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Tag: Dr Bukola Saraki

  • I’m not after Saraki’s job, says Senator Adamu

    I’m not after Saraki’s job, says Senator Adamu

    Senator Abdullahai Adamu (APC Nassarawa West) has denied allegations that he’s leading a few other senators in a conspiracy to unseat the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

    Adamu, who Friday reacted to alleged plans by him to destabilise the leadership of the upper legislative chamber, described the allegation as unfounded and baseless.

    Senator Obinna Ogba had, during plenary session on Thursday, alleged that Adamu had concluded arrangements with some Civil Society Groups to stage massive protests against the President of the Senate.

    The allegation followed disagreements over an amendment to the Electoral Act, whereby the Senate reordered election sequence for the 2019 poll.

    The Senate had concurred with the House of Representatives for the National Assembly election to come first, with the presidential election coming last.

    But leading nine other senators in protest against the amendment, Adamu had alleged that the amendment was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari and had vowed that the said amendment would not stand.

    Pro Saraki lawmakers in the Senate had interpreted Adamu’s position as a rebellion against the President of the Senate, with the view to getting him removed from office.

    But in his reaction, Adamu said although he was not in town on Thursday, one of his colleagues had informed him about the allegation against him, which he described as amusing and saddening at the same time.

    He denied eyeing Saraki’s job, saying the President of the Senate was like a son to him. He added that he would have contested for the position three years ago if he was interested in it.

    “I am not in any way after Saraki’s job. Saraki is like a son to me. I have every right to contest for the Senate President seat three years ago when the 8th Senate was inaugurated, but I never did because I wasn’t interested”, he said.

    The senator said it’s therefore unreasonable for anyone to suggest that he is now plotting to unseat Saraki and destabilise the Senate in the process.

    “It is therefore not logical for anyone to say I am interested in the seat now and will be planning to destabilise the Senate.

    “To achieve what? For what purpose? It is not right for anyone to make such unfounded insinuations”, he said.

    According to him, it would be foolhardy for anyone to contemplate unseating Saraki’s leadership at this time after three years in office, saying such a move would be a lost battle.

    “We are almost three years in office, election year is drawing nearer, and I think anyone thinking of upstaging the leadership of the Senate for any reason will only be fighting a lost battle because it is not what should naturally occupy the mind of any serious minded lawmaker now”, he said.

    The lawmaker said he was ready to confront those behind the allegation, adding that any investigation of him in that regard would vindicate him any time any day.

    He said, “I am not in any way afraid of anyone who thinks I’ve offended him. I have the neck to carry my cross, but no one should cook up lies just to discredit me or any senator for that matter.

    “If I’m asked to appear before the committee on Ethics and Privileges, I will come out clean because whoever raises the allegation will have to come out and present incontrovertible facts to prove the allegations.

    “Then, names of other so called collaborators will be made known. They will be confronted; evidence of such meetings will be produced. Those accused will be asked to defend themselves, and recommendations will be made by the committee based on facts presented to it”.

    Read Also: Adamu’s sack divides Northern senators

     

  • Constitution review: State assemblies excite Saraki

    Constitution review: State assemblies excite Saraki

    President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Monday, took to his social media accounts to express his excitement that 25 of the 36 states had voted on amendments to the constitution that were passed by the National Assembly in July 2017.

    Saraki stated that the passage of the amendments by the 25 state assembles was a testament to the fact that with the right vision and follow-through, the country can achieve a lot as a nation.

    He was also quoted as saying that the process was a pointer that politicians from various walks of life and various parties can still come together to get things done.

    Saraki’s comments, reproduced by his media office on Monday read, “I am excited about the news that 25 out of 36 states have voted on the #ConstitutionReview amendments that the 8th National Assembly passed in 2017.

    “In 2015, when we first started the ambitious process to review the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we never could have imagined the level of support and participation that we would get from all of you — everyday Nigerians, members of the civil society, and political actors across the country.

