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Wednesday 17 October 2018

Proceedings of the Nigerian Senate of Wednesday, 17th October, 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 10:59am.

Senator Andy Uba moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Tuesday, 16th October 2018. Senator Jeremiah Useni seconded.

POINT OF ORDER

Senator Theodore Orji cited order 42 & 52 and spoke on the pipeline explosion in Abia State due to the negligence of duty by NNPC staff that led to the loss of 150 lives. The villagers had gone to scoop oil from the leakage as a means of livelihood when the explosion occurred.
“It’s very regrettable because people have refused to do their jobs. NNPC and DPR are supposed to do monitor these issues. Scooping oil should not be allowed. From the incident, it is clear the leakages were reported but those in charge ignored these reports.” -Sen. Victor Umeh.

“I want to say it was a gory site. I saw human lives charred like rats. This is due to the negligence of PPMC and DPR. We have lost premium on human lives. This calls for serious investigation. The committee on downstream should investigate this.”- Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa.

“As we go into the prayers to look into how we can truly come up with resolutions, we need to show that lives do matter in this country and make this a very good example of that, I say this to those committees we’ve referred this to,...”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“...because from the presentations and those who have contributed, this is just clear negligence on the part of those who are responsible and could have prevented the loss of lives of 150 people who have died.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“Those who will finally agree to look into this matter should treat it with the seriousness that it deserves. The Committee on Petroleum Resources and Police Affairs should perform a proper investigation and recommendation.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

”Let us have a report in 2weeks and also find out what the Federal Government is doing about it.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Senate resolved to:
1. Order NEMA to send relief materials to the affected individuals.
2. Order depots to commence immediate repairs of the leakages.
3. Refer to the Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream for proper investigation and recommendation.
4. Observe a minute silence for the repose of souls.
5. Senate should send a delegation to the Abia State Government and the community.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki reminded Senator Abu Ibrahim, Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs to bring a proper report next week on the case of the death of ICRC worker, Hauwa Leman and corper, Anita Akapson.

Senator Magnus Abe cited Order 42.1 on the death of former senator Cyrus Nunieh from Rivers State on 18th August, 2018 at the age of 87.

Senate resolved to:
1. Observe a minute’s silence in honor of the deceased and;
2. Send a delegation of the Senate to condole with the family.

Senator Bassey Akpan cited Order 43 and drew the attention of the Senate to the two divisional police headquarters burnt down by APC in Akwa Ibom which led to the cancellation of the primary elections.

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS.

1. Report of the Committee on Information and National Orientation on the National Orientation Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB.333) by Senator Suleiman Adokwe.

Senator Jide Omoworare seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Information and National Orientation on the National Orientation Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB.333).

The report was LAID.

2. Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions by Senator Sam Anyanwu in respect of:

a. Petition from Andy A. NnaNna against the National Population Commission (NPC) for denying him appointment to the post of Director, Administration and Human Resource Management or Secretary to the Commission.

b. Petition from O. J. Omoke against the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) for alleged wrongful withdrawal from the academy; and

c. Petition from Prof. Emmanuel Ume Lekwa Imaga against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) for his wrongful dismissal from the service of the university for alleged gross misconduct.

Senator Ibrahim Gobir seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The report was LAID.

3. Report of the Committee on Gas on gas flaring (prohibition and punishment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 337) by Senator Bassey Akpan.

Senator Sha’aba Lafiagi seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Gas on gas flaring (prohibition and punishment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 337)

The report was LAID.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION: Confirmation for appointment of the nomination of Olanikekun Olukoyede, Esq. as the secretary of the EFCC in accordance with the provision of section 2(3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Est.) Act 2010.

Senator Biodun Olujimi seconded that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C on the confirmation for appointment of the nomination of Olanikekun Olukoyede, Esq. as the Secretary of the EFCC.

A MOTION OF THE DAY

Illicit and excessive charges by Nigerian banks in customers accounts with particular focus on Automated Teller Machine (ATM) maintenance and withdrawal charges by  Senator Gbenga Ashafa.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu seconded the motion, “The ATM charge is not the only charge we get from the bank, there are VAT charges and so on; this is unacceptable. We have the Customer Protection Agency in Nigeria, but they are not living up to expectations.”

“If we have Institutions in Nigeria, they should make sure to do their jobs to protect Nigerians. Banks should have recognizable charges to let customers know what they are up against.”-Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

“It won’t be out of place to Institute a committee that will call on the CBN to tell us what these charges are about. The Senate by fiat should abolish charges if they can’t be verified.”- Senator Bala Na’allah.

“There’s no bank that makes profit on these ATM charges because the maintenance and breakdown of ATMs are so expensive, the payment for security also attracts these charges.”- Senator Gbolahan Dada.

“The monetary policy guidelines are not being adhered to and as such, the Committee on Banking and Finance should take charge of that.”-Senator Philip Gyunka.

“These banks should stop ripping Nigerians off their hard earned money.”-Senator Adeola Solomon.

“People do not understand that the cost of technology is high. If there is a problem with the ATM, you have to pay for someone to fix it. We cannot force it on the banks to reduce costs.”-Senator Ibrahim Gobir.

“The common man is also a victim. Banks declare profit and you wonder where it is coming from; it’s from the sweat of the common man. I want to add that we come up with a law that puts banks on their toes.”- Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.

“The Senate must take serious stand on this issue. Nigerians are really suffering. The bank system is not encouraging. I had an issue, took it to the bank and was refunded but how many Nigerians can do this? The issue needs to be addressed.”-Senator Kabiru Gaya.

“Banks have come up with other ways to make money and are declaring large profits. Because of certain limits, you make 10 transactions and you are charged for each. It is illegal. CBN should be called upon to review its actions on resolving these issues.”-Sen. Barnabas Gemade.

“This is a motion that touches on the lives of every Nigerian irrespective of what part you belong to or political affiliation you might have and that is why we are here, to always defend and protect the interest of our people.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“We need to look at ways to ensure that our resolutions go beyond just the debates — so that whatever action we take will come into effect.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“This Senate has done this many times before; when there was a hike in the mobile telecommunication data charges, we intervened and put an end to that. When there were discrepancies and increases in electricity prices, we also took action.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“We have done this on a number of similar cases. I want us to take effective resolutions.
For me,  this is a major step that we are taking. This is because I introduced the first ATM machine that came into Nigeria over 25-years ago.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“Now, after 25-years, we should have grown out of these excessive charges and moved on. So, I believe this is something that we must address to create an environment that protects all Nigerians, because these kinds of charges in this economy affects everyone.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Senate resolved to:
1. Direct the Committees on Banking Insurance & other Financial Institutions and Finance to conduct an investigation into the propriety of ATM card maintenance charges in comparison with international best practices and report back to the Senate;

2. Mandate the Committees on Banking, Insurance & other Financial Institutions and Finance to invite the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria to appear  before the Committee in order to explain why the official charges as approved by the CBN are skewed in favour of the banking institutions as against the ordinary customers of the banks;

3. Urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to suspend the ATM card maintenance charges being deducted from customers account as well as instructing the commercial banks to configure their machines to extend to N40,000 per withdrawal pending the outcome of the investigation by the committees and;

4. Urge the Consumer Protection Council to be up and doing in taking up the plight of ordinary Nigerians by looking into the various complaints of excess and unnecessary charges by Nigerian Banks.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS.

1. Report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts by Senator Shehu Sani on:

a. The implementation of the new external capital raising of USD2.786 Billion from the International Capital Market approved in the 2018 appropriation Act; and

b. The external capital raising of USD82.54Million to refinance the balance of USD500Million matured Eurobond in the International Capital Market.

Senator Gershom Bassey seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on New External Capital raising of $2.786 Billion from the International Capital Market.

Senator Shehu Sani presented the report.

“Let us ensure we carry out oversight functions to make sure these funds are used for their purpose in growing the country.”-Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan.

“I thank the committee for their work. It is important we see to it that these monies are utilized.” -Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu

“The Committee on Finance should ensure the monies are released immediately.”-Senator Barau Jibrin.

Recommendations:
1. Senate approves the implementation of the new external capital raising of USD2.786 Billion from the International Capital Market approved in the 2018 appropriation Act.

2. That the Senate do approve the external capital raising of USD82.54Million to refinance the balance of USD500Million matured Eurobond in the International Capital Market.

3. That the Senate do approve the issuance of the above, but advise that the Federal Government do everything possible to limit its requests for external borrowing and source for other means of generating revenue internally. This is to avoid driving our country into debt.

4. Direct our various committees to carryout extensive oversight on the various MDAs to ensure that the previous loans that have been granted are properly utilised. This oversight should be fixed immediately.

“Before the end of the week, we will fix a date where all our committees will carryout oversight to ensure that all the previous loans have been properly utilised.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

”I thank the Committee and all Distinguished Senators for the cooperation with the executive to ensure that we quickly pass this loan to ensure the proper funding of the 2018 budget.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

2. Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on the screening of nominees for appointment as chairman and members of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)

1 Dr. Muhammed Isah, Chairman (Jigawa, North-West)
 2 Murtala Kankia, Member (Katsina, North-East)
 3 Emmanuel E. Attah, Member (Cross River, South-South)
 4 Danjuma Sado, Member (Edo, South-South)
 5 Ubolo I. Okpanachi, Member (Kogi, North-Central)
 6 Ken Madaki Alkali, Member (Nasarawa, North-Central)
 7 Prof. S. F. Ogundare, Member (Oyo, South-West)
 8 Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, Member (Ogun, South-West)
 9 Saad A. Abubakar, Member (Gombe, North-East)
 10 Dr. Vincent Nwanli, Member (Ebonyi, South-East)

“Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat and Dr. Vincent Nwanli failed to show up and present their credentials for the screening.”-Senator Sam Anyanwu.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the report on the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on the screening of nominees for appointment as Chairman and members of Code of Conduct Bureau.

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Dr. Muhammed Isah, is confirmed Chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau.

Murtala Kankia, Emmanuel E. Attah, Ubolo I. Okpanachi, Ken Madaki Alkali, Prof. S. F. Ogundare, Saad A. Abubakar are confirmed members of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)

“We hope that they will continue to play key roles in the Bureau and I wish them all a successful tenure.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to amend the Immigration Act  and for other matters connected therewith, 2018 (SB. 230) by Senator Gbolahan Dada.

“I support the 2nd reading of this bill.”-Senator Rose Oko.

A Bill for an Act to amend the Immigration Act  and for other matters connected therewith, 2018 (SB. 230) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the Bill to the Committee on Customs and Excise Duties to report back in 4 weeks.

 2. A Bill for an Act to repeal the National Planning Commission and re-enact National Planning Commission Bill, 2018 and other matters, 2018 (SB. 637) by Senator Rose Oko.

“It is a very good bill. If there is planning and no implementation, it would be wrong. There should be a follow-up.”- Senator Ibrahim Gobir.

A Bill for an Act to repeal the National Planning Commission and re-enact National Planning Commission Bill, 2018 and other matters, 2018 (SB. 637) was read the Second Time.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the Bill to the Committee on National Planning to report back in in 4 weeks.

3. A Bill for an Act to repeal the National Board for Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education Act and re-enact the National  Commission for Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education, 2018 (SB. 560) by Senator Barau Jibrin.

“I’m sure with this kind of bill we’ll provide an enabling environment for our people and also provide opportunities for young people to have such technical education that will support our industries and create employment...”-DSP, Ike Ekweremadu.

”...and going to the civil service will create a pool of self employed young men and women.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

A Bill for an Act to repeal the National Board for Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education Act and re-enact the National  Commission for Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education, 2018 (SB. 560) was read the Second Time.

DSP, Ike Ekweremadu referred the Bill to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND to report back in 4 weeks.

4. A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal University of Sports to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for related matters, 2018 (SB. 692) by Senator Ogba Obinna.

“I thank Senator Obinna for this. He has brought up what binds us together, which is sports. This is in the right direction. I support this Bill.”- Senator Philip Aduda.

A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal University of Sports to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for related matters, 2018 (SB. 692) was read the Second Time.

“All aspects of sports need to be enhanced. We have sports psychology, sport physiology and most of these things are not taught in regular universities, so with a specialized university for sports, I’m sure some of these things...”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

”...will be put in place and we will be able to have the requisite manpower to deal with the specialized areas that are relevant to sports. I thank the Senate for the debate.”-Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu referred the Bill to the Committee on Sports and Social Development to report back in 4 weeks.

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 Thursday, 18th October, 2018.

#GavelBangs

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

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