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Tag: Senate

  • Court dismisses IGP’s suit against Saraki, Senate

    A HIGH Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has dismissed a suit filed by the Inspector General Ibrahim Idris against the Senate, Senate President Bukola Saraki and eight others.

    Delivering his judgment, Justice Abba Bello Mohammed said his right has not been infringed to warrant court’s intervention.

    Justice Mohammed said Section 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the Senate to investigate any form of corruption.

    He also added that most of the documents tendered by the IG were inadmissible.

    “The IGP ought to have appeared before the Senate because he was only wanted to share more light on the allegation levelled against him

    “More also, the police act also empowers the police to carry investigation about itself, which the police was already doing.

    “Therefore, his right has not been infringed to warrant court’s intervention,” the judge said.

    Before the judgment yesterday, counsel to the Idris, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), brought an application before the court seeking to stay proceedings on the matter.

    Izinyon prayed the court to grant his application and allow the Appeal Court to conclude an appeal filed against the court ruling of January 22, which stalled the judgment.

    Counsel to the respondents, Abdul Mohammed, urged the court to decline such application, saying it was one of the applicant’s tactics to delay judgment on the matter.

    “It is an attempt to arrest the judgment of the court. The application is incompetent and so we urge my lord to strike it out and proceed with the judgment,” Mohammed said.

    Justice Mohammed dismissed the application for lacking in merit.

    The IG, on November 6, through Izinyon (SAN), approached the court for the enforcement of his fundament rights and breach of right to fair hearing by the respondents.

    He sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining them from infringing on his rights, among other reliefs.

    Apart from Saraki and the Senate, other respondents in the matter are Senators Isah Misau; Francis Alimikhena; Binta Masi Garba and Suleiman Hunkuyi.

    Others are Senators Duro Faseyi Samuel; Ogba Joseph Obinna; Nelson Effiong and Abdulaziz Nyako.

    The fourth-tenth respondents were members of the Senate ad hoc committee hearing misappropriation allegation against the police.

     

     

     

  • Senate defeats IGP Idris in court

    The suit filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, alleging violation of his fundamental human rights by the Senate has been dismissed by the court.

    Justice Abba-Bello Muhammad of the FCT High Court, Jabi, on Tuesday said that the suit lacked merit.

    The judge said that Section 88 and 89 of the Nigeria’s Constitution empowers the lawmakers to carry out investigations on issues of public interest.

    Joined in the suit are the Senate President Bukola Saraki; Sen. Isah Misau and members of the ad-hoc committee that heard complaints of financial misappropriation levelled against the Police.

    The judge said that the I-G failed to establish the element that constituted infringement on his fundamental human rights as he alleged against the Senate.

    “His right has not been infringed to require the court’s intervention, inviting the applicant is a mere invitation to shed more light on the allegations levelled against him.

    ” More so, the Police Act also empowers the Police to carry out investigation about itself which the Police was already doing as at the time the allegations were raised,” the judge said.

    The I-G had approached the court seeking a declaration that the investigative activities of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee breached his rights as the Head of the Police Force.

    He also sought for a declaration that his invitation to appear before the ad-hoc committee based on Sen. Misau’s petition was also a violation of his rights. (NAN)

  • Senate to debate $1b release to battle against insurgency

    •It ’ll be illegal, says House chair •PDP: National Assembly, Nigerians must challenge Buhari 

    STRONG indications emerged yesterday that the Senate will debate the approval of $1 billion by President Muhammadu Buhari for procurement of military equipment for the fight against insurgency.

    A reliable source close to the leadership of the upper chamber told our reporter that “the matter will definitely be discussed when we resume next week”.

    Last December, when President Buhari muted the idea for the $1 billion, Senator Samuel Anyanwu sought permission of the Senate to bring a motion against the matter.

    Although the permission was given to Anyanwu to present his motion the next legislative day, the motion did not see the light of the day.