    “This is why the passage of the #ConstitutionReview amendments in 25 states across the country, is a pat on the back of legislators at both the Federal and State levels — because it shows that with the right vision and follow-through, we can achieve anything as a nation.

    “Make no mistake, this is another #PromiseKept by the 8th National Assembly, and it further demonstrates that despite our differences, politicians from various walks of life and various parties can still come together to get things done.

    “Moving forward, I cannot wait to receive the #ConstitutionReview documents at the National Assembly, so that we can move forward with the process of getting them assented and cemented in the laws of our great Federal Republic.

    “Now that both the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives have set up a Joint Committee to review the #ConstitutionReview amendments that did not scale through initially, we are encouraged with the level of collaboration that we have already seen from the State Assemblies throughout this process.

    “I am very encouraged for the next phase of this process.

    “Well done to members of our State Houses of Assembly”.

    Read Also:Saraki names conference committee on electoral reforms Bill

  • Senate to pass 2018 budget before end of December 

    Senate to pass 2018 budget before end of December 

    The Senate on Tuesday raised hopes of passing the 2018 budget before the end of the year. It has however raised the $45 oil benchmark price to $47 just as the document passed the second reading.

    It has given its committee on Appropriation up till December 19 to submit its report on the N8.612 trillion estimate submitted by the executive arm on November 7.

    Consequently, the lawmakers have adjourned plenary session till December 9 to consider the report from the Appropriation committee and other standing committees.

    The various committees are to engage the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government on their budget estimates during the short break.

    Speaking on the passage of the second reading of the budget, the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki urged the various committees to work within the December 19 deadline.

    He enjoined the MDAs to comply with the Senate’s timetable and to respect invitations that would be extended to them to come forward to defend their budgets

    “This is not time for excuses for Ministers or Heads of parastatals to be traveling and not be able to attend their budget defence.

    “We do not have the time. This is a very short timeframe, therefore, I expect all MDAs to be able to respect our invitation and be there on time so that the committees can wrap up and be able to present their reports by the time we come back on Tuesday, December 19”, Saraki said.

    Saraki also hinted of the probability of the Senate holding a public hearing on the budget estimates simultaneously with the budget defence exercise.

    He said, “There will be a public hearing on the budget. We are looking at Monday, December 11. However, in the next few days, an announcement will be made to that effect”.

    The Senate had earlier in the day passed the 2018- 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) with a raise in oil price benchmark from $45 to $47 per barrel

    The Senate’s joint committee on Finance, Appropriation, National Planning and Economic Development that worked on the MTEF had fixed the benchmark at $46 per barrel but was reviewed upward by the Senate in session.

    In collaboration with the House of Representatives, the Senate approved all other projected parameters for the implementation of the budget.

    The parameters are premised on 2.3million barrel oil production per day, N305 to a US dollar exchange rate and 3.5% GDP growth rate.

    Others are N5.79 trillion projected non-oil revenue and N1.699 trillion for new borrowings etc.

    The Senate, through a resolution, will insert a clause in the final Appropriation Act that would compel the executive arm to revert to the National Assembly for any expenditure that may be at variance with the approved benchmark.

    The resolution followed a motion moved by the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’ Allah and which was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate.

  • Nigeria records 65, 000 deaths annually due to air pollution – Saraki

    Nigeria records 65, 000 deaths annually due to air pollution – Saraki

    The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has said the nation records almost 65, 000 deaths annually due to exposure to household pollution.

    Saraki blamed this to the rising incident of deforestation and use of woods for cooking, especially among rural communities.

    The Senator, who spoke at the 2017 Clean Cooking Forum, organized on Tuesday in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment pledged to support legislations that will promote use of clean cook stoves.

    He noted that the rural villages consume between 1.9 kilogram to 4 kilogram daily of firewood, contributing adversely to health status of about 170 million people.

    The Senate President, who was represented by Senator Audu Ibrahim, however disclosed that entrepreneurs, who venture into production of clean cook stoves, should get needed encouragement and assistant in order to make the clean stoves accessible and affordable.

