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Tag: Senate

  • Senate proposes agric varsity in Osun

    Senate proposes agric varsity in Osun

    The Senate yesterday passed for first and second reading, a Bill which seeks to establish a Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies in Iragbiji, Osun State.

    The Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal University of Agriculture and Tropical Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for related matters, 2024”, was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central).

    After Bamidele presented his lead debate, Senator Olarere Oyewunmi seconded the Bill.

    Other senators who supported the Bill included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Senator Solomon Adeola, among others.

    Read Also: Memo to CJN Kekere-Ekun

    Senators approved that the bill be read for first and second time when Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the request to voice vote.

    The Bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Agriculture and Tertiary Education and TETFUND for legislative work and to report back to plenary in two weeks.

    The sponsor of the bill, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, while leading debate on it, said the establishment of the university was part of the ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to diversify the nation’s economy.

    Bamidele described the bill as a bold step not only in addressing the educational needs of the populace; but also to serve as a training ground for the development of agriculture entrepreneurs and business owners in future.

  • Senate invites Umahi over Old Oyo-Ogbomosho Road

    Senate invites Umahi over Old Oyo-Ogbomosho Road

    The Senate yesterday summoned the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, over the deplorable condition of the Old Oyo-Ogbomosho Road.

    The resolution of the Senate’s consideration of a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (APC – Oyo-North), who drew his colleagues’ attention to the worsening condition of the road.

    Abdulfatai said the road, a major link between the South and North, had caused untold hardship for travellers, most of who were frequently stranded due to the poor state of the road.

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    For over 10 years after the Federal Government began major repairs on the road, Buhari said it had remained deplorable, causing regular accidents and daily gridlock by articulated vehicles.

    Buhari in his lead debate underscored the im portance of good roads, saying apart from preventing avoidable accidents, it makes movement of goods and services easy.

    He said: “The Senate is aware that transportation ensures stable prices in different markets and enables traders to regulate the supply of goods at locations, based on changing demands.’’

  • House of Reps confronts Senate, Chief Justice over protocol status

    House of Reps confronts Senate, Chief Justice over protocol status

    • Passed motion: House not subservient to Senate

    • Speaker is equal to Senate President, higher than CJN

    • ‘Upgrade Speaker’s CFR to GCON like SP, CJN’

    The harmonious working relationship between the two chambers of the National Assembly is threatened by yesterday’s motion on equality with the Senate, passed by the House of Representatives.

    The Green Chamber faulted the award of national honour to Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, higher than the one awarded to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

    They argued that the speaker is higher than the CJN in order of state protocol.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his Independence Day broadcast awarded the second highest national honour – Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) – to Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    The third highest national honour – Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) – was awarded to Speaker Tajudeen.

    The House said the Speaker’s honour should be upgraded to GCON which befits his status as “co-chairman” of the National Assembly.

    It faulted the description of the Senate President as the Chairman of the National Assembly.

    In a resolution following a motion of urgent importance by Phillip Agbese (APC, Benue), the House said while the office of the Speaker is higher in rank than that of the CJN, it shares the same status with the Senate President.

    It therefore sees no reason for the Speaker to get a lesser title than what was given to the Senate President and the CJN.

    The motion was seconded by Abubakar Makki Yalleman (APC, Jigawa).

    Before its adoption, the House added an amendment to call on the President to upgrade the Speaker’s honour to GCON.

    It set up a committee to interface with the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo, whose ministry is in charge of the national honours.

    Read Also: Memo to CJN Kekere-Ekun

    Contributing to the motion, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) said the House was subjected to a similar award during the Ninth Assembly when the former Speaker and now Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, was given the CFR title which the House initially resolved to reject, but chose the path of dialogue.

    He said the House should liaise with Jisalo who is a former member to ensure that the “anomaly is resolved”.

    According to him, the current position has made the House subservient to the Senate.

    Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) said the reason for the motion is to put democracy on the right track, adding that “injustice to one is injustice is to all”.

