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Tag: Barnabas Gemade

  • Suswan, Gemade, others in battle for Senate

    There will be a fierce battle in Benue North East Senatorial Zone next year.

    Ex-Governor Gabriel Suswam is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) for zone A. Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Barnabas Gemade is  the  standard bearer of Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    Former Military Administrator of Katsina State Col. Joseph Akaagerger has picked the ticket of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) to represent the zone. The All Progressive Congress (APC) has presented former Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) Boss Mrs. Mimi Orubibi  as it candidate in Zone A.

    Unlike in 2015, when Zone A  was a battle ground between Gemade and Suswam, Akaageger is throwing his hat in the ring.

     

    Suswam:

    Since the former governor lost the 2015 senatorial election to Gemade, he has remained in the party and worked assiduously to take a second shot at the seat in 2019.

    Suswam, unlike Gemade, remained in the PDP since he joined the party. Gemade left the party and joined the APC when it was obvious that he was not going to win the primary.

    Gemade defeated Suswam as an incumbent governor in 2015.

    Before Gemade defected from APC alongside Governor Samuel Ortom to the PDP,  Suswam was the sole financier of the  party, and  congresses had been completed with the former governor having a upper hand.

    At the zonal level, it is the same story as Suswam is firmly in control of PDP structures. This accounts for the reason why Gemade defected to the SDP, less than one month after he left the APC.

    Gemade accused Ortom of betraying him in the political realignment that saw both of them defected.  But, Ortom’s media aide Tahav Agerzua dismissed the allegation.

    The former governor is determined.

    He is not a push over in the senatorial zone. His greatest weapon is his benevolence. He commands a cult- like followership, with a  large crowd of supporters ready to die for his cause.

    Dom Agya, as the former governor is known by his admirers, has empowered many people and given many opportunities to youths and women in the zone and are behind him in his quest to represent the zone in the Senate.

     

    Gemade:

    A founding member of the PDP, National Chairman and Board of Trustees.

    Gemade, a two term senator, is the SDP senatorial candidate for the zone for 2019 election.

    The former chairman of PDP is a candidate to beat, having occupied the seat for eight years.

    Gemade has executed many protects in the zone.

    Those who want Gemade out are not complaining about his achievements, but they are saying that he has completed eight years and should give way. Others are saying he is too old.

    But, Gemade is not  bothered. He is going about his campaigns with a mind set that he is the better candidate.

     

    Orubibi:

    Little is  known about this woman until she was appointed the Chairman of Benue Internal Revenue Service ( BIRS) through the influence of Senator George Akume  at the inception of the Ortom administration.

    She was however, fired after three years in the saddle, following disagreement between Ortom and his estranged god father, Akume.

    She emerged after beating four other candidates in the APC primary.

    The argument by political pundits is that she is married to Niger Delta man, although she hails from Kwande Local Government area, which is laying claims to the senate seat.

    On the hand, she is a  leading candidate because of the popularity of the APC  in the state, coupled with the facts that she is favoured by zoning.

     

    Akaagerger:

    The former military administrator defeated Gemade and was elected senator for four years. His attempt to return to the senate failed as Gemade defeated him.

    Akaagerger was the leader of SDP in Benue State before Gemade came and sent  him packing. He cried fowl. But, the weight of the former national chairman was too much for the national leadership of the SDP toy with as they handled him the party structures.

    Akaagerger has picked the PRP, but how can “The Ambe u Konshisha“ go with the party( PRP)  which is not known in Benue?

     

  • Group sues Saraki, others for defecting to PDP

    A rights group, the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP), has sued Senate President Bukola Saraki and other lawmakers who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    It is praying the Federal High Court in Abuja to declare that they are no longer members of the National Assembly by virtue of their defections from the political parties that sponsored their election.

    LEDAP is urging the court to determine whether any lawmaker who defects from the party that sponsored him before the expiration of his term does not automatically lose his seat unless there is a division within the party.

