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Tag: 8th Senate

  • Buhari to APC senators-elect: Shun erroneous path of 8th Senate

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday night advised senators-elect on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to avoid the erroneous path of 8th Senate.

    He gave the advice while hosting the APC senators-elect and some state governors to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The President regretted some wrong actions and decisions of the 8th National Assembly.

    He specifically recalled the deliberate and persistent delay in passing the nation’s annual budget by the National Assembly.

    Urging the in-coming 9th National Assembly to do things differently from the outgoing 8th Senate, he said that it will enable his administration achieve its target of transforming the nation.

    He said “This is my fifth and last time of standing for an election – for that reason I’ll like to leave something behind.

    “And what I want to leave cannot be successfully done without your support.

    “So, that is why I’m appealing for your support. What happened in the last senate and so on is regrettable because I still feel it shouldn’t take seven months to pass a budget. You have a very, very serious job ahead of you.

    “So, what I’m appealing is that any major decision you are going to take please reflect more on the country than yourself as a person – what effect will it have on the country,’’ he said.

    Promising to work and partner with the 9th national assembly in promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in the country, the president thanked the governors and senators-elect for their support and understanding.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the dinner, the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, said the whole purpose of the event was to bond the new and old senators, to establish a new relationship between the executive and the legislature.

    He said: “The system talks about the separation of powers between the executive and legislature and the two must handshake for things to happen.

    “And when you have a president that is determined to drive changes, fundamental changes that will affect our habits, our life style, review the economy, deal with the security situation, fight corruption as fiercely as he is trying to do, he will need a very supportive legislative arm of government.

    “And happily, the Nigerian people have given us the number in the legislative arm of government.

    “All we have agreed today is that we will use these numbers as a functioning whole to determine the leadership of the senate in a way that we are not going to go to the floor of the senate and allow the opposition dictate who becomes the senate president.

    “Because, we have comfortable majority to drive that, what we have to do is to manage that majority.’’

    Also speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong said: “What the president has done today, I think is the right step in the right direction.

    “The last time we did not have the opportunity of this politics but today, Mr. President invited us. Because, we are governors and we also dialogue with our senators.

    “Mr President said in order to avoid rancor, let me lay the way forward and we are very happy he has laid the way forward and because of that we are all going to work towards achieving the desire of Mr President for the good of this country.’’ he said

    On his part, Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari said “We all remembered what happened at the last assembly, and Mr. President through the national chairman said that we should work hand in hand to ensure that we come out as one party.

    “We are assured the President that we are going to give him full cooperation to ensure we boost the Nigerian economy, security and fight against corruption.”

  • 8th Senate worst in attendance – Ndume

    Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, on Tuesday described the 8th Senate as the worst he had seen in terms of attendance at plenary.

    Speaking as special guest on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja, Ndume blamed the situation on “bad leadership’’ in the upper legislative chamber.

    Legislative activities in the National Assembly have been at a low ebb since the different political parties held their primaries in October.

    This is so, according to political watchers, because many of the lawmakers failed to secure their parties’ tickets either for re-election or for other public offices.

    Since resumption from the extended annual recess on Oct. 9, the Senate has adjourned plenary twice: first for two weeks on Oct. 24 to pave way for “oversight duties”.

    On Nov. 13, the senators adjourned plenary for one week after failing to form quorum, a situation they blamed on continuation of oversight duties by most of the absentees.

    The tempo is expected to take a further dip with the commencement of the campaigns ahead of the 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections billed for February.

    However, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, assured Nigerians on Monday that the campaigns would not affect the passage of bills and other legislative duties in the Assembly.

    In a statement his Special Assistant on Print Media, Mr Chuks Okocha, in Abuja, Saraki said the lawmakers were concerned and would through on the key bills.

    Ndume said although it was normal for attendance to drop during election periods, it had never been that bad since he joined the National Assembly as a House of Representatives member in 2003.

    “The 8th Senate is the worst I have seen in terms of attendance, and it is because of the bad leadership of Saraki.

    “This is the first time we had to adjourn the Senate for lack of quorum.

    “Since I came to the National Assembly, two terms in the House of Representatives, and two terms now in the Senate, it had never been like this.

    “So, I was shocked that dahy (Nov. 13). I came a bit late, and when I entered the chambers, I was told we had adjourned because there was no quorum, and that only 14 people or there about turned up.

    “It’s just terrible,’’ lamented the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, who is seeking a third term in the Senate.(NAN)

  • Media cautioned to look away from Executive, Legislature conflicts 

    Media cautioned to look away from Executive, Legislature conflicts 

    •Saraki, Dogara seek robust executive, legislature relations

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday criticised the attitude of the political elite.