    Not only was Anyanwu’s motion not listed on the Order Paper, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu sought to know why the matter was not listed on the Order Paper.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki explained that Anyanwu was not in the chamber.

    Again when the matter was brought the third day, Saraki dismissed the agitation to debate the matter, insisting that “the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not do anything unconstitutional”.

    The source, who said “the Senate would enquire why approval was given for the expenditure of $1 billion without recourse to the National Assembly”, added that “it is not a matter anybody would want to sweep under the carpet”.

    The source noted: “What is at stake is public funds and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) made it clear that no money should be spent from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, except in a manner appropriated by the National Assembly.

    “It is obvious that Mr. President has no right whatsoever to give approval for any expenditure without appropriation. We will ask questions and demand answers. Nigerians are already raising issues. The National Assembly must not be seen to keep quiet or look the other way when things are going wrong. We will dig into the approval because it is a constitutional matter.”

    Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Army Rimande Shawulu said President Muhammadu Buhari is courting trouble if he approves 1 billion dollars for arms procurement without the approval of the National Assembly.

    He said the President lacks the constitutional powers to embark on such solo procurement without the mandate of the legislature.

    Shawulu, who is representing Donga/Ussa/Takum/Special Area Constituency of Taraba State, spoke during an interview with reporters after the opening of the Second Procurement Awareness Seminar organised by the Directorate of Procurement, Army Headquarters, at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.

    He said: “The fact of the matter is that there are processes for money coming into the federation accounts for the money to be used.

    “And other point that we must note is that a lot of times, pronouncements are policy statements which are not executed. However, it’s not as if as at that yesterday, when the announcement was made, the federation account was debited. No, it doesn’t happen that way.

    “When the president says he’s going to spend money, there’s a process that is followed before the money is spent. So I want you to understand that, it’s not as if money has gone out.”

    “However, if money has gone out without parliamentary approval, that’s a problem; it’s a very serious problem if money went out without parliamentary approval,” Shawulu asserted

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the National Assembly and Nigerians to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to withdraw $1 billion for counter-insurgency operations without getting approval from the National Assembly.

    It asked Nigerians to reject and resist what it described a renewed attempt by the Presidency to loot $1 billion from the national coffers to finance the President’s interests in the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s national convention and his 2019 campaign.

    A statement yesterday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, urged the National Assembly to begin appropriate constitutional legislative actions against the President.

    It viewed as gross misconduct, the President’s unilateral decision to withdraw the funds without legislative approval.

     

  • Senate backs amendment to Local Content Act

    The Senate Committee on Local Content has said there is a need to amend the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act to clarify some vague and ambiguous expressions, revisit the waiver provisions and rephrase the section on penalty for effectiveness. The committee also expressed the need to undertake a holistic review of the Act to cover other sectors of the economy to meet current realities.

    There is also the need, according to the committee, to resuscitate technical and vocational education as a vector for human capacity development. Science, engineering and technology curricula in the universities and other tertiary institutions, the committee said, need to be reformed and reorganised to meet requirements of the oil and gas industry.

    These were the recommendations at the end of a three-day capacity building workshop organised for the Committee in Accra, Ghana.

    After several insightful presentations on the NCDMB’s mandate, its operation, the regulatory framework in the oil industry, the journey so far and the challenges of enforcing compliance, all members of the committee (eight senators) in attendance lauded the NCDMB for the significant milestones recorded, despite very many drawbacks.

    It also praised the Board for its strategic implementation of the NOGICD Act and the steady growth in local capacities.

    Its Chairman, Senator Solomon Adeola, said from all that he heard and saw, the Board was fulfilling the purpose for which it was established.

    Senate Minority Leader and Vice Chairman of the Committee Senator Godswill Akpabio and others corroborated Adeola and promised to support the Board to ensure that Nigerians derived more benefits from the oil and gas industry.

