Proceedings of the Nigerian Senate of Tuesday, 24th 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 10:52am.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Senate moved into an executive session at 10:54am and resumed from its executive session at 1:35pm.


Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki reported that at the executive session the Senate deliberated on the workings of the Nigerian Senate and the National Assembly in general and resolved as follows:

I. The Distinguished Senators will like to thank the Chamber staff for their gallantry,  courageous action that they took during the invasion of the Senate Chamber on Wednesday, 18th April 2018.

We want to thank you immensely particularly two of your colleagues Chuks and Sandra who have been admitted due to the invasion, we are happy to see them recovering, we wish them a speedy recovery and we thank all of you and everybody for the wellplay and calm, not only for this institution alone but to the country as a whole, to defend this legislature is to defend the democracy in the country.

II. To tightening of security of the National Assembly, we need the co-operation of all members of the public to please co-operate with us as we tighten the security of the National Assembly.

III. We resolved the Constitution on Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives to investigate the incidence of the invasion and local factors that led to this and also lay recommendation to ensure that such never happens again at both ends of the two chambers.

IV. Also directed our security agencies, head of services and Inspector General of Police to look at how to strengthen the security of the National Assembly to ensure that this kind of security lapses never occur again.


Senator Ubali Shitu moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Thursday, 19th April, 2018. Senator Joshua Lidani seconded.

POINT OF ORDER
Senator Kabir Marafa cited Order 43, spoke on another sad incident of killings in Maru local government, Zamfara State. “34 were killed, 12 injured and 61 women left as widows.”

“We will need to really review where we are, as regards to whether there is more we can do to support and assist these security agencies as National Assembly, we must create some time where they can tell us what needs to be done.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

”We need to come up with some suggestions that will help us, even if we have to invite relevant agencies to come before plenary. This is of importance as it has been in concurrence, its very disturbing especially in the Senate.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

”Zamfara is so reduced, that we cannot even politicize it. This is a security issue and as a Government we are responsible for protecting lives and properties. We cannot just fold our hands, we must find something concrete, we’ll do our bit.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Senate resolved to:
Observe a minute silence

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 Wednesday, 25th April, 2018.

#GavelBangs.

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