    In a supporting affidavit, the plaintiff said there was “no division in any of the political parties the said defendants defected from”.

    LEDAP further argued there was “no mergers involving any of the parties the defendants defected from”.

    There are 55 defendants in the suit, including Senators Dino Melaye, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Barnabas Gemade, as well as House of Representatives members.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is also named as a defendant in the suit filed by LEDAP National Coordinator Mr Chino Obiagwu.

    The plaintiff’s reliefs are based on section 68 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    Read Also: Saraki: Nigeria is at crossroads

    The section provides: “A member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in the House of which he is a member if, being a person whose election to the House was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected, provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.”

    LEDAP, in the suit filed on September 14, is praying the court for an order of mandamus compelling the Deputy Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare the defectors’ seats vacant.

    According to the plaintiff, pursuant to Section 8(2)(d) of the Legislative Houses (Powers And Privileges) Act, it is a criminal offence for any of the defectors to continue sitting in the National Assembly. 

    LEDAP, a non-profit organisation, said the suit is in furtherance of its core mandate of promoting the rule of law, good governance and accountability in Nigeria.

    No date has been fixed for hearing.

  • We need policies to protect the furniture sector – Muni Shonibare

    The Chief Executive Officer and founder of IO Furniture Limited, Mrs Muni Shonibare on Monday received the senate committee on Industry led by its chairman Senator Sam Egwu at its administrative and production office in Ilupeju, Lagos.

    The Senate committee members that visited comprised of Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (Oyo North), Senator Baru Jibrin (Kano North), Senator Barnabas Gemade (Benue North East), Senator Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North).

    They came on oversight of the mandate of the Bank of Industry ( BOI ) in funding and supporting indigenous industries. They also came to ascertain and ensure that the organization’s processes and products meet international standards.

    According to Senator Sam Egwu, “the visit was imperative in order to determine how our industries are faring and to see how they can better be supported through government interventions.

    “Nigeria loses a huge amount of her foreign exchange to importation; this we can reduce by encouraging our local industries to grow by patronizing them.”

    According to Mrs. Shonibare, that intervention funds (loans) from BOI has been of immense help in setting and scaling up the business. Their loan which is pegged at a single digit of 7% is very encouraging.

    With respect to scaling up the business, the CEO reiterated their plans to set up a technical/training programme to bridge the skills gap that currently exist in the industry.

    “We constantly have to bring in expatriates to run the machines because we cannot find Nigerians that are qualified to run them,” she said.

    “Aside from the generic issues of infrastructure, lack of regular supply of electricity, transportation, not getting raw materials for production etc., the greatest challenge is in getting the skilled labour.

    “We recognize that there is a major gap in getting really skilled and qualified personnel for manufacturing. We have to sustain our economy with our own people.

    “Another burning issue is in the area of policies that will protect the industry. We find that unlike other sectors such as architecture, law, banking, insurance etc., where foreign organization cannot just break into the sector without partnering with existing firms, the furniture space do not have such policies to protect it.

    “We need policies to protect the furniture sector so that we can grow in the correct manner. We currently cannot compete with the Chinese market because of their prices which is largely due to the availability of skilled labour.

    “China for instance has over a thousand technical schools, and enroll at least eleven million people with the support of their government to ensure they set up programs that will support the local industry.”

    She further added that patronage is very key. She stressed the need for the government and the Nigerian people to increase their patronage of products by Nigerians.

    IO FURNITURE 2

    Responding to the issues, Sen. Sam Egwu said a bill has been sponsored to encourage, support and protect local industries in the country. He said the “Made In Nigeria” bill which has reached the last stage of conclusion, will ensure that whatever purchases the government intends to embark on (including furnitures), it will first look inwards.

    According to him, it is only when they can’t find what they want within the country that they are permitted to look outside. Agencies or parastaltals of government that flouts this law will be blacklisted.

    “We are sure that when the law comes to effect, it will support your industry and you might find it difficult to meet the demands from government parastatals,” he said.