    To him, governance must be people-centred.

    Prof. Osinbajo said it is only a robust and proactive relationship between the Executive and Legislative arm of the government that would ensure delivery of voters’ expectations.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki sought a change of public misconception of the legislature’s responsibility to nation-building while House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara regretted the reluctance of the Executive to return Legislature’s friendly gestures.

    Osinbajo, Saraki and Dogara spoke at the opening of the 16th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) in Abuja.

    Imploring political office holders to consider their position as a privilege but time-bound, the Acting President quoted the saying by a British theoretical physicist, Stephen Hawking, who warned of the anger of the ignored and the marginalised majority.

    Osinbajo added that Hawking cautioned the elite to learn from the lessons of the past.

    The Acting President said it was pertinent for the two arms of government to form a synergy for the good of the governed considering the anger of the poor, the ignored and marginalised majority.

    He said: “To stand in their shoes, sit where they sit, to feel their pains and understand that their frequently dashed hope is that the political elite should know that the heavy burdens that they bear is ours to lighten.

    “In comparison to the other parts of the world, the angst and cynicism of the populace is worse in Africa due to conflicts, corruption and weak institutions have ensured that the largest numbers of the poor and the deprived come from our continent.

    “It is the failure of leadership that has resulted in our present predicaments. How do we feel when our legislative halls, called hallowed chambers are referred to as temples of justice and executive villas as corridors of power – all suggestive of grand but isolated institutions?

    “The realities of majority of our people is the mystery of the slums and the indignity of powerlessness.

    “So while we describe ourselves as excellencies, distinguished and honourables, the vast majority of our people, in their polite moments, say that they see neither excellence nor much honour in their own lives…

    “Responsibility that privilege and power placed on us is to do our utmost to change the current bleak narrow tips and projections for our nations, our continent and the world.”

    Osinbajo added: “Poverty, hunger and disease can truly become history by pursuing those legislative and executive options that target education, food security and healthcare for all.

    “Let me say that the National Assembly in Nigeria and the Executive have shown that when we work together, we can make quantum leaps in bettering the lives and livelihood of our people.”

    He cited the gains of rice production in two years, whereby executive policies were given force of law by the legislature to guarantee import stoppage by 2018.

    This, the acting President said, will stop Nigeria from being the second world largest importer, spending N1 billion on rice import monthly.

    He said with rice importation dropping by 80 per cent and with the empowerment of over 1.43 million rice farmers in the North alone, Nigeria is guarantee self-sufficiency in rice production by the end of 2018.

    He said this and the decimation of Boko Haram insurgents were made possible because the two arms of government chose to work together.

    Osinbajo pleaded for the understanding of the media in their search for news, noting that the media and the social media were more interested in conflicts between the Executive and the legislature.

    But, Dogara, who is also the African regional Chairman of the conference regretted that the executive hardly reciprocate legislature’s gestures of cooperation to ensure smooth-running of government for the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people.

    “The legislature as the first institution of democracy must sacrifice more in this endeavour, even if the gesture is not often returned by the Executive,” he said.

    Saraki said it has become imperative to change the negative perception of the people towards the legislature.

    Saying that public misconception of the function and contributions of the legislature to development was worrisome, he noted: “Only few are aware of the level of intervention aimed at responding to national economic challenges, pressing poverty and rebuilding infrastructure.”

     

  • Eightth Senate anniversary: It is time for reflection – Boroffice

    Eightth Senate anniversary: It is time for reflection – Boroffice

    The Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice on the occasion of the forthcoming second anniversary of the 8th Senate, has said that for him, it is not a time for celebration.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, made h=this known on Wednesday while addressing the Senate Press Corp.

    His words: “As you are aware, the 8th Senate will mark its second year anniversary in few days time. For me, it is not the time for celebration, but the time for reflection. It is the time to reflect on the activities of the last two years.It is the time to review the successes and challenges of the last two years. It is also the time to rededicate myself to my tradition of delivering quality representation to the good people of Ondo North Senatorial district.

    “It is the time to review the successes and challenges of the last two years. It is also the time to rededicate myself to my tradition of delivering quality representation to the good people of Ondo North Senatorial district.

    “In the first half of the 8th Senate, I have sponsored about five Bills and four of them are at various stages of legislation. The Bills are the Presidential Transition Bill, the Nigerian Council for Food Science and Technology (Est.etc) Bill, the Unclaimed Funds Bill, the Private Investigator Bill and the Defence Space Administration Bill.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, the Bill on Defence Space Administration attract a special mention because it has not only gone through all the stages of legislation, it has also been assented to by His Excellency, the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo GCON. The Bill was passed by the 8th Senate and it was assented to by the Executive on the 7th of February, 2017.