    Senate Deputy Minority Leader Senator Abiodun Olujumi underlined that the participation of two principal officers of the Senate and six others clearly showed the importance the Upper Chamber attached to  local content in Nigeria.

    In his opening address, Adeola reminded members of the purpose for creating the Committee on Local Content, which include to ensure the use of local manpower by companies operating in Nigeria; design policies that will engender the patronage of locally-made goods and services; to oversight NCDMB’s work and identify the gaps in the NOGICD Act with a view to amending it to reflect current realities.

    He noted that the workshop was necessary to develop legislators’ understanding of NCDMB’s mandate, the journey so far, what has been achieved, the challenges and further actions required.

    The NCDMB Executive Secretary, SimbiWabote, who spoke on the topic: “Structure and Operation of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board”, reaffirmed the Board’s determination to fulfill its mission “to be the catalyst for the industrialisation of Nigerian oil and gas and its linkage sectors”. He acknowledged the senators’ encouraging remarks, noting that their commendations and positive feedback will act as fresh tonic to the Board in the pursuit of its strategic objective to increase Nigerian Content performance to 70 per cent in the next 10years.

    The workshop had many papers presentations from a cross section of professionals. The papers were followed with panel discussions. There were extensive question and answer sessions with the senators unanimously agreeing on the need to amend the NOGICD Act.

  • Senate initiates two bills on drug abuse

    The Senate has developed two draft bills to tackle drug abuse in the country.

    This was part of the outcome of the roundtable convened by the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in December 2017 on the rising drug abuse in the country,

    The proposed bills are – National Drug Control Bill and National Mental Health Bill.

    A statement issued by the Senate President’s Media Office said the Drug Control Bill seeks to clarify the mandate and strengthen the capacity of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to eradicate the illicit production and trafficking of controlled substances.

    The statement reads: “It also seeks to establish a central mechanism to facilitate collaboration among law enforcement, regulatory and public health authorities in line with the National Drug Control Policy.

    “The bill further focuses on proactive law enforcement and regulatory measures towards the eradication of the illicit importation, production and trafficking of controlled substances.”

    The statement added that the bill seeks to criminalise the diversion, distribution or dispensing of controlled substances without a prescription or license.

    NAN

  • Saraki hails Senate for passing 201 Bills

    •Senators go on recess 

    SENATE President Bukola Saraki has hailed his colleagues in the 8th Senate for their support and hard work  that allowed the Upper Legislative Chamber to reach the milestone of passing 201st Bill yesterday.

    In a tweet on his personal handle (@Bukolasaraki), the Senate President said: “As of today, the Senate has passed 201 Bills. We still have 15 months to go, yet, we have reached this milestone. I would like to thank my distinguished colleagues for their hard work and cooperation over the last 33 months.”

    The 5th Senate (2003 to 2007) passed 129 Bills in all; the 6th Senate (2007 to 2011) passed 72 Bills and the 7th Senate (2011 to 2015) had a total of 129 Bills.

    The Senate yesterday gone on recess till April 10 because of Easter celebration.

    A motion for the holiday was moved by Leader Bala Na’Allah.

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu urged his colleagues not to relent in praying for the nation.

    “This is an opportunity for me to wish all of you and everyone a happy Easter and please let’s use the remaining period of the Lent to pray for our country for God to intervene in our lives and ensure that all these killings will stop and our economy would pick up and we will continue to leave in unity and there would be progress all round.

    “We believe that God would hear our prayers this period and wish everyone a happy Easter and look forward to seeing you again on April 10,” he said.

     

  • Senate rejects Kaduna’s $350m World Bank loan

    THE Senate yesterday rejected the approval of $350 million World Bank loan request by Kaduna State.

    The rejection of the loan request followed the presentation and consideration of the recommendations of the report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, which asked the Senate to turn down the request.