    The representatives of the senate committee on industry were given a quick tour of the organization’s facilities and show rooms.

    They could not hold back their excitement and how impressed they were with the production capacity and quality of products made by IO furniture limited.

    The organization which has a staff strength of over a hundred and thirty people was established in 1987, and prides itself as being the Nigerian furniture market leader for locally made furniture.

    Every product is made by Nigerians with the technical expertise of their Italian partners who ensure that products meet global standards in terms of production process and the training of staff.

  • Senate endorses three higher institutions for establishment

    The Senate has technically endorsed the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Adikpo, Benue State, Federal Polytechnic Item, Abia State and Federal College of Education, Omuo Ekiti, Ekiti State.

    The endorsement followed the consideration of the Bills which proposed the establishment of the institutions at a widely attended public hearing held by the upper chamber in Abuja.

    Senators Barnabas Gemade sponsored the Bill for the establishment Federal Polytechnic, Adikpo while Senator Mao Ohuabunwa proposed the establishment of Federal Polytechnic Item.

    Senator Biodun Olujimi sponsored the establishment of Federal Collage of Education, Omuo Ekiti.

    Senate Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye who represented Senate President at the public hearing underscored the importance of education in the country.

    He also stressed the need to spread the establishment of educational institutions in parts of the country for the benefit of education hungry Nigerians,

    Adeyeye assured that the Senate will continue to support the establishment of vital higher institutions in the country.

    The Osun Central lawmaker noted that there was no doubt polytechnics have continued to play vital role in the provision of middle level manpower and young professionals who help in no small measure in the development of the country.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Jibrin Barau noted that the public hearing became necessary in order to enable Nigerians make input before the Bills are passed.

    Barau said the input of the public will, no doubt, will enrich the Bills before their passage into law.

    Senator Gemade who gave the synopsis of why Federal Polytechnic Adikpo should be established noted that Benue State is one of the few states in the north that are known to have made education an industry.

    Gemade also said that the establishment of the polytechnic will help to balance the establishment institutions of higher learning in the state.

    He noted that the only federal presence in his entire constituency is a unity school which is not significant enough to give the people a sense of belonging.

    He said that the people of Adikpo area were not only industrious in education but have produced five vice chancellors that served in the state and at national level.

    The lawmaker added that he is convinced that the establishment of the institution will go a long way to enhance the education fortunes of Benue State people.

    On his own Senator Ohuabunwa, noted that apart from University of Agriculture Umudike, there is no other federal institution in the state.

    He said that the Senate came up with the resolution that there should be federal presence in every constituency in the interest of Nigerians.

    He said that the Federal Polytechnic Item is well cut out as the best location to site the institution because of the abundance of technical know-how in the area.

    The Abia North lawmaker said that there were many schools in the area to feed the polytechnic for the benefit of the country.

    Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Olujimi said that each constituency wanted federal presence to give the people sense of belonging.

    She noted that Ekiti State is known for one industry ‘and that industry is education.”

    Olujimi said that Ekiti South should be given a right of place through the establishment of the Federal College of Education.

    She said that the people were ready to give whatever it takes to facilitate establishment of the institution.

    At the end of the public hearing nobody spoke against the establishment of the three institutions in the three states.

    Barau promised to submit the report of his committee to the Senate in plenary as soon as possible.

    Read Also: http://staging.thenationonlineng.net/no-date-yet-budget-passage-senate/

  • Fed Poly Adikpo will ensure equity, says Gemade

    Fed Poly Adikpo will ensure equity, says Gemade

    The Senator representing Benue North East, Barnabas Gemade, yesterday said that the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State will ensure equity.

    He also said that the polytechnic will provide qualitative education in technology, applied science management and other fields of studies.

    Gemade stated this during the second reading of a Bill for an Act to establish the Federal Polytechnic, Adikpo, Benue State to provide full time courses in technology, applied science management and other fields of studies and to make provisions for the general administration of such polytechnic, 2018.

