Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON led the Principal Officers into the chambers; took the official prayers; and began the day’s proceedings.
Senator Akwashiki Godiya moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Thursday, 28th May 2020. Senator Akon Etim Eyakenyi seconded.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON read a letter from Mr. President requesting for the confirmation of appointment of Resident Electoral Commissioner for INEC.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON read a letter from Mr. President requesting for the confirmation of the replacement of a nominee from Kwara State who died after the name was submitted.
Confirmation of the Nomination of the following persons for Appointment as Director-General and Commissioners of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) by Senator Abdullahi Yahaya.
- Mr. Lamido A. Yuguda – Director-General.
- Mr. Reginald C. Karawusa – Full-time Commissioner.
- Mr. Ibrahim D. Boyi – Full-time Commissioner.
- Mr. Obisan T. Joseph – Full-time Commissioner.
Minority Leader seconded that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the Confirmation of the Nominees of the above persons for Appointment as Director-General and Commissioners of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) in accordance with Sections 3 and 5 (1) of the Investment and Security Act.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the executive communication to the Committee on Capital Market to report in four (4) weeks.
PETITION
Senator Bassey Akpan submitted a petition on behalf of his constituents on the nomination of Mr. Lamido Yuguda as the DG of SEC. He said an Akwa-Ibom person was earlier recommended for the position by the Minister of Finance but the name was substituted.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report in two (2) weeks.
Senator Kola Balogun raised a petition from a staff of Nigerian Correctional Service who was wrongly asked to resign following the discovery of some persons who used fake results in their employment even when he was not involved.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON referred the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report in two (2) weeks.
POINT OF ORDER
Senator Danjuma Goje cited Order 43, asked a question on the petition against the DG nominee of SEC. He is asking if the petition is against Mr. President.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON said the onus of explanation is on the petitioners but that the person who petitioned would be invited to come and explain.
Senator Bulkachuwa Adamu cited Order 43 and spoke on the request for the screening of Ambassadorial nominees. He is asking for an extension of time since most of the nominees are abroad and would be screened via the internet.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON gave the Committee an extension of two weeks.
Senator Sandy Onor cited Orders 42 and 52 and moved a motion on the issue of rape and asked that the Senate do condemn the rising incidence. Senate noted that a 16 year old girl was raped in Lagos, a first year undergraduate student in University of Benin was equally raped and killed.
Senator Biodun Olujimi in her contribution while seconding the motion asked that the authorities take proactive measures so the girl child is protected.
Senator Biodun Olujimi said anything that injures the girl child injures the nation. “Rape is real and we must not allow it to go on.”
Senator Akon Etim Eyakenyi said the particular issue of rape has been raised and spoken against severally in this Chamber.
“It is not just arresting the culprits and taken to the police station, the court and then sentenced to a few years of jail time that is enough. A severe penalty should be given to such culprits.”- Senator Akon Etim Eyakenyi.
Senator Betty Apiafi joined to condemn the violation that has become a daily occurrence in the society. She added the rape incidence of a 12 year old girl in Jigawa State and called for not just stiffer penalty but a stronger advocacy against rape.
Senator Uche Ekwunife commended the mover of the motion. She said the issue of young girls being raped is no longer news, but what is news is that it is on the increase.
Senate resolved to:
- Condemn the killing of the girls and call for immediate arrest of the perpetrators;
- Observe a minute silence in honour of the two girls and others who have fallen victims of rape;
- Urge the FG to stage a campaign against the rape and violation of the girl child;
- Mandate security agencies to employ strategies to check the rising cases of rape;
- Urge security agencies to ensure the enforcement of the child rights act which includes the forceful marriage; and
- Urge the State’s Houses of Assembly to amend the code to make rape punishable.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS- First Reading
- FCT Court of Arbitration (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 431) by Senator Philip Aduda.
FCT Court of Arbitration (Est, etc) Bill, 2020 (SB. 431) was read the First Time.