    He said: “Globally, there are over 4 million deaths every year due to household air pollution and 24 per cent of global black carbon emissions come from cooking smoke. In Nigeria, household air pollution is the third most significant risk factor for health after malaria and HIV/Aids, killing almost 65, 000 people every year – more than half of whom are children.

    “This form of biomass energy use for cooking no doubt justifies the development of a sustainable clean cook stove program in Nigeria.”

    “Nigerians consume between 1.9kg to 4kg/day/capital of firewood depending on household size. When applied to the country’s population currently put at about 170 million people, the country’s consumes more than 500 million kilograms of firewood daily.

    “This is indeed enormous for the forest to bear. Indoor pollution, black carbon emission, tree felling and other associated livelihood trade-offs from the use of traditional cooking methods are issues that affects urban and rural populations particularly that of women and children,” he added.

    Earlier, in his remarks, the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibril expressed dissatisfaction over the rate of tree felling in the country.

    He said in Kano State only, about 20 trailers loaded with logs are being used to transport woods across the country on daily basis.

    The Minister, who called for change of attitude among the people, said the mangroves are being destroyed as a result of deforestation.

    He said there was need to provide a sustainable solution without necessarily harming the ecosystem.

    According to him, the new gas policy would reduce the trend of deforestation, usage of fuel woods and promote clean energy.

    “We need to scale-up use of clean energy and make it attractive for the benefit of everyone especially the rural dwellers. It will contribute to our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs),” the Minister added.

  • N/Assembly, US Congress men parley on security crisis in North East

    N/Assembly, US Congress men parley on security crisis in North East

    Key officers in the National Assembly Monday met with some United States Congress delegation over security and humanitarian crisis in the insurgency ravaged in the North East.

    President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki led the National Assembly team to the meeting, which was focused on building a better working relationship between the Parliaments of the two countries.

    The U.S. Congress delegation, which was led by Senator Christopher Coons also had Senators Gary Peters and Michael Bennet and Representatives, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Terri Sewell, Charlie Dent, Barbara Lee and Frederica Wilson. They were accompanied by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symminton.

    “Today’s meeting was held to discuss ways to improve the relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria; look at securing greater support in the fight against terrorism and for the humanitarian crisis in different parts of the country”, Saraki said.

    A statement Monday released by the office of the Senate President said the meeting also discussed ways of improving agriculture in Nigeria and providing jobs for the people.

    Saraki was also quoted as saying that the meeting also discussed ways of strengthening the institutional relationship between the two countries.

    “I think the commitment that we have is that they have seen that there is a need to strengthen the institutional relationships between the legislatures of both our countries and that is very key.

    “As you are aware, there is a new development that has happened in respect to the procurement of arms by the country. For the first time, the US Government has agreed in principle to sell arms to Nigeria to help in our fight against insurgency. Of course, we will look into areas of human rights where there has always been a concern.

    “We hope that following this visit, the sale of arms to our armed forces will now become a reality. This will represent a new chapter that we are opening — where the US government will be ready to sell arms to Nigeria and that will help to strengthen the efforts of our armed forces in the fight against terrorism, surveillance and intelligence.

    “The commitment that they have made today is that terrorism is an issue that should not be left to Nigeria alone, and if it means that we may need to secure new weapons from other countries, then it is an option that needs to be urgently explored. However, we will also continue to play our own role in the area of human rights,” Saraki added.

    Saraki emphasised that the US delegation expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying the Americans were very excited about Nigeria and what the future holds for the country.

    “Now, we need to see how we can further strengthen the relations between our two countries”, the Senate President added.

  • Funding infrastructure: Global analyst disagrees with Senate president

    Funding infrastructure: Global analyst disagrees with Senate president

    A global affairs analyst, Ayoola Lawal, on Thursday expressed his hope that “the statement credited to the Nigeria Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki that he does not feel it is the responsibility of the government to fund infrastructure for citizens, and that social sector and education will suffer if the government funds infrastructure, is one of those fake news that we sometimes come across or he was misquoted out of context.”

