PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF WEDNESDAY, 13th APRIL, 2022

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

Senate President Ahmad Lawan led the Principal Officers into the Chamber, took the official prayers and began the day’s proceedings at 10:54am.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Bulus Kilawangs Amos moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 12th April, 2022.

Senator Kola Balogun seconded.

PETITION
Senator Adeola Solomon submitted a petition from his constituent, Mr. Fasheni Joshua Adetona, whose BVN was unlawful blacklisted Sterling Bank Plc.

Petition was laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report back within four weeks.

POINT OF ORDER
1. Senator Hezekiah Dimka cited Order 42 to bring to the attention of the Senate, presence and actions of bandits in Plateau State, particularly Plateau Central Senatorial District.

“Let me console with people and government of Plateau State, particularly your Senatorial District where the killings by bandits took place. These killings are one too many. We totally condemn this killings but behind the condemnation, we want to ask our security agencies to double their efforts to ensure that they fish out these bandits who murdered our innocent citizens. With this, I want us to observe one minute silence as our colleague requested of us.” – Senate President Ahmad Lawan

2. Senator Emmanue Orkey-Jev cited Order 42 to inform the Senate on the bandits attack on two communities in Benue State, leading to the death of at least 25 persons.

Senate observed a minute silence in respect of those who lost their lives.

3. Senator George Sekibo cited Order 42 to protest against the killings of innocent Nigerians by bandits.

“I think this Senate has so far done extremely well in terms of supporting the fight against insecurity in Nigeria. We have provided more funds for security agencies to fight the insecurity in Nigeria. And you recall that in my remarks this morning, I said we must never get tired of talking about this situation here in this Chamber. We must take action; let us not get tired of talking about this until permanent solutions are found.” – Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. Federal University of Sport Afuze, Edo State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 628) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Federal University of Sport Afuze, Edo State (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 628) was read the First Time.

2. National Hajj Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 982) by Senator Danbaba Ibrahim

National Hajj Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 982) was read the First Time.

3. Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 983) by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 983) was read the First Time.

4. Mandatory inclusion of National Ethics and Civil Education in the curriculum of Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria Bill, 2022 (SB. 955) by Senator Bima Enagi

Mandatory inclusion of National Ethics and Civil Education in the curriculum of Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria Bill, 2022 (SB. 955) was read the First Time.

5. National Minimum Wage Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 997) by Senator Smart Adeyemi

National Minimum Wage Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 997) was read the First Time.

VALEDICTORY /COMMENDATION SESSION
1. Valedictory Session by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullai
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullai moved that the Senate do commence the valedictory session in respect of outgoing colleagues:

i. Senator Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West)
ii. Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno North); and
iii. Senator Hassan Mohammed (Zamfara North)

Senate suspends Order 12 to allow guests of the outgoing colleagues into the Chamber.

“I have known Senator Abdullahi Adamu as far back as 1999 when we were both elected as Governors. As a Governor, he performed very well and laid the foundation of the development of Nasarawa State. He established the Nasarawa State University. I happen to be a beneficiary of the institution because it conferred on me a Doctorate Degree and that motivated me to establish a University in Kebbi State –Senator Adamu Aliero

“Senator Abdullahi Adamu is eminently qualified to lead the APC to success in 2023. There is no doubt that he will take care of the interests of many of us here. Senator Abubakar Kyari is a very simple and serious person. He is going to do very well and assist the Chairman in the party. Senator Hassan Mohammed will be a very good loyal Deputy Governor. We have never had it so good in this Senate where three of our colleagues are getting out to serve in higher capacities. I think we as Senators are grateful. We thank Nigerians for giving our Colleagues the chance to serve Nigeria in different capacities. I wish them the best of luck.” – Senator Danjuma Goje

“So many persons have spoken about impeccable records. They are all wonderful Senators and we will surely miss them here, undoubted. I will urge you, particularly the National Chairman of the APC, as you go, please protect those who are in danger in one way or the other. The challenges will be enormous, so please try your best for all of us.” – Senator James Manger

“We are lucky this time around to have our Distinguished Colleagues to go out there to represent us. I want to use this opportunity to especially tell our National Chairman that this intuition is what defines democracy and it is also the most endangered intuition in the three arms of government. Now that we have people from here, you have the responsibility to protect this institution.” – Senator Ali Ndume