    He said that the development of polytechnic education is fundamental  and a sine qua non in creating a work force for the desired economic diversification and also bridging the unemployment gap and emancipation of the people.

    He added that the Bill is therefore a r right step in the right direction as it seeks to address not only the technological needs of “our populace but also provide training in the fields of applied science management, technical and vocational training  of artisans for the development of the nation’s diverse economic potentials and industries.”

    The Bill scaled the crucial second reading in the Senate with most of the senators speaking in favour of its approval.

    In his lead debate, Gemade noted that the Federal Government policy to site federal institutions in every state was established with the creation of 19 states in 1976.

    He said that the policy continued and with the creation of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, successive governments have maintained the policy in ensuring that every state of the Federation has a Federal University, a Federal Polytechnic and a Federal College of Education.

    The lawmaker noted that commendable as the policy is, the need has arisen to bring about equity in its implementation.

    Gemade said that the report of the committee on the modalities of establishing federal polytechnics, colleges of education and universities across the country considered and approved by the Senate on 18th January, 2018, it its findings confirmed the fact that Benue does not have any Federal polytechnic of federal college of education.

    “It is against this backdrop that this Bill is being proposed to address these challenges by extablishing a federal polytechnic at Adikpo in Kwande Local Government Area which is very central within the North-East Senatorial District of Benue State which does not have any federal tertiary institution,” he posited.

  • Senate urges FMBN shareholders to pay up equities

    Senate urges FMBN shareholders to pay up equities

    The Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development has urged shareholders to pay up their equities in order to actualise the planned recapitalisation of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

    A statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by FMBN Managing Director, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa said the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Barnabas Gemade made the call while on an oversight visit to the bank.

    Gemade listed the shareholders to include the Federal Government, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

    He observed that the CBN had vital role to play in making the FMBN function effectively by exercising its statutory roles, especially in the areas of funding and regulation.

    “There is no way FMBN can address the plethora of daunting challenges in the mortgage industry without being supported by the CBN and the Federal Government.

    “The N5billion capital base of the FMBN is abysmally low and the shareholders should hasten up by increasing the capital base to reflect current realities.

    “CBN should sanction commercial banks that defaulted in remitting 10 per cent of their loan portfolio to FMBN as investment to the development of a virile mortgage industry as required by the law.’’

    He promised that the committee would also ensure amendment of both the FMBN and National Housing Fund (NHF) Acts to make the bank function effectively.

    Read also: Senate plans to pass 2018 budget this month

    Gemade said N100 billion was approved in 2017 budget as intervention fund to support mortgage activities in the country.

    He directed the bank to follow up the matter with its supervisory ministry, adding that the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing should contact the Federal Ministry of Finance to secure release of the fund.

    In his remarks, Dangiwa said the bank had not received budgetary allocation from the Federal Government since its establishment.

    “Therefore, we rely solely on income generated from contributors under the NHF scheme to finance our activities,” he said.

    He lamented that the current N5 billion capital base of the bank was grossly inadequate, in view of the magnitude of its mandate to bridge the housing finance gap in Nigeria which was in the region of trillions of naira.

    According to him, FMBN has commenced strategic partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) Plc for the management of mortgage–related transactions to reduce loan repayment default to the barest minimum.

    NAN

  • Fashola, Senate differ on 50 per cent mobilization for contractors

    Fashola, Senate differ on 50 per cent mobilization for contractors

    The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and the Chairman of Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Senator Barnabas Gemade, on Thursday differed on contract mobilization fee for project implementation in the housing sector.

    Fashola had said during the 6th national council meeting on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, canvassed for an increase in mobilization fee to about 50 per cent.

    He said this became imperative to support small contractors and ensure Nigerians really experience genuine development in the sector.

    The minister said he had directed the legal department in the ministry to commence legal processes and recommendations to the National Assembly in order to meet up with the new demand.

    Fashola disclosed that the Federal Government mass housing project has commenced in 33 states to deliver 2,736 housing units.