    “On the successful passage of the Defence Space Administration Bill, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts, contributions and supports of the President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the principal officers of the Senate and all my distinguished colleagues in the 8th Senate.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to also hail the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for the admirable attention and swiftness it accorded the Defence Space Administration Bill. It showed the APC-led Federal Government is determined to implement the Defence and Security aspects of the National Space Policy.”

    The Senator further noted that basically, the Defence Space Administration Act establishes the Defence Space Administration, develop satellite technology and ensures the security of the nation’s cyber activities.

    He observed that the establishment of the DSA has enabled the Nigerian military to have an institutional framework, within which to exploit space science and technology, in pursuing its objectives, particularly in the war against insurgency in the North East geo-political zone.

    “It has also empowered the military to launch drones which are part of standard military operations in managing warfare. Launching of drones come with the advantage reduced number of foot soldiers and casualties. It also has the advantage of exactness and precision in the area of targeting.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, you may wish to note that the DSA will develop and operate Military Space Technologies.

    “The DSA will support Nigerian Military operations both within and outside the country as well as Security Agencies responsible for internal security through the use of satellites.

    “The DSA will provide space support for the launching of satellites and another high-value payload into Space using a variety of expandable launch vehicles and be operating those satellites once in the medium of Space.

    “The DSA will also expand the knowledge of Military Officers and men, security and other personnel in the Space Science Technology Development and Management, thereby strengthening human resources development required for the implementation of defence space programmes. It is noteworthy that the benefits of the DSA are too numerous to mention.

    “Recently, top government officials were quoted to have said the Federal Government has decimated the Boko Haram sect. I do agree with them. However, with the establishment of DSA, the Nation has moved a step closer towards defeating the sect.

    “For Nigerians who genuinely seek to understand why the establishment of the DSA is necessary and important despite the existence of the National Space Development and Research Agency (NASRDA), the medicine to cure your curiosity is simple.

    “When I was appointed Coordinating Director for Science in the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in 1992, the main focus of my job was on Biotechnology, Information and Communication Technology and Space Science and Technology. Being conversant and versed with emerging technologies around the world, I played central role in establishing the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

    “Ladies and gentlemen, I can confirm to you that most countries have a Defence Space Command. There are certain things Space Commands do, that should not be in the public domain. They are part of the intelligence community. When you set out to track down insurgents and terrorists, that information should be restricted to the Nigerian military, which already operates in secrecy. What we have done is to give the military its own institutional framework.

    “In fact, the traditional space agency, which is a member of the United Nations Committee On The Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPOUS), cannot do what a military Space Agency is mandated to do.

    “As a scientist, permit me to use this medium to call for improved funding for Science, Technology and Innovation in Nigeria. I have been asked about the roles of Science and Technology in Nation’s building several times. My opinion is simple. Without adequate funding of science and technological innovations, Nigeria will not make much progress as a Nation. Whatever problem you want to solve is related to science and technology. South Korea, Brazil, Malaysia, Singapore were all facing the problems we have but when they started funding science and technology, they moved forward.

    “If we fail to provide adequate funding for the sector, we will continue to be a consumer of imported science equipments from other countries, which is why we still import everything we use in this country.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, you will agree with me that a lot has changed about the Nigerian Senate. With the opening of the budget, I hope many Nigerians will now understand that senators do not get N100million as monthly salaries. You can talk about transparency. You can talk about the economic and infrastructure bills the 8th Senate have passed. You can talk about the cordial relationship that exists between the Executive and the Legislature. There has been a remarkable improvement.

    “I wish to urge the Executive to accord the same level of agreeable consideration and swiftness it accorded the Defence Space Administration Bill to all other communications from the Senate. This is critical to cement smooth working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.

    “On a conclusive note, I wish to encourage distinguished members of the fourth estate of the realm, the media, to focus more on the positive interventions of the 8th Senate and its members. It appeared too much space was given to controversies and distractions in the first half of the 8th Senate. As patriots, we owe our country the duty to always promote issues that will defend her unity and also uphold her honour and glory.”

  • I received Obasanjo’s letter – Saraki

    I received Obasanjo’s letter – Saraki

    The senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki on Wednesday acknowledged that he received a letter from former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday after plenary.

    According to the Senate President, the former President in his letter, called the attention of the National Assembly to some issues.

    Saraki made this known in a statement on his website saying: “I want to assure President Obasanjo that the leadership and membership of the 8th Senate are committed to good governance, transparency, accountability, due process and responsiveness to the economic reality of our nation.