    Chairman of the committee, Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), who presented the report, said: “The committee recommends that the Senate do reject the request of USD350 million for Kaduna State as contained in the 2015-2018 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan of Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”

    Apart from Sani, who heavily criticised the loan request, two other senators from Kaduan State, Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduan North) and Danjuma La’ah (Kaduna South) stoutly opposed the loan.

    The committee, in its conclusion, noted that “with the high total debt stock of Kaduna State at the moment, the new borrowing sought, will make the debt service to revenue ratio high, thereby worsening the state government’s ability to meet its other basic obligations to the people and further erode the state’s economic viability.”

    The committee, in its finding, noted that based on the submissions and interactions with invited government officials, the committee observed as follows:

    “That the Development Policy Operation DPO (Budget Support) of USD 350 million for Kaduna State was approved by World Bank in 2016 and captured in 2016 – 2018 borrowing plan as approved by the National Assembly.

    “That the credit facility has an attractive low financing data of 1.25% interest; moratorium of 5 years and a 25 year maturity tenor.

    “That the facility is already captured in the 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

    “That according to the latest Debt Management Office figures, Kaduna State has a total debt stock of USD232.1 million.

    “That approving the current loan request of USD350 million for Kaduna State will bring its total debt stock to USD582.1 million.

    “That if this loan request is approved, the new total debt stock of USD582.1 million for Kaduna State will be unsustainable and necessarily attract huge financial burden on the meager federal allocation to the state.

    “With the new borrowing, the Debt Service to Revenue Ratio of Kaduna State will further be increased and thus impact negatively on the ability of the state to meet other basic needs of its people.

    “The new debt stock will likely, further erode the economic viability of the state.”

    The committee, therefore, recommended that “the Senate do reject the request of USD350 million for Kaduna State as contained in the 2015 2018 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan of Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces”.

    The Senate warned that any attempt by government officials to circumvent the rejection of the loan request and the process will be contrary to law.

    Hunkuyi, in his submission, said only two people, Commissioner for Women Affairs, whose ministry has nothing to do with the loan and an aide of the Kaduna State governor, sat and approved the loan.

    The lawmaker noted that as a representative of the people, he has the mandate of his constituents to oppose the loan.

    He wondered why $170 million out of the $350 was slated to be drawn within one year.

    La’ah said his constituents did not give him the authority to support the approval of the loan.

    He said: “They are busy sacking and retiring people in the state; what is the loan for? I am not in support of the loan. It should not be granted.”

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided put the matter to vote two times.

    What followed was a deafening “nay” to each of the question.

     

  • Full list: Senate passes 200 bills in 3 years

    As of March 29, 2018, 33 months after its inauguration, the 8th Senate had passed a total of 200 bills including Senate Bills, concorrence bills and constitution amendment bills.

    From its inauguration on Juna 9, 2015 the 8th senate had surpassed the 7th, 6th and 5th Senate in the number of bills passed. While the 7th senate passed only 128 bills in four years, the 6th passed 82 and the 5th senate passed 129 bills.

    Graphical map of bills passed by the last 4 Senate

    The President of the Senate Dr Bukola Saraki took to his twitter handle @BukolaSaraki to make the announcemnet and to congratulate his colleagues for a job well done.

    Saraki expressed optimism that in the 15 months that were left, the senate would pass more bills that will affect the lives of Nigerians.

    “As of today, the Senate has passed 201 Bills. We still have 15 months to go, yet, we have reached this milestone. I would like to thank my Distinguished Colleagues for their hard work and cooperation over the last 33 months.

    Below is the full list of the bills passed by the senate.