    He said: “This has gone on for far too long. When the order of protocol is being read, the Speaker comes before the CJN. How come the CJN is getting the GCON while the Speaker is getting CFR? This lacuna should be investigated.”

    Former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase reiterated that the House initially wanted to reject the CFR title given to the last Speaker, but chose to be diplomatic in handling the issue while expressing surprise that “the same error was repeating itself”.

    He said: “We are not subservient to any arm of government. We have equal rights with the Senate.

    “In the Ninth Assembly, we discussed and agreed to return the CFR title to the government and we expected that error to be corrected.

    “We need to write officially as an institution to the person in charge of the National Honours.

    “It is handled by a group headed by the Minister for Special Duties. We are not in competition with anybody, but we want to be given our right place”.

    The House resolved to call attention to what it called the “ongoing discriminatory practice” of referring to the Senate as the “upper chamber” and the House of Representatives as the “lower chamber,” as well as “portraying the Speaker as subordinate to the President of the Senate”.

    It said that such references undermine the equal status of both chambers as established by the Constitution and diminish the standing of the House in the legislative process.

    It affirmed that the House is an independent and equal chamber of the National Assembly, and the Speaker is a co-head of the legislative arm of government alongside the Senate President.

    The House also resolved that the Speaker be regarded as co-chairman of the National Assembly in all respects, and requested that all references to the leadership of the National Assembly reflect this equality.

    It called on all government institutions, officials, and the media to take cognisance of language and titles that suggest a hierarchical structure between the Senate and the House or their respective leaders.

    It called on relevant House Committees to liaise with the Presidency and propose amendments to the National Honours Act of 1964 to appropriately recognise the Speaker as co-head of the National Assembly and confer the national honour of GCON upon the Speaker, ensuring parity in recognition with the President of the Senate.

    The House said the President should uphold the spirit of bicameral equality as enshrined in the Constitution when making decisions and recommendations that concern the leadership of the National Assembly.

    It directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to ensure that all communications, orders, and publications from the National Assembly henceforth refer to both the Speaker and the Senate President as co-heads of the National Assembly.

    Speaker Tajudeen presided over the session.

    In moving the motion, Agbese who is the deputy spokesman, said the National Assembly is constitutionally established as a bicameral legislature comprising two equal chambers – the Senate and the House of Representatives, as stipulated in Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), with both chambers operating within a framework that ensures the legislative independence and equality of each.

    According to him, Section 47 of the 1999 Constitution provides for the establishment of the National Assembly, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives, each of which plays distinct but complementary roles in the legislative process.

    He said there is an ongoing and inappropriate culture of discrimination against the House, often portrayed as inferior to the Senate, through language that consistently refers to the Senate as the “upper chamber” and the House as a “lower chamber.”

    This terminology, he said, misrepresents the legal status of both chambers and diminishes the House’s standing.

    He expressed concern about the growing trend where the Senate President is referred to as the “Chairman of the National Assembly,” which inaccurately implies a hierarchical structure between the two chambers, contrary to the Constitution, and undermines the Speaker’s authority.

    Neither the institution nor the Standing Orders of both chambers recognise the position of a Chairman of the National Assembly and this title has no legal basis, Agbese argued.

    He said this discriminatory practice was once again evidenced during the conferment of National Honours on the leadership of the National Assembly by Mr. President, saying: “While expressing our gratitude to Mr. President for recognising and honouring the leadership of the National Assembly, we note that the conferment of the title of GCON on the President of the Senate and the conferment of the CFR on the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Deputy President of the Senate perpetuates the inappropriate subordination of the Speaker to the President of the Senate.

    “The CJN, who is lower in protocol ranking than the Speaker, was also awarded the title of GCON, further exemplifying this culture of discrimination against the leadership of the House.