    According to Lawal, he doesn’t believe a former governor of a state for 8 years and the number three (3) Citizen in the most populated black nation on earth could alter such a statement.

    He queried where lies the future of Nigerians if the said statements truly originated from the Senate President.

    “It is a no brainer that the key responsibility of any serious government across the world is infrastructural development and protecting and promoting the welfare of the citizens.

    “The governments in advance world even struggle in the times of economic downturn to invest more in infrastructural development to stimulate the economy and not to talk about when the economy is stable.

    “A private-driven economy does not translate to government responsibility shift. The private sectors only play supportive roles as social responsibilities.

    “I’m quite happy that it was quoted as his feelings, however, the core responsibilities of a government across the globe are well defined and not subjected to individual feelings.

    “As a person with educational, and interactive experiences with many top government officials and elected public holders across the globe, the statement credited to the Nigerian Senate President needs to be corrected appropriately because of such simple but erroneous statement speaks volume about our leadership and the direction of the country.

    “If any government official or elected officer wants to know how a government could fund the infrastructure of a nation without social and other sectors suffering, Scandinavia countries are the best to understudy,” he summed.

  • Devolution of Powers: 8th NASS should write its name in gold-Lawmaker

    Devolution of Powers: 8th NASS should write its name in gold-Lawmaker

    A Lagos lawmaker, Mr Tunde Braimoh, on Wednesday said the 8th National Assembly should write its name in gold by approving devolution of powers in the country.

    Braimoh, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Publicity and Strategy, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    The Senate and House of Representatives had rejected the proposal for devolution of powers in the constitutional amendment process, drawing the ire of many.

    The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, had, however, explained thereafter that the rejection was not the end-of-the-road for the clause in the amendment.

    Saraki said he was optimistic that if represented for voting, it might scale through.

    The Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has also said there would be a push for the issue to be revisited in the lower chamber in September.

    Braimoh said that devolution of more powers to component units remained the most needed amendment to bring about Nigeria of everybody’s dream.

    He said: “We are just paying lip service to the restructuring of Nigeria. When you are talking of devolution of power, you are talking of restructuring as per allocation of resources and derivation.

    “This is an opportunity for the senate to write its name in gold. If they leave the states and the Federal Government the way they are, nothing would have been achieved at the end of the day.

    “If the National Assembly does it well, it will change the mode of the polity. It will tinker with the economy and jump-start all the system.

    “A lot of things will come up to provide succour for the populace from this strangulating economic situation.

    “If the National Assembly allows the devolution of powers to component units, it would improve the economy and the states and the local governments can do better.”

    According to him, there is a need for decongestion of powers from the exclusive list to the concurrent list to transform the country.

    “When we were having regional government in Nigeria, the regions were able to develop because it was from the region to the federal.

    “At a point, there was nothing to the federal, later they were giving 35 per cent to the federal.

    “Now, they are allocating about 75 per cent to the Federal Government, even 100 per cent in some cases, especially during the military era. We are not practising true federalism,” he said.

    Braimoh said that in the United States of America, for example, even local governments control airports.

    The lawmaker said that proper development would not come if more power was not devolved to states.

    He urged state Houses of Assembly to push for devolution of powers whenever the proposed amendments get to them for consent.

  • Senate investigates sale, consumption of banned anti-malaria drugs

    Senate investigates sale, consumption of banned anti-malaria drugs

    The Senate on Wednesday mandated its Committee on Health to investigate the circulation and sale in the country of 42 anti-malaria drugs banned by the European Union (EU).

    It said that the investigation was imperative and urged the committee to expedite action on it to save the lives of Nigerians.

    The decision followed a motion by Sen. Theodore Orji (PDP-Abia) at plenary on Wednesday.

    Presenting the motion, Orji said that the drugs, which were already banned by the EU, were still being sold and consumed in Nigeria.

    According to him, the reason given for the ban of the 42 drugs in Europe is that they are considered dangerous and linked to cause of kidney failure.

