request of Mr. President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector to report back within two weeks.
MOTION FOR RE-COMMITAL
1. Re-Committal of the Federal Polytechnic Orogun, Delta State to the Committee of the Whole by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.
Senate resolved to:
Rescind its decision on the Bill as passed and re-commit same to the Committee of the Whole for re-consideration and passage.
Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe seconded.
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole for further legislative action.
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered and approved Clause 1-27 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended.
Federal Polytechnic Orogun, Delta State was read the Third Time and PASSED!
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR SECOND READING
1. A Bill for an Act to provide the Legal Framework to establish the Federal Medical Centre Obukpa, Nsukka, Enugu State and for related matters, 2022 (5B. 599) by Senator Chukwuka Utazi.
“I will like to commend Senator Chukwuka Utazi for this wonderful Bill. With the growing population in Nigeria, it has become very compelling that we establish medical centres across the nation. Many of the health centres we have in this country are not functioning. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure citizens get proper and well affordable medical care in this country. Government should fund medical centres to enable citizens have access to medical care.” – Senator Uche Ekwunife
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health to report back within four weeks.
2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Firearms Act No. 32 1959 Cap F28 LFN 2004 and to Establish a comprehensive System of Firearms control and to provide for matters connected therewith, 2022 (SB. 889) by Senator Sani Musa
Senator Sani Musa, in his lead debate said the essence of the Bill is that the existing legislation is inherently, inaccurate and simply does not meet the need of the society in this modern world. The main aim of the Bill is to tighten firearms control and to curtail the importation of illegal firearms.
Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia rose to support the Bill and added that the Bill should also focus on the banning and control of local manufacture of firearms.
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to report back within four weeks.
3. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Immigration Act 2015, to make provisions for the mode of appointment of the Comptroller-General of Immigration and for other related matters 2022 (SB. 694) by Senator George Sekibo
Senator George Sekibo, in his lead debate said the Bill seeks to ensure that the appointment of the Comptroller-General of Immigration is made by the President and subject to the Confirmation of the Senate.
“I support the amendment being sought by Senator George Sekibo. I believe this is an issue that can easily be tagged a honest omission because the fact that the role of Comptroller-General of Immigration within the context of our relationship with internal community is one that begs why that office should not be subjected to Confirmation by this chamber. The role of immigration service in this regard is just too important. If this Bill is supported and finally come to light, it will offer this Chamber an opportunity to bring the Comptroller of Immigration so that many issues bordering on what affects our citizens can be answered by the Comptroller-General. This amendment is apt, it is timely and it is something that our colleagues should give support.” – Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
“It is the right time for us to begin some of the flaws in our laws. I support this Bill wholeheartedly.” – Senator Elisha Abbo
“I stand to support this Bill. No two ways about it, it should be allowed to be read the Second Time.” – Senator Danjuma La’ah
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Interior to report back within four weeks.
PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
1. Report of the Joint Committee on Establishment & Public Service Matters and Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs
Confirmation of the Nomination of Professor Ayo O. Omotayo Ph.D as Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) by Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Ibrahim & Senator Danuma La’ah
Senator Danjuma La’ah moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Joint Committee on Establishment & Public Service Matters and Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs on the confirmation of the the Nomination of Professor Ayo O. Omotayo Ph.D as Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State
Senator Gershom Bassey seconded.
Senator Danjuma La’ah laid and presented the report.
“I want to thank Mr. President for identifying this young and brilliant individual to head the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). Professor Ayo Omotayo, as a lecturer on many occasion served under my Chairmanship in Committees in Lagos State Universities and in many occasion has helped us reach conclusion in what could be described as very difficult matters. I have no doubt that he will be an asset to the institution he is now been recommended to head. I recommend that we all support this recommendation by the joint committee.”- Senator Ajayi Boroofice
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to Consider the Report
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
The Nomination of Professor Ayo C. Omotayo Ph.D was CONFIRMED as Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.
2. Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters
Legal Education (Consolidation) Act Cap L10 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 820) by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters on the Legal Education (Consolidation) Act Cap L10 LEN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 820).
Senator Francis Alimikhena seconded.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele laid and presented the report
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to Consider the Report
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered and approved Clause 1-2 as recommended, Schedule 1 as amended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
Legal Education (Consolidation) Act Cap L10 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 820) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
3. Report of the Joint Committees on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA); Petroleum (Downstream) and National Planning
Motion on Non-Remittance of the 5% user charge pump price of petrol and international vehicles transit charges accruing to Federal Roads Maintenance Agency by Senator Gershom Bassey
Senator Gershom Bassey moved that the Senate do consider the report of the Joint Committees on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA); Petroleum (Downstream) and National Planning on the Non-Remittance of the 5% user charge pump price of petrol and international vehicles transit charges accruing to Federal Roads Maintenance Agency.
Senator Gabriel Suswam seconded.
Senator Gershom Bassey laid and presented the report.
Senate stood down the Consideration of the Report till another legislative day and the Joint Committee to now be led by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi.
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that Senate do stand down other items on the Order Paper till another legislative day.
Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe seconded. Plenary was adjourned to Wednesday, 9th February, 2022.
New Media Unit, Office of the President of the Senate
FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: Make sure you don’t miss out on any loan, grant and employment opportunities. Subscribe to our email updates and join our Telegram Channel.
Related
Source link
