Senate Plenary on Thursday March 15 [Complete updates]

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 10:51am.

Senator Ubali Shitu moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Wednesday, 14th March, 2018. Senator Atai Aidoko seconded.

POINT OF ORDER

Senator Atai Aidoko cited orders 42 and 52, moved a motion on the gruesome killings in Dekina LGA, Kogi State by herdsmen.

“It is time for the Senate to work closely with the executive arm of government to strengthen the security agencies. Let’s try to have phrases that will support this course.”- Senator Ahmad Lawan

“We promised to protect the Constitution and lives of those who voted for us. There is gross incompetence at the Federal and state level.”- Senator Dino Melaye

“It is time for the President to summon the Governor of Kogi State. The normal approach cannot work, we must use an aggressive means to bring these perpetrators to justice. This is a time for us to act before all of us get into trouble.”- Senator Dino Melaye

“This is worrisome, innocent lives have unnecessarily been wasted. I agree that it is time for the government to act in this particular situation and it is also time for the security agencies to steer up. The executives need to act immediately.”- Senator Emmanuel Paulker

“We need to act in a different way. I fully agree with the opinion of my colleagues to involve the executive.”- Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

“We need to take a decisive action, some of these governors just fold their arms and act dormant like they are not in charge of security for their States.”- Senator Kabir Marafa

“We should make use of the recommendations from the committee meetings with the security agencies and the public.

“There must be massive recruitment of security personnels in all security agencies due to over stretch of officer across the nation and also for adequate manpower.”- Senator Adamu Aliero

“We have a serious problem. When someone commits a crime there must be punishment to serve as a warning but importantly arrest the offenders.”- Senator James Manager

“I know it is about Kogi, I hope that we use this opportunity, to really come up with some solution because we are reaching the point where we are becoming ineffective and the purpose of representing our people is to see what  we can do about these killings.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

“Wether we like it or not we do not have an excuse — this is an issue for the government. The government is here in parliament and the government is also the executive and we cannot separate the two — this is the reality of it. So, we must come up with solutions to this problem.

We must do something.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

Senate resolved to:

1. Condemn the attack in strong terms, sympathize with the family of the victims and observe a minute silence;
2. Urge Mr. President to direct police and military to move to Kogi State;

III. Urge the IGP and all security agencies in Kogi State to arrest all perpetrators of this crime; and

1. Urge NEMA to send relief materials and assistance to affected victims

Senator Godswill Akpabio cited Orders 42 and 52 and speaks on the newspaper reports on the injunction granted against the National Assembly by a Federal High Court, which seeks to stop it from taking further action on the Electoral Act of 2018.

“The issue is on the due process and separation of power which is of concern and I believe strongly that the court has no power on this issue.” – Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio

“I agree completely with the fact that there is separation of power at different levels. The matter at stake does not require the court intervention because this is the working of democracy.”- Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan

“I keep on reiterating, we must sustainably build on these institutions — we will all leave this place someday, this is why we must strengthen our institutions.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

“We all are very clear on this issue that there are separation of powers. We have responsibilities and the judiciary has its own.

“Everyone must work to fulfill the mandate of their responsibilities. We should liaise with the Office of the CJN on this issue.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

Senate resolved to:

Write a letter to the CJN informing him of the latest situation and inform him on the issue of separation of powers in the Constitution

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

Report of the joint committee on Land Transport and Aviation on the National Transport Commission Bill, 2018 (SB. 242) by Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Ahmed Rufai Sani and Senator Adamu Aliero.

Senator Atai Aidoko seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the joint committee on Land Transport and Aviation on the National Transport Commission Bill, 2018 (SB. 242).

Senator Gbenga Ashafa presented the report.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the National Transport Commission Bill, 2018 (SB. 242).

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress

National Transport Commission Bill, 2018 (SB. 242) was read THIRD time and PASSED.

“This Bill has a lot to do with investment and making the transport sector more cost effective.

“It will create more jobs, and I think that we have done a good work in passing this Bill today. I thank all those that contributed to the debate.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki

Report of the committee on Housing on the Real Estate (regulation and development) Bill, 2018 (SB. 216) by Senator Barnabas Gemade.

Senator Emmanuel Paulker seconded that the Senate do consider the report of the committee on Housing on the Real Estate (regulation and development) Bill, 2018 (SB. 216).

Senator Barnabas Gemade presented the report

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Real Estate (regulation and development) Bill, 2018 (SB. 216).

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress

Final consideration of the report of the committee on Housing on the Real Estate (regulation and development) Bill, 2018 (SB. 216) was deferred to another legislative day.

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, 20th March, 2018.

Gavel bangs!