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 Degi Biobarakuma moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Wednesday, 10th June 2020. Senator Onyewuchi Ezenwa seconded.
POINT OF ORDER
Senator Abubakar Kyari cited Order 42 and 52 to asked for the leave of the Senate to present a motion on the resurgence of killings in Gubio, Maigumere. He moves a motion on the killing of hundreds of people in three local governments in Borno South and said with the commitment of the rainy season, the land is insecure for farming.
Senator Kabir Barkiya seconded the motion and contributed by saying that the killings have become alarming. He said government has to do something and double their efforts. He urged the federal government to Implement the resolutions passed in the Senate.
Senator Ali Ndume said the Senate has to take a step forward with the Senate President meeting with Mr. President to discus the insecurity in the entire northeast. He said the location of the Boko Haram insurgents like the mandates mountains and the Sambisa Forrest cannot be that difficult for the security agencies to enter and take care of.
Senate resolved to:
- Urge the federal government to direct as a matter of urgency the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies to beef up personnel around the Lake Chad ;
- Urge the federal government to direct NEMA and NEDC to immediately send relief materials to the victims of these attacks;
- Urge the federal government to immediately begin the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the senate advocacy committee on security challenges;
- Observe a one minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in these attacks;
- Mandate the Senate President and the speaker of the House of Representatives to discuss this matter of urgent National importance with a cure to finding lasting solution;
- The Senate in collaboration with the House of Representatives to pay a condolence visit to the Borno State government; and
- NEMA should be directed to provide relief materials to all other places affected by insurgency and banditry around the country.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON said the Senate has passed several resolutions on the insecurity in the country with all stakeholders carried along, but the issue has persisted. He said the stand of the Senate should be that people who have performed in office should be allowed to stay in such office.
Senator Istifanus Gyang cited Order 43 and spoke on the non appointment of secretaries in the department of the administration of the Federal Capital Territory. He said for a year now, those secretaries are yet to be appointed and this is affecting the administration of the FCT.
Senator Istifanus Gyang brought it to the attention of the Senate and the FCT so that the needful can be done.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON said he has been told that the FCT Minister is working very hard to get the secretaries appointed and he is sure the Minister will do that in no time.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS- First Reading
- 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 422) by Senator Kola Balogun.
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 422) was read the First Time.
- 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigera (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 445) by Senator Istifanus Gyang.
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigera (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 445) was read the First Time.
- 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 447) by Senator Gabriel Suswam.
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 447) was read the First Time.
- 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 448) by Senator Umar Sadiq Sulaiman.
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 448) was read the First Time.
- Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme Bill, 2020 (SB. 449) by Senator Stella Oduah.
Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme Bill, 2020 (SB. 449) was read the First Time.
PRESENTATION OF A REPORT
- Report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on the Roundtable Conference Review Policies and Programmes for the Diversification of the Nigerian Economy through the Agricultural Sector by Senator Adamu Abdullahi.
Senator Bima Enagi seconded that the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development on the Roundtable Conference Review Policies and Programmes for the Diversification of the Nigerian Economy through the Agricultural Sector.
The Report was LAID.
PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
- Report of the Committee on Appropriations on the 2020 Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill (SB. 425) by Senator Barau Jibrin.
Senator Barinada Mpigi seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Appropriations on the 2020 Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill (SB. 425).
In his presentation, Senator Barau provided a background for the reason behind the Committee’s assignment of the revised 2020 Appropriation Bill which he said was necessitated by the impact of the Covid19 which adversely affected the oil price and by extension the revenue projections of the Nigerian government.
Senator Barau Jibrin said the Committee which worked with their counterpart in the House of Representatives interacted with all stakeholders including the executive and the members. After some observations the Committee recommends;
That the Senate do pass the 2020 appropriation Bill of N10,805,544, 664,642.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said Nigeria cannot be an exception to what is going on as a result of Covid19. He said this is not the time to shy away from key issues including the development of critical infrastructure because one of the ways of tackling recession is for the economy to spend her way out of recession.
Senator Basiru Ajibola said he adopts what has been said by Senator Opeyemi. He said contrary to insinuations that the Senate just takes hook, line and sinker, what is brought by the executive, the Senate has brought back items that are people oriented in the budget.
COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Supply for the clause by clause consideration of the 2020 Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill (SB. 425).
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
2020 Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill (SB. 425) was read the THIRD time and PASSED.
- Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the Confirmation of the Nomination of Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem for Appointment as the Honorable President of the Court of Appeal by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said no petition was received against her nomination. The nominee is a fit and proper person for appointment as the President of the Court of Appeal. The Committee recommends that the Senate do confirm the nomination of Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem as Honourable President of the Court of Appeal.
Senator Ike Ekweramdu congratulated the nominee and said that women are making progress in the scheme of things. He said this is because Justice Mendem is succeeding a woman who served and retired in the same capacity.
Senator Ike Ekweremadu advocated that the new President of the Court of Appeal joins forces with others to carry out reforms in the justice system especially in election matters.
Senator James Manager said the report of the Committee has the support of almost everybody. He said the nominee is eminently qualified for the job and that due process is being followed in her appointment. He said there should be no other debate on the floor of the Senate except for her confirmation.
Senator Gabriel Suswam said as a member of the Committee who participated in the screening of the nominee, the Committee said the woman is very experienced and qualified for the job. He said there is no argument as to her qualifications and so urged the Senate to confirm her nomination.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the Confirmation of the Nomination of Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem for Appointment as the Honorable President of the Court of Appeal.
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem was confirmed as the Honorable President of the Court of Appeal.
- Report of the Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs on the Confirmation of the Nomination of James Jiya John Kolo for Appointment as Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission by Senator Danjuma La’ah.
Senator Danjuma La’ah said the Committee did a thorough job and found the nominee eligible and suitable for the appointment. The Committee recommends that the Senate do confirm James JIYA John Kolo for the appointment.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the Confirmation of the Nomination of James Jiya John Kolo for Appointment as Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission.
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
James Jiya John Kolo was confirmed as Commissioner of the Federal Character Commission.
- Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the Confirmation of the Nominations of the following persons for Appointment as Career Ambassadors-Designate by Senator Bulkachuwa Adamu.
- Chikezie Ogbonna Nwachukwu – Abia State
- Alex Enan Kefas – Adamawa State
- Gabriel Mustapha Okoko – Benue State
- Aisha Mohammed Garba – Borno State
- Asari Edem Allotey (Mrs.) – Cross River State
- George Ehidiamen Edokpa, Esq – Edo State
- Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa – Gombe State
- Abubakar Mohammed Sarki – Jigawa State
- Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed – Jigawa State
- Suleiman Dauda Umar – Kaduna State
- Gambo Yusuf Hamza – Kano State
- Nura Abba Rimi – Katsina State
- Mfawa Omini Abam – Cross River State
- Lami Sauda Remawa-Ahmed – Katsina State
- Mohammed Manu – Kebbi State
- Ingekem Regina Ocheni (Mrs.) – Kogi State
- Ismaila Yusuf Abba – Kogi State
- Mistura Abdulraheem (Mrs.) – Kwara State
- Wosilat Abimbola Adedeji – Lagos State
- Obinna Cheedu Onowu – Anambra State
- Ekpebike Steve Agnana – Bayelsa State
- Ogah Usman Ari -Nasarawa State
- Safiu Olukayode Olaniyan – Ogun State
- Abidoun Richards Adejola – Ogin State
- Olawale Emmanuel Awe – Ondo State
- Ibim Nkem Charles – Rivers State
- Zachariah Mallam Ifu – Taraba State
- Raymond Udoffe Brown – Akwa-Ibom State
- Godfrey A. E. Odudigbo – Anambra State
- Ahmed Sule – Kano State
- Olukayode O. Aluko – Osun State
- Victor Adekunle Adeleke, Esq – Oyo State
- Matin Senkom Adamu – Plateau State
- Bukar Buni Hamman – Yobe State
- Anderson Nkemakonam Mabubike – Enugu State
- Nart Augustine Kolo, mni –
- Ismail Ayobami Alatishe – Osun State
- Yakubu Santuraki Suleiman – Bauchi State
- Benaoyagha Bernard Mese Okoyen – Bayelsa State
- Innocent Alaoma Iwejuo – Imo State
- Aishatu Aliyu Iwejuo – Niger State
- Mukhtar Ibrahim Bashir – Borno State
Senator James Manager seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the Confirmation of the Nomination of the above persons for Appointment as Career Ambassadors-Designate.
Senator Bulkachuwa Adamu laid and presented the report.
In his presentation, Senator Bulkachuwa said the Ambassadors-Designate have the required diplomatic experience and qualifications. The Committee after a careful and thorough job recommends that re Senate do confirm the nominations of the 42 career Ambassadors-Designate.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the Confirmation of the Nominations of the above persons for Appointment as Career Ambassadors-Designate.
Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.
Chikezie Ogbonna Nwachukwu was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Alex Enan Kefas was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Gabriel Mustapha Okoko was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Aisha Mohammed Garba was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Asari Edem Allotey (Mrs.) was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
George Ehidiamen Edokpa, Esq was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Abubakar Mohammed Sarki was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Suleiman Dauda Umar was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Gambo Yusuf Hamza was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Nura Abba Rimi was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Mfawa Omini Abam was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Lami Sauda Remawa-Ahmed was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Mohammed Manu was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Ingekem Regina Ocheni (Mrs.) was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Ismaila Yusuf Abba was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Mistura Abdulraheem (Mrs.) was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Wosilat Abimbola Adedeji was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Obinna Cheedu Onowu was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Ekpebike Steve Agnana was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Ogah Usman Ari was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Safiu Olukayode Olaniyan was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Abidoun Richards Adejola was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Olawale Emmanuel Awe was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Ibim Nkem Charles was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Zachariah Mallam Ifu was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Raymond Udoffe Brown was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Godfrey A. E. Odudigbo was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Ahmed Sule was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Olukayode O. Aluko was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Victor Adekunle Adeleke, Esq was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Matin Senkom Adamu was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Bukar Buni Hamman was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Anderson Nkemakonam Mabubike was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Nart Augustine Kolo, mni was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Ismail Ayobami Alatishe was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Yakubu Santuraki Suleiman was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Benaoyagha Bernard Mese Okoyen was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Innocent Alaoma Iwejuo was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Aishatu Aliyu Iwejuo was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Mukhtar Ibrahim Bashir was confirmed as Career Ambassador-Designate.
Senate leader moved for the adjournment of proceedings to 3pm for the Senate to pass the vote and proceedings. Minority Leader seconded.
Senate resumed its sitting.
Senator Isah Jibrin moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Thursday, 11th June 2020. Senator Christopher Ekpenyong seconded.
MOTION
Senator Adeola Solomon moves a motion to amend the budget size and statutory transfer specifically on the $3 per barrel increase following the increase of oil benchmark from $25 per barrel to $28 per barrel.
Senator Barau Jibrin seconded the motion.
Senate resolved:
- That the statutory to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) be increased by its share of the sum of N1,743,411,240 representing 15% of the NDDC States to FAAC.
- That the statutory to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) be increased by its share of the sum of N816,517,124 representing 10% of the North East States to FAAC.
- That the statutory to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) be increased by its share of the sum of N1,795, 265, 376 representing 2% of Consolidated Revenue Fund.
- That the statutory to the Basic Healthcare Fund (BHCF) be increased by its share of the sum of N897,641,688 representing 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
- The total budget size is therefore increased by N5,256,207,430 from N10,805,544, 664,642 to N10,810,800,972,72.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan PhD, CON read a speech on the occasion of the one year of the 9th Senate.
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader moved plenary be adjourned to another legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.
Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday, 23rd June 2020.
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