The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Senate

  • Senate to pass Health Bill

    THE Senate will soon pass the National Health Bill (NHB), Health Committee chair Ifeanyi Okowa, said at the weekend.

    Okowa spoke when his committee visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos. He said the bill, when passed, would take care of its financial aspect.

    The Senator also praised the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and the FMC, Lagos, for maintaining a high level of cleanliness.

    He said FMC’s Medical Director, Mrs Yewande Jinadu, had talked about the small space that housed the 190-bed hospital, “but now that we are here to inspect the hospital, we are marvelled at how neat the hospital is in view of the large number of patients it has to attend to. We had same experience with the University of Benin, Edo State. We challenge other hospitals to take a cue. Patients don’t feel as if they are in prison as we see in some hospitals’’.

    “This hospital is taking care of its environment and the need of its patients not to come down with other diseases while receiving treatments. This is in line with the Committee’s resolve to advocate for more funds for health sector and infrastructural development, to stem the tide of medical tourism, which by our last calculation has reached over N80 billion, which should not be.

    ‘’We need more tertiary hospitals in Lagos State to reduce the high burden, demand on facilities like FMC, Ebutte Metta.”

     

  • Senate praises project

    Senate praises project

    Members of the Senate Committee on Education have praised the management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), led by Prof Bartho Okolo, for using its resources to upgrade infrastructure and enhance academics.

    Led by its chairman, Sen. Uche Chukwumerije, the committee visited the university at the weekend as part of its oversight function on educational institutions in the country.

    Speaking after inspecting some of the projects of the institution on Enugu and Nsukka campuses, Chukwumerije noted that the massive infrastructure upgrade in the university was a reflection of quality, focused and visionary leadership in the institution.

    He said: “My impression about the oversight visit here is one of a very massive transformation going on here. And it confirms the general impression I share with the people that leadership is pivotal in any social phenomena. Whatever you talk about the flow of history, whatever you talk about changes in larger environment, the catalyst is always the quality of leadership.

    “Coming back to Nsukka after years I delivered lecture, I could not believe this is the same place I had visited five years ago. There is a massive change in facilities, in landscape and in general environment. For the first time, I feel the university is, at last, coming back to its former glory as one of the first generation universities in the country.”

    Responding to questions raised by the senators, Prof Okolo lamented that paucity of fund remained the challenge in running the university in Nigeria. According to him, the institution received about N19 million for overhead cost whereas it spent over N27 million on electricity bill alone.

    The VC cited the civil war as a major drawback to the development of the university, but said his administration had been making efforts to address infrastructure through support from the government, private sector and public-spirited individuals.

    On measures taken to expand the revenue base of the university, Prof Okolo said one of the major things his administration did was to enhance the revenue generation potentials of the institution through international grants and direct investment in property. He added that the institution had taken measures to mobilise its alumni across the world to support its development.

  • Senate set to ban human cloning in Nigeria

    Senate set to ban human cloning in Nigeria

    •National Health Bill suffers setback 

    The Senate yesterday moved to ban human cloning in Nigeria.

    It sent the controversial National Health Bill to its Committee on Health for further legislative work.

    Sections 48 to 57 of the bill deal with the control and regulation of the use and removal of blood, blood products and tissue, as well as the regulation of the manipulation, import and export of human zygotes and embryos.

    It also deals with the prohibition of cloning of human beings and regulates transplantation of tissue.

    The Senate may adopt the recommendation of the prohibition of cloning of human beings, as recommended.

    The Presidency refused to sign the bill in the Sixth Senate following the disagreement on regulation of the manipulation, import and export of human zygotes and embryos.

    The submission of the bill yesterday followed the consideration of the report on: “A Bill for An Act to Provide Framework for the Regulation, Development and Management of a National Health System and Set Standards for Rendering Health Services in the Federation and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2012”.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta North), presented the report for consideration.

    Okowa’s committee recommended the prohibition on the cloning of human beings.

    But the bill ran into a hitch when some lawmakers opposed some of its provisions.

    The lawmakers rejected Section 11 (2)(a) of the bill, which seeks to establish the National Primary Health Care Development Fund, to be drawn partly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

    Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East) also said some provisions of the bill were already covered by the National Primary Health Act.