    “The Constitution, in promoting a balanced and equal bicameral legislature, clearly provides that bills passed by one chamber must be concurred with by the other in the same form for them to become law, thus affirming the equal status of both chambers as essential components of the legislative process.

    “While the Constitution assigns specific responsibilities to the Senate, such as confirming certain presidential appointments, it gives greater authority to the House over appropriations and the power of the purse.

    “These distinct roles are designed to maintain a system of checks and balances within the legislative arm rather than establishing the superiority of one chamber over the other.

    “The House and the Senate are two distinct but equal components of the legislative branch, and their leaders – the Speaker and the President of the Senate – are co-heads of this branch, each playing a unique role in advancing legislative functions.

    “This distinct dual leadership is a unique arrangement in our governmental system that must be respected.

    “The National Honours Act of 1964 does not explicitly prescribe the conferment of specific honours, such as the GCON for the President of the Senate or the CFR for the Speaker.

    “These distinctions are rooted in customary practice rather than the statutory requirement.

    “The honour of GCON is not restricted to any particular office or individual but can be awarded to any distinguished Nigerian deemed deserving by the President, as evidenced by the conferment of GCON on Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “This House acknowledges the flexibility inherent in the National Honours system and the prerogative of the President in the allocation of such distinctions.”

    The motion was carried by the lawmakers.

    The state of affairs

    The Senate is made up of 109 members. Each state is represented equally by three senators. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has one senator.

    The salary of a senator is higher than that of a member of the House of Representatives, according to the dictate of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    Since 1999, the Senate President has been addressed as chairman of the National Assembly.

    The Senate is given some specific assignments not given to the House of Representatives by the Constitution.

    These include confirmation of the CJN, ambassadors, ministers and some statutory positions.

    While members of the House have moved to the Senate, no senator has moved the other way.

    Many governors after completing their tenure have moved to the Senate. No governor has moved to the House.

    The House of Representatives has 360 members. Membership of the House is allocated based on population in states.

    States with a high population have more members of the House.

    The equality of three senators per state is designed to give higher voices to states with small populations and prevent them from being dominated in lawmaking at the federal level by states with huge populations.

  • Division in Senate over state police

    Division in Senate over state police

    There is division in the Senate over the clamour for state police in the constitution.

    The senators expressed divergent views on decentralised policing during the retreat organised by the Senate Committe on Constitution Review in Kano, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).

    Although members of the committee unanimously agreed to include full autonomy for local governments in the constitution, they did not reach consensus on state police.

    However, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, led by Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, supported power devolution and state police.

    The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitution Review, led by Jibrin Barau and Benjamin Kalu, are collating suggestions from various stakeholders nationwide on the proposed amendment.

    According to the House of Representatives Committee, the assignment would be completed next year.

    Those in support state police said insecurity would be tacked effectively.

    Read Also: Six dead as Rwanda battles Marburg virus outbreak

    However, those against it said political opponents would be targeted by governors.

    The Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa (Niger), who supported state police, said: “When we are talking about state police, every state in this country is facing one insecurity or the other and I believe that if we look at the issue of state police,  it good for us.”

    Those in support state police said insecurity would be tacked effectively.

    Those against it said political opponents would be targeted by governors.

    Musa, who supported state police, said: “When we are talking about state police, every state in this country is facing one insecurity or the other and I believe that if we look at the issue of state police,  it good for us.”

    However, Ndume disagreed, saying::“What we need is to increase the manpower of the police and improve their welfare for effective policing. State police would be abused by the governors.”

    owever, former Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume disagreed, saying:“What we need is to increase the manpower of the police and improve their welfare for effective policing. State police would be abused by the governors.”

    Senators from the Southeast and Southsouth geo-political zones called for the creation of an additional state.

    But, the position of the Senate Committee on local government autonomy is consistent with the recent Supreme Court verdict and the pledge by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the National Assembly would tinker with the constitution to legalise council  autonomy.

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Ndume; Musa; Abdulfatai Buhari, Osita Izunaso and Ned Nwoko, in their submissions, insisted that full autonomy for local governments was long overdue.