“Today I fell highly delighted because when the Leader was reading the resume of all the three Distinguished personalities that re leaving us today, I was touched that the decision of my party was the best decision that we have taken. I believe even our opponent can attest to the fact that we have products that can change the wheel of retrogression to progress with the coming of His Excellency, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who happens to be my father and someone I had wanted to challenge and contested National Chairmanship with. Today, I have seen wisdom of our leaders for making him who he is today we will do all we need to do in making him succeed.“ – Senator Sani Musa

“Distinguished Senator Abdullahi Adamu is is a man you can trust any day. I call him ‘Baba Adamu.’ I am very confident that the APC that we thought was almost gone has gotten it right under his leadership. I am very confident that Baba Adamu will do the right thing. We will miss him. For my big brother, Senator Abubakar Kyari, I know the combination of you and Baba Adamu will do the right job.” –Senator Albert Basey Akpan

“I first came across Senator Abdullahi Adamu in 2003. I knew him long before now as a Statesman. He is a political text book of contemporary Nigeria. If you take a look at his contributions here, you will see that he is a man who is highly patriotic and god-fearing. More importantly to the fact is that he is a stickler to the rule. He is a man who believes in the rule of law. We are going to miss you very sincerely. You are a man of impeccable character and a no nonsense man.” – Senator Smart Adeyemi

“I congratulate Senator Abdullahi Adamu and we know what you stand for. With the job you have already started, you are going to do well in that position.” – Senator Chukwuka Utazi

“Senator Abdullahi Adamu, will bring to bear in his output as the National Chairman of the largest party in Africa, his exposure, pedigree and most importantly wisdom that age brings.” – Senator Kashim Shettima

“Senator Abdullahi Adamu is a master of the game and a lawmaker. In this game now, he should do what is right and what is appropriate.” – Senator George Sekibo

“First and foremost, I want to thank Almighty God for this honour for me to have been seen as a fit and proper person to lead the ruling party, APC in Nigeria. In thanking Almighty God, my gratitude to God will not be complete if I do not thank our President, Muhammadu Bihari, GCFR, for seeing me through the light of God himself that I am suitable for this very important assignment as a result of which he gave his endorsement hat made all this possible. I want to thank other party leaders through this Chamber for the support which they gave and made my choice at the convention possible. His Excellency, you led our colleagues through the APC caucus to give their support which added more than ordinary value to the decision to have me as National Chairman of APC. I have listened to the kind words of our colleagues. I will cherish the advise that come from our contributions and I want to assure you that I remain a product of this Chamber. We will protect the integrity of the National Assembly. This is the first time that two Principal Officers of the party are coming from this Chamber. We want to assure you that we will be working with you. As I go out with my colleagues, I will go with one assignment that I have given myself, I will break through the side of the aisle. Some of you are the best materials that this country can have but you are in the wrong camp. I was a founding member of the PDP. In 1998, I took the flag for PDP in Nasarawa State. I served as a Governor with PDP, I served as Secretary of Board of Trustees. Nobody has asked me ‘why did you break the bondage with PDP?” It is in my heart of heart that our hands are open and we are stretching the hands to you. Amongst you there is the best Governor Abia State has ever had. Among you there is a good Governor to be that is being denied. Come over, we are very liberal; we are very fair. We play according to the rules of the game. I assure you that I will continue to cherish my relationship with you. Having said that I will remain eternally grateful.” – Senator Abdullahi Adamu

“I want to christen what I will say about our three Distinguished Colleagues as Call to Duty. Individually, most of us have said a lot about Distinguished Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the new National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and Senator Hassan Mohammed Gusau. In order to save time, I will try to talk on a general note. This is a remarkable development in the political history of Nigeria that today the National Chairman of APC, the Deputy National Chairman (North) of APC, the National Secretary of APC, the National Auditor, all are Distinguished Senators. What this goes to show is that the legislature is now contributing to the political development and stability of our country and we shouldn’t take this for granted even though the legislature has been the most disadvantaged arm of government out of the three. Senator Abdullahi Adamu is not a father to this Senate but a grandfather to the National Assembly. Many of us, whenever we interact with him, it’s like going into a tutorial or some kind of teaching room. Sir, I am not going to say that we are going to miss you. We will miss you in the chamber but we are not going to meet you in political activities because we are linked and connected. It is our prayers to continue to serve our party in different special or ad-hoc assignments just like you have already started. You are a repository of politics in this country. You have been a reliable and stable political character in the country. We pray God almighty see you through very successfully. We assure you of our total support, unflinching commitment to this party and our country and we will be available anytime you want our service. In conclusion, our country has made tremendous progress but our country still face challenges especially in security. We pray that we also work hard like we have been doing. Maybe we need to also work harder. I want to thank Almighty God that so far in our country Nigeria, the Ninth Senate has been a successful legislative activity. We promise Nigerians that we will continue to work for the betterment of our people and our country.” – Senate President Ahmad Lawan