- Ports and Habours Bill, 2020, (SB. 432) by Senator Danjuma Goje.
Ports and Habours Bill, 2020, (SB. 432) was read the First Time.
- National Inland Water Ways Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 433) by Senator Danjuma Goje.
National Inland Water Ways Act (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 433) was read the First Time.
- 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 434) by Senator Rochas Okorocha.
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 434) was read the First Time.
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practice Bill, 2020 (SB. 425) by Senator Oloriegbe Yahaya Ibrahim.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Practice Bill, 2020 (SB. 425) was read the First Time.
PRESENATION OF REPORTS
- Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of a petition from Bambo Adesanya, SAN on behalf of Rite Foods Limited against Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc and Ziad Maalouf for allegedly threatening the internal security of the nation and existence of Rite Foods Limited, Ososa, Ogun State by Senator Ayo Akinyelure.
Senator Danjuma Laah seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public in respect of a petition from Bambo Adesanya, SAN on behalf of Rite Foods Limited against Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc and Ziad Maalouf for allegedly threatening the internal security of the nation and existence of Rite Foods Limited, Ososa, Ogun State.
The Report was LAID.
- Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the confirmation of the Nomination of the following persons for Appointment as Chairman and Members of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
Senator Yabuku Oseni seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the Confirmation of the Nominations of the following persons for Appointment as Chairman and Members of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission.
The Report was LAID.
PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
- Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of petition from Honorable Chief Donatus Nwakpa and 21 others on behalf of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter, against the Appointment of Mr. Henry Ogbulogo as a member of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) representing Abia State by Senator Ayo Akinyelure.
Senator Chukwuka Utazi seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of petition from Honorable Chief Donatus Nwakpa and 21 others on behalf of All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter, against the Appointment of Mr. Henry Ogbulogo as a member of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) representing Abia State.
Senator Ayo Akinyelure laid and presented the report.
In his presentation, Senator Akinyelure said the petition was raised because the appointment negates fair play. He said both the petitioner and the respondents were invited in the cause of the assignment of the Committee.
Findings
- The appointment of Mr. Henry was not in anyway in breach of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Laws cited by the petitioners
Senate resolved to:
- Commend Mr. President of the nomination of Mr. Henry as a fit and proper person to serve in that Commission.
Minority leader said he is surprised that the Committee went this length in dong the work because the petitioner already withdrew the petition and has resolved with the parties
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON said the petitioner should have written to the Senate withdrawing the petition instead of a verbal communication.
Senator James Manager observed that the petition is frivolous and should not have been entertained. He said a word of caution from the Senate President to the public that not all petition should be entertained.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON said the Senate as the parliament of the people will do all it can to entertain petitions from people who may not have the means to seeks other forms of redress but urged that while doing it, caution should be taken not to bring all sorts of petition to the Senate because it costs the Senate money and time.
- Report of the Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs on the Confirmation of the Nominations of the following persons for Appointment as Chairman and Members of the Federal Character Commission by Senator La’ah, Danjuma Tella.
