Proceedings of the Nigerian Senate of Thursday, 19th April 2018

Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, led the Principal Officers into the chambers; took the official prayers; and began the day’s proceedings at 10:51am.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Senate moved into an executive session at 11:06am and resumed from its executive session at 12:12pm.


Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu reported that at the executive session the Senate deliberated on the workings of the Nigerian Senate and the National Assembly in general.

Senator Kabiru Gaya moved for the approval of Votes and proceedings of Wednesday, 18th April, 2018. Senator Foster Ogola seconded.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Following yesterday's incident, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said when armed men invaded our chamber and assaulted our staff and carted away with the mace, the symbol of authority of the Senate. It was a very sad testimony and a smear on the democracy of our nation.

“On behalf of the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON), I want to express my deep appreciation, to you, my colleagues for your understanding and maturity in the face of flagrant provocation.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

“You conducted yourselves as statesmen and patriots. I am proud of you and salute your patriotism. I want to especially appreciate, the Leadership of the House of Representatives, the management of the National Assembly, and especially our Chamber Staff for their gallantry.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.


“We appreciate all Nigerians, the media, the civil society, the political parties and the international community for the outpouring of solidarity and concern.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

“Oddly and provocating as yesterday’s occurrence was, it shows that the entire nation and the world stands together in total condemnation of the brigandage and desecration of the National Assembly by those who hold themselves above the laws of our lands.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

“Distinguished Colleagues, you will know that this Hallowed Chamber, supported by the House of Representatives, demanded that the Inspector General of Police recover and return the stolen mace within 24 hours.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

“Let me therefore confirm to you, my Distinguished Colleagues, that the mace has been recovered and returned by the police.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS- First Reading

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (HBs. 1131 & 1178) by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (HBs. 1131 & 1178) was read the First Time.

Chartered Institute of Pensions Practitioners of Nigeria Bill, 2018 (HBs. 726 & 727) by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

Chartered Institute of Pensions Practitioners of Nigeria Bill, 2018 (HBs. 726 & 727) was read the First Time.

FCT Health Insurance Agency (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 668) by Senator Philip Aduda.

FCT Health Insurance Agency (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 668) was read the First Time.

FCT Primary Health Care Board (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 669) by Senator Philip Aduda.

FCT Primary Health Care Board (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 669) was read the First Time.

Federal University of Aquatic Studies, Ogbaru, Anambra State (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 670) by Senator Stella Oduah.

Federal University of Aquatic Studies, Ogbaru, Anambra State (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 670) was read the First Time.

CBN Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 671) by Senator Danjuma Goje.

CBN Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 671) was read the First Time.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions by Senator Sam Anyanwu.

That the Senate do receive the reports of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of:
a. Petition from Tanzila Petroleum Company Limited against Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) for non payment of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) imported;

b. Petition from Julex Associates against the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) for oppression, harassment and avoidable inferno at the Arts and Culture village, Abuja; and

c. Petition from Livingstone Nseyo against the Nigerian Railway Corporation for alleged non implementation of Ministerial approval on promotions.

Senator Danjuma Laah seconded that the Senate do receive the reports of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of the above petitions (a-c).


The Report was LAID.

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS- Second Reading

A Bill for an Act to establish the Nigerian Academy of Sciences and for other matters connected therewith, 2018 (SB. 662) by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

A Bill for an Act to establish the Animal Health and Husbandry Technologist Registration Board of Nigeria and for other matters connected therewith, 2018 (SB. 664) by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

A Bill for an Act to establish the National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency and for other matters connected therewith, 2018 (SB. 665) by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

A Bill for an Act to make provisions for franchise in Nigeria and for other matters connected therewith, 2018 (SB. 666) by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

The above Bills were read the Second Time.

‪Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu referred the Bills to the Committee of the Whole for further legislative action on another legislative day.‬

CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT

Report of the Committee on Establishment and Public Service on the Chartered Polymer Institute of Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 396) by Senator Emmanuel Paulker.

Senator Sonni Ogbuoji seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Establishment and Public Service on the Chartered Polymer Institute of Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 396).

Senator Emmanuel Paulker presented the report.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Chartered Polymer Institute of Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 396).

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Chartered Polymer Institute of Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 396) 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 to enable PDP Senators attend the PDP NEC meeting. Minority Leader seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday, 24th April, 2018.

#GavelBangs.

Signed:
New Media Department,
Office of the President of the Senate,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.