    “It is for this reason that the legislative chamber has introduced bold and progressive reforms in the management of the finances of the National Assembly.

    “This is of even greater importance during a tough fiscal period for our country.

    “Like I said during my closing address at the plenary after our debate on the 2016 Budget, the Senate must lead by example in terms of our own funding, budgets and accountability – showing, beyond doubt, value for money.

    “I have canvassed that we must lay bare the budget of the Senate, nay the National Assembly and its affiliated institutions.

    “I equally canvassed the need to strengthen the capacity of the legislative institution to carry our effective oversight of the executive arm so that we can ensure the budget leads to the realization of the policy objectives of the Buhari Administration.

    “Again, let me reiterate my position in the speech I made this morning on the need for us to work towards blocking all areas of revenue leakages while also strengthening the anti-corruption agencies so that the little resources that are now available will serve the interest of the overwhelming majority.”

    He then promised to reply to the letter by Obasanjo acknowledging him as ‘a father of the nation that we all hold in high esteem’.

    “I intend to reply the letter and outline the actions the Senate is taking to address his concerns.

    “In conclusion, I appreciate President Obasanjo for his consistent role in always reminding those of us in government about our responsibilities to the general public and offering timely advise where necessary.

  • Senate reject N5,000 payment to unemployed youths

    Senate reject N5,000 payment to unemployed youths


    The Senate has rejected a motion for the payment of N5, 000 monthly allowances to unemployed youths in the country.

     

     

    The motion, which was sponsored by one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers representing the Federal Capital Territory, Philip Aduda, was greeted with shouts of “no, no” when he tried to explain it.

     

     

    Similarly, the attempt by the Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, to second the motion was disrupted by the rowdiness.

     

     

    Intervening, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, posed the question but the senators responded along party lines.

     

     

    While PDP members yelled a ‘yes’ in favour of the motion, All Progressives Congress (APC) senators, who were in majority, rejected it.

  • Ministerial screening: I remain an activist – Prof Adewole

    Ministerial screening: I remain an activist – Prof Adewole

    The Senate resumes the ministerial screening on Tuesday with six nominees listed for screening.

    The first nominee screened by the senate is Prof. Isaac Adewole. Below are his responses during the exercise:

    • Education: Ranking is good, but its parameter has not been fair to us
    • Ranking will enhance competition
    • Educational system is underfunded
    • Universities get poorly rated products
    • Concerning abortion – ” I’m pro-life.”
    • Family planning should be encouraged
    • I remain an activist, but more matured
    • We have one Nobel Laureate in Nigeria shared between UI and OAU
    • We need to look at inter-professional rivalry
    • Recognise public health education in cancer as a collective job
    • Cancer is a disease of the old age
    • 40 -50 % congenital malformation occurred through poorly handled abortion
    • We need a well equipped and upgraded health care system in Nigeria
    • 60% Nigerians use private clinics
    • We need to build incentive system into health sector
    • Nigeria’s data are mere approximates
    • We need to improve hospital referral system
    • We need to train more midwives

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  • Saraki assures of dilligent screening of miniterial nominees

    Saraki assures of dilligent screening of miniterial nominees

    The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has assured that the 8th Senate would put Nigeria first and also carry out a dilligent work regarding screening of the ministerial nominees by next Tuesday.

    Saraki gave the assurance in Ikenne home of the matriarch of Awolowo family, Chief HID Awolowo when he led a delegation of the Nigerian Senate on a condolence visit to the deceased’s children.

    Aside the Senate President, those in the delegation are Senator Lanre Tejuoso (Ogun Central), Senator Biodun Olujinmi (Ekiti state) among others.

    Saraki noted that Nigerians would have the opportunity of participating in the screening process from the comfort of their homes as the exercise would be broadcast live, adding that notwithstanding any relationship with nominees, Nigerians would come first in the spirit of the constitution.

    “We have said that for the 8th Senate, it is not going to be business as usual. What I can assure you is that we will go with the constitution, the rules, we will put Nigeria first.

    “Screening will be done with level of seriousness and what we are all about is our constitutional responsibility to ensure that we find people who are fit enough to be Ministers and particularly this time, to give President Buhari the support he requires.

    “It is not about who you like or who you don’t like and I want to assure Nigerian that will not be the basis, it will be based on the constitution and based on ability and our own assessment of capacity of the nominees to perform.

    “And I assure you that individual differences would not be an issue at all, and we have spoken with Senators and told them that.

    “At this moment of time, we have made sure that as much as possible, we share with the public, we try to ensure that all will be covered live so that everybody can see, we will all be screening from our bedrooms and sitting rooms as well along with the Senators.

    “You’re rest assured that we will do a good job Nigerians would be proud of,” he said.