    He said that according to a report, EU countries must not stock drugs that contain Plasmotrin, Artequin, Co-arinate, Arco, Artecon and Dialquin.

    Orji disclosed that the President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Mike Ogirima, had already confirmed the delisting of those drugs by the EU.

    “It is alarming that the 42 drugs are still being stock-piled, sold and consumed in Nigeria.

    “This situation is already trending and generating panic and concern among medical practitioners and members of the public.

    “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) that had waged ceaseless war on the influx of fake and substandard items have not adequately addressed the issue,’’ he said.

    The lawmaker said that most of the drugs in the banned list were popular and common in Nigeria and were easily obtained across the counter with or without proper prescription.

    In his contribution, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Olarewanju Tejuoso, commended the lawmaker for coming up with the motion.

    He said that the committee had invited the Acting Director-General of NAFDAC, Mrs Yetunde Oni, on the matter.

    However, he explained that from his experience as a medical doctor, some of the drugs were used as combination therapy.

    “There is a conflict between World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Union. The WHO for instance, accepts combination therapy.

    “The most important thing, however, is the need to strengthen the Medical Research Institute through adequate funding to carry out research on what works for us.

    “Every year, we rely on WHO and other organisations to find solution to our problems; so, the institute should be funded to know what works for us,’’ he said.

    Sen. Jibrin Barau (APC-Kano) said it was pathetic that such drugs still found their way into the country in spite of their adverse effect.

    He said, “no wonder we have rampant kidney failure in Nigeria. Unfortunately the experts are not doing their work properly.

    “It is important that agencies like NAFDAC and experts in health sector are called upon to quickly intervene.’’

    Sen. James Manager (PDP-Delta) said that the information given by Orji called for urgent attention, adding that if the drugs were dangerous for use in Europe, they would be dangerous to all humans.

    According to him, the difference between the Europeans and Africans is only the skin colour, all human organs function the same way.

    “Everyday people die silently because of wrong prescription of drugs.

    “We need to fund the institute if not we are indirectly poisoning Nigerians. So, the proper investigation should be done to give us the details in order to appropriately guide Nigerians.

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, urged the committee to expedite action on the matter and report back as soon as possible.

    He commended Orji for coming up with the motion, adding that the protection of lives was one of the primary responsibilities of the legislature.

    “I hope the committee on health will carry out proper investigation to stop these types of drugs from flooding the market,’’ Saraki said.

    The list of the drugs as contained in the motion are Alaxin 60 mg tablet (dihydroartemisinine) B/8, Alaxin oral suspension (dihydroartemisinine) FL/80ml, Amadiaguine 200mg compressed B/1000, Arinate 100mgtablet(artesunate)B/6.

    Others are Arinate 50mg tablet (artesunate) B/6, Arsumax50 mg tablet (artesunate) B/6, Artemax 60 mg tablet (dihydroartemisinine) B/8, Artemedine 40 mg capsule (artemether) B/12, Artemedine 50 mg tablet (artemether) B/12.

    Also listed are Artenam 50 mg tablet(artemether)B/14, Artenam 60 mg tablet(artemether)b/8, Artesiane 300 mg  child powder oral suspension (artemether)FL 38g, Artesunate 100 mg compressed B/120, Artesunate 50 mg tablet B/120, Artexin 60 mg tablet(dihydroartemisinine) B/8.

    Camoquin 200 mg tablet(amodiaguine) B/9, Camoquin 200 mg tablet(amodiaguine) B/25 blisters, Camoquin 200 mg tablet(amodiaguine) B/55 blisters, Camoquin 200 mg tablet(amodiaguine) B/24 blisters, Camoquin 600 mg tablet(amodiaguine) B/3 blisters, are also part of the list.

    They are also Camoquin oral suspension 50 mg/5ml (amodiaguine)FL/60ml, Cotecxin oral suspension(dihydroartemisinine)FL/80ml, Cotecxin 60 mg tablet(dihydroartemisinine)B/8, Daraprim tablet(pyrimethamine)B/8.