    Bamidele, noted that the current constitution placed the administration of local government in the hands of the state government, said the exigencies of the current situation has made it necessary to make the third tier of government, completely independent.

    He said: “The independence of the autonomy of our local governments cannot be taken away. The debate is ranging as to whether or not local government should be considered as a tier of government.

    “Law is made for men and not men for law. Regardless of what is in our constitution, what is important is that certain realities have come to terms with us.

    “So, if we’re talking about local government autonomy, the way some of us have looked at it, in the Senate and in the National Assembly, is that we need to complement what the Supreme Court has said.

    “The Supreme Court didn’t say anything that is not in our constitution. The Supreme court only gave it some further clarity.”

    He added: “Arising from that, it is also important that as much as possible, we also ensure that the fear that governors will not allow local governments to function can also be addressed through further tinkering with our constitution.

    “For instance, a lot of stakeholders are concerned that for as long as local governments elections  are conducted through state independent federal commissions, there could be a highway to nowhere.”

    Izunaso said arguments about possiblity of local government chairmen becoming too powerful to the extent of impeaching governors, if granted full autonomy, does not holds water.

    He said: “When we started in this country,  local governments had full autonomy then and they were developing their areas. I believe in full autonomy of the local government.

    “I am sure it is going to work. I don’t believe that Local government autonomy would empower council chairmen to impeach the governors. The fear does not arise and I don’t even believe in it.

    “The governors have immense constitution powers. Only the State Assembly can move against the governor. The council chairmen don’t have the power. Governors and council chairmen should face their work.”

    Senator Buhari, who supported the position of the Senate Leader, said the election of council chairmen and the councillors should be conducted by an independent body not constituted by state governments.

    He said: “Local government autonomy could only be achieved if their elections are conducted by an independent body. If that is not done, states will continue to siphon their money through threats, through blackmail.

    “If I just put you there as local government chairman, as the governor, definitely you will be answerable to me. But if am contesting my election,  people’s eyes will be on me and when I am able to perform, you can’t force me to take the money to the governor.

    “If we want that Supreme Court judgement to hold water, we should expunge from the Constitution, that aspect of Joint Account.”

    Senator Musa noted that the process of restructuring had started, following the Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy.

    He said: “When you are talking about restructuring, we should be able to give the local governments the autonomous power to be able to run their administration from the grassroots level so that the impact of governance can reach the grassroots.”

    Senator Nwoko said,: “The local government has almost but died. There is really nothing happening there. It is just as a mere third tier of government.

    “So, any reform that supports what the Supreme Court had already done, it will help to reintroduce the ideals of having a local government.”

    Nwoko and Izunaso, maintained that the creation of additional states in their geo-political zones was long overdue.

    Izunaso said: “The most important agenda the South east Caucus in the National Assembly has is to push for equity and justice.

    “We need an additional state in the Southeast so that we come to terms with other zones in the country that all have six each.

    “A situation where the Southeast has five states when others have six does not go well for balancing. I believe that our colleagues from other zones will see the reason why we need them to support us.

    “There are bills in that regard. For instance, I have my own bill for the creation of Orlu State. There are two other bills from our colleague for the creation of two other states. We are going to sit back as a zone to harmonise our positions.”

    Nwoko said: “The Anioma State creation, for me, is something that has to be done. If that is the only state that is created in this period, I will not be surprised.

    “The agitation for Anioma state had been going on for almost 50 years. It is the oldest agitation for a state.”

    Speakers back state police

    House of Assembly Speakers havd renewed their clamour for devolution of power and state police.

    They said only a review of the constitution that reflects power decentralisation and multilayer policing structure can foster true federalism.

    The Speakers under the aegis of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, said any proposals along these lines would receive their blessing.

    Addressing the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in Kano on behalf of the Conference of Speakers, the chairman, Adebo Ogundoyin, said the Federal Government should shed weight by transferring some items from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent and Residual Lists.

    Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, highlighted the benefits of state police.

    These, he said, included improved local security, community policing, decongestion of federal responsibilities, enhanced accountability, employment opportunities, and improved law enforcement.

    Ogundoyin said if powers are devolved from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List, it would enable both federal and state governments to legislate on solid minerals, labour, drugs and poisons, post, telegraph, telephone, and stamp.

    He proposed amendments to Sections 92 and 110 of the 1999 Constitution to clarify the process for the removal of presiding officers in the Houses of Assembly.

    He said the recommendations would strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure, foster sustainable development, and enhance transparency and democratic governance.

    Ogundoyin reiterated the need for prompt transmission of the National Assembly’s resolutions on the proposed amendments to the Houses of Assembly across the country.

    He urged the National Assembly to expediteaction on the review to avoid the recurrence of challenges posed by the 2023 electoral activities.

    Ogundoyin said: “We reiterate our earlier call for the prompt transmission of the National Assembly’s resolutions on the proposed amendments to the Houses of Assembly. “

  • Constitution review: LG autonomy, resource control, indigenship top Senate talks

    Constitution review: LG autonomy, resource control, indigenship top Senate talks

    • Draft bill ready December 2025 – Lawmakers

    Members of the National Assembly Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review launched into a retreat yesterday in Kano on the review of the 1999 Constitution, with talks devoted to  Local Government Autonomy, State Police and assigning specific roles to  traditional rulers.

    Their target is to get the draft bill ready not later than December 31, 2025.

    They plan to engage state governors, state houses of assembly, the judiciary, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders on the various issues to guide against rejection of the bill when it gets to the state level for adoption.

    At the opening of the programme organised in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the Chairman, Senate Ad hoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution, who is also the Deputy President of the Senate, Alhaji  Barau Jibrin, pledged that the ongoing review of the nation’s constitution would meet the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.

    “It is an assignment for us to work in synergy with our colleagues and other stakeholders to produce an outstanding report and recommendations, which, of course, will be composed of suggestions and recommendations to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for further deliberation and approval,” he said.

    He said the timeless values of freedom, equality and justice should guide the legislators as “our decisions today will have far-reaching implications for generations to come, and we must ensure that they are in the best interests of all Nigerians.”

    Continuing, he said: “To achieve meaningful reform, we must synergise with our esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review and collaborate with critical stakeholders, including the executive arm of government, State Governors, State Assemblies, the judiciary, and civil society organisations, to build consensus on contentious issues.

    “Our collective success hinges on our ability to work together seamlessly, sharing ideas and expertise to develop a report to be submitted to the Senate for further legislative actions.

    “This retreat presents a unique opportunity for constructive good-faith dialogue and collective problem-solving.”

    House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the constitution review panel in the Green Chamber, said the retreat provided an avenue for the Senate to reflect on the process and challenges of Constitution alteration.

    He said other stakeholders would also have the opportunity to make input to help shape the direction, content and the approach that the Committee could take to achieve its desired goals.

    Kalu, who was represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the synergy between both chambers would enable the National Assembly to conclude the Constitution review within the proposed timeframe to “forestall a situation whereby Nigerians do not see the exercise through a political prism if political campaigns leading up to the 2027 elections have actively commenced.”

    He suggested that the collaboration of the two chambers should include engagement with political leaders/traditional rulers and leaders of faith-based organisations.

    He also advocated joint meetings with State governors, and consultants to the panel, to harmonise documents.

    He further suggested that the Senate and the House of Representatives panels would hold joint zonal public hearings on suitable dates to fast track the review process.

    Read Also: Wike knocks contractor over delays on road project

    The Chairman, Conference of State Houses of Assembly Speakers, Mr. Adebo  Ogundoyin, expressed delight that the review process started early compared to what happened during the 9th National Assembly.

    He said the exercise started somewhat late in the 9th Assembly hence the Bills were transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly at a later date closer to the election.

    Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said: “The last assembly’s experience invariably affected the decisions that were made by the State Houses of Assembly.

    “By God’s grace, this exercise, coming up at this time would definitely give us ample time for us to review the views that were transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly for onward assents.

    “At this juncture, we reiterate our earlier call for the prompt transmission of the National Assembly Resolutions on the proposed amendments to the State Houses of Assembly.

    “Timely submission is essential to allow us at the sub-national level, to effectively fulfill our responsibility as due.

    “We recall the challenges posed by the electioneering activities during the 2023 general election, which nearly hampered the last constitutional alteration.

     “We are determined to avoid such occurrences, and an early start will be key in ensuring a smooth and efficient process.”

    The President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, expressed the hope that the 10th National Assembly would produce constitutional review targets that are realistic, and meet the demands of Nigerians.

    Lawan said: “The last assembly had about 62 issues that were both passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    “Forty four of the harmonized versions were passed and sent to the states, out of which 35 passed and were assented to by the President then.”

    Lawan urged his colleagues to pay serious attention to the issues of women and constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

    He said: “There were some issues that didn’t pass, even at the level of the two chambers. For example, those that affected women.

    “Five of those bills did not pass.  I think with the benefit of hindsight, we should look at those issues that did not pass.

    “I think the time is right and ripe for the women’s forum to be given the opportunity to serve as appropriately as possible.

    “I believe that our royal fathers have roles to play, especially when it comes to dealing with these issues across the country.

    “Can’t we give them an advanced role, official, formal role, that will make them do better?”

    He also urged his colleagues to give legislative powers to the judgment of the Supreme Court concerning local government autonomy.

    “The National Assembly should give effect to that judgment. States should mind their business and deal with the resources that are purely theirs. Our local governments must be resuscitated.

    “At the moment, they are comatose, collapsed, and completely docile and inefficient. In fact, in many states, they don’t even exist in practical sense,” Lawan added.

    Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf said the dedication shown by the senate committee showed the amended document would reflect on the aspirations and values of the nation.

    “May our collaborative efforts during this retreat pave the way for a constitution that upholds justice, fairness and the rights of Nigerians. Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come,” he said through Home Affairs and Internal Security Commissioner Muhammad Idris, a retired major general.

  • Senate Committee on Constitution Review begins retreat in Kano

    Senate Committee on Constitution Review begins retreat in Kano

    The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held a retreat on Friday, September 27, at the Bristol Guest Palace in Kano.

    The event was officially opened by Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, who represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Read Also: South West Senate caucus lauds passage of Dev Commission Bill

    “This is an assignment for us to work in synergy with our colleagues and other stakeholders to produce an outstanding report and recommendations, which, of course, will be composed of suggestions and recommendations to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for further deliberation and approval,” Sen Barau said.

    Details shortly…

  • South West Senate caucus lauds passage of Dev Commission Bill

    South West Senate caucus lauds passage of Dev Commission Bill

    The South West Senators Caucus has expressed great delight and deep appreciation over the passage of the South West Development Commission Bill at the Senate Plenary Session of Thursday, 26th September, 2024.

    In a statement  in Abuja by its Secretary,  Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central) the Caucus enthused that the bill, a collaborative effort of all the Senators from the South West Zone, is yet another demonstration of a shared vision and commitment of the Senators to advance and protect the interests of the Zone at all times, within the context of a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria.

    The statement reads in part: “The  South West Development Commission, the principal objective of the Bill, will complement the development efforts of the six States in South West and in particular boost the Development Agenda of South West Nigeria (DAWN), a joint initiative of the South West States.

    Read Also: Senate confirms Iyantan as NPC commissioner

    “Whilst noting that the Bill still has to receive the concurrence of the House of Representatives to be ready for the Presidential Assent, the Caucus notes with confidence that the Honourable Members from the South West Zone are equally committed to this initiative and will work collaboratively, as is done in the Senate, to ensure easy and expeditious passage in the House.

