Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Senate President Ahmad Lawan led the Principal Officers into the Chambers, took the official prayers and began the day’s proceedings at 10:53am.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Hassan Mohammed Gusau moved for the adoption of Votes and Proceedings for Wednesday, 18th September, 2021.
The motion was seconded by Senator Sandy Onuh.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION
Senate President Ahmad Lawan read four letters from President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on:
i. Confirmation of Appointment of Secretary and Board Members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC);
a. George Ekpungu – Secretary – Cross River State;
b. Luqman Muhammed – Board Member – Edo State;
c. Anumba Adaeze – Board Member – Enugu State;
d. Alhaji Kola Adesina – Board Member – Kwara State; and
e. Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad – Board Member – Yobe State.
ii. Confirmation of Appointment of the Chairman, Chief Executive and Executive Directors for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in accordance with the provision of Section 34(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021;
Idaere Gogo Ogan – Chairman;
Engr. Sarki Auwalu – Chief Executive;
Abiodun A. Adeniji – Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; and
Ogbugo Ukoha – Executive Director, Distributions Systems, Storage and Retail Infrastructure.
iii. Appointment of the Chairman, Chief Executive and Executive Commissioners for the Upstream Regulatory Commission:
Isa Ibrahim Modibo – Chairman;
Engr. Gbenga Komolafe – Chief Executive;
Hassan Gambo -Executive Commissioner, Finance and Accounts; and
Ms. Rose Ndong – Executive Commissioner, Exploration and Acreage Management.
iv. Proposed structural adjustment of the Petroleum Industry Act.
PETITIONS
Senator Ayo Akinyelure submitted five petitions from the Office of the President of the Senate:
1. Petition from B. S. Akinwumi against Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their unfair treatment of the Sextets of Bicket Samuel Kolawole, Olomu John Bayo, Awote Deborah Kemisola, Gbento Omolere, Oyegund Vivian Onyebuchi and Ajayi Felix;
2. Petition from Adebiyi Sulaimon Babatunde & Uzuakpundu Ewere Anita against Dr. Fareeda Muheeba Dankaka, the Executive Chairperson of Federal Character Commission, for abuse of office, nepotism and unlawful replacement of thirteen duly engaged employees of the Commission with friends and relatives from their hometown – Offa;
3. Petition from Olateju Ebenezer appealing for reinstatement into office by the FCT Permanent Secretary;
4. Petition from Iheanyi Uzoukwu appealing for natural justice from the Nigeria Police; and
5. Petition from George O. Nwachukwu requesting for Senate’s intervention for payment of arrears of salaries, redundancy benefits and other severance packages to Comrade Major Jatau, Suleiman Abdulmumin and 120 others recently disengaged from service by Sheraton Abuja Hotel.
POINT OF ORDER
1. Senator Chukwuka Utazi cited Order 43 to make an appeal to the Senate to pass a resolution mandating the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to include Enugu State among states benefiting from the 13 per cent Derivation Fund.
2. Senator ID Gyang cited Order 43 to bring to the notice of the senate the demise of a one-time Presiding Officer of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ibrahim Nasiru Mantu CFR who passed on Tuesday August 17, 2021.
Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased.
3. Senator Olalekan Mustapha cited Order 43 to bring to the notice of the Senate the demise of Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye who served as a Senator in the Fourth Republic (1999-2003) and died on Monday August 23, 2021.
Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased.
4. Senator Nicholas Tofowomo cited Order 42 and 52 to raise a motion on the unfortunate situation in Ondo South Senatorial District where about 90 per cent of the constituents have been deprived of electricity power supply since 2007.
Senator Robert Borrofice seconded the motion
Senate resolved to:
i. Appreciate the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for taking up the responsibility of installing a transmission station in Okitipupa Local Government that would supply the electricity in Ilaje, Ese Odo, Okitipupa, Irele and Odigbo local government;
ii. Urge the Senate to appeal to NDDC to complete the remaining 15% within the shortest possible time so that the power supply will be available before the end of the year.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. Federal Road Authority Bill, 2021 (HB. 360) by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)
Federal Road Authority Bill, 2021 (HB. 360) was read the First Time.
2. National Road Fund Bill, 2021 (HB. 367) by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)
National Road Fund Bill, 2021 (HB. 367) was read the First Time.
3. Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Analysts Bill, 2021 (SB. 790) by Senator Sadiq Umar
Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Analysts Bill, 2021 (SB. 790) was read the First Time.
4. Federal College of Education, Ekiadolor (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 800) by Senator Matthew Urhoghide
Federal College of Education, Ekiadolor (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 800) was read the First Time.
5. Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Act Cap J1 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 801) by
Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe
Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Act Cap J1 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 801) was read the First Time.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION
1. Executive Communication
Approval of Multilateral Fund Projects under the 2018-2021 Federal Government External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the Approval of Multilateral Fund Projects under the 2018-2021 Federal Government External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan.
Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Philip Aduda seconded.
The request of Mr President C-in-C was referred to the Committee on Local and Foreign Debt to report back within one week.
PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
1. Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND
Federal College of Education Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 269) by Senator Babba Kaita Ahmad
Senator Sandy Onuh moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the Federal College of Education Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 269).
Senator Binos Yaroe seconded.
Senator Sandy Onuh laid the report.
In his presentation, Senator Sandy Onuh said the establishment of the Federal College of Education Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, can be described as putting a round peg in a round hole. The report further recommended that the Senate do consider and pass the Bill seeking to establish the tertiary institution.
Senate resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider the report.
The Senate in the Committee of the Whole considered Clauses 1-28 as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.
The Senate in Plenary approved Clauses 1-28 as recommended, Schedule as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
Federal College of Education Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 269) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
2. Report of the Committee on Communications
Nationwide Toll-Free Emergency Number (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 583) by Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Member of the Committee, Senator Biodun Olujimi moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Communications on the Nationwide Toll-Free Emergency Number (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 583).
Senator Degi Biobarakuma seconded.
Senator Biodun Olujimi laid the report.
In her presentation, Senator Biodun Olujimi said the adoption of 112 as the sole emergency number for Nigerians will eradicate the confusion of which help line number to call. The report noted that citizens can easily memorize and call 112 when in distress situation.
The report further recommended that the Senate do consider and pass the Bill.
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the report.
The Senate in the Committee of the Whole considered Clauses 1-14 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
The Senate in Plenary approved Clauses 1-14 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.
Nationwide Toll-Free Emergency Number (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 583) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
3. Report of the Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary)
Sickle Cell Anaemia (Prevention, Control, and Management) Bill, 2021 (SB. 166) by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe
Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary) on the Sickle Cell Anamia (Prevention, Control, and Management) bill, 2021 (SB. 166).
Federal Orthopedic Hospital, Dekina (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 516) by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe
Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe moved that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Health (Secondary & Tertiary) on the Federal Orthopedic Hospital, Dekina (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 516).
Senator Matthew Urhoghide seconded.
Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe laid the two reports.
In presenting the report on Sickle Cell Anaemia (Prevention, Control, and Management) Bill, 2021 (SB. 166), Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe said the Bill will strengthen existing structure to eliminate sickle cell disease. He added that the Bill seeks to ensure both the federal government and individuals engage in the continuous spread of the disease.
In presenting the report on Federal Orthopedic Hospital, Dekina (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 516), Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe said the Hospital was established provide services to accidental burn and car accidents. The institution according to him will bring health care closer to the people.
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider the two reports.
Sickle Cell Anaemia (Prevention, Control, and Management) Bill, 2021 (SB. 166)
The Senate in the Committee of the Whole considered Clauses 1-14 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.
Federal Orthopedic Hospital, Dekina (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 516)
The Senate in the Committee of the Whole considered Clauses 1-14 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
Senate revert to plenary to report progress on the two reports considered.
Sickle Cell Anaemia (Prevention, Control, and Management) Bill, 2021 (SB. 166)
The Senate in Plenary approved considered Clauses 1-14 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended.
Federal Orthopedic Hospital, Dekina (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 516)
The Senate in Plenary approved Clauses 1-14 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended, Short and Long Titles as recommended.
Sickle Cell Anaemia (Prevention, Control, and Management) Bill, 2021 (SB. 166) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
Federal Orthopedic Hospital, Dekina (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 516) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
4. Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions by Senator Ayo Akinyelure.