    SENATE BILLS PASSED SINCE JUNE 9TH 2015

    1. National Railway Corporation Act 1955 N129 LFN 2004 (Repeal & Re-enactment Bill 2015
    2. Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act CAP B2 LFN 2011 (Repeal and Re-enactment) 2015
    3. National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (est,etc) Bill 2015
    4. Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (est., etc) Bill 2015
    5. Electronic Transaction Bill 2015
    6. Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme Act (Amendment) Bill 2015
    7. Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (Est,etc) Bill, 2015
    8. Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill 2015
    9. National Poverty Eradication Commission (Est,etc)Bill 2015
    10. North East Development Commission (NEDC) (Est,etc) Bill 2015
    11. Erosion Control and Prevention Commission (Est, etc) Bill, 2015
    12. Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous provision) Amendment Bill 2015
    13. Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effuru (Est, etc) Bill 2015
    14. Food Security Bill 2015
    15. Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment, etc) Bill 2015
    16. Environmental Managers Registration Council of Nigeria (Establishment, etc) Bill 2015
    17. Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (Establishment, etc) Bill 2015
    18. Nigeria Football Federation (Establishment, etc) Bill 2015
    19. National Sports Commission (Establishment, etc) Bill 2015
    20. Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2015
    21. Witness Protection Programme Bill 2015
    22. Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2015
    23. Defence Space Agency (Establishment, etc) Bill 2015
    24. High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja (Amendment) Bill 2015
    25. Air Force Institute of Technology (Establishment, etc) Bill 2015
    26. Credit Bureau Reporting Bill 2015
    27. 2015 Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill 2015
    28. 2016 Appropriation Bill
    29. Federal Roads Authority (Establishment, etc) Bill 2016
    30. National Assembly Budget and Research Office (Establishment, etc) Bill 2016
    31. Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill 2016
    32. Federal Capital Territory Statutory Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    33. Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun Bill 2016
    34. National Lottery Act 2005 (Amendment) Bill 2016
    35. Electoral Act №6 2010 (Amendment) Bill 2016
    36. Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    37. Petroleum Industry Governance Bill 2016
    38. National Inland Waterways Act Cap N47 LFN 2004 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2016
    39. Nigerian Ports and Harbours Authority Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    40. JAMB Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    41. Nigerian Customs Service Bill 2016 and Nigerian Customs Service Act (Repeal and Re-enacment) Bill 2016
    42. Warehouse Receipts Bill 2016
    43. Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Bill 2016
    44. Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institution Bill 2016
    45. Federal University of Wukari (Establishment, etc) Bill 2016
    46. Maritime University of Nigeria, Okerenkoko (Establishment, etc) Bill 2016
    47. 2016 FCT Appropriation Bill
    48. Appropriation Bill, 2017
    49. Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment, etc) Bill 2015 and the National Unity and Peace Corps (Establishment, etc) Bill 2015
    50. National Open University of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill 2017
    51. Federal University of Maritime Studies, Oron Bill, 2017
    52. National Institute for Legislative Studies Act (Amendment) Bill 2017
    53. National Research and Innovation (Est, etc.) Bill, 2017
    54. Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2016 and Universal Basic Education Act 2003 (Amendment) Bill 2016
    55. Nigeria Financial Intelligence Agency (Est, Etc.) Bill, 2017
    56. Institute of Chartered Biochemist and Molecular Biologist Bill, 2016
    57. Whistle Blowers Protection Bill 2015
    58. Abduction, wrongful restraints and wrongful confinement for ransom bill 2017
    59. Prohibition and Protection of persons from lynching, mob action and Extra Judicial Executions Bill, 2017
    60. Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2017
    61. Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission (Amendment) Bill 2015
    62. Chartered Institute of Entrepreneurs (est., etc.) Bill 2015
    63. Chartered Institute of Capital Market Registrars Bill 2017
    64. Presidential Inauguration Bill 2016
    65. National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment, etc) Bill 2016
    66. FCT Statutory Appropriation Bill 2017
    67. Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
    68. Federal University of Agriculture Kaaba (Establishment, etc) Bill 2016
    69. Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment) Bill 2017
    70. Niger Delta Development Commission (Amendment) Bill 2017
    71. Nigeria Arabic Language Village, Ngala (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2017
    72. Nigeria French Language Village, Badagry (est., etc.) Bill, 2017
    73. Demutualization Bill, 2017
    74. The Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Bill, 2018
    75. 2017 FCT Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018
    76. Arbitration and Conciliation act cap A18 LFN 2004(Repeal and re-enactment) Bill 2018
    77. Emergency Powers (Repeal and re-enactment) Bill, 2018
    78. Federal University Gashua (establishment, etc.) Bill, 2018 (SB459)
    79. National Transport Commission (Est., etc.) Bill, 2018 (SB. 242)
    80. Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2018 (SB. 216)
    81. River Basin Development Act CAP R9 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (SB. 358)
    82. National Centre for Disease Control Prevention (Establishment, etc) Bill, 2018 (SB. 256)

