TODAY IN PLENARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF WEDNESDAY 17TH MAY, 2017.

Its a new Legislative day in the Nigerian Senate. Senate President Bukola Saraki took the official prayer and led the Senate into today's proceedings. Senator Shaaba Lafiagi moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Wednesday, 17th May, 2017. Senator Theodore Orji seconds.

Senate President Bukola Saraki made announcements and recognized the members of the Economic Community of West African States Parliament who were at the Chamber to observe Plenary.

POINT OF ORDER

Senator Andy Uba raised a petition regarding 2 of his constituents whose employments were terminated on return from study leave.

Senator Theodore Orji raised a petition of police officer who was termed surplus to requirement and has not been properly retired.

Senator Sekibo raised a point of order and cited order 43,46 & 47, that Senators should be notified before a BILL is drawn up on the order paper for debate, he requested a prayer for the rule and business to do their job properly.

Senator Dino Melaye raised a petition on the appointment of the Director General of the National Lottery Commission by the President without the confirmation of the Senate. Senate President Bukola Saraki said the Leader should take this up to confirm if this is indeed true, the nominee should wait before assuming his duty as Director General.

Senator Bassey Akpan raised a petition from the public on the Ajaokuta - Kaduna Gas pipeline costing about $3 billion to be financed through public private partnership. He pleaded with the Senate to give the joint committee on Petroleum more time to engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in a way the budget will impact the citizens. Senate President Bukola Saraki said the Joint Committees on Gas and Petroleum should investigate.

PRESENTATION OF REPORT

1. Conference Committee Report on the Electronic Transaction Bill 2017 (SB. 15) laid by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai

MOTION OF THE DAY

1. Non-Submission of 2017 Budget by Public Corporations in violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act by Senate Leader.

Senate is worried about the non submission of the 2017 Budget proposals of statutory corpoarations to the National Assembly. Senate is aware that the absence of penalties in the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act may have emboldened and encouraged this. Senate is concerned that the Fiscal Responsibility Commission is failing in its responsibility through complacency.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said expenditure of these statutory corporations have to be stopped until their budget proposals are approved. Senator Sekibo said the Senate should take stringent steps by giving the corporations an ultimatum to bring the budgets.

Senator Solomon Adeola noted that budgets of these statutory corporations are actually bigger than the entire #2017Budget as it is about N10Trillion. Senator James Manager however charges Government and the Legislature itself to do better.

Deputy Leader Bala Na'allah guided the Senate that particular individuals have the responsibility to bring the budgets of the corporations. Several Senators agitated and disagreed with Senator Bala Na'Allah on his assertion. Senator Barnabas Gemade also spoke on the need to ensure the budgets of these statutory corporations are submitted.

Senate resolved to urge the Nigerian President as a matter of urgency to submit the budget of these agencies to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of Section 21 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act not later than Two (2) weeks. Senate also resolved that all agencies and parastatals concerned should stop further expenditure in the current year until they comply with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Constitution.

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Youth Service Corps Act CAP N84 LFN 2004 to provide for Free and Compulsory Acquisition of Vocational Skills by Corps Members and for such related matters 2016 (SB. 147) By Senator Stella Oduah

Senator Na'Allah says it's a means to redefine our goals and Knowledge as Senate President Bukola Saraki said before focus was integration, Unity. Youths should adapt to the Vocational skills. The Bill was referred to the Constitutional Review Committee for further Legislative action.

2. A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of Federal Entrepreneurship Centres Local Government Areas and for other matters connected thereto, 2017 (S.B 133) By Senator Mao Ohuabunwa

Senator Shehu Sani said what we can do with the proposal is to see the possibility of harmonizing skill acquisition and as development is not commiserate with investments, Politics is the only phenomena that has been able to provide Job for citizens.  Senate President referred the bill to the Committees on Industry and States & Local Government.

3. A Bill for an Act to make comprehensive provisions for the Confiscation, Forfeiture and Management of proceeds of Crime derived from unlawful activities and for connected matters, 2017 (SB.376) by Senator Mohammed Hassan.

Senate President said the strengthening of institutions will be a good step in fighting corruption and referred the bill to the Committee on Judiciary & Human rights to report back in 4 weeks.

4. A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the Chartered Polymer Institute of Nigeria and for other matters connected thereto, 2017 By Senator Chukwuka Utazi.

Senate President Bukola Saraki referred the bill to the Committee on Public Matters and Establishment.

5. A Bill for an Act to Establish and Regulate the Nigerian Assets Management Agency charged with the responsibility of managing all Government Assets including those seized, Forfeited or Taken over by Federal Government Bodies such as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission, The Nigerian Police Force, The Nigerian Customs, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps among other matters connected therto, 2017 (SB. 285) by Senator Mustapha Bukar

Senate President Bukola Saraki referred the bill to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Anti Corruption and to report back in 4 weeks.

Senate Leader moved for to step down all matters on the paper and the adjournment of plenary to the next legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.

Plenary is adjourned till Thursday, 18th May, 2017.