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Tag: Senate

  • FLOOD! Senate wants River Niger dredged immediately

    FLOOD! Senate wants River Niger dredged immediately

    The senate has asked the Federal Government to direct the Immediate dredging of Rivers Niger and Benue, as part of preventive methods against flooding and facilitate its inclusion into the 2025 budget.

    The Upper legislative chamber adopted the resolution following a motion moved by Sen. Amos Yohanna on the urgent need for intervention in the Humanitarian crisis caused by Flooding in Adamawa North Senatorial district.

    It would be recalled that in 2024, the Senate had at an emergency session equally resolved to facilitate the inclusion of the dredging of River Benue, River Niger, and other river projects in the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The plan was expected to help combat recurring flooding and its effects around the country.

    In his lead debate today, Sen. Yohanna noted that there was massive flooding that caused catastrophic destruction in the Five Local Governments of Adamawa North Senatorial District, namely; Madagali, Maiha, Michika, Mubi North and Mubi South which destroyed hundreds of houses and farmlands.

    The lawmakers further resolved to direct the National Emergency Management Agency to as a matter of urgent priority reach out to the affected communities and provide relief materials to the victims.

  • South South Devt Commission Bill scales through second reading in Senate

    South South Devt Commission Bill scales through second reading in Senate

    The South South Development Commission Bill on Thursday scaled through second reading in the Senate.

    Also, the Senate has began the process to amend the Northwest and Southeast Development Commission Acts, specifically addressing the allocation of Managing Director and Chairmanship positions.

     

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, while presenting the amendments, explained that the proposed changes to the Northwest Development Commission Act, 2024, aim to ensure fair geopolitical representation within the commission’s Governing Board.

    One key amendment is to prevent the appointment of both the Chairman and Managing Director from the same state in the zone, while also mandating Senate confirmation of these appointments, as required by the Nigerian Constitution.

    “To uphold fairness and align with the federal character principle, it is necessary that the commission’s membership reflects other geopolitical zones, in line with the Acts governing federal commissions,” Bamidele said.

    A similar rationale was provided for the proposed amendments to the Southeast Development Commission Act.

    Following the second reading, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of the amendments, noting that they are essential for the smooth operation of the development commissions in both regions.

    Meanwhile, the Senate also approved the South-South Development Commission Bill for second reading, just months after initially rejecting it. The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and supported by Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), received overwhelming support across party lines.

    During the debate, Senator Dickson clarified that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), often misconstrued as a zonal entity, is actually a resource-based commission addressing the environmental damage caused by oil exploration across several states. He noted that the NDDC serves not just the South-South, but parts of the Southeast and Southwest as well, while the proposed South-South Development Commission would be zonal.

    With strong backing from the Senate, President Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Special Duties and requested a report within one week.

  • Lawmakers express fear as Senate rejects private investigators bill

    Lawmakers express fear as Senate rejects private investigators bill

    A bill seeking to regulate and provide legal backing for private investigators in the country on Wednesday at plenary failed to pass second reading at the Senate.

    The bill titled “A Bill for an Act to prescribe standard and conditions of licence for operation and practice of private investigators in the country was sponsored by Sen.Osita, Ngwu (PDP-Enugu).

    The non passage of the bill for second reading ,followed the fear and reservations expressed by lawmakers on the bill.

    The lawmakers had expressed fear that the bill if passed would empower private individuals to pry into the private lives of perceived opponents.

    Leading the debate on the bill earlier, Ngwu said private investigators could be used in various capacities. He said while some of the investigators specialised in tracing, others specialise in Technical Surveillance Counter Measure (ISCM).

    This , he said involved locating and dealing with unwanted forms of electronic surveillance like a bugged boardroom for industrial espionage purposes..

    “This type of service is typically conducted by those with background in intelligence/counter intelligence, executive protection and law enforcement.”

    He listed the objectives of the bill to includes: “fraud prevention, detection, assessment and resolution; corporate fraud and risk management services. Others according to him are insurance fraud and claims investigation, aviation accident and lossed investigation.

    The rest are “marine loss investigation, occupational health and safety incident investigation; witness location and bail bond defaulters.

    Sen. Victor Umeh (LP Anambra),who supported the bill said it was a well thought out bill to fill the gaps left by the EFCC, ICPC, and other security agencies.

    “When due diligence is applied, a lot of high profile crimes will no longer be swept under the carpet,”he said.

    Sen. Neda Imaseun, on his part said “it’s the bill was the best practice over the world”.

    However, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo ) vehemently opposed the bill saying “it will be wrong to create an open ended body” that will have the power to pry into people’s privacy.

    ”It could be a willing tool in the hands of political enemies.”

    Sen. Aminu Iya Abbas (PDP- Adamawa) said the the bill if passed would be a duplication of efforts and functions of security agencies in the country.

    Sen. Titus Zam (APC-Benue) said: “I rise to express my strong reservation as the country has enough investigators.

    “Our country is divided on ethnic, religious and political lines and your enemies can use your opponents against you.”

    Sen.Salihu Mustapha,(APC- Kwara ) opposing the bill said the developed countries like the US and UK where private investigators was operating were currently experiencing a debate on the use of private investigators who pry into private lives.

    He said certain conditions like the existence of national forensic institute needed to be in place” to streamline evidence been of a private investigator.

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thereafter sought the opinion of the sponsor either to put the bill to vote or humbly withdraw the it by himself for further legislative consultations and action.

    Ngwu, thereafter opted to withdraw the bill.

  • Constitution Review: Senators list LG autonomy, state police, others at Senate retreat in Kano

    Constitution Review: Senators list LG autonomy, state police, others at Senate retreat in Kano

    The Senate Adhoc Committee on Constitution Review began a two-day retreat in Kano on Friday, lists LG autonomy, state police as key areas of focus.

    The lawmakers also announced plans to produce a draft bill by December 2025.

    Key discussions at the event, jointly organized with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), focused on Local Government (LG) autonomy, state police, and the role of traditional rulers, particularly in addressing security challenges.

    Speakers emphasized the need for joint engagements between the National Assembly, state governors, state assemblies, the judiciary, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that proposed amendments do not face rejection at the state level.

    In his opening remarks, Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Jibrin Barau, expressed confidence that the ongoing review would reflect the wishes of Nigerians. He stressed that the constitution review must be guided by values of freedom, equality, and justice.

    Barau called for synergy between the Senate and House of Representatives committees, as well as collaboration with key stakeholders like the executive, governors, and civil society, to ensure a comprehensive and successful review process.

    *”Our decisions will have far-reaching implications for generations to come,”* Barau stated, urging lawmakers to approach the task with care. He described the retreat as an opportunity for constructive dialogue and collective problem-solving.

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, represented by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, echoed the call for synergy between both legislative chambers. He highlighted the importance of aligning with stakeholders such as traditional rulers and faith-based leaders to achieve successful reforms.

    Kalu also urged for early transmission of resolutions to the states, adding that the collaboration between the Senate and the House would help conclude the constitution review before the commencement of political campaigns leading up to the 2027 elections.

    The Chairman of the Conference of State Houses of Assembly Speakers, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, praised the early start of the review process, contrasting it with the delays during the 9th Assembly. Ogundoyin, who also serves as Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, assured that state assemblies are prepared to review transmitted proposals promptly.

    Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan commended the current Assembly for its efforts and urged lawmakers to pay attention to issues of women’s rights and the constitutional role of traditional rulers. Lawan expressed optimism that the 10th National Assembly would meet the constitutional review targets set by Nigerians.

    He called for legislative action to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment on LG autonomy and urged his colleagues to restore local governments’ functionality, emphasizing their importance in governance and development.

    The retreat is aimed at paving the way for significant reforms, focusing on tackling insecurity, strengthening local governance, and addressing gender issues in the constitution. Lawmakers are expected to continue engagements with key stakeholders to finalize the review process.

  • Senate endorses South West Development Commission

    Senate endorses South West Development Commission

    The Nigerian Senate has passed for third reading, South West Development Commission Establishment Bill 2024 .