    He noted that it would be wrong to enact into law issues that have already been enacted in an existing Act.

    Okowa, in the report, explains that the Bill intends to establish a National Health System, which shall define and provide a framework for standard and regulation of health services, encompasses public and private providers of health services while promoting the spirit of cooperation and shared responsibilities.

    He said the bill proposes the establishment of a National Primary Health Care Development Fund for mobilising funds.

    The senator said the import of the fund is to ensure the provision of basic minimum package of health services to all Nigerians, as may be prescribed by regulation.

     

  • Senate collates submission on Constitution review

    The Senate Committee on Constitution Review will begin the collation of submissions from the six geopolitical zones, it was learnt yesterday.

    A source close to the committee said the consultants, who began work after public hearings in the zones, are now in the last lap of their assignment.

    The source, who spoke in confidence, explained that the collation is a prelude to the submission of the final draft of the bill to the Senate for consideration and possible passage.

    He said the committee plans to hold a retreat in Lagos to consider the submissions next week.

    The source added: “Barring last minute changes, the Senate Committee on Constitution Review will hold a retreat in Lagos from April 25 to 28 to consider the submissions from the various geopolitical zones.

    “The retreat will afford the committee the opportunity to look at the submissions that emanated from the geopolitical zones. After looking at them, the committee will take a decision, based on the preponderance of evidence as to what aspects of the issues slated for amendment would make it into the draft bill on Constitution review to be submitted to the Senate for consideration.”

    Responding to a question, the source said: “You will recall that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Ike Ekweremadu, did promise that the committee would present its report to the Senate in the third quarter of this year.”

    In the sixth National Assembly, lawmakers tried to amend the Constitution but concentrated largely on issues relating to electoral reforms.

    The issues listed for the ongoing constitution review by the Seventh National Assembly, include: One term of five years for the President; governors and deputy governors; devolution of powers for true federalism; indigeneship; financial autonomy for Houses of Assembly; state creation; state police; immunity clause, Judicial reforms and autonomy for local governments, among others.

    It is, however, not clear how soon the report of the committee would be ready for presentation to the Senate after the retreat.

     

  • Senate to stand still for Achebe today

    Senate to stand still for Achebe today

    •Reps want monument named after author

    The Senate will today hold a session in honour of the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, the literary icon who died on March 21 in the United States.

    The decision followed a motion on matters of urgent national importance raised on the floor of the Senate by Senator Chris Ngige (ACN-Anambra).

    Ngige, who described the late Achebe as “his constituent’’, acknowledged that torrents of tribute had been pouring in since the late author’s death.

    The House of Representatives urged the Federal Government to name the National Library under construction or any other monument in the country in the honour of late Achebe.

    The motion was moved by Rep.Charles Odedo (ACN -Anambra). The motion entitled: “Tribute to Professor Chinua Achebe’’ was adopted in Abuja when put to vote by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

    Odedo said the late Achebe brought honour to Nigeria with his literary works that included his novel, “Things Fall apart’’.

    He said the novel, which was written in 1958, had been translated into more than 50 languages, and had sold more than 12 million copies.

    Odedo said the late Achebe in 1992 was represented in Everyman’s Library Collection.

    Contributing to the debate, Hassan Saleh (PDP-Benue) said the late Achebe was one of the greatest human beings to have emerged from Nigeria.

    He said the late Achebe had done so much in his literary works for “past generation and other generations to come’’.

    The legislator urged members to support the motion so that future generations would draw lessons from the late literary icon.

    In his tribute to the late Achebe, Toby Ikechukwu (PDP-Enugu) said the writer was a poet and novelist, adding that his works represented various stages of Nigeria’s democracy.

    Ali Madaki (PDP-Kano) said Nigerians do not celebrate their heroes until their death.

    He said: “We should learn to identify our heroes when they are alive and not wait until they are dead.”

    The motion was not opposed and the Speaker, thereafter, referred it to the Committee on Governmental Affairs for further legislative inputs.

  • Panel advises Senate: don’t create new states

    Panel advises Senate: don’t create new states

    Agitators for new states may have lost the battle, with the Technical Committee on amendments to the 1999 Constitution advising the Senate against the exercise.

    In February, the report of the House of Representatives consultations on constitution amendment also confirmed that Nigerians rejected new states.

    The National Assembly, in 2012, received 57 requests for new states. There are 36 now.

    The Technical Committee may submit its findings to the Upper Chamber this week.

    The 25-man committee comprises constitutional lawyers, political scientists, researchers and public policy analysts.

    Sources said it may have recommended more revenue for states; consideration of state police – in line with the principle of Federalism — retention of Joint Account; a guaranteed three-year tenure for elected officers of Local Government Areas (LGAs); and removal of local government chairmen to take similar process as governors’.

    Also recommended are: abolition of caretaker committee system at local governments; and no single term of five years.

    A highly-placed source, who spoke on the recommendations of the committee, said: “The Technical Committee considered all suggestions and advised the Senate against state creation because such states will not be viable. The nation’s economy cannot support new states.

    “The agitation for states followed a proposal to return the nation into regions to strengthen our federalism. Some people felt an additional state from the Southeast would have ensured a balance in the regional structure. But since we are no longer going back to the regional structure, there is no need for new states.

    “More revenue has been recommended for states since some items on the exclusive list have been moved to the concurrent list. This means more responsibilities going to states.

    “On the single term tenure, the committee got a five-year proposal. But while the minority supported it, the majority kicked against it. It is left to the Senate to consider arguments for and against the single tenure.

    “Regarding state police, the Technical Committee observed that with the exception of the Southwest, Nigerians at zonal public hearings rejected it. But the panel has said the ‘Senate may wish to consider state police’, based on the security challenges facing the country.”

    The source also gave an insight into the recommendations on the management of local government areas nationwide.

    The Committee recommended an amendment to the constitution, which will guarantee three-year tenure for all elected local government officials.

    “The era of a caretaker management committee will henceforth be illegal. Only validly elected officers will be in charge, said the source, who added: “Also, the removal of local government chairmen will now follow a constitutional process like that of elected governors and their deputies.”

    Regarding financial autonomy for states, the source said: “The Technical Committee endorsed the retention of Joint Account because of the rampant cases of mismanagement of resources by local governments.”

    As at press time, it was learnt that the Senate will soon begin the consideration of the reports of Zonal Public Hearings and the Technical Committee.

    A Senator said: “We may consider all the reports immediately after the Easter break.

    “The Technical Committee is advisory, but the ultimate decisions on all proposed amendments lie with the National Assembly. If the two chambers disagree on some amendments, we will then convene a joint conference.”

  • Kano: Senate seeks fresh tactics for Boko Haram

    Kano: Senate seeks fresh tactics for Boko Haram

    The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to consider other options and strategies that would be effective in fighting the Boko Haram insurgence.

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, at plenary in Abuja described the multiple explosions that left dozens dead in Kano on Monday as regrettable.

    He said it was high time the Federal Government tackled the security challenge headlong.

    He also urged relevant Senate committees to critically appraise the entire appalling scenario with a view to making positive input.

    Ekweremadu said: “What happened in Kano was regrettable and we must do everything possible as a country to ensure we end this kind of carnage.

    “The Federal Government should consider other options towards resolving the crises.

    “I also would want to urge relevant committees to look at the whole scenario and possibly advise the Senate on the way forward towards addressing the situation.”

    Meanwhile, members of the Igbo community in Kano State have rejected the usual mass burial given to victims of bomb expulsions.

    They, however, insisted on retrieving the corpses for proper burial.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, (Abia North), who spoke on behalf of the group requested that security be tightened in the state to protect all citizens.

    He urged the Federal Government to directly manage whatever monetary compensation is to be allocated to relatives of the dead.

    Chukwumerije and Senator Kabiru Gaya, (Kano South), had coming under Order 43, expressed concern over government’s inability to combat the ugly trend of insecurity in the country.

     

     

     

     

  • Disregard petition against Akume, Nasarawa ACN urges Senate

    Disregard petition against Akume, Nasarawa ACN urges Senate

    Nasarawa State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged the Senate to disregard the petition on the certificate forgery against the Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume.

    The party described the allegation as political blackmail aimed at creating a hollow in the good record of the former Benue State governor. The acting chairman of the party, Mr. Bashir Jabiru, a lawyer, lamented the plot by political foes to tarnish the image of the accomplished politician.