- Dr. Muheeba (Farida) Dankaka – Chairman – Kwara State – New Appointment
- Hon. Henry Ogbulogo – Member – Abia State – New Appointment
- Dr. Salihu Bello – Member – Adamawa State – New Appointment
- Obonganwan Dorah Daniel Ebong – Member – Akwa Ibom State – New Appointment
- Rev. Ibeabuchi Uche – Member – Anambra State – New Appointment
- Mohammad Tijani – Member – Bauchi State – New Appointment
- Tonye G. Okio – Member – Bayelsa State – New Appointment
- Mr. Silas Mfa Macikpah – Member – Benue State – New Appointment
- Abba Ali Monguno – Member – Borno State – New Appointment
- Mr. Nsor Atamgbe – Member – Cross River – New Appointment
- Hon. Moses Anaughe – Member – Delta State – New Appointment
- Chief George Afamefuna Ossi – Member – Ebonyi State – New Appointment
- Imuetinyan Festus – Member – Edo State – New Appointment
- Barr. Sesan Fatoba – Member – Ekiti State – New Appointment
- Mrs. Ginioka Florence Tor – Member – Enugu State – New Appointment
- Hamza Mohammed – Member – Gombe State – New Appointment
- Dr. Diogu Uche – Member – Imo State – New Appointment
- Lawan Ya’u Roni – Member- Jigawa State – New Appointment
- Hadiza Usman Muazu – Member – Kaduna State – New Appointment
- Muhammad Awwal Na’iya – Member – Kano State – New Appointment
- Hon. Lawal Garba – Member – Katsina State – New Appointment
- Abubakar Atiku Bunu – Member – Kebbi State – New Appointment
- Pharm. Idris Eneyo Bello – Member – Kogi State – New Appointment
- Daniel James Kolo – Member – Kwara State – New Appointment
- Abdul Wasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah – Member – Lagos State – New Appointment
- Barr. Ajakayi Toro Mamman – Member – Nasarawa State – New Appointment
- Maj. Gen. Suleiman Barau Said (Rtd) – Member – Niger State – New Appointment
- Abiodun Ishaq Akinlade – Member – Ogun State – New Appointment
- Chief Olufemi Lawrence Omosanya – Member – Ondo State – New Appointment
- Adeoye, Abdulrazaq Olalekan – Member – Osun State – New Appointment
- Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela – Member – Oyo State – New Appointment
- Mr. Stephen A. Jings – Member – Plateau State – New Appointment
- Wokocha Augustine – Member – Rivers State – New Appointment
- Abdullahi Aminu Tafida – Member Sokoto State – New Appointment
- Alhaji Armaya’u Dauda Abubakar – Member Taraba State – New Appointment.
- Hon. Jibril Maigari – Member Yobe State – New Appointment
- Hon. Sani Garba – Member – Zamfara State – New Appointment.
- Sen. Adamu Muhammed Sidi-Ali – Member – FCT – New Appointment.
Senator Uche Ekwunife seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs on the Confirmation of the Nominations of the above persons for Appointment as Chairman and Members of the Federal Character Commission.
Senator Laah said the work of the Committee commenced from the request of Mr. President for the confirmation of the nominees which was referred to the Committee.
Recommendation by the Committee:
- That the Senate do wait for the death certificate of the nominee from Kwara who died after making the screening be requested before any action is taken;
- The Committee wants the Senate to decide on the petition by Senator Abaribe that the chairman and Secretary should not come from the north; and
- That the Senate do confirm all the nominees pending the replacement of the nominee from Kwara who died.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON said the replacement from Kwara State has been received and read this morning. He said the name will be sent to the Committee.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe rose to speak on a memo he sent to the Committee which he said the Chairman of the Committee has described as a petition. He said the Federal Character Commission is to ensure balance, equity and fairness among all the tribes in Nigeria.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said he will like to use the opportunity to point out the very important part of our being as a Nigerian, saying the Chairman and Secretary should not come from the north. He said he sent the memo to the Committee because in the past, once the chairman comes from the north, the secretary will come from the south and vice versa because both are principal positions in the Commission.
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege said the issue raised by the minority leader in his believe is an infringement on the powers of the president to make appointment. He said the tenure of the secretary who is from the north will be expiring in a few months and as such, to balance the issue, the President should be urged to make the replacement a southerner to balance the chairman coming from the north.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the report of the Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs on the Confirmation of the Nominations of the above persons for Appointment as Chairman and Members of the Federal Character Commission.