    CONCURRENCE BILLS PASSED BY THE SENATE SINCE JUNE 9TH 2015

    1. Environmental Health Officers (Registration, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    2. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun Bill, 2016
    3. National Judicial Institute Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    4. Prevention of Crimes Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    5. Water Resources Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    6. Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    7. Agricultural and Rural Management Training (Amendment) Bill 2016
    8. Telecommunications and Postal Offences Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    9. Treaty to Establish African Economic Community Relating to the Pan-African Parliament (Accession and Jurisdiction) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    10. Utilities Charges Commission Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    11. Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    12. Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    13. Petroleum Training Institute Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    14. Quantity Surveyors (Registration, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    15. Bees (Import Control and Management) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    16. Advertising Practitioners (Registrations, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    17. World Meteorological Organization (Protection) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    18. Currency Conversion (Freezing Orders) (Amendment) Bill 2016
    19. Builders (Registration, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    20. Town Planners (Registration, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    21. University of Abuja Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    22. Corrupt Practice and other Related Offences Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    23. Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development Agency (Amendment) Bill 2016
    24. National Agricultural Land Development Authority Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    25. Produce (Enforcement of Export Standards) (Amendment) Bill 2016
    26. National Crop Varieties and Livestock Breeds (Registration etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016
    27. National Archives Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    28. Value Added Tax Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    29. Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    30. Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria Bill 2016
    31. Dangerous Drugs Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    32. Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria Bill 2016
    33. Veterinary Surgeons Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    34. Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission Bill 2016
    35. Chartered Institute of Public Management Bill 2016
    36. Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (Establishment) Bill 2016
    37. Oaths Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    38. Institute of Local Government and Public Administration Bill 2016
    39. Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2016
    40. Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment, etc.) Bill 2016
    41. Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    42. Mortgage Institutions Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    43. National Film and Video Censors Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    44. Official Secrets Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    45. Federal Capital Territory Districts Courts Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    46. Pensions Rights of Judges Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    47. Anti-Torture Bill, 2016
    48. Federal Capital Territory Hospitals Management Board (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2016
    49. National Child Protection and Enforcement 2016
    50. Police Procurement Fund Bill, 2016
    51. Federal Capital Territory Water Board Bill 2016
    52. Senior Citizen Centre Bill, 2016
    53. Animal Health and Husbandry Technologist (Registration, etc.) Bill 2016
    54. Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshots, Bill 2016
    55. Corporate Manslaughter Bill 2016
    56. Railway Loan (International Bank) (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    57. Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016
    58. Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria Bill, 2017
    59. Avoidance of Double Taxation Between the Federal Republic of Nigerian and the Kingdom of Spain Bill, 2017
    60. Avoidance of Double Taxation Between the Federal Republic of Nigerian and the Republic of South Korea Bill, 2017
    61. National Postgraduate College of Medicine Laboratory Science Bill, 2017
    62. Avoidance of Double Taxation Between the Federal Republic of Nigerian and the Kingdom of Sweden Bill, 2017
    63. National intelligence Agency Pension Bill 2017
    64. Nigeria Academy of Science (establishment etc.)
    65. Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (Est, Etc.) Bill 2017
    66. Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology Science (Est, Etc.) Bill 2017
    67. Franchise Bill
    68. Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy Bill, 2017 (HB1,018)
    69. Federal Capital Territory Transport Authority (Establishment) Bill HB. 91
    70. Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (Fiscal Incentives Assurances and Guarantees) Bill, 2017 HB. 896
    71. Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management Bill, 2017 HB. 69
    72. Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017
    73. Vigilante Group of Nigeria (Est., etc.) Bill, 2017 HB718
    74. Subsidiary Legislation (Legislative Scrutiny) Bill, 2017 HB13
    75. Courts and Tribunal Fines and Financial Penalties Bill, 2017 HB 642
    76. Radiographers (Registration, etc.) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 HB 676
    77. Medical Residency Training Bill, 2017 (HB.982)
    78. National Road Funds (Est, etc.) Bill, 2018
    79. National Climate Change Bill (HB1020)
    80. National Agricultural Seeds Council Bill, 2018 (HB. 472)
    81. Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport of Nigeria Bill, 2018 (HB. 973)
    82. National Security Agencies Protection of Officers Identity Bill, 2018 (HB. 830)
    83. Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (HB. 1022)
    84. National Biotechnology Development Agency (Est., etc.) Bill, (HB. 33)
    85. Nigeria Aeronautical Search and Rescue Bill, 2018 (HB. 139)
    86. Federal Audit Service Commission Bill (HB. 107)
    87. Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (est., etc.) Bill, 2018 (HB 364 & 656)
    88. Digital rights and freedom bill, 2018(HB490)
    89. Energy Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018(HB72 & 446)