    He noted that apart from the artisans, 653 contractors were engaged in the pilot scheme and a total of 54,680 people were employed in the process.

    He told the delegates at the event that with the ongoing housing projects, the federal government had fulfilled the commitment it made at the 2016 council meeting by 90 per cent.

    Fashola said: “Yes, I understand the need to get value for money and the processes that have been put in place by previous administrations to guide procurement. The question we must ask ourselves then is whether we have truly saved money and whether we have developed?

    “On the evidence that is available, the country has clearly made more money from oil sales in the last decade that cannot be accounted for by way of project delivery and infrastructure development.

    “But if this was not enough problem, the procurement requirements then limits the amount of advance payment government can pay to 15 per cent and sets conditions that overlook the level of literacy of the vast majority of our people and the nature of small businesses that they run.”

    “In the last 20 months, small businesses have difficulty complying with our procurement process and this requires not only policy reviews as I have ordered, but also legislative intervention by parliament.

    “This is one of the actions we must take to fulfill the objectives of the theme of this Council so that we can build for inclusion, for growth and for prosperity.”

    But Gemade disclosed that the NASS was considering 30 per cent initial payment for contractors rather than the 50 per cent sought by the minister.

    He said the bill had scaled through NASS but awaiting approval by the President.

  • Proceedings of Senate’s Wednesday plenary

    Proceedings of Senate’s Wednesday plenary

    It’s a new Legislative day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senate President Bukola Saraki took the official prayer and led the chamber into today’s proceedings.
    Senator Ali Wakili moved for the approval of Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday 11th July 2017. Senator Sam Anyanwu seconded.
    OATH
    Senator Ademola Adeleke took the Oath of office as Senator representing Osun West.
    ANNOUNCEMENT
    Senate President Bukola Saraki welcomed staff and students who were present in the gallery to observe Plenary.
    PETITIONS
    Senator Oluremi Tinubu raised a Petition regarding 8 pioneer staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps disengaged from appointment since 1999.
    Senator Isah Misua raised a Petition against the Chief of Staff of Kogi State Government for an illegal transaction involving Guaranty Trust Bank.
    Senators Shehu Sani, Danjuma Laah, Matthew Urhoghide and Benjamin Uwajumogu raised Petitions regarding their constituent members.
    Senate President Bukola Saraki referred all petitions to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
    Senator Bwacha cited order 43 and congratulated the new Senator-elect and also congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party on their victory at the Supreme Court.
    POINT OF ORDER
    Senator Ahmed Lawan cited order 42 (1) and referred to fiscal responsibility Act 2007 Section 21(1) saying all Government corporation and agencies yet to submit the budget should do so within a week.
    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu seconded and reiterated the need for Government agencies to submit their budget.
    Senator Yayi Adeola said all agencies should submit their budgets.
    Senate President Bukola Saraki put the prayer that all budgets should be sent to the Committees who will ensure onward transmission to the leader and conclude within a week.
    Senate President Bukola Sasaki said those who have done necessary review should meet to finalize with the leader, he stated that it is important for committee chairmen to finish because we must pass the budget before the recess.
    Senator Yerima asked for more time on the Nigerian Ports Authority investigation and Senate President Bukola Saraki granted him 3 weeks.
    PRESENTATION OF BILLS -FIRST READING
    1. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007 (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 448) by Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu
    2. Civil Aviation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 481) by Senator Buruji Kashamu
    3. Armed Forces Comfort Fund CAP A21 Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (S.B 486) by Senator Shehu Sani
    4. Nigerian Oil Research Development Agency Board Bill, 2017 (S.B 500) by Senator Theodore Orji
    5. Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology (Science) (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (HB. 39) by Senate Leader
    MOTIONS
    1. The need for an investigative audit in respect of contracts that were awarded and paid for in the past by Tertiary Education Trust Fund but are yet to be executed by Senator Jibrin Barau
    Senator Ahmed Lawan said our Committees on Education and Public Procurement should ensure that these things don’t happen, he states that such institutions should be taxed before receiving additional funds.
    Senator Isah Misua said Tetfund contributed about 25% of election funds, I thought this Government would prosecute them through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
    Senator Emmanuel Bwacha said contractors in these agencies receive money and disappear into thin air.
    Senate resolved to:
    Mandate the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund to conduct an investigation to ascertain the contractors who collected monies belonging to Tertiary Education Trust Fund in the past but absconded without performing such contracts to specification and to report back to the Senate its findings and recommendations for further action.
    Senate President Bukola Saraki said we have observed that for 2 years no one has invited Tertiary Education Trust Fund, this matter is very important in the corruption fight”
    Senate President Bukola Saraki said we need to know the companies who were given these contracts and we should get a report so as to know what the Anti-graft agencies should investigate.
    2. Urgent need for the Federal Government to intervene in Ladoke Akintola University.
    Senator Gbenga Ashafa seconded the motion and said it has become an assumption in Federal Government Institutions that you need to add an extra year or two to the duration, of course, he stated that we need to that we need to ensure Ladoke Akintola University is re-opened as soon as possible.
    Senators Monsurat Sunmonu, Jide Omoworare, Jibrin Barau, Barnabas Gemade contributed to the motion on Ladoke Akintola University.
    Senate resolved to:
    Urge the Federal Government to find an immediate solution to the problem by injecting the fund presently needed for the school to re-open immediately.
    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu added a prayer that the two states should sit and find a solution to the issue.
    Senate President Bukola Saraki said it is a very important motion, it is a State University but the Federal Government should find a permanent solution to this”
    CONSIDERATION OF REPORT
    1. Report of the Committee on Federal Capital Territory by Senator Dino Melaye.
    -That the Senate do consider the reports of the Committee on the Federal Capital Territory on the following House Bills for Concurrence:
    I. Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission Bill, 2017 (HB. 167 and 310)
    Senator Sam Egwu seconded that the Senate does consider the reports of the Committee on Federal Capital Territory on the following House of Representatives for Concurrence.
    COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
    Senate dissolved into the Committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission Bill.
    Senate reverted back to Plenary and reported progress.
    The Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission Bill, 2017 (HB. 167 and 310) was read the 3rd time and passed.
    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said it’s an appropriate structure for the Civil Service, he stated that those who would be responsible for the management must do a good job.
    II. The Federal Capital Territory Water Board (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2017 (HB. 318) by Senator Dino Melaye
    Senator Olujimi seconded that the Senate does consider the report of the Federal Capital Territory Water Board (Establishment, etc.) Bill.
    COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
    Senate dissolved into the Committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration of the FCT Water Board (Establishment, etc.) Bill.
    Senate reverted back to Plenary and reported progress.
    The Federal Capital Territory Water Board (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2017 (HB. 318) was read the 3rd time and passed.
    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said it is our responsibility to ensure proper infrasture is put in place.
    III. The Federal Capital Territory Transport Authority  (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2017 (HB. 91) by Senator @dino_melaye.
    Senator John Enoh seconded that the Senate does consider the report of the Federal Capital Territory Transport Authority  (Est., etc.) Bill.
    COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
    Senate dissolved into the Committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration of the FCT Transport Authority  (Est., etc.) Bill.
    Senate reverted back to Plenary and reported progress.
    The Federal Capital Territory Transport Authority  (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2017 (HB. 91) was read the 3rd time and passed.
    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said Transportation is critical in the development of Federal Capital Territory, providing this will go a long way in helping the people of Federal Capital Territory.
    IV. The Federal Capital Territory Hospitals Management Board (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2017 (HB. 441) by Senator Dino Melaye
    COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
    Senate dissolved into the Committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration of the FCT Hospitals Management Board (Est., etc.) Bill.
    Senate reverted back to Plenary and reported progress.
    The Federal Capital Territory Hospitals Management Board (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2017 (HB. 441) was read the 3rd time and passed.
    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said we noticed the last 4 Bills are related to Federal Capital Territory, we have made fundamental findings to enrich the Bill.
    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu congratulated the chairman and members of the committee of Federal Capital Territory.
    ADJOURNMENT
    Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan moved that Plenary be adjourned to the next Legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.
    Plenary is adjourned to Thursday, 13th July 2017.
    GavelBangs
  • Who inserted N2 bn Regional Housing Scheme in 2017 budget?

