Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege led the Principal Officers into the Chamber, took the official prayers and began the day’s proceedings at 10:32am.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan resumed Chair of Plenary at 11:02am.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Kabiru Barkiya moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday, 22nd February, 2022.
Senator Bello Mandiya seconded.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. National Council for Social Work (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 655) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi
National Council for Social Work (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 655) was read the First Time.
2. Mandatory Public Infrastructure Maintenance Bill, 2022 (SB. 708) by Senator Gershom Bassey
Mandatory Public Infrastructure Maintenance Bill, 2022 (SB. 708) was read the First Time.
3. Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (Establishment) Act 2011 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 935) by Senator Solomon Adeola
Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (Establishment) Act 2011 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 935) was read the First Time.
4. Lobbying (Regulation) Bill, 2022 (SB. 938) by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele
Lobbying (Regulation) Bill, 2022 (SB. 938) was read the First Time.
5. Chartered Institute if Mortgage Bankers and Brokers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 939) by Senator Tolulope Odebiyi
Chartered Institute if Mortgage Bankers and Brokers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 939) was read the First Time.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION
1. Confirmation of the Nomination of Olugbenga Adeyanju for Appointment as Commissioner at the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on confirmation of the nomination of Olugbenga Adeyanju for Appointment as Commissioner at the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Minority Leader seconded.
The request of Mr. President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes for further legislative action to report back within two weeks.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR SECOND READING
1. A Bill for an Act to provide the Legal Framework to establish the Federal Medical Centre Gada and for related matters, 2022 (SB. 294) by Senator Abdullahi Gobir
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health for further legislative action to report back within four weeks.
2. A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal Polytechnic Orozo to provide full-time courses in technology, applied science, management and other fields of studies and to make provisions for the General Administration and for other related matters, 2022 (SB. 911) by Senator Philip Aduda
“This Bill seeks to have a polytechnic in Abuja and I think it is right for us to have a Federal Unity Polytechnic and given the challenges this country is facing and the wisdom by our founding fathers and past leaders which makes it possible for all Nigerians to converge in FCT, I think it is just right and appropriate that the FCT should have a Federal Polytechnic.” –Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND for further legislative action to report back within four weeks.
3. A Bill for an Act to Amend University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc) Act, Cap U15 LFN-2004 to establish the Federal University Lokoja Teaching Hospital and for other connected matters therein, 2022 (SB. 871) by Senator Smart Adeyemi
Senator Smart Adeyemi, in his lead debate said the Teaching Hospital, when established, will offer specialized tertiary health care services to patients within the state and other patients referred from other parts of the country.
“I stand to second the establishment of the Federal University Teaching Hispital, Lokoja.” –Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah
“I stand to lend my voice to this Bill by Senator Smart Adeyemi. I do second the second reading of this Bill.” – Senator Aliyu Wammako
“I rise in support of Senator Smart Adeyemi, to support this Bill because Nigeria as the most populous black nation, we need to prioritize health sector. Every state deserves a teaching hospital because of our population. On this, I second this Bill and call on my colleagues to do same.” – Senator Emmanuel Bwacha
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health for further legislative action to report back within four weeks.
4. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal High Court Act Cap F134 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and for other connected matters therein, 2022 (SB. 745) by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru
“The very essence of this Bill in a nutshell is to fill an obvious lacuna in our Law. Our Courts including the Federal High Courts have continued to hold that there is no legal basis for them to take decisions that will award pre judgement interest. Nigeria is not a strange peculiarity. I will urge us all to support this Bill.” – Senator Opeyemi Bamidele
“This amendment is very timely and I rise to also support and urge my colleagues to support this Bill.” – Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action to report back within four weeks.
Senate Leader cites Order 12 to enable the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Buhari; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Pauline Tallen to enter into the Chamber as Distinguished visitors.
Minority Leader seconded.
Sergeant-at-arms led the entourage into the Chamber.
PRESENTATION OF A REPORT
1. Report of the Committee on Constitution Review
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 5th Alteration Bills, 2022 by Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege moved that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Constitution Review on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 5th Alteration Bills, 2022 – To be laid.
Senator Betty Apiafi seconded.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege laid the report.
After a warm reception from Distinguished Senators and remarks by President of the Senate Ahmad Lawan, Sergeant-at-arms now led the Distinguished Visitors out of the Chamber to resume proceedings.
PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
1. Conference Committee Report
Nigerian Maritime Security Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1243) by Senator Danjuma Goje
Senator Danjuma Goie, moved that the Senate do receive and consider the Conference Committee Report on the Nigerian Maritime Security Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, 2022 (HB. 1243).
Senator Kabiru Gaya seconded.
Senator Danjuma Goje laid and presented the report.
Senate approved the recommendations of the report.
2. Report of the Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary)
i. Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) on the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc) Act, Cap U15 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 638 & SB. 640).
Senator Ibikunle Amosun seconded
ii. Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) on Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap 010 LEN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022. (SB. 843 & SB. 855).
Senator Lola Ashiru seconded.
Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe laid and presented the two reports.
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the two reports.
