Today In Plenary: Proceedings Of The Nigerian Senate Of Wednesday 5th July, 2017

It's a new Legislative day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senate President Bukola Saraki took the official prayer and led the chamber into today's proceedings.

Senator Abdulaziz Nyako moved for the approval of Votes and Proceedings of Friday 9th June, 2017. Senator Duro Faseyi seconded.

Senator Shuaibu Lau took the oath of office as Senator representing Taraba North prior to the Supreme Court injunction which nullified the former Senator Danladi Abubakar.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Senate President Bukola Saraki welcomed the staff and students who were present to observe Plenary.

PETITIONS

Senator Joshua Lidani raised a petition on unlawful termination of appointment of his constituent member.

Senator Monsurat Sunmonu raised a petition on unlawful termination of appointment of her constituent member.

Senator George Skeibo raised a petition on incessant harassment by security agencies of his constituent member

Senator Andy Uba raised a petition on unlawful termination of appointment of a constituent member.

Senate President Bukola Saraki refered all petitions raised to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition and to report back in 2 weeks.

POINT OF ORDER

Senator Omo Ovie Agege cited orders 42 & 52 stating that the Senate through the Committee on Marine Transport should intervene to stop monumental recklesness and financial waste in the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Senate resolved to investigate the dreading activities of the Nigeria ports Authority and to investigate the activities of Lagos, Bonny, Calabar Channel Management Limited.

Senate President Bukola Saraki said this are the issues we will be bringing out from agencies so as to fight and protect the interest and rights of our people.

Senate President said the Committee on Marine should ensure the work is done diligently so as not to affect the budget and report back within a week.

Senator Danjuma Goje cited order 43 on a serious damaging allegations by Minister Babatunde Fashola as regarding National Assembly budget.

"it's a matter we must take responsibly, we have taken your explanation and will wait for the outcome from the House of Representatives "- Senate President Bukola Saraki

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha cited orders 42 & 52 and eulogized the former Governor of Taraba State, Late Suntai Danbaba.

The Senate observed a minute silence and resolved to send a high delegation to the family.

"we all appreciate his service to his state and people, we pray his soul rests in peace".- Senate President Bukola Saraki

PRESENTATION OF BILLS - FIRST READING

1. Private Investigators Bill, 2017 (SB. 314) by Senator Isah Hamma Misau.

2. College of Information and Technology, Oyo  (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (SB. 492) by Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.

3. Digital Rights Bill, 2017 (SB. 516) by Senator Mohammed Hassan.

4. Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Act CAP F18 LFN  2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 517) by Senator Umaru I. Kurfi.

5. Nigerian Academy of Science (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (HB. 917) by Senator Ahmed Lawan.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

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

a. Petition from Lekan Alabi, Esq on behalf of Mr. Aino Isiaka Babalola against Federal Housing Authority for Alleged Unlawful Termination of his Appointment by the Authority;

b. Petition from Jude Anyanwu on behalf of Transglobal Insurance Brokers Ltd against Nigerian Identity Management Commission for refusal to pay outstanding premium;

c. Petition from Mr. Abu Timotty Achile on behalf of his Late father S.O Abu against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for Non Payment of his benefits, Entitlements, Pension and Gratuity.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION

1. 2016-2018 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan

That the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C for the Separation of States project from items in the 2016-2018 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan

Senate President Bukola Saraki referred the 2016-2018 External Borrowing (Rolling)Plan to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.

MOTIONS

1. Communal Clash between Wanikade and Wanihem Communities of North Ukelle, Ayala Iga, Cross River North. By Senator Rose Oko

Senator Gershom Bassey seconded that the Senate received the Motion on the Communal Clash between Wanikade and Wanihem Communities.

Senate accordingly resolved to
I. Direct the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to make urgent arrangements to provide food, medicines, blankets, mattress and other essentials to the Internally Displaced People both in Benue State and other parts of Ayala LGA in Cross River State;

II. Commend the Benue State Government, Oju LGA and Cross River State Government for sending relief materials to the Centers in Benue, through inadequate;

III. Request the Nigerian Army to maintain Military Presence until the security situation is contained and lasting peace restored

IV. Urge the Cross River State Government to quickly resolve the conflict on a sustainable basis through appropriate boundary delineation; and

V. Refer the matter to the relevant Committees and report back within two weeks.

Senate President referred the Motion on the Communal Clash between Wanikade & Wanihem Communities to the Committee on States & Local Government.

2. The urgent need to avoid the imminent disruption of full academic activities and closure of the university of Maiduguri by Senator Baba Kaka

Senator Abubakar Kyari seconded and supported the Motion on the urgent need to avoid the imminent disruption of full academic activities and closure of the university of Maiduguri.

"It is important we secure this institution".- Senator Jibrin Barau.