    And earlier while commiserating with Mama’s children at Efunyela Hall within the family home, the Senate President described the late HID Awolowo as a great person, an icon and mother for all.

    He said this informed why the Senate passed a resolution mandating a delegation to be led by the leadership to pay a condolence visit to the family

    Saraki said: “on Wednesday the eight Senate passed a resolution mandated us to come here and commiserate with Awolowo family, the good people of Ogun State and Nigeria in general on the loss of great person and an icon.

    “Normally, as our tradition, we send a delegation, but, for Mama she deserved this even more is for the entire Senate represented by the presiding officers to be here in person I lead that delegation. That is why I am here in person representing entire eight Senate.

    “The country, not the family that has lost a great person, she was a great person because since the death of Papa for so many years she continued the life of virtues and his dreams and she sustained over many years she showed that she was a uniting factor not only in South West, but, Nigeria in general.

    “I can say that, because just few months ago we were here during the period of our campaign and I don’t think there had been a campaign in this country that no politician will not stop here to pay respect and honour.

    “She earned that because we have many wives and mothers who after their husband passed out have not been able to sustain the dream, I think she has shown herself that in the entire country she is the only person that has been able to achieve that that is a great achievement.

    “As we mourn we also celebrate the great life she has lived. I remember when we were here we thought we would come to celebrate her 100 years but that shows that we must believe that were of the Almighty God.

    ” It is not we that decide some of these things when they happen, but, she lived a great life, she is someone we should be proud of not only here but also in Nigeria I don’t see if there is any wife or mother in the entire country, wife of a leader or politician that does what she has done , some years after her husband has gone she continued to sustain the dreams.

    ” Once again on behalf of the entire Senate I commiserate with the Awolowo family , the Ogun State people and Nigeria at large. The country has lost a great person and we have a lot to be proud of and with the faces I am seeing mama HID is coming, I think she deserves the honour.”

    In her redponse, Mama’s eldest daughter, Mrs Omotola Oyediran, commended the senate leadership for identifying with them.

    She disclosed that her mother’s final journey to be with the maker, would commence on the 15th of November when the body will be taken to Apapa home of the Awolowo’s in Lagos for an interdenominational thanksgiving.

    On the 16th, the body will also depart Lagos for Ibadan for another service before heading to Ikenne in Ogun State where service will be held before a private interment the same day November 25th.

  • Senate begin screening of Service chiefs

    Senate begin screening of Service chiefs

     

    The Senate on Tuesday commenced the screening of the newly appointed service chiefs.

    The screening, which is being held behind closed doors, follows President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter to the Senate, seeking confirmation of the Service Chiefs’ appointment.

    Details later…

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  • Our mission in Maiduguri – Saraki


    Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Monday promised that the Nigerian senate will do anything required to restore normalcy to North eastern Nigeria. The senate president made the statement today during his visit to Maiduguri, Borno state in order to assess the ongoing war against Boko Haram insurgents. Saraki, who posted about the journey on his twitter handle noted that the mission of the visit is to restore hope to the people, lament the situation of things in the state due to activities of Boko Haram insurgents. "The mission of our visit to NE is simple, to give hope and to let the people of NE know that the Nigerian Senate will not abandon them. "I urge everyone to continue to pray for peace to be restored while also trying to constructively and carefully engage those behind the atrocities. "I will make it a point to include it as part of the places we will inspect. Heard it holds over 18000 IDP's. "As individuals representing various districts and Senate as an institution, we promise to do anything required of us to restore normalcy to NE. "8th Senate will also continue to suggest ideas through motions and resolutions that can help the country put this problem behind us "There are no quick fix solutions to the problem of insurgency, we will continue to encourage all efforts, military and otherwise. "We cannot in good conscience talk to the people affected by this menace from Abuja. We are here to listen and hopefully get ideas of solutions. He noted that members of the 8th senate will stand together with President Buhari, "whose singular devotion to ending these senseless killings gives us greater believe that we will win the war," he said. "We stand with our troops and this new Senate will do all within power of authorization & approvals to support by providing funding and oversight. "Our country Nigeria is going through one of its worst challenges in history; with security challenge has come also economic challenges, he added. Furthermore, he lamented that it is very emotional to see over 2600 children made orphan by Boko Haram at Dalori IDP camp. "We will leave no stone unturned to address this," he stressed. He also stated that the senate will pass legislations, look over appropriation to find funding for rehabilitation, provide resources and provide oversight.   [news_box style="2" display="tag" link_target="_blank" tag="Maiduguri" count="6" show_more="on" show_more_type="link" header_background="#444444" header_text_color="#61d60e"]