    “The Caucus thanks the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D. for their leadership and facilitation of the passage of the Bill.

    “We note and thank all the National Assembly members (past and serving) from the zone who have made efforts at various times that have now culminated in the passage of this Bill in the 10th Assembly.

    “As members of the 10th Senate, we are proud of this milestone.  We want to reassure all the stakeholders that the South West Caucus in the National Assembly remains unwaveringly committed to the full realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the benefit of all Nigerians, including our beloved South West Zone.”

  • Senate passes South West Development Commission Bill

    Senate passes South West Development Commission Bill

    The Senate yesterday passed a Bill seeking to establish the South West Development Commission (SWDC).

    The passage of the Bill followed the adoption of the report of the Committee on Special Duties presented by its Chairman, Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno).

    In his presentation, Shehu said the Bill was designed to drive the socio–economic development of the Southwest.

    “If the commission is established through presidential assent to the bill, it will like other development–driven commissions established on zonal basis.

    “It will receive funds from the federation account, donations from development partners, among others, to address infrastructural deficits and tackle ecological problems in the region,” he said.

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    Following Shehu’s presentation, the Senate dissolved into Committee of the Whole for clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill after which it was read for the third time.

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano), who presided over plenary, hailed the Kaka-led committee for processing the Bill.

    Barau said the South West Development Commission, like other ones recently established, would address the infrastructural and ecological challenges in the Southwest.

    “The essence of the various development commissions being set up is to fast-track development of the entire country.

    “President Bola Tinubu has assented to similar Bills passed for zonal development–driven interventions and will surely assent to this one,” he said.

  • Senate confirms Iyantan as NPC commissioner

    Senate confirms Iyantan as NPC commissioner

    The Senate Thursday, September 26, confirmed the nomination of Mrs Olukemi Victoria Iyantan for appointment as a commissioner in the National Population Commission (NPC), representing Ondo State.

    President Bola Tinubu recently forwarded the name of Mrs Iyantan to the Senate for consideration and confirmation for the position.

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration of the report by its committee on National Identity Card and National Population, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central).

    Read Also: Senate passes Bill for South West Development Commission

    The committee said its recommendation that Iyantan’s nomination be confirmed was based on the credentials made available to the panel and the public service records of the presidential nominee, she deserved the appointment and should be confirmed by the Senate.

    Senators approved the recommendation of the committee when it was put to voice vote by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin who presided over the session.

    After the confirmation, Senator Barau urged Iyantan to join other commissioners and the Chairman of NPC, to move the commission forward.

  • Senate passes Bill for South West Development Commission

    Senate passes Bill for South West Development Commission

    The Senate on Thursday, September 26, passed for third reading a Bill which seeks to establish the South West Development Commission (SWDC).

    The passage of the bill by the red chamber followed its consideration of a report on the Bill by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Special Duties, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan.

    Senator Kaka in his presentation said the intents and purposes of the bill are geared towards the socio-economic development of the South West region.

    Kaka said: “If the Commission is established through presidential assent to the bill, it will like other development commissions established on zonal basis, receive funds from the federation account, donations from development partners etc, to address infrastructural deficits and tackle ecological problems in the South West region.”

    In his remarks after the passage of the bill, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin who presided over plenary, commended the Senator Kaka-led committee for a job well done.

    According to the DSP, the South West Development Commission like other similar intervention bodies in the country, will address the infrastructural and ecological challenges in the South West.

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    “The essence of the various development  commissions being set up, is to fast track development of the entire country.

    “President Bola Tinubu has assented to similar bills passed for zonal development interventions and will surely assent to this Bill,” he said.

    Presently zonal development commissions include the Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, North East Development Commission and South East Development Commission.

    The Bill seeking the establishment of a North Central Development Commission is currently pending before the Senate.