PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF THURSDAY, 5TH JULY, 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 10:40am.
Senator Abdul-Aziz Nyako moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Wednesday, 4th July, 2018. Senator Mohammed Hassan seconded.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki read a letter from Mr. President on his Presidential decision to decline assent to the Radiographers Registration Amendment Bill.
PETITION
Senator James Manager raised a petition on behalf of a constituency member on his unjust removal from service by the NNPC.
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report back in 2 weeks.
POINT OF ORDER
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa cited Orders 42 & 52, informed the Senate of an increase in armed roadblocks along major expressways on the South-East roads, which is hampering the ease of transport of persons, goods and services. The presence of these military personnel in otherwise peaceful environments poses a major problem to the security in the nation.
“The presence of these roadblocks along the South-East zone must be reduced to ensure people get to their destinations faster. Checkpoints are necessary, but the numbers are too high."- Senator Victor Umeh.
Senate resolved to:
Urge the Nigerian Police to quickly take action to reduce the number of heavy roadblocks on the South-Eastern major expressways so as to facilitate the free movement of goods, people and services throughout the region and the Federation.
Urge the Nigerian Police and army to always seek to balance the imperatives of national security in the monitoring of an environment especially if there are no evident security breaches.
Direct the Committees on Police and Army to take a tour of the South-East expressways to investigate the matter and report back to the Senate.
“Thank you very much Senator Mao on that Motion. While still on this subject, I have received a request from our colleagues, on the killings of the 7 Police Officers that were killed earlier this week in Abuja.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“As a National Assembly, as much as we pay attention to ordinary citizens that lose their lives, we should also be seen to be there for those that protect our lives and in the process of their duty lose their lives.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“I would like us to please find out the circumstances around the killings of these 7 police officers and how we can also commiserate with their familes. So that they know that we do care and we do know what they are doing to keep us all safe.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“So, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police, if you can please to look into this and let us have a Report by next week.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Senator Atai Aidoko cited Orders 42 & 52, raised the issue of a corper who was allegedly shot by a policeman two (2) nights ago. On her way home at 3am she was shot and was rushed to Garki hospital, Abuja but was not treated because they needed a police report.
“It is important that we call the Police to order. I can only imagine the kind of trauma her family must be going through. We must ensure that the bill that directs hospitals to treat patients without waiting for a police report is made a priority."- Senator Mao Ohuabunwa
“There are two issues here. One, is how could this have happened? How could the officer mistakenly or otherwise have shot in such a way that led to this young ladies death?”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“Secondly, we have passed this Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots Act, and the President assented to it on the 30th of December 2017. Until we start holding people accountable to these kinds of incidents, they will not stop.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“What is the point of us passing a Bill, and the President assenting to it, then it becomes law, and still, people will decide that they will not treat a patient.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“Is it that they are not well-informed? Is it that they were not aware that such a law exists? There are a number of issues that we need to address.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Senate resolved to:
Observe a one-minute silence for the victim.
Mandate the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, Health and Police Affairs to investigate the death of the NYSC Corper and report back to the Senate in 2-weeks.
“I want to thank Senator Atai Aidoko for this Motion. Every Nigerian life is important. Especially young ones that are just about to start their own lives and careers. This is a loss that could have been avoided.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
“We must continue to show that we will continue to defend our people and defend them here. Let us stand and observe a one-minute silence for Ms. Linda.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Senator Bala Na'allah cited Order 43 and thanked the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on behalf of the Emir of Kebbi State on the just assented Hydroelectric Power Bill.
PRESENTATION OF A BILL- First Reading
Federal University of Sports (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 692) by Senator Obinna Ogba.
Federal University of Sports (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 692) was read the First Time.
PRESENTATION OF REPORTS
Report of the Committee on Education (Basic & Secondary) on the recurring mass failure in West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination results by Senator Aliyu Wamakko.
Senator Clifford Ordia seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Education (Basic & Secondary) on the recurring mass failure in West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination results.
The Report was LAID.
Report of the Joint Committee on Education (Basic & Secondary), Tertiary Institutions & TETFUND and Communications on the innovative education technology: E-learning and blended learning in the education sector in Nigeria by Senator Aliyu Wamakko.