    He said the allegation was baseless and lacked substance, urging the Seante to ignore it.

    The party in the north central warned that they are capable of staging a peacefull protest to the National Assembly complex to present a contrary view if the political enemies of the senate minority leader persist.

    In his words: “We wish to condemn in the strongest term, the petition leveled against the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Gorge Akume by a faceless anti progress politician.

    “The allegation is mere balckmail of the Senator.We urge the Senate to disregard it, to protect the good image of the Senator.

    “If the enemy persist, our chapter is capable of moblising the whole North Central zone to stage a peacefull demostration at the National Assembly complex”, he said.

     

  • Senate committee visits Lagos ports

    Senate committee visits Lagos ports

    The Senate Committee on Finance visited the Lagos ports yesterday to access the preparedness of the service providers to hand over the destination inspection scheme to the Customs Service.

    A source said the committee visited the ports based on the fact that the Customs last year lost N58.7 billion to waivers granted by the Federal Government.

    The committee, the source said, was at the ports to protect public interest and stop the abuse of waivers.

    Its Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi, said the reason for the visit was to make the Customs Service the ultimate provider of the service being rendered by three providers.

    He said they were at the ports to see the level of the training given to Customs officers and men and the type of equipment that would be handed over to them when the service providers leave in June.

    He said the National Assembly was set to accelerate the passage of the Customs Excise Management Act (CEMA) before June and labelled those criticising the move by the Senate to give Custom the new law as fifth columnists.

    He said lawmakers considered the passage of the bill crucial to the nation’s economy.

    According to Makarfi, the Bill when passed will address the funding challenges experienced by the Service at the moment, noting that the 48 objections raised against the Bill have been resolved through dialogue.

  • Senate opposes immunity for legislators

    Senate opposes immunity for legislators

    •Backs sack of NCAA DG

    The Senate yesterday opposed the plan by the House of Representatives to create immunity for parliamentarians.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the plan would not sail through the upper chambers.

    The House of Representatives is considering a Bill which seeks immunity for Senators and members of the House.

    The Bill specifically seeks to make the provision in the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act, which grants immunity to legislators on the floor of the Senate or the House, a constitutional provision.

    But Abaribe said at a news conference in Abuja that the Senate believed that seeking immunity for legislators outside the two chambers was asking for too much.

    He wondered why any legislator would ask to be granted immunity outside the National Assembly precinct.

    He said: “I think that the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act already gave every legislator immunity of whatever he says on the floor of the chamber.

    “That is already a settled law and fact. The Bill has not been brought to the floor of the Senate.

    “I guess when it comes to us, then, we will see the different positions.

    “I will be very surprised if somebody is asking for immunity outside the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    “Why would anybody ask for such? We do not want to grant anybody such immunity.

    “I don’t think that will pass through any floor of the National Assembly.”

    On the removal of the Director General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, Abaribe said nobody is indispensable in the country.

    He noted that the Senate took a stand on the aviation sector part of which was the resolution that NCAA DG should be removed.

    Insisting that professionals could be found in every aspect of the country’s national life, the senator said that in an effort to make things to work better, necessary changes were bound to be made.

    Abaribe said: “When we make our resolutions and we pass it to the Executive Arm of Government, most of the time, there is expectation that there will be immediate effect syndrome.

    “That has to do with the way we were brought up under the military.

    “But I have also cleared the air here to say that when we pass things to the Executive, we have to give them time to be able to work through their own processes and necessarily, those processes may take a little while.

    “There is no doubt that the Senate has taken a stand on the aviation sector and there were sets of resolutions that were taken.

    “This (removal of Demuren) was part of it and if the Executive finds at this time there is need to look into those things, it is in the best interest of the country.

    “Nobody in this country is indispensable.

    “We can find professionals in every aspect of our national life and therefore, in making things to get better, necessary changes would be made and that is what we were elected to do.

    On the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Abaribe said that contrary to insinuations, it did not divide the Senate.

    Rather than divide the Senate, he noted that the Bill brought out all the different provisions and aspects of the Bill Nigerians were concerned about.

    He said that the debate also showed Senators as patriotic Nigerians.

    He noted that Senators also agreed to the need for an overhaul and restructure of the petroleum sector.