    CONSTITUTIONAL ALTERATION BILLS PASSED

    1. Alteration of the Constitution to provide for time passage of laws (assent)
    2. Alteration of the Constitution to provide for funding of the State Houses of Assembly directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
    3. Alteration of the Constitution to include former heads of the NASS in the council of state.
    4. Alteration of the Constitution to reduce the period within which the President or Governor may authorise withdrawal from the CRF in absence of an appropriation act from 6 to 3 months.
    5. Alteration of the Constitution to provide for immunity of legislature in respect of words spoken or written at plenary…
    6. Alteration of the Constitution to abrogate the State Joint Local Govt Accounts and empower each local govt council to maintain its own special account.
    7. Alteration of the Constitution to strengthen local govt administration in Nigeria
    8. Alteration of the Constitution to provide the INEC with sufficient time to conduct bye-elections and grounds for de-registration of political parties.
    9. Alteration of the Constitution to delete the public complaints commission Act from the constitution.
    10. Alteration of the Constitution to delete the National Securities Agencies Act from the constitution.
    11. Alteration of the Constitution to delete the National Youth Service Decree from the Constitution.
    12. Alteration of the Constitution to delete state independent electoral commission from the constitution.
    13. Alteration of the Constitution to specify the period within which the President or Governor shall present the Appropriation Bill before NASS or SHA
    14. Alteration of the Constitution to reduce the age for the qualification for the offices of president, house of reps and state house of assembly.
    15. Alteration of the Constitution to reflect the establishment of the ISA in the constitution.
    16. Alteration of the Constitution to remove law making powers from the Executive Arm of Govt.
    17. Alteration of the Constitution to provide for the procedure for passing a constitution alteration bill, where the president withholds assent.
    18. Alteration of the Constitution to reflect the establishment and core functions of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
    19. Alteration of the Constitution to provide time for the determination of pre-election matters.
    20. Alteration of the Constitution to further strengthen the judiciary for speedy dispensation of justice.
    21. Alteration of the Constitution to establish the AGF and separate the office from that of the minister for justice (likewise in the states).
    22. Alteration of the Constitution to establish the office of the accountant general of the federal govt separate from the office of the accountant general of the federation
    23. Alteration of the Constitution to make the office of the auditor general of the federation and states financially independent by placing them on the CRF (states).
    24. Alteration of the Constitution to disqualify a person sworn-in as president or governor to complete the term of the elected person from being elected to the same office for more than a single term.
    25. Alteration of the Constitution to change the name of the police from the Nigerian Police Force to the Nigerian Police
    26. Alteration of the Constitution to provide for independent candidature in elections.
    27. Alteration of the Constitution to provide for a change in the names of some local govt councils.
    28. Alteration of the Constitution to provide for the appointment of a minister from the FCT to ensure FCT is represented in the FEC.
    29. Alteration of the Constitution to require the President and Governor to submit names of nominated ministers or commissioners within thirty days of taking the oath of office for confirmation.