Senator Bassey Akpan seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Joint Committee on Education (Basic & Secondary), Tertiary Institutions & TETFUND and Communications on the innovative education technology: E-learning and blended learning in the education sector in Nigeria.
The Report was LAID
Report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development by Senator Abdullahi Adamu in respect of :
a. A motion on anchor borrowers programme and it’s benefits to farmers;
b. Investigative hearing on the urgent need to investigate the recent importation of maize into Nigeria;
c. National Fertilizer Quality (Control) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 338);
d. Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion in Flour Production) Bill, 2018 (SB. 152); and
e. National Livestock (Protection, Control and Management) Bureau Bill, 2018 (SB. 373).
Senator Isah Lau seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development in respect of :
a. A motion on anchor borrowers programme and it’s benefits to farmers;
b. Investigative hearing on the urgent need to investigate the recent importation of maize into Nigeria;
c. National Fertilizer Quality (Control) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 338);
d. Cassava Flour (Mandatory Inclusion in Flour Production) Bill, 2018 (SB. 152); and
e. National Livestock (Protection, Control and Management) Bureau Bill, 2018 (SB. 373).
The Report was LAID.
Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Accommodation, Logistics, Feeding etc on the onshore and offshore of the Nigerian pilgrims by Senator Adamu Aliero.
Senator Matthew Urhoghide seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Ad-hoc Committee on Accommodation, Logistics, Feeding etc on the onshore and offshore of the Nigerian pilgrims.
The Report was LAID.
PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
Conference Committee Report on Maritime University of Nigeria, Okerenkoko (Est, etc.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 295) by Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senator Gershom Bassey seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the Conference Committee Report on Maritime University of Nigeria, Okerenkoko (Est, etc.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 295).
Senator Barau Jibrin laid and presented the report.
The Report was approved by the Senate.
Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (Est, etc.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 504) by Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senator Ben Murray Bruce seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (Est, etc.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 504).
Senator Barau Jibrin presented the report.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (Est, etc.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 504).
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (Est, etc.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 504) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.
“Let me congratulate members of the Committee, particularly the former Senate President, for this important Bill that will definitely make an impact on not only Benue State, but in Nigeria as a whole as it will help to provide quality health service for our people and increase our manpower in the health sector.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal University of Education, Zaria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 400) by Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senator Joshua Lidani seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal University of Education, Zaria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 400).
Senator Barau Jibrin presented the report.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Federal University of Education, Zaria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 400).
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress
Federal University of Education, Zaria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 400) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.
Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 398) by Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senator Ben Murray Bruce seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 398).
Senator Barau Jibrin presented the report.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 398).
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 398) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.
Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal University of Education, Kano (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 397) by Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senator Danjuma Laah seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal University of Education, Kano (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 397).
Senator Barau Jibrin presented the report.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Federal University of Education, Kano (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 397).
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
Federal University of Education, Kano (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 397) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.
Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 399) by Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senator Ben Murray Bruce seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 399).
Senator Barau Jibrin presented the report.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 399).
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 399) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.
Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal College of Education Misau (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 604) by Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senator Danjuma Laah seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal College of Education Misau (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 604).
Senator Barau Jibrin presented the report.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Federal College of Education Misau (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 604) by Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
Federal College of Education Misau (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 604) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.
Report of the Committee on Establishment & Public Service Matters on the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors in Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 584) by Senator Emmanuel Paulker.
Senator James Manager seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Establishment & Public Service Matters on the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors in Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 584).
Senator Emmanuel Paulker presented the report.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors in Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 584).
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors in Nigeria (Est, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 584) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.
Report of the Committee on Science and Technology on the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Bill, 2018 (SB. 585) by Senator Yusuf Yusuf.
Senator Ben Murray Bruce seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Science and Technology on the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Bill, 2018 (SB. 585).
Senator Yusuf Yusuf presented the report.
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki referred the Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Bill, 2018 (SB. 585) back to the Committee for further legislative input.
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 Tuesday, 10th July, 2018
Signed:
New Media Department,
Office of the President of the Senate,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.