    Who inserted N2 bn Regional Housing Scheme in 2017 budget?

    Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun has an explanation to give the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development on the curious insertion of N2bn Regional Housing Scheme in the allocation for the Housing Sector in the 2017 budget.

    Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola  who disowned N2 billion allocation while defending the details of the N64.99 billion proposed capital vote for the Housing Sector on Tuesday said he knew nothing about Scheme.

    A member of the committee spotted the curious insertion and sought Fashola’s explanation about how it got into the budget proposal.

    To resolve what the allocation for the scheme is all about, Chairman of the committee, Senator Barnabas Gemade, requested that the Minister of Finance be invited to clarify the issue.

    The following conversation ensued between Fashola and Gemade, Chairman of the Committe:

    Gemade: Finally, what is this provision of N2bn for regional housing scheme? What is regional housing scheme? Where is it taking place? What is happening? Have you seen it on Page 18?

    Fashola: It is not our project. It came in from, I think, the Budget (Office). It is a Ministry of Finance initiative; saying that they want to do what they called ‘family homes’. It is not from us.

    Gemade: Yes, but they have put it here; otherwise, we will not be in the position to accept it.

    Fashola: I know as much of it as you do sir.

    Gemade: But you are here to defend this budget in totality.

    Fashola: That is why I have come. I am explaining to you now, sir, on how it comes into our budget. That is not what we submitted. We didn’t submit that proposal.

    Gemade: So, will the ministry be kind enough to tell the people who put this in this budget to come forward and let us know?

    Fashola: Please.

    Gemade: Let us know what is regional housing programme because government cannot be operated in secrecy.

    Fashola: I think the committee, if you permit me to bring this suggestion…

    Gemade: …should invite them?

    Fashola: Yes, sir.

    Gemade: But you know the people; we don’t know them.

    Fashola: No, sir. We just said finance sir.

    Gemade: Finance ministry?

    Fashola: Yes sir.

    Gemade: We will write to the minister.

    Fashola: Please do sir.

  • Grazing reserve bill lands in Senate

    The controversial National Grazing Reserve Agency Bill pending in the House of Representatives landed in Senate with a bang on Wednesday.

    Another bill likely to provoke controversy, the National Ranches Commission Bill, was also introduced in the Senate same day.

    Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano Central) and others are listed as sponsors of the National Grazing Reserve Agency Bill entitled: “National Grazing Reserves Agency (establishment etc) Bill 2016 (SB.292.”

    Senator Barnabas Gemade (Benue North East) sponsored the National Ranches Commission (establishment etc) Bill 2016 (SB 293).

    Both bills passed the mandatory first reading on Wednesday.

    Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South), who read the bills said, “do we take it that the bills have passed second reading?

    The Senate chamber erupted with a deafening “No, not at all.”

    The National Grazing Reserve Agency Bill pending in the House of Representatives has been roundly criticized as a ploy by the Federal Government to grab and seize land from their original owner to be given to cattle herders.

    The same Bill sponsored by Senator Zanaib Kure from Niger State failed to fly in the sixth Senate when it was introduced.

    At a recent public hearing in the Senate on the clashes between farmers and herdsmen, the federal government, represented by Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, canvassed for the establishment of ranches.

    The leaders of the herdsmen, under the aegis of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria stoutly opposed the establishment of ranches.

    They insisted on creation of grazing reserves in parts of the country as the only solution to farmers and herdsmen clashes.