    Passage of the bill for third reading by the Senate during plenary, was sequel to a report submitted to that effect by the Chairman , Senate committee on Special Duties , Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan .

    Senator Kaka in his presentation of the report for establishment of South West Development Commission , said the intents and purposes of the bill , are well structured for socio – economic development of South West .

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

    The Senate accordingly moved into committee of the whole for clause by clause consideration of the bill after which it was read for the third time.

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

    According to him, the South West Development Commission like other ones , recently established , wiill address the infrastructiral and ecological challenges in the South West .

    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 Kekere-Ekun for CJN position

    Senate confirms Kekere-Ekun for CJN position

    The acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Wednesday, appeared before senators  for screening and confirmation as the substantive CJN.

    The screening was coming after the Senate received a letter from President Bola Tinubu, which was presented during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

    During the session on Wednesday, Kekere-Ekun declared that all pre-election matters must be concluded at the Court of Appeal.

    “All pre-election matters will terminate at the Court of Appeal. I have zero tolerance for corruption,” she stated.

    She also frowned against corruption in the judiciary, stating that she would not tolerate any form of it.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun, who was sworn in as the acting Chief Justice by President Bola Tinubu, made this assertion during her Senate screening for confirmation as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.

    Kekere-Ekun has been serving in an acting capacity since August, following the retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

    President Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate, cited Section 231(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which authorizes the President to appoint a Chief Justice based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to Senate confirmation.

     

  • Akpabio wants rapid action on Economic, Security Challenges as Senate reconvenes

    Akpabio wants rapid action on Economic, Security Challenges as Senate reconvenes

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for immediate and rapid action to tackle Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions and rising insecurity.

    The resumption is coming at a critical moment as Nigerians continue to grapple with the effects of economic reforms and security challenges, with many looking to the Senate for leadership and solutions.

    Akpabio delivered a passionate welcome address to mark the end of the Senate’s two-month recess emphasizing the Senate’s responsibility in navigating the country through the difficult times.

    Akpabio acknowledged the growing hardship faced by Nigerians due to inflation, high living costs, and increasing security threats, particularly in different regions of the country.

    “The economic pressures are testing the very fabric of our society. We are deeply empathetic to the struggles our people are facing,” he said.
    The Senate President stressed that it was the duty of lawmakers to respond with compassion and urgency.

    While commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its strides in agriculture and infrastructure, Akpabio noted that the gains must not overshadow the immediate need to restore security and alleviate the economic burden on citizens.

    “The recent surge in insecurity is a clarion call for us to double our efforts to protect our communities,” he stated.

    He pledged the Senate’s support in terms of legislative measures that would provide long-term solutions.
    Akpabio also called for stronger collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, noting that working together would ensure that the benefits of good governance reach all Nigerians.
    He urged lawmakers to prioritize the concerns of their constituents, stressing that the Senate was the “first glimmer of hope for the common man.”

    Akpabio encouraged lawmakers to maintain their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of policies aimed at fostering economic stability and enhancing national security.

    Finally, he called on his colleagues to approach the new legislative session with renewed vigor and purpose, stating that their work would lay the foundation for a more prosperous and secure Nigeria.

    Also, Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also urged President Tinubu to quickly intervene as the economic hardship in the country has reached a critical stage
    Kalu who represents Abia North stated this on Tuesday while fielding questions from news correspondents Of the Senate indicated that the economic suffering in the country has hit all Nigerians regardless of social status including himself, forcing them to take painful austerity measures in order to cope with the challenges.

    Orji Kalu who has just returned from a long vacation to join his colleagues to resume back to the Senate noted that urgent measures are needed to ease the pains of Nigerians.
    Kalu narrated what he is currently experiencing;
    “Hardship is true, people are suffering. We have hundreds of thousands of workers, we have about 10,000 workers in our group that we run.

    “We need to pay those salaries. If I fly at any time, buying fuel and maintaining the private plane takes almost $10,000, $20,000.
    “Even in my village, everywhere I go, companies, everybody, there is