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
The nomination of Dr. Muheeba (Farida) Dankaka was confirmed as Chairman of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Hon. Henry Ogbulogo was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Dr. Salihu Bello was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Obonganwan Dorah Daniel Ebong was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Rev. Ibeabuchi Uche was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Mohammad Tijani was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Tonye G. Okio was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Mr. Silas Mfa Macikpah was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Abba Ali Monguno was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Mr. Nsor Atamgbe was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Hon. Moses Anaughe was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Chief George Afamefuna Ossi was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Imuetinyan Festus was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Barr. Sesan Fatoba was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Mrs. Ginioka Florence Tor was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Hamza Mohammed was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Dr. Diogu Uche was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Lawan Ya’u Roni was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Hadiza Usman Muazu was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Muhammad Awwal Na’iya was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Hon. Lawal Garba was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Abubakar Atiku Bunu was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Pharm. Idris Eneyo Bello was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Abdul Wasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Barr. Ajakayi Toro Mamman was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Maj. Gen. Suleiman Barau Said (Rtd) was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Abiodun Ishaq Akinlade was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Chief Olufemi Lawrence Omosanya was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Adeoye, Abdulrazaq Olalekan was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Mr. Stephen A. Jings was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Wokocha Augustine was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Abdullahi Aminu Tafida was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Alhaji Armaya’u Dauda Abubakar was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Hon. Jibril Maigari was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Hon. Sani Garba was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
The nomination of Sen. Adamu Muhammed Sidi-Ali was confirmed as Member of the Federal Character Commission.
All nominees were confirmed except Daniel James Kolo from Kwara State (the deceased).
- Report of the Committee on Establishment and Public Service on the Confirmation of the Nominations of the following persons for Appointment as Commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission by Senator Shekarau Ibrahim.
- Dr. Frederick O. Ekwem – Commissioner – Imo and Abia States – New Appointment.
- Dr. Jonah Madugu – Commissioner – Benue, Nasarawa & Plateau – Renewal.
Senator Sadiq Suleiman seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Establishment and Public Service on the Confirmation of he Nominations of the above persons for Appointments as Commissioners for the Federal Civil Service Commission.
Senator Shekarau Ibrahim laid and presented the report.
In his presentation, Senator Shekarau said the Committee having become certified with their qualifications and experience do confirm the two nominees for the Federal Civil Service Commission.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the consideration of the report of the Committee on On Establishment and Public Service on the Confirmation of the Nominations of the following persons for Appointment as Commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission.
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
The nomination of Dr. Frederick O. Ekwem was confirmed as Commissioner for the Federal Civil Service Commission.
The nomination of Dr. Jonah Madugu was confirmed as Commissioner for the Federal Civil Service Commission.
- Report on the Committee on Finance on the 2020-2022 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 by Senator Adeola Solomon.
Senator James Manager seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Finance on the 2020-2022 Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworkn(MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.
Senator Adeola Solomon laid and presented the report.
In his presentation, Senator Adeola presented the background of what necessitated the review of the MTEF/FSP which he said is largely the price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia and the fall in demand for oil as a result of the impact of Covid19
Senator Ajibola Basiru congratulated the Committee for doing a very thorough job within the limited period it was given. He said recommendation of the Committee to review upward the benchmark price of crude from $25 to $28 shows that the Senate does not just take what comes from the executive and that it does its work well especially since there are already recoveries in the economy.
Senator Ajibola Basiru also commended the executive for the removal of petroleum subsidy from the budget. He said the caveat to the fiscal responsibility act is justified.
Senator Gabriel Suswam made some corrections in the report which he thinks are typographical errors. He raised concerns on the provisions of the constitution which empowers the president to raise the budget threshold above 3% if the nation is in a state where its national security is threatened.
Senator Gabriel Suswam also spoke about the collection cost of taxes as provided for in the constitution which he says are huge especially at this period that there is no money in the country. He said with technology, most of the transactions will be done online and will not require expending much money to collect taxes.
Senator Gabriel Susuwan spoke on the issue of stamp duty which he said must be used as an avenue to raise our revenue. He spoke about the contribution of solid minerals to GDP which he said must be linked into our drive to diversify the economy.
Senator Ibrahim Hadeija called on the government to begin to interface with our debtors for debt restructuring. He said the Senate should liaise with the executive to look critically into the issue of diversification.
