Proceedings of the Nigerian Senate of Thursday, 12th April, 2018

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 10:47am.

Senator Shaaba Lafiagi moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Wednesday, 11th April, 2018. Senator Joshua Lidani seconded.


ANNOUNCEMENT
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki announced the Proposed Conference Committee Members of the  following Bills and requested they meet with their counterparts in the House of Representatives:

National Transport Commission Bill:
Members: Senators Gbenga Ashafa, Mao Ohuabunwa, Barnabas Gemade, Mohammed Hassan and Senator Kabiru Gaya.

Nigerian Football Federation Bill:
Members: Senators Obinna Ogba, Magnus Abe, Abdulfatai Buhari, Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani and Senator Suleiman Nazif.

Witness Protection Programme Bill:
Members: Senators David Umaru, Godswill Akpabio, Bala Na’allah, Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, Sam Anyanwu and Senator Isah Misau.

Federal Road Authority Bill:
Members: Senators Kabiru Gaya, Victor Umeh, Bassey Akpan, David Umaru, Ademola Adeleke and Senator Abu Kyari.

POINT OF ORDER
Senator Rafiu Ibrahim cited Order 42 and 52 and moved a motion on the deadly armed robbery attack on several banks in Offa, Kwara State. “9 policemen and several others were killed.”

“Set up a Committee to find out why there was no response from the police.”- Senator Barau Jibrin.

“Banks should have dye systems. When violent attacks on banks take place, dye systems can help detect where the money came from when found on suspects.”- Senator Gbolahan Dada.

“Why the police was unable to gather information is a question we should ask.”- Senator Andrew Uchendu.

Senate resolved to:
I. Observe a minute silence for the innocent people who lost their lives in the attack;

II. Commend Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for immediately rising to visit the local government of Offa;

III. Direct the IGP to enforce security measures to secure the lives and properties of citizens;

IV. Urge the Federal Government through the Nigerian Army to consider the setting up of a forward operation base in Offa;

V. Urge banks to consider immediate reopening of their branches; and


VI. Mandate the Committees on Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence to investigate the matter and report back to the Senate within 2 weeks.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the Order cited to the standing Committees and Chairman Petroleum to look into this matter and come up with a report.

Senator Chukwuka Utazi cited Order 42 and 43, drew the attention of the Senate to a publication of Vanguard Newspaper on the 9th of April, 2018, confirming Anambra State as an Oil producing State.

‪Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the Order cited to the standing Committees and Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum to look into this matter and come up with a report.‬‬

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe cited Order 43 and drew the attention of the Senate to the matter of herdsmen Vs farmers clashes, two explanations were given by high security personnel in the country. IG of police stated that killings were as a result of varying laws in different states. Defense Minister stated that killings were as a result of blockage of movement for cattle in various states.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
 Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on the Chemical Weapons (prohibition) Bill, 2018 (SB. 585) by Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice.

Senator Emmanuel Paulker seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Science and Technology on the Chemical Weapons (prohibition) Bill, 2018 (SB. 585).

 The Report was LAID.

Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the confirmation of nomination of Mr. Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu as the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission by Senator David Umaru.

Senator Mohammed Hassan seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the confirmation of nomination of Mr. Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu as the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission.

The Report was LAID.

Report of the Committee on Public Accounts on the investigation of all subsidy monies spent by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) without recourse to National Assembly by Senator Matthew Urhoghide.

Senator Barau Jibrin seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Public Accounts on the investigation of all subsidy monies spent by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) without recourse to National Assembly.

 The Report was LAID.

Report of the Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy on the monumental fraud in the power sector by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Senator Abu Kyari seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy on the monumental fraud in the power sector.

The Report was LAID.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION:
Confirmation of nomination
That the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C on the confirmation of the nomination of the following persons for appointment as members of the National Population Commission in accordance with the provision of Section 154(1) on the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Senate Leader.
1. Nwanne Johnny Nwabusi – Abia State
2. Dr. Clifford T. O. Zirra – Adamawa State