"Many Nigerians get educated here, it once provided a peaceful environment and this needs to be restored".-Senator Ahmed Lawan.

"We must ensure that normalcy is restored, the students must resume their activities". -Senate President Bukola

"The Minister of Education and Tertiary Education Trust Fund must take action to restore the institution, we owe this to the staff and students".- Senate President Bukola

3. The need for urgent renovation of the facilities and infrastructure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airpot Enugu. By Senator Chukwuka Utazi

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and Senator Godswill Akpabio supported the Motion.

The Senate Resolved to

Urge the Federal Ministry of Aviation and other relevant authorities to as a matter of urgency repair the damaged parts and renovate the facilities of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and other airports in the Country requiring such attention to reduce the dangers of harm to which users of the airports are exposed.

Senator Magnus Abe added a prayer that the Senate should investigate the circumstances surrounding the award of contracts and the shady jobs that has resulted in the present state of affairs.

Senator Adeola Yayi seconded the additional prayer that the Senate do investigate the circumstances surrounding the award of contracts and the shady jobs that has resulted in the present state of affairs.

"There is a need to urgently look into the matter to avoid any calamity from arising".-Senate President Bukola Saraki

Senator @YAYIAdeola seconded the additional prayer that the Senate do investigate the circumstances surrounding the award of contracts and the shady jobs that has resulted in the present state of affairs.

"There is a need to urgently look into the matter to avoid any calamity from arising".-Senate President Bukola Saraki

4. Urgent need to complete the East/west Road especially the section along Aba/Eleme Road junction to Onne road junction by Senator George Sekibo

Senate resolved to:

I. Urge Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) as a matter of urgency to intervene in the rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Aba Road/Eleme junction to Onne junction,

II. Urge the Ministry of Niger Delta to ensure the completion of the East/ West Road particularly the section that links the multi-national investment within the 2017 budget year and

III. Direct the Senate Committee on Niger Delta to ensure compliance with this resolution and report back within four weeks.

Senator Kabiru Marafa added a prayer that the Senate should investigate the award of the contract.

Senator Magnus Abe seconded the additional prayer that the Senate should investigate the award of the contract.

Senator John Enoh added a prayer that the Executive branch should explore alternative funding arrangement to complete the project.

Senator Clifford Ordia seconded the additional prayer that the Executive branch should explore alternative funding to complete the project.

5. Occurrence of crisis in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State by Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf.

Senate Reaolved to
I. Observe a minute silence for the repose of the deceased victims of the brutal attacks;

II. Condemn these barbaric killings of innocent  victims and wanton destruction of cattle and properties;

III. Urge the Federal Government to take urgent measures to secure and protect lives, animals & properties of the Citizens in the Local Government Area;

IV. Urge the Federal Government to set up a judicial Panel to investigate the immediate and remote cause of the killings and destruction of lives and properties and properties and identify the perpetrators with the aim of bringing them to justice;

V. Urge the Federal Government to situation a formidable Military Base, an active Police and Civil Defense and Security Surveillance Local Government Area of Taraba State;

VI. Urge the Federal Government of Nigeria as a matter of urgency to direct National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to the survivors and their families now in Internally Displced Persons (IDP) Camp;

VII. Contact the Government of the Republic of Cameroon to determine the actual number of refugees and their animals in Cameroon

VIII. Urge the Federal Government to use the UNHCR, National Commission for Refugees (NCR), Nigerians to consider the plight of the refugees in Cameroon and urgently arrange for their proper care, security and protection; and

IX. Direct the Senate Ad-box Committee on Internal Crisis to determine all issues connected to the crisis through appropriate terms of reference, take a tour of the affected areas and conduct thorough assessment for further investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the crisis and report back within the next four weeks.

6. Demise of Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule (Danmasanin Kano) by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Senator Kabiru Gaya thanked Senate President Bukola Saraki for his visit to Kano State and says the people of Kano State appreciate his presence.

Senator Jibrin Barau rendered his tribute to the Late Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule.

"I want to pay condolence to the people of Nigeria for the loss, he was an individual that preached peace and Unity of Nigeria- Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu

Senator Shehu Sani said we should take lessons from Late Alhaji Ayusuf Maitama Sule's livelihood for the betterment of our country.

"It's a great loss to our country, we have lost a nationalist who was always corncerned about the country"

"I personally recollect precious time spent with him, my last meeting with him was at my residence to discuss the budget".
"It's a great loss for all of us so the best thing we can do is to do the things he believed in, one Nigeria"
"He was truely a talented man and every moment with him gave a good lesson"
-Senate President Bukola Saraki

Senate Leader moved that other items on the Order Paper be stood down to another Legislative day. Minority Leader seconded

Plenary is adjourned to Thursday, 6th July, 2017.

#GavelBangs

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