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc) Act, Cap U15 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 638 & SB. 640) and approved Clause 1-2 as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
The Senate in Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap 010 LEN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022. (SB. 843 & SB. 855) and approved Clause 1-3 as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution of Boards, etc) Act, Cap U15 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 638 & SB. 640) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act, Cap 010 LEN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022. (SB. 843 & SB. 855) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
MOTION
1. Urgent need to surmount all kinds of kidnappings, banditry and related security challenges in Wasagu- Danko, Sakaba and Yauri Local Government Areas of Kebbi State by Senator Bala Ibn Na’allah and 12 other Senators
“What we are witnessing in Kebbi South is what we have seen in Zamfara and also northern part of Sokoto state. The military operation has made it impossible for bandits to operate freely in Zamfara State and they are now moving to Kebbi because there are no military presence in these areas. The security agents that are stationed there are overwhelmed the bandits come in hundreds and the kind of ammunition they have our police and military personnel don’t have them. One wonders where they get those ammunitions. Recently, we purchased Tucano aircrafts. The Tucano aircrafts can be used to move out all the bandits and if possible kill all of them. I urge the security forces to intensify their efforts to end banditry in Kebbi State.” – Senator Adamu Aliero
“The security situation is becoming very alarming. Not only in Kebbi State, but all the states surrounding Kebbi like Niger State. Foreigners are coming into this country; Niger State has become a haven of Boko Haram, nobody is doing anything and we enjoy to stand and do one minute silence? I think apart from calling on our security, even our leaders should fear God. If we can protect ourselves and leave other lives being lost, there will be a day we will account for all this. I call on the Senate to adopt everything that Senator Ibn Na’allah proposed and even do more. The Tucano aircrafts what are they doing? People are paying ransom in the bush, are they spending that money in the bush?” – Senator Sani Musa
“I only want to add my voice to all those that have spoken especially the sponsor of this motion. Every day we cry out, we sit here and have one minute silence. I think Distinguished Senator Sani Musa has just said we should all commit ourselves to make sure that first, how do the bandits bring in ammunition? Secondly, as Senator Bala Na’allah said, our Section 17(2b), we don’t have human dignity when children are killed like ordinary animals. I want to beg that this motion should be followed to the last level where we can get something positive and help our citizens.”– Senator Nora Ladi Daduut
“The Ninth Senate should take a lead and I am happy we have our President of the Senate who is up to the task. If we look at our internal security, we should first of all admit that it has failed. It is very embarrassing and we should stop calling the President to move troops to A or B. We should rearrange our internal security. If you look at our Nigera Police, we have nothing to write home about. Let us reform Nigeria Police because they are in charge of internal security and make things right.” – Senator Nicholas Tofowomo
“The issue of Security is becoming very worrisome in this country. We have passed several landmark Motions and Bills on the floor of this Senate. My question is are the Governors truly the Chief Security Officers of their respective states? If the answer is Yes, why can’t we support the creation of state policing? There is no State that is free again in this country. We have to take the issue of security very seriously. If you go to local governments, you don’t see Divisional Police Officers on seat because they are not equipped. No Police office today is equipped; arm robbers are more equipped than policemen. If the armed men would have the effrontery to go to military base to challenge the men, how about common Nigerians? We need to take this very serious.” – Senator Uche Ekwunife
“It is very important we look into this security issue. Banditry has taken over so many districts in our respective constituencies. So I am supporting we look into this issue critically and see how we can support it.” – Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
“My suggestion is a very short one. Let this Chamber use its constitutional power to ask Mr. President to declare State of Emergency on insecurity in this country. Let us make an inquiry and investigation into our security architecture in this country.” – Senator Yusuf A. Yusuf
“The issue of insecurity in this country is currently on the rise. As a Senate, we have looked at some of the problems and we engaged the security agencies as to what they require us to do as a Senate. The funding that they required to enable them work very seriously on this matter was approved for them but today, the issue of insecurity has continue to be on the rise. We need to go back to the Executive to invite them, sit down again and see what we can do as a Senate to salvage this situation.” – Senator Clifford Odia
“I think insecurity in Nigeria has taken a whole lot of our time when it comes for discussion in this Chamber. And every day it happens, one of us will come with the issue of insecurity in his domain and we have to do an elongation into our various States where insecurity has become a bane. For me, I believe we must address the stark reality that faces us. We don’t have the manpower to be able to match the nook and crannies of our country to protect the lives of our people. There has to be combined team of patrol to be able to ensure enough security in our domains. Let us give a standing order on the issue of recruiting security personnel. ” – Senator Matthew Urhoghide
“Plans to go about banditry should not be mentioned. We should always plan whatever we have to do with security in a seminar so that we can discuss extensively to know the way out. – Senator Danjuma Laah
Senate resolved to:
i. Call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to deploy, massively, the military and other law enforcement agencies to conduct a rigorous operation that will bring to an end to the banditry and cattle rustling in the affected LGAs;
ii. Urge the Chief of Defence Staff to establish an operational base within the affected area with a view to finding lasting solution to the security challenges;
iii. Urge the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to as a matter of urgency provide relief materials to the affected areas;
iv. Urge all relevant agencies, NGOs and Private Philanthropist to come to the assistance of the victims of violence and humanitarian disaster;
v. Urge the federal government to invoke Section 73(1g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; and
vi. All known leaders of bandits or terrorists should be declared wanted.
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that Senate do stand down other items on the Order Paper till another legislative day.
Minority Leader seconded.
Plenary was adjourned to Tuesday, 1st March, 2022.
#GavelBangs
#TodayInSenatePlenary
Signed
New Media Unit
Office of the President of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria
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