  • Senate rejects Kaduna $350m World Bank loan request

    The Senate on Thursday declined the approval of $350 million World Bank loan requested by Kaduna State Government.

    The rejection of the loan request followed the presentation and consideration of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts which asked the upper legislative chamber to turn down the request.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduan Central), who presented the report said “the Committee recommended that the Senate do reject the request of $350 million for Kaduna State as contained in the 2015 2018 External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan of Mr. President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”

    Apart from Sani who heavily criticized the loan request, two other senators from Kaduna State – Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduan North) and Danjuma La’ah (Kaduna South) – also opposed the loan.

    The Committee in its conclusion noted that “with the high total debt stock of Kaduna State at the moment, the new borrowing sought, will make the debt service to revenue ratio high, thereby worsening the state government’s ability to meet its other basic obligations to the people and further erode the economic viability of the state.”

    The Committee noted that based on the submissions and interactions with invited government officials, the following observations were made:

    • That the Development Policy Operation, DPO (Budget Support) of $350 million for Kaduna State was approved by World Bank in 2016 and captured in 2016 – 2018 borrowing plan as approved by the National Assembly.

     

    • That the credit facility has an attractive low financing data of 1.25 per cent interest; moratorium of five years and a 25 year maturity tenor.

     

    • That the facility is already captured in the 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

     

    • That according to the latest Debt Management Office figures, Kaduna State has a total debt stock of $232.1 million.

     

    • That approving the current loan request of $350 million for Kaduna State will bring its total debt stock to $582.1 million.

     

    • That if this loan request is approved, the new total debt stock of $582.1 million for Kaduna State will be unsustainable and necessarily attract huge financial burden on the meager federal allocation to the state.

     

     

  • Senate to Fed Govt: include Eastern rail lines in $6.8bn project

    THERE was a push yesterday for the inclusion of Eastern rail lines of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in the $6.8 billion loan approved for the standardisation and modernisation of the Nigerian railway.

    The Senate passed a resolution in which it urged the Federal Government to include the Eastern rail lines in the multi-billion dollar project.

    The Red Chamber also asked the government to restore services on the Eastern rail lines, adding that the inclusion must be captured in this year’s 2018 Appropriation.

    The resolution followed a motion on “urgent need to include the Eastern Rail Lines in the Nigerian Railway Development Project,” sponsored by Senator Victor C. Umeh (Anambra Central).

    The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, warned that the continuous marginalisation of the Southeast and Southsouth could trigger unrest and agitation.

    Umeh, in his lead debate, noted that inclusiveness is the essence of governance in a democracy which is further buttressed by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as stated in Section 15 Sub-sections 3(a) and 4.

     

    He noted that Eastern rail lines had been moribund as trains had abandoned the routes in moving people and goods in and out of the old Eastern Region, a development, he said caused a decline in economic activities.

    The Anambra senator observed that the deplorable condition of the Eastern rail lines has increased the cost of transportation, commodities and job creation.

    According to him, modern rail transport system remained one of the fastest, safest and easiest means of transporting people and commodities from one destination to another.

    In the past, the senator observed, livestock and other farm produce were transported easily from the North to the East by train.