Senator Ayo Akinyelure moved that the Senate do consider the reports of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and
Public Petitions in respect of:
a. Petition from Mr. Kingsley Torru on behalf of Riverman Technologies Limited against the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for non-payment of the sum of the sum of N9,375,616,700 for contract executed;
b. Petition from Senator Bode Ola on behalf of Cornerstone Montessori Schools against the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for the secret and illegal redesign/grabbing of his Plot No. E27/3277 in Apo Resettlement by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA); and
c. Petition from Jackson Bako, Esq. on behalf of Akpmajenya Community, Apo Village, Abuja against the Federal Capital Development Authority for wrongful obstruction of their farmlands and farming activities.
Senator Kola Balogun seconded.
a. Petition from Mr. Kingsley Torru on behalf of Riverman Technologies Limited against the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for non-payment of the sum of the sum of N9,375,616,700 for contract executed;
Senate stood down the consideration of the report for further legislative action.
b. Petition from Senator Bode Ola on behalf of Cornerstone Montessori Schools against the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for the secret and illegal redesign/grabbing of his Plot No. E27/3277 in Apo Resettlement by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA);
The Committee recommended that:
i. The Senate do urge the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to as a matter of urgency delineate the boundary between Plot No. E27/3277 designated as a green area in Apo Resettlement Area, allocated to Cornerstone Montessori Schools and the plot allocated to Abuja Municipal Council (AMAC) as motor park in the same green area to allay fears to Cornerstone Montessori Schools that Plot E27/5277 allocated to it had not been designed by FCDA.
Senate approved the recommendation.
d. Petition from Jackson Bako, Esq. on behalf of Akpmajenya Community, Apo Village, Abuja against the Federal Capital Development Authority for wrongful obstruction of their farmlands and farming activities.
The Committee recommended that:
i. The Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) should immediately engage in wider consultations with the Akpmajenya Community in the Federal Capital Territory and agree on modalities for discussion on payment of adequate compensation and allocation of plots simultaneously to the affected families at the new sites to permanently resolve the issues raised in the petition;
ii. That the Akpmajenya Community should embrace peace with the FCDA and accept the compensation package for lands taken over by FCDA as soon as modalities are agredd by the parties;
iii. That FCDA should ensure that adequate land area for farming are allocated for Akpmajenya Community in full for their farming activities to continue unhindered.
Senate approved the recommendation.
BILLS FOR SECOND READING
1. A Bill for an Act to provide for the Legal Framework to Establish the Federal Medical Center centre Deba, Gombe State and for related Matters, 2021 (SB.382) by Senator Danjuma Goje.
Senator Danjuma Goje, in his lead debate said the center when established will run a cost effective medical services for Nigerians. The center according to him will provide services in specialized areas that will be required by Nigerians.
Senator Smart Adeyemi seconded. In his contribution, he said Gombe State is strategically located in the North East and can be reached from every part of the Zone. He clamored for the support of the Bill stressing that it will benefit the country as a whole and reduce medical tourism.
“The need for improved primary and tertiary healthcare services to our people cannot be over emphasized. The more primary and tertiary health care centers we have all over the country, the merrier. It is only a healthy individual that can be a productive human. It is in the light of this that I support this Bill and urge each and every one of us to do so.” – Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed.
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health to report back within four weeks.
2. A Bill for an Act to provide for the Punishment of the offences of Abduction, Wrongful Restraints and Conferment for Ransom, and other related offences and for matters thereof, 2021 (SB.762) by Senator Ibikunle Amosun
Senator Ibikunle Amosun in his lead debate said the aim of the Bill is to provide more stringent punishment for kidnapping. The Bill also proposed life imprisonment for kidnapping especially in the event of loss of life.
Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru seconded.
“While I am in total support of the bill, I think the punishment proscribed is still too low. Considering the gravity and effect the issue of kidnapping is bringing to this country, thirty years may no longer be adequate.” – Senator Babba Kaita
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary, human rights and judiciary matters and to report back in four weeks.
3. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Education Bassambiri, Bayelsa State and for other related matters, 2021 (SB.775) by Senator Biobarakuma Eremienyo Degi
Senator Degi Biobarakuma in his lead debate said the Bill will encourage the advancement of learning, develop and offer academic and professional programs leading to award of certificates.
Senator Sani Musa Seconded.
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions to report back within four weeks.
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that plenary be adjourned till another legislative day.
Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe seconded.
Plenary was adjourned to Wednesday, 22nd September, 2021.
#GavelBangs
#TodayInSenatePlenary
Signed
New Media Unit
Office of the President of the Senate
Federal Republic of Nigeria
