Today In Plenary: Proceedings Of The Nigerian Senate Of Thursday, 8th June, 2017

Its a new Legislative day in the Nigerian Senate. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu took the official prayer and led the Senate into today's proceedings.

Senator Rose Oko moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Wednesday, 7th June, 2017. Senator Binta Garba seconded.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu welcomed the staffs and Students who were present in the gallery to observe the Plenary.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu made an announcement of a Special session tomorrow 9th June, 2017 to mark the 2nd anniversary of the 8th Senate.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2017 (SB. 158) by Senator David Umaru.
-That the Senate received the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2017 (SB. 158).

Senator Jibrin Barau seconded that the Senate received the report of the Cmtte on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the Whistle Blowers Protection Bill, 2017 (SB. 158).

2. Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND. Federal University of Maritime Studies, Oron Bill, 2017 (SB. 309) by Senator Jibrin Barau.
-That the Senate received the report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND on the Fedeeal University of Maritime Studies, Oron Bill, 2017 (SB. 309).

Senator Abdullahi Yahaya seconded that the Senate received the report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND on the Fedeeal University of Maritime Studies, Oron Bill, 2017 (SB. 309).

3. Report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND. National open University of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 066) by Senator Jibrin Barau.
-That the Senate received the report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND on the National open University of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 066).

Senator Clifford Ordia seconded that the Senate received the report of the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND on the National open University of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 066).

4. Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions by Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
-That the Senate received the reports of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of:

A. Petition from Mr. Charles Uwaechie against Conoil Nigeria Plc for Non-payment of his entitlements after a forced resignation,

B. Petition from Barrister Owette Emmanuel Chukwudi against the Independent National Electoral Commission  (INEC) for his compulsory retirement and Non-payment of his entitlements,

C. Petition from Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa (KSC) on behalf of the association of licensed Set Top Box (STB) manufacturers of Nigeria against the National Broadcasting Commission  (NBC) for alleged Non-payment of the Set Top Boxes manufactured and delivered,

D. Petition from Opiatoha K' Idoma against the Federal Character Commission and the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi for an alleged abuse of the principles of federal character in the appointment of principal officers of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and

E. Petition from Lt. Col. Thomas Edirin Arigbe against the Nigerian Army for wrongful retirement from the Army.

Senator Obinna Ogba moved that the Senate considered the Report of the Committee on Ethics,Privileges and Public Petition, Senator Ibrahim Kurfi seconded that the Senate considered the Report of the Committee on Ethics,Privileges and Public Petition.

The Reports were LAID.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

5. Report of the Committee on Trade and Investment. Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, 2017(SB. 257) by Senator Fatima Raji-Rasaki.
-That the Senate considered the report of the Committee on Trade and Investment. Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, 2017(SB. 257) Adjourned Consideration 6th June, 2017 (Clause 40).

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, 2017 (SB. 257).

Senate reverted back to Plenary and reported progress.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, 2017 (SB. 257) was read the third time and passed.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu thanked everyone and said this is a bill that will aid the ease of doing business, this is an area Nigeria has been found wanting and this bill covers it. Congratulations.

6. Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. Witness Protection Programme (Est,etc) Bill,2017(SB.157) by Senator David Umaru.
-That the Senate considered the Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the Witness Protection Programme (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (SB.157).

Senator Oluremi Tinubu seconded that the Senate considered the Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the Witness Protection Programme(Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (SB.157).

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate now dissolves into the Committee of whole for clause by clause consideration of the Witness Protection Programme(Est,etc)Bill, 2017(SB.157).

Senate reverted back to Plenary and reported progress.

The Witness Protection Programme (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (SB. 157) was read the third time and passed.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu thanked everyone for the passage of the bill, said that securing the bill is for protection and delivery of justice. He also thanked the Late Senator Isiaka Adeleke for bringing the bill and said this will be in honour of him.

7. Report of the Committee on Works. Federal Roads Authority (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (SB. 219) by Senator Kabiru Gaya.
-That the Senate considered the report of the Committee on Works on Federal Roads Authority (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (SB. 219) Adjourned Consideration 1st June (clause 11).

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration of the Federal Roads Authority (Est,etc) Bill, 2017(SB. 219).

Senate reverted back to Plenary and reported progress.

The Federal Roads Authority (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (SB. 219) was read the third time and passed.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu congratulated all and said the issue of our development remains a work in progress, we need to adopt the best practices by ensuring that our roads remain maintained.

4. Report of the Committee on Works. National Road Funds (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (SB. 218) by Senator Kabiru Gaya.
-That the Senate considered the report of the Committee on Works on National Roads Funds (Est,etc) Bill, 2017(SB. 218).

Senator Hope Uzodinma seconded that the Senate considered the report of the Committee on Works on National Roads Funds (Est,etc) Bill,2017(SB. 218).

Senator Kabiru Gaya stood down the consideration of the National Roads Funds (Est,etc) Bill, 2017 (SB. 218) for further consultation.

Senator Na'Allah seconded that the consideration of the National Roads Funds (Est,etc) Bill,2017 (SB.218) be stood down for further consultation.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said there is no intention of increasing the fuel price, we are trying to find other sources for funds for road infrastructure, we do not Intend to impose hardship on Nigerians, not in this bill, not in any other bill.

ADJOURNMENT

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan moved that other items on the Order paper be stood down to another Legislative day. Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Friday, 9th June, 2017 for a special session to mark the 2nd anniversary of the 8th Senate.

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