3. Mr. Chidi Christopher Ezeoke mni – Anambra State
4. Barr. Isa Audu Buratai – Borno State
5. Navy Captain Charles Iyam Ogwa(Rtd) – Cross River
6. Sir. Richard Odibo – Delta State
7. Okereke Darlington Onuabuchi – Ebonyi State
8. Mr. A. D. Olusegun Aiyejina – Edo State
9. Ajike Ezeh – Enugu State
10. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Danburam - Gombe State
11. Prof. Uba S. F Nnabue - Imo State
12. Dr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Durunguwa- Kaduna State
13. Suleiman Ismaila Lawal- Kano State
14. Prof. Jimohl Habibat Isah- Kogi State
15. Dr. Sa’adu Ayinla Alanamu- Kwara State
16. Nasir Isa Kwarra- Adamawa State
17. Barr. Aliyu Datti- Niger State
18. Yeye (Mrs) Seyi Adererinokun Olusanya- Ogun State
19. Prince (Dr.) Olanadiran Garvey Iyantan- Ondo State
20. Senator Mudasiru Oyetunde Hussain-Osun State
21. Mrs. Cecilia Arsun Dapoet – Plateau State
22. Dr. Ipalibo Mcdonald Harry – Rivers State
23. Sale S. Sani – Taraba State

Minority Leader seconded.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the executive communication to the Committee on National Identity Card and National Population Commission to report back in 2 weeks.

PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of a complaint from Senator Dino Melaye against Senator Omo Ovie-Agege for allegedly insinuating through a press conference that the amendment to the Independent National Electoral Commission Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari by Senator Sam Anyanwu.

Senator John Enoh seconded the report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of a complaint from Senator Dino Melaye against Senator Omo Ovie-Agege for allegedly insinuating through a press conference that the amendment to the Independent National Electoral Commission Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Report was LAID

‪Senator Sam Anyanwu presented the report and read the resolution of the Committee as:‬‬
That Senator Ovie Omo Agege should be suspended to serve as a warning to other Senators and recommended suspension for 181 days.

“I urge the Senate to accept apology made by Senator Ovie Omo Agege for offensive statement against Mr. President and warn him to desist from such actions next time without 181 days suspension.”- Senator Ahmad Lawan.

“I appeal to Senator Dino who took the matter to the Committee and all others who felt slighted to stand down the matter.”- Senator Ahmad Lawan.

“Senator Ovie Omo Agege has constitutional rights to express his views as he sees fit. I also recognize Senator Ovie Omo Agege’s apology as a very courageous act. The parliamentary support groups are unethical and should not stand.”- Senator Kabir Marafa.

“Senator Ovie Omo Agege should withdraw his case from the court.”- Senator Kabir Marafa.

“The primary purpose of the insertion of the parliamentary support group was because of unstable political structure in Nigeria.”- Senator Bala Na’allah.

“Senator Ovie Omo Agege’s statement requires much more than an apology, there must be discipline, he must bear the consequences of his actions.”- Senator Bala Na’allah.

“Distinguished Colleagues, a number of points have been raised. One borders on the issue of preserving the integrity of this institution. To me, that is what I think is the most important thing for us.” – Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“I think in this chamber, if we want to talk about who has the right to say he is Chairman of a Parliamentary Support Group for Mr. President both by action and by what we have done, I think that I have the right to lead that — more than anyone else here.” – Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“Those of us that understand politics, understand that because of our own peculiar interest, sometimes some people decide to act like they are holier than thou or more committed — at the expense of others. This is not something that we should tolerate, and I believe that in an institution like this we must show discipline, but at the same time we must also show compassion.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“Distinguished Colleagues, there must be discipline. We must show that such groups must be suspended and the case in court must be withdrawn. In consideration of that we can look at leniency on what is being recommended.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Senate President says “Distinguished Colleagues I’d like for you to make recommendations on this going forward.”

I think by that we would have captured:
1. No more of these kind of groups in the Senate;
2. The issue of court actions;
3. We are not in any hurry to take anybody away from this family;  and
4. We must lay down an example by showing that there is discipline and apply some form of discipline on this matter.

“I’d say that maybe we should reduce the number of days by half but with an understanding that we can revisit and look at this issue. We must send out a strong message. There are some people who are fanatics and such actions will expose a lot of people and allies.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Recommendations by the Senate:
1. The senator involved, Sen Ovie Omo Agege should withdraw the case;
2. The support group should be disbanded; and
3. Out of compassion, we amend the recommendation of the committee to 90 days and we move forward.

“Distinguished Colleagues I hope we will not have to come to these sorts of situations again at this point in this democratic process. We can cue on this and move forward.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.


2. Report of the Committee on Niger Delta on the screening of the nomination of the following persons for appointment as members of the Niger Delta Development Commission by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.

1. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Non-Executive Director, Ondo State;
2. Hon. Chuka Ama Nwauwa, Non-Executive Director, Imo State;
3. Nwogu N. Nwogu, Non-Executive Director, Abia State.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by consideration of the nomination of the following persons

1. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Non-Executive Director, Ondo State;

2. Hon. Chuka Ama Nwauwa, Non-Executive Director, Imo State; and

3. Nwogu N. Nwogu, Non-Executive Director, Abia State
as members of Niger Delta Development Commission.

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Non-Executive Director, Ondo State, is appointed as member of the Niger Delta Commission.

Hon. Chuka Ama Nwauwa, Non-Executive Director, Imo State, is appointed as member of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Nwogu N. Nwogu, Non-Executive Director, Abia State, is appointed as member of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

“Let me on behalf of the Senate congratulate the three new members of the Niger Delta Development Commission. I wish them a successful tenure and hope that they use the period to contribute to their community and their constituencies.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

 Report of the Committee on Trade and Investment on Industrial development (Income tax relief) Act CAP I7 LFN 2004 Bill, 2018 (SB. 638) by Senator Sabo Mohammed.

Senator Sam Anyanwu seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Trade and Investment on Industrial development (Income tax relief) Act CAP I7 LFN 2004 Bill, 2018 (SB. 638).

Senator Sabo Mohammed presented the report.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Industrial Development (Income tax relief) Act CAP I7 LFN 2004 Bill, 2018 (SB. 638).

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Industrial Development (Income tax relief) Act CAP I7 LFN 2004 Bill, 2018 (SB. 638) was read the THIRD TIME and PASSED.

“I thank the Committee and I believe this bill will help to enhance the effectiveness of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and will continue to make the Nigerian economy viable and a place for investments.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Investigation of arrest episodes of Tuesday 21st November, 2017 between Officers of EFCC, NIA and DSS by Senator Francis Alimikhena.

Senator Danjuma Laah seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Investigation of arrest episodes of Tuesday 21st November, 2017 between Officers of EFCC, NIA and DSS.

Senator Francis Alimikhena presented the report.

“If these recommendations are implemented properly, it may resolve many of the problems Nigeria faces. It is disastrous for sister Security Agencies (DSS and EFCC) to be at war with each other. The war between these two agencies appears to be deeper than it appears. Senate should additionally sector a compliance department so that the Senate President is directly involved in the implementation of this recommendation.” -Senator Dino Melaye

“The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki should get involved in the implementation of these recommendations. Whatever recommendations the House comes up with should be taken very seriously.” -Senator Emmanuel Paulker.

“The Senate should remain independent and not be involved, so they can have the confidence of the public to trust them with such matters.” -Senator Foster Ogola.

“I want to thank the Committee for this good report and as everybody has contributed, it is not in the interest of the security of the Country for us to see this kind of unhealthy inter rivalry between agencies that need each other.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“Today, we have all seen how the issue of our security is of great concern. We want to charge these agencies pending the intervention of Mr President, they themselves as professionals should be able to rise above their individual differences.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“On our own part as well, our Security Intelligence Agencies should look at some of the laws that we need to ensure that we improve on the coordination of all our entire security agencies. I thank the Committee for this job well done.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Recommendations
I.That EFCC when dealing with sister Agencies that are clandestine in nature must conduct its activities with minimum publicity in order to retain the integrity of the institutions. Public altercations as witnessed between these agencies must not be allowed to repeat itself.

II.The President and Commander-In-Chief should investigate the matter with a view to ensuring that inter-agency rivalry or public exhibition of envy is avoided at all cost.

III.Although there is no institution or individual that is above the law or immune from investigation, however, the Security Agencies must be properly guided against blanket investigations as these can jeopardize our security operations and bring our country into disrepute both locally and internationally.

IV.The National Assembly should initiate the amendment of National Security Agencies Act Cap N74 LFN 2010 with a view to giving powers of control to the Co-ordinator on National Security over these Agencies on behalf of the President.

V.That Search and Arrest operation that may be conducted in the future on these Agencies must first have the Presidential Approval. It must be done in a discreet manner rather than in full public glare.

Report of the Committee on Establishment and Public Service on Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 424) by Senator Emmanuel Paulker.

Senator Ibrahim Gobir seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the committee on Establishment and Public Service on Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 424).

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 Institute of Directors of Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 424).

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 424) 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 is adjourned to Tuesday, 17th April, 2018.

#GavelBangs.

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