MOTION FOR RE-COMMITAL OF BILLS
1. Committal of Bills to the Committee of the Whole
The Bills are:

1. Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill;
2. FCT Area Courts Bill; and
3. Federal College of Education Birniwa, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill;

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the three Bills.

Senate reverted to Plenary to report Progress.

1. Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill

The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill and approved Clauses 1-32 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended.

Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill was read the Third Time and PASSED!

2. FCT Area Courts Bill

The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered FCT Area Courts Bill and approved Clauses 1-51 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Repeal Clause as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended.

FCT Area Courts Bill was read the Third Time and PASSED!

3. Federal College of Education Birniwa, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill;

The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Federal College of Education Birniwa, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill approved Clauses 1-21 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended.

Federal College of Education Birniwa, Jigawa State (Establishment) Bill was read the Third Time and PASSED!

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS
1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the 2022 Appropriation Act and for other related matters, 2022 (SB. 994) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

“I want to stand to support the position of the Leader of the Senate. The subsidy is rising at a very high speed and the provision in the current budget is N442 Billion and there is need for us to revisit the provision to show the reality that is currently before us as it affects the production of crude oil per day.” – Senator Adeola Solomon

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Finance with Appropriations as the Lead Committee to report back tomorrow, Thursday, April 14, 2022.

2. A Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of Federal University of Health Sciences Azare, Bauchi State and for other related matters connected therewith, 2022 (SB. 990) by Senator Barau Jibrin

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health to report back within four weeks.

3. A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the Federal College of Education Jama’re, Bauchi State and for matters connected therewith, 2022 (SB. 991) by Senator Barau Jibrin

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institution and TETFUND to report back within four weeks.

4. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Immigration and Prisons Service Board Act and Enact the Internal Affairs Services Board and for related matters, 2022 (SB. 909) by Senator George Sekibo

“The Bill is straightforward so I do not think we need to labour it rather than support it for second reading.” – Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Interior for further legislative action to report back within four weeks.

PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
1. Report of the Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs
2022 Budget of the Nigerian Customs Service by Senator Francis Alimikhena

Senator Francis Alimikhena moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs on the 2022 Budget of the Nigerian Customs Service.

Senator Lekan Mustapha seconded.

Senator Francis Alimikhena laid and presented the report.

Senate approved the recommendations as presented by the Chairman of the Committee.

2. Report of the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream)
Confirmation of Appointment as Executive Commissioners for Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission by Senator Albert Bassey Akpan

Senator Ayo Akinyelure moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Petroleum Resources (upstream) on the confirmation of the following persons for appointment as Executive Commissioners for Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

i. Dr. Nuhu Habib – North-West (Kano State) – Member/Executive Commissioner Development and production

ii. Dr. Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu – South –East (Imo State) – Member/Executive Commissioner, EconomiRegulations and Strategic Planning

iii. Capt. Tonlagha Roland John – South –South (Delta State) – Member/ Executive Commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment and Community

iv. Mr. Jide Adeola – North Central (Kogi State) – Commissioner, Corporate Services and Administration

Senator Ayo Akinyelure laid and presented the report.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.

Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.

i. The Nomination of Dr. Nuhu Habib representing North-West (Kano State) was CONFIRMED as Member/Executive Commissioner Development and production.

ii. The Nomination of Dr. Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu representing South-East (Imo State) was CONFIRMED as Member/Executive Commissioner, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning.

iii. The nomination of Capt. Tonlagha Roland John representing South –South (Delta State) was CONFIRMED as Member/ Executive Commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

iv. The Nomination of Mr. Jide Adeola representing North-Central (Kogi State) was CONFIRMED as Commissioner, Corporate Services and Administration.

ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that Senate do stand down other items on the Order Paper till another legislative day.

Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe seconded.

Plenary was adjourned to Thursday, 14th April, 2022.

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Signed
New Media Unit
Office of the President of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria