PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF THURSDAY, 17TH JANUARY, 2019

Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

‪Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu led the Principal Officers into the chambers; took the official prayers; and began the day’s proceedings at 11:03am.‬

‪Senator Philip Aduda moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Wednesday, 16th January 2019. Senator Shehu Sani seconded.‬

‪ANNOUNCEMENT‬
‪Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu announced members of the Committee on National Assembly Staff Welfare as Senators; Binta Masi, Ahmed Ogembe, Stella Oduah, Abdulfatai Buhari, Ibrahim Gobir and Senator Emmanuel Paulker as Chairman of the Committee.‬
‪Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu announced members of the Committee on‬ Promissory Note Programme and a Bond issuance to settle inherited Local Debts and Contractual Obligations on refund to States Government for projects executed as Senators; Sam Anyanwu, Emmanuel Paulker, Shehu Sani, Rafiu Ibrahim, Monsurat Sunmonu and Senator Francis Alimikhena as the Chairman of the Committee.

PETITIONS
Senator Isah Misau raised a petition from CUPP in Bauchi State.

Senator Danjuma La’ah also raised a petition.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu referred the petitions raised to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report back in a week and two weeks respectively.

POINT OF ORDER
Senator Oluremi Tinubu cited Order 42 and informed the Senate on the anomalies noticed in her office after the break. “Laptops were lost, a CCTV camera pack and copies of the Laws of the Federation were carted away.”

“I request that lost items be restored and further investigation carried out to ensure the safety of people who work in the National Assembly.”- Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“This is not open for debate. Let us sympathize with our colleague on what happened to her. There was a similar occurrence with one of our colleagues in the House of Representatives as well. Someone’s car was also broken into and money stolen.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

“It has been discovered that the CCTV cameras are not working; this should not be so. I want to appeal to the management to live up to expectations and improve the security situation of the National Assembly.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
‪Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu referred the Point of Order to the Management to report back to the Committee on Senate Services in two weeks.‬

PRESENTATION OF A BILL- First Reading
Federal Charities Commission (Est, etc) Bill, 2019 (SB. 717) by Senator Duro Faseyi.

‪Federal Charities Commission (Est, etc) Bill, 2019 (SB. 717) was read the First Time.‬

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

1. ‪Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND ‬by Senator Barau Jibrin‪ on the following Bills:‬
a. Education (National, Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (SB. 559);

b. National Board for Technical Education (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2019 (SB. 560);

c. National Commission for Colleges of Education Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2019 (SB. 561);

d. Federal College of Education Act 1986 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2019 (SB. 562); and

e. JAMB Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019 (SB. 625).

‪Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the above Bills.‬

‪The Report was LAID.‬

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION
1. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu read a letter from Mr. President for the kind consideration and passage of the National Assembly on the Transmission of Food Safety and Quality Bill.

2. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu reads letters from Mr. President on his decision to Decline Assent to the following Bills;
I. Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Bill, 2018;

II. Bankruptcy and Insolvency Bill, 2018;

III. Federal Polytechnics (Amendment) Bill, 2018;

IV. Maritime Security Operations Coordinating Board (Amendment) Bill, 2018; and

V. Energy Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2018

3. Confirmation of Nomination by Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan.
That the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C on the confirmation of nomination of Modibbo R. Hamman Tukur for Appointment as Director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit in accordance with the provision of Section 5(1) of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Act, 2018.

‪Minority Leader seconded that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C on the confirmation of nomination of Modibbo R. Hamman Tukur for Appointment as Director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.‬

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu referred the Executive Communication to the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes to report in two weeks.

4. Confirmation of Nomination by Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan.
That the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C on the confirmation of nomination of the Chairman and members of the governing board of the North-East Development Commission in accordance with the provisions of Section 2(5)(b) of the North-East Development Commission Act, 2017.

1. Major General Paul Tarfa (Rtd)- Chairman.
2. Mohammed Goni Alkali- ND/CEO.
3. Musa Umar Yashi- ED. Humanitarian Affairs.
4. Muhammed Jawa B.- ED. Admin. And Finance.
5. Omar Maiwada Mohammed- ED. Operations.
6. Hon. David Sabo Kente- Member Representing North-East Zone.
7. Asmau Mai-Eka Mohammed- Member Representing North-West Zone.
8. Hon. Benjamin Tilley Adanyi- Member Representing North-Central Zone.
9. Hon. Olawale Oshun- Member Representing South-West Zone.
10. Dr. T. E. O. Ekechi- Member Representing South-East Zone.
11. Mr. Obasuke Mcdonald- Member Representing South-South Zone.

‪Minority Leader seconded that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-n-C on the confirmation of nomination of the Chairman and members of the governing board of the North-East Development Commission.‬

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu referred the Executive Communication to the Committe on Special Duties to report in two weeks.

MOTIONS
1. Withholding of Assent by Senate Leader.
Recalled that the President C-n-C has signified the withholding of his assent on the following Bills pursuant to Section 58(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended):
I. The National Transport Commission (NTC) Bill, 2019; and
II. The Institute of Chartered Biochemists and Molecular Biologists of Nigeria.

Senate resolved to:
Refer the Bills to the respective Conference Committees to look into Mr. President C-in-C observation and report to the Senate within two weeks.

2. The demise of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari by Senator Ibrahim Danbaba.

“What we should learn from the life and times of Late Shehu Shagari is that power is transient; we could be in today and out tomorrow, but what is permanent is the good we do while in power. I pray the Almighty grant him eternal rest.” -Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan.

“He was a forgiving man and this showed in his conduct, in spite of what he went through with the military. He lived and died a national patriot.” - Senator Bala Na’allah.

“He was a man who exhibited simplicity and humility even after being overthrown by the military. The late Shagari will be remembered for the role he played in the massive infrastructural development of the FCT. Internationally, he also played a prominent role in the independence of Zimbabwe. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”- Senator Adamu Aliero.

“He was a perfect gentleman and a man of honour. He respected everyone. May his soul Rest In Peace.”- Senator Ibrahim Gobir.

“Nigerians from all works of life and parts of the country have attested to his character. Alh. Shehu Shagari personified humility, character, honesty and patriotism. He was overthrown by a military regime whose negative effects live with the nation till this day. He lived as a hero and died a hero. Nigeria has a lot to learn from him.”- Senator Shehu Sani.

“Let me begin by condoling with the entire nation on this great loss. He was a very humble leader. I respect him so much. He never tried to impose his will on the people of this country while he was president. This is what a gentleman and good leader should do. May the Almighty grant him rest.”- Senator Barau Jibrin.

“I stand on behalf of the people of my constituency to celebrate a true leader, patriot and elder statesman. In an age such as this, it is a privilege to celebrate a leader who was incorruptible and of noble character. We can all take our cues from the life he lived.”- Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

“He cared for people from all parts of the nation. May his soul Rest In Peace.”- Senator Andrew Uchendu.

“I celebrate a leader who greatly promoted national unity. I was privileged to draw from his fountain of  knowledge. It is unfortunate that he was overthrown; I believe Nigeria would have been better off today had his projects not been terminated. I commiserate with his family.”- Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.

“He truly was shining example of humility and truthfulness. I commiserate with his family and May his soul Rest In Peace.”- Senator Barnabas Gemade.

“The Late Alh. Shehu Shagari was indeed a national hero without boundaries. He lives forever in the hearts and minds of Nigerians regardless of where they come from and I believe this should be a lesson for all of us as leaders. He promoted national unity and made many great contributions towards this. I commiserate with his family and the people of Sokoto State on this great loss.”- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

Senate resolved to:
I. Observe a minute silence in his honour;

II. Send a high powered delegation of this hallowed Chamber to console with the family of the deceased as well as the people and Government of Sokoto State; and

III. Urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to immortalize Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari by naming a National Monument after him.

PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
1. Report of the Committee on INEC on the screening of Elder Monday Udo Tom for confirmation of appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioner by Senator Suleiman Nazif.

‪Senator Ibrahim Gobir seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on INEC on the screening of Elder Monday Udo Tom for confirmation of appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioner.‬

Senator Suleiman Nazif laid and presented the report.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
‪Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the report of the Committee on INEC on the screening of Elder Monday Udo Tom for confirmation of appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioner.‬

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Elder Monday Udo Tom was confirmed as Resident Electoral Commissioner.

“I would like to congratulate Elder Monday Udo Tom and I am glad that we are finally closing this chapter. This is very crucial at this point and if there are any issues regarding neutrality or independence, it is important that it is handled now as we are approaching the elections. All the Commissioners must do their best to ensure that we have a credible election. I just want to appeal that all parties involved allow this to go on smoothly and let them do their jobs. Thank you Senator Nazif and your Committee members for this.”- DSP, Ike Ekweremadu.

2. Report of the Committee on Works on the screening of Engr. Chidi Kennedy Izuwah as Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) by Senator Kabiru Gaya.

‪Senator Clifford Ordia seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Works on the screening of Engr. Chidi Kennedy Izuwah as Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).‬

Senator Kabiru Gaya presented the report.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
‪Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the report of the Committee on Works on the screening of Engr. Chidi Kennedy Izuwah as Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).‬

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Engr. Chidi Kennedy Izuwah was confirmed as Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

“On behalf of the Senate, let me congratulate Engr. Chidi Kennedy Izuwah on this confirmation. I believe that, with the deficit of infrastructure in this country, this nomination will go a long way in ensuring that certain issues are addressed. We hope that this Commission lives up to our expectations. I wish him the best and I wish him success.”-Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader moved that all items on the order paper be stood down to another legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday, 22nd January, 2019.
#GavelBangs

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