PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF WEDNESDAY, 10TH OCTOBER, 2018.

Bukola Saraki.

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 10:53am.

Senator Umaru Kurfi moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Tuesday, 9th October, 2018. Senator Rose Oko seconds.

SWEARING IN

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki swore in Senators Lawal Gumuau from Bauchi South and Ahmad Baba Kaita from Katsina North.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION: 

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 2019 election budget by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

Senator Biodun Olujimi seconded that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C for the approval of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 2018 election budget.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the executive communication to the Committee on INEC to report back on the next legislative day.

New external capital raising of USD 2.786 Billion from the International Capital Market approved in the 2018 Appropriation Act and the external capital raising of USD82.54 Million to refinance the balance of USD500 Million matured Eurobond... by Senator Ahmad Lawan

Senator Biodun Olujimi seconded that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C in respect of: New external capital raising of USD 2.786 Billion from the International Capital Market approved in the 2018 Appropriation Act and the external capital raising of USD82.54 Million to refinance the balance of USD500 Million matured Eurobond.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the executive communication to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to report back on Tuesday next week.

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) 2018 statutory budget proposal by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

Senator Biodun Olujimi seconded that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C for the approval of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) 2018 statutory budget proposal.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the executive communication to the Committee on Niger Delta for further legislative investigation.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki read a letter on the request for the consideration of the INEC and Security agencies on the budget appropriation.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki read a letter that the Nigeria police academy Bill, has been signed into law.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki announced the members of the Technical Committee to look into the returned bills by Mr. President

The members are: Senators

Baba Kaka Bashir,

Babajide Omoworare, 

joshua lidani,

Rose oko,

Yahaya Abdullahi and Senator David Umaru as Chairman of the Committee.

PRESENTATION OF A BILL- First Reading

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 699) by Senator Suleiman Nazif.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 699) was read the First Time.

PRESENTATION OF A REPORT

Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the confirmation of nominations of Senator Abba Ali and Mr. Mohammed Sagir for appointment as members (non-legal) of the Federal Judicial Service Commission by Senator David Umaru.

The report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the confirmation of nominations of Senator Abba Ali and Mr. Mohammed Sagir for appointment as members (non-legal) of the Federal Judicial Service Commission was LAID.

MOTION

Disappearance of Retired Major General I. M Alkali by Senator Mohammed Hassan.

“Let me send my condolences to the family of the General. It is very unfortunate that this has happened. We need to put hands on deck to resolve this. To my knowledge, it is still being investigated and so I suggest we move straight to the prayers.” -Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

“Let us be guided by the contributions of the Deputy Senate President and go straight to the prayers.” Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

Senate resolved to:

I. Urge the Federal Government to set up an investigate panel of enquiries to:

a. Examine and determine the remote and immediate circumstances surrounding the dumping of cars in the ponds in DU District;

b. Identify and interrogate possible suspects in this dastardly act and ensure that the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law to serve as deterrence to other criminally minded persons in the strongest possible terms.

II. Condemn the act and urge all the surrounding communities (DU axis) to cooperate with security agencies to uncover this crime and criminality; and

III. Urge the security agencies to intensify effort towards finding Major General I. M Alkali and other missing Nigerians.

CONSIDERATION OF A BILL- Second Reading

A Bill for an act to amend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act 2010 and for other matters connected there with, 2018 (SB. 699) by Senator Suleiman Nazif.

“I don’t think we should pass a law that cannot pass the litmus test. I don’t think some of these things listed here are realistic.”- Senator Kabir Marafa.

“I am worried about section 147. Little issues such as the misspelling of candidates’ names should not cause the cancellation of an election.” -Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

“These issues raised are very vital issues. Let the committee consider these amendments and have them adopted.”- Senator Kabiru Gaya.

“Some of the issues raised here for amendment are very technical. I advise that the committee consider all views expressed & come up with something acceptable, not just to the Senate but to Nigerians. Also, the Senate needs to take a critical look at expenses” -Senator James Manager

“Political parties and not INEC should choose their candidates. This amendment is very important. INEC should not be allowed to overrule a party’s choice of candidates.”-Senator Joshua Lidani

“We must consider that certain operations in INEC are very difficult in certain terrains and as such, more time should be given for the compilation of results.”- Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi

“These contributions are more technical than about principles. To add to what DSP said, samples of the ballot papers should be sent to every political party.”-Senator Ali Ndume

“There is a lot of undue interference in political parties here. Political parties are supreme and should have autonomy in their decisions. Also, given the size of this country, I suggest that the spending limits for the various elections be reviewed.”- Senator George Akume

“INEC should come up with a mock ballot paper so that all political parties can ensure that their logos are included in the paper.” -Senator Emmanuel Paulker

A Bill for an act to amend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act 2010 and for other matters connected there with, 2018 (SB. 699) was read the Second Time

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the Bill to the Committee on INEC to report back Tuesday next week.

PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

Report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Banire, Muiz Adeyemi Ph.D, SAN for appointment as Chairman of the governing board of AMCON Act, 2010 by Senator Rafiu Ibrahim

Senator Suleiman Adokwe seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Banire, Muiz Adeyemi Ph.D, SAN for appointment as Chairman of the governing board of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act, 2010.

The Report was LAID

Senator Rafiu Ibrahim presented the report.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Banire, Muiz Adeyemi Ph.D, SAN for appointment as Chairman of the governing board of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act, 2010.

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

The nomination of Mr. Banire, Muiz Adeyemi Ph.D, SAN for appointment as Chairman of the governing board of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) is hereby confirmed.

Report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the nomination of Mr. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi for appointment as the Deputy Governor of CBN by Senator Rafiu Ibrahim.

Senator Emmanuel Paulker seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the nomination of Mr. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi for appointment as the Deputy Governor of CBN.

Senator Rafiu Ibrahim presented the report.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the rport of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the nomination of Mr. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi for appointment as the Deputy Governor of CBN.

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Mr. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi was confirmed for appointment as the Deputy Governor of CBN.

Report of the Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the FCT Appropriation Bill, 2018 (SB. 690) by Senator Dino Melaye.

Senator Shaaba Lafiagi seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the FCT Appropriation Bill, 2018 (SB. 690).

The report was LAID.

Senator Dino Melaye presented the report.

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY

Senate dissolved into the Committee of Supply for the clause by clause consideration of the report of the Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the FCT Appropriation Bill, 2018 (SB. 690).

“I support this submission, it is worrisome to see that the FCT does not have street light, the security situation is bad and the streets are untidy. Even if more funding is needed, it should be provided for them as long as we will have a befitting FCT.” -Senator Jibrin Barau

“Let me commend Sen. Barau for a great presentation, I thank him for being a patriot. I support that more funding be provided to ensure more safety and encourage investors. Let us invite the FCT Minister to give us more insight on the security situation.” -Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu

“In the spirit of cooperation, I commend my colleagues on these contributions.” -Senator Bala Na’allah

“Let us first provide them with the necessary funding they have requested for and let us also provide oversight. Let us categorically assign the relevant committees on this issue. Something has to be done.” -Senator Ali Ndume

“The committee is up and about. There is a need for professionalism and technological know-how in all these issues. We assure you that these issues will be resolved.”- Senator Dino Melaye

“We need clarification on how much is allocated to each organization in charge of making Abuja clean.”- Senator Binta Masi Garba

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

FCT Appropriation Bill, 2018 (SB. 590) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.

ADJOURNMENT 

Senate Leader moved that all other items on the order paper be stood down to another legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.

Plenary was adjourned to Thursday, 11th October, 2018.