Proceedings of The Nigerian Senate of Wednesday, 24th 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 10:45am.

Senator Buhari Abdulfatai moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Tuesday, 23rd October 2018. Senator Fatimat Raji Rasaki seconded.

PETITION

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa raised a petition on behalf of a constituency member who retired a month ago from the Investment and Security Tribunal Commission and is yet to receive her entitlement. “I urge the Senate to appeal on her behalf.”

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred it to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to report back in two weeks.

Senator Sulaiman Hunkuyi cited Orders 42 & 52 and brought the attention of the Senate to killings in Kaduna State. “These killings are inhuman, unmindful and unnecessary. There are so many hoodlums carrying out these acts and it needs to be tackled.”

“There is a need to set up committees on this matter. We Senators cannot close our eyes to this.”- Senator Ibrahim Kurfi.

“We are deeply concerned. There is a need for community and religious leaders to come together and discuss solutions.”- Senator Shehu Sani

“Life is given by God and there is no reason why it should be taken by man. We cannot continue to just observe this, something must be done.”- Senator Danjuma Laah.

“Our security agencies must be alive to their responsibilities.”- Senator Ahmad Abubakar.

“We are not applying our intelligence to detect the roots of these issues. We keep hearing of weapons being imported, who are those importing those weapons and why are they being imported? The security agencies should be invited to answer these questions.”- Senator Philip Gyunka.

Senate resolves to:
1. Pay a special condolence visit to the Governor and people of Kaduna State, particularly Kasuwan Magani and other affected areas.
2. Make an urgent call to the Kaduna State Government  and the Federal Government and quicken the process of the release of the paramount ruler, Maiwada Galadima.
3. Observe a minute silence for the repose of souls lost in the crisis.
4. Urge NEMA to step in and assist those who have been affected, especially those who have to go out on a daily basis to survive.
5. Urge relevant security agencies to investigate the cause of the incident and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
6. Commend security agencies for the prompt manner in which they responded to the matter without allowing the situation to get out of hand.

“ A lot of colleagues that spoke on the issue highlighted the fact that the perpetrators keep the same pattern, and that people are not held accountable or punished. It is the responsibility of this chamber to find a date where we will...”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“...review the security situation in the country regarding peace and conflict resolutions.

Contributions show clearly that a major cause of this impunity is the fact that no one is being sanctioned. As a Senate, we need to come together...”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“...and discuss this in a manner that is non-partisan, where we can speak & review, & in doing that, the committees of Defense, Police, & Security agencies should be able to prepare & give us their own observation and their views so that we can find a solution.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“It is the lack of co-operation, collaboration and implementation of resolutions at the level of the security agencies. Therefore, let us bring together the Chairmen of the important committees and have a session in the executive session to put forward some...”-Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“...of our observations. We will discuss some of the things we feel need to happen and the implementation of those conclusions at those summits. At the end of the day, it will still come down to the executive arm of government.”- Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki

“...of our observations. We will discuss some of the things we feel need to happen and the implementation of those conclusions at those summits. At the end of the day, it will still come down to the executive arm of government.”- Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki

“Therefore, it’s better this way: instead of going back to the agencies that sometimes won't show up when they are called. Let us seek a session with the executive arm of government to discuss some of these our recommendations & observations, & put it at...”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

”... their doorstep. Leadership of the Senate and Heads of committees like, security, defense and police  should fix a date.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“We had already taken all measures. The leaders of the National Assembly should be able to engage the Executive arm to discuss implementation because if they do nothing, all we can do is speak.” -Senator Ahmad Lawan.

“It is important that we go for immediate implementation.”- Senator Adamu Aliero.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Federal University of Agriculture Dambatta, Kano (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 704) by Senator Jibrin Barau.

Federal University of Agriculture Dambatta, Kano (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 704) was read the First Time.

2. Federal University of Information and Communication Technology (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 705) by Senator Gilbert Nnaji.

Federal University of Information and Communication Technology (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 705) was read the First Time.

PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

1. Report of the Committee on Health on the National Health Insurance Act, 2003 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2018 (SB. 278) by Senator Lanre Tejuoso.

Senator Duro Faseyi seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Health on the National Health Insurance Act, 2003 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2018 (SB. 278)

The report was LAID.

2. Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on the following Bills by Senate Robert Ajayi Boroffice on the following Bills:

a. Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 593)
b. Chemical Weapon (Prohibition) Bill, 2018 (SB. 585)
c. National Biotechnology Development Agency Bill, 2018 (SB. 174)
d. Federal Institute of Industrial Research Bill, 2018 (SB. 586)
e. Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (Establishment, etc) Bill 2018 (SB. 92)

Senator Suleiman Adokwe seconds that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Science and Technology on the following Bills:
a. Raw Materials Research and Development Council (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 593)
b. Chemical Weapon (Prohibition) Bill, 2018 (SB. 585)
c. National Biotechnology Development Agency Bill, 2018 (SB. 174)
d. Federal Institute of Industrial Research Bill, 2018 (SB. 586)
e. Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (Establishment, etc) Bill 2018 (SB. 92)

The report is LAID

MOTIONS

1. Demise of Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, CON, GCON, Former Chief Justice of Nigeria by Senator David Umaru.

“He has contributed well in the judiciary. What is noteworthy is that he has reminded us to be very patriotic and dutiful, we will be judged by what we do and he has left a good legacy.” - Senator Sabi Abdullahi.

“I commiserate with the government of the state of the death of the late Chief Justice. He was a man of integrity, an elder statesman. I support the immortalization, not by state but Fed. government. He will be missed dearly. I pray his soul be granted rest.” - Sen. Adamu Aliero

“I have known him for years. He demonstrated extraordinary integrity and kindness in his work, he was completely impartial. May his soul Rest In Peace.”- Senator Victor Umeh.

“Let me thank those who contributed on behalf of the Senate, Senators from Niger State, the government and family & also the judiciary. We condole with the entire judiciary on on the passing of a great Nigerian- a hardworking man who lived a life with a great legacy. May Almighty Allah grant him Al-jannah Firdaus.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

The Senate accordingly resolved to:
I. Observe one minute silence in honour of the Late Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, CON, GCON;

II. Constitute and send a high powered delegation to commiserate with the family, Government and good people of Niger State over the loss of this patriotic Nigerian and illustrious son of Niger State; and

III. Urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to immortalize the Late Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, CON, GCON, by naming a national monument in his honour.

2. The menace of gully erosion in several communities of Abia North, especially in Osuikwuato LGA Communities of Uturu and Ogunduasaa by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.

“I want to thank Senator Mao for this motion. I come from a place where people wake up and fear they’ll disappear. I urge that this motion be extended to include all other affected areas, Anambra North particularly.” -Senator Stella Oduah.

“There is need for us to ensure that funds for this purpose are applied where they should be. The Committee on Environment should look into the matter.”- Senator Sulaiman Adokwe.

“I commend and support of the motion. The erosion currently going on in Lagos is unprecedented. We are crying out for help to the Federal Government. I suggest a separate agency for this be created to ensure a proper report & update of areas prone to erosion.” -Sen. Gbenga Ashafa.

Senate accordingly resolves to:
I. Urge the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and Federal Road Maintainance Agency (FERMA) to quickly intervene to rescue the situation and restore easy mobility of vehicles, citizens, goods and services throughout the affected areas of Ogunduasaa, Uturu Community and all other affected communities across the country.

II. Urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to quickly provide relief materials to the displaced citizens in the affected communities of Uturu and Ogunduasaa, as well as the other erosion affected communities of the five LGAs of Abia North (Arochukwu, Ohafia, Bende, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi) who are also in limbo; and

III. Urge the Nigerian Ecological Fund and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to urgently collaborate to seek a permanent solution to the endemic erosion menace in Isuikwuato, Uturu and Ogunduasaa by way of funding and construction of a new route that links the communities with other areas and surrounding states.

IV. Urge the Federal Ministry of Agric and Environment to designate the Southeast zone a special approach with distinct characteristics that require special intervention.

V. Urge relevant agencies to address the erosion menace in other affected areas in various states.

PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

Report of the Committee on Sports and Youth Development on the confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila for appointment as Director-General, National Lotterry Regulatory Commission by Senator Obinna Ogba.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa seconded that the Senate do receive and consider of the Committee on Sports and Youth Development on the confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila for appointment as Director-General, National Lotterry Regulatory Commission.

The report was LAID

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the report of the Committee on Sports & Youth Development on the confirmation of the nomination of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila for appointment as DG, National Lotterry Regulatory Commission

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Nomination of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila for appointment as Director-General, National Lotterry Regulatory Commission is confirmed.

2. Report of the Committee on Establishment and Public Service on the confirmation of the following persons for appointment as Chairman and Commissioners for the Federal Civil Service Commission by Senator Emmanuel Paulker.

“I commend the Committee for a job well done. Days ago I and my two colleagues Senators John Enoch and Gershom Bassey brought a motion but we were told to hold on. In the past, appointments have been rotated. As we speak, the entire Cross River is agitated...”-Senator Rose Oko.

”...because the norm has been broken. There is a provision of renewal. The teeming youth see this as an opportunity to be appointed some day. We appeal the matter of Cross River and Akwa Ibom he stepped down and reconsidered.” -Senator Rose Oko.

“The two sister states have lived in peace and there has been no issue, what Senator Rose Oko is referring to is in the past and might have been done haphazardly. Senator Rose should be patient.”-Senator Nelson Effiong.

”When the serving commissioner finishes his two term tenure, it will go back to cross river” - Senator Nelson Effiong

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the report of the Committee on Establishment & Public Service on the confirmation of the following persons for appointment as Chairman & Commissioners for the Fed. Civil Service Commission.

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Dr. Bello Tukur Ingawa, OON, min is confirmed as Chairman.

Moses Musa Ngbale, Waziri Umara Ngurno, mni, Alh. Bello Mahmoud Babura, Arch. Ahmed M. Sarna (fnia), Princess Iyabode Odulate-Yusuf, Shehu Umar Danyaya, Fatai Newton Adebayo O. MRF, FNSE, Chief Ejoh Micheal Chukwuemeka, Joe Philip Poroma, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, Prof. Aminu Dio Sheidu and Mr. Simon Etim are confirmed as Commissioners for the Federal Civil Service Commission.

“Let me congratulate the newly appointed Chairman and Commissioners on the confirmation of appointment. I wish them a successful tenure.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan congratulates Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu on his defection from PDP to APC.

ANNOUNCEMENT

“Senators will be going on oversight. It is only plenary session that will be suspended. Our committees will carry out their oversight functions during this period. If you recollect, when we visited the issue of the Eurobond a lot of questions on its...”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“...Implementation and utilization were raised. But because of the expediencies and the demand from the Executive that we approve those votes immediately, there was an understanding that our committees will quickly go and conduct their oversight.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

”MDAs should ensure implementation of this and also the budget 2018. Also on the social intervention program, I would like our committees to use this period to carry out the necessary oversight so that you can report when we do resume back in plenary.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

”The committees will still be meeting during this period until Tuesday the 6th of November.”-Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

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, 6th November, 2018.

#GavelBangs

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