    Falcinil 50 mg tablet(artesunate)B/12, Flavoquine oral suspension50 mg/5ml(amodiaquine)FL/90ml, Flavoquine200 mg tablet(amodiaquine)B/16, Flavoquine 200 mg tablet(amodiaquine)B/240, made the list.

    Others are Gunate strong tablet(artesunate)B/6 gvs labs, Tvitter powder oral suspension(artemether)FL/100ml, Halfan 250mg tablet(halofantrine)B/6,  Halfan 250mg tablet(halofantrine)B/120.

    The listed also contained Halfanoral suspension 5mg/5ml(halofantrine)FL/45ml, Malartin 200mg tablet(artesunate) B/6, Malartin 50mg tablet(artesunate) B/12, mmh-malarex 450mg capsule(peschiara fuchsiaefolia) B/20.

    It included Paludrine 100mg tablet(proguanil)B/56, Plasmotrim 200mg tablet(artesunate)B/25blisters/6, Plasmotrim 200mg tablet(artesunate)B/6, Plasmotrim 50mg lactab (artesunate)B/12, Plasmotrim 50mg lactab (artesunate)B/25 blisters/6.

     

  • 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
  • NILS signs $1.28m grant with African foundation

    NILS signs $1.28m grant with African foundation

    The National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS) and the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) on Monday signed 1.28 million dollars grant to enhance capacity of parliamentarians in West Africa.

    Signing the agreement on Monday in Abuja, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the grant would strengthen financial oversight functions of parliaments, for the deepening of democratic processes in sub-region.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the signing of the agreement was the second phase of the grant. The first phase was signed in March, 2014.

    “You may recall that on March 27, 2014, we witnessed the signing of a grant of 900, 000 dollars from the ACBF and a contribution of 700,000 dollars from the National Assembly.

    “This is to jointly support the implementation of the first phase of the NILS Capacity-Building Project (NILS-CAP I).

    “The first phase which covered a two-year period from 2014 to 2016 was a national project with a sub-regional outlook.

    “As part of its sub-regional outlook, the project focused on capacity-building for the National Parliaments of the member-countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the ECOWAS Parliament.

    “The project which targeted legislators and parliamentary staff in the West African sub-region ensured that capacity gaps were bridged to improve governance systems for sustainable development in the sub-region,’’ he said.

    Saraki noted that NILS-CAP II was further targeted toward capacity development in ECOWAS countries and the ECOWAS Parliament.

    He said that it was also to effectively facilitate the implementation of intra-regional trade among ECOWAS member states and effective financial oversight in the sub region.

    According to him, other important sub-themes for consideration included regional trade, resolution of challenges impeding effective trade integration and security challenges in ECOWAS.

    Saraki said that the 8th National Assembly had worked on freeing markets by enacting laws that improved the ease of doing business and promoting competitiveness of the industries to provide platform for economic growth and development.

    On his part, Executive Secretary of ACFB, Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie, said that partnership with the national assembly began in 2004 with the development of the then “Policy Analysis and Research Project (PARP)’’.

    According to him, the grant was to consolidate and expand on NILS’ regional activities thereby making the institute a special partner of the Foundation.

    Nnadozie said the project for which the grant was signed was a regional programme that would build capacity of parliamentarians in Nigeria and ECOWAS countries in the areas of financial oversight and governance.

    “Cumulatively, ACBF has invested a total grant amount in excess of 30 million dollars to support national and regional capacity-building activities in Nigeria.

    “We have been able to achieve this with funding support from African governments; the Nigerian Government has been a solid supporter of the ACBF,” Nnadozie said.

    He noted that during the just-concluded African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa, the foundation was formally appointed as a specialised agency of the AU responsible for capacity development in Africa.

    Also speaking, the Director-General of NILS, Prof. Ladi Hamalai, noted that the collaboration had over the years helped to scale up legislative capacity development in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

    “I must laud the ACBF’s continuous support to NILS and the significant role in strengthening national parliaments toward sustainable development in West African.”