Senator Aisha Dahiru commended the Committee for doing a good job. She spoke on the percentage increase of GDP from the 2019 and 2020 budget as passed to the reviewed budget which is due to consideration. She said the increase is an indication that the country will soon slide into recession.
Senator Abubakar Kyari in his contribution said the benchmark of $29 per barrel is very conservative given that Covid19 is on its way out.
Senator Kabir Barkiya spoke on the projected revenue of Nigeria Custom by citing a correction in the figure. He commended the Committee for a good work.
Senator Chukwuka Utazi also commended the Committee and spoke on the issue that concerns the rework of the 2020 budget. He commended the provisions of 186bn out of 500bn for the upgrade of health facilities in the country, saying this is a good development. He sounded an appeal that in the preparation of the 2021 budget, emphasis should be placed on education and health so we do not start running helter skelter like we did during the Covid.
Senator Chukwuka Utazi advocated for projects like roads and rail be given to the private sector to build and make their money so that we can have enough money for health and education which are very important for the country.
Senator Betty Apiafi spoke on the cost reduction citing 110bn budgeted for rural roads, wondering how rural roads has become so important for funds to be taken from special accounts for rural roads. She also spoke about the inefficiency of the NNPC. She said it is worrisome that the NNPC is producing oil at $21 and selling at $28 by adding that it seems the NNPC is removing subsidy and looking for other ways to make the money back.
Senator Betty Apiafi also spoke on the issue of the PIB which must be taken seriously because the issue of unbundling of NNPC must be critically considered
Senator ID Gyang commended the Committee on Finance for a very thorough work on the MTEF. He spoke on the negative effect of the oil price war and the impact of Covid19 which has affected our oil revenue . He said the debt to GDP ratio is not supposed to go beyond 3% but under this report is put at 3.5%. He said the implication of this is that the nation would be massively dependent on both local and foreign debt to finance the budget
Senator ID Gyang spoke on the alert of the probability of the economy recessing into recession calling for the authorities to pay adequate attention so that the effect would be minimized. He noted and applauded the various interventions by the CBN to intervene in the economy in mitigating the impact of Covid19
Senator Tolu Odebiyi said he took a cursory look at the implementation of our budget over time and said even at the best of times, we have only done another 50-54 percent of our budget not to talk of a time like this that we are in crisis. He said there is a lot that needs to be done with that budget especially in terms of duplicity. He said we honestly cannot run away from cutting cost.
Senator Tolu Odebiyi said he is of the opinion that while we don’t know extents the future holds, it is imperative that we are conservative in our spendings. He said there need to be a restriction to focus our budget more on health and education.
Senator Saidu Alkali commended the Committee for the report and corrected some errors in the report for the attention of the Committee.
The recommendations of the Committee on Finance on the 2020-2022 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) were APPROVED.
- Report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on the Federal Government External Borrowing to finance the proposed revised 2020 Budget by Senator Clifford Ordia.
Senator Bima Enagi seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on the Federal Government External Borrowing to finance the proposed revised 2020 Budget.
Senator Clifford Ordia laid and presented the report.
In his presentation, Senator Ordia noted that the emergence of Covid19 has altered the plans and projections of the Federal Government as captured in the 2020 budget, such impact has affected the revenue generation plan of the government leaving it with a larger deficit than envisaged.
Senator Clifford Ordia said the change in revenue projection and the deficit it is bringing in the implementation of the budget necessitated the request for more borrowing to finance the budget.
Senator Ajibola Basiru congratulated the Committee and advised the Committee to make reference to paragraph 6 of its report. He said the paragraph counters the notion that the Senate is always quick to approve a loan request by President Buhari.
Senator Ibrahim Gobir said without the loan we cannot move anywhere with the recommendation on the MTEF that has just been approved by the Senate. He therefore said the questions for the adoption of the recommendations should be put without any further waste of time
Senate Gershom Bassey said there should be quick recommendations of the report.
The recommendations of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on the Federal Government External Borrowing to Finance the proposed revised 2020 budget were APPROVED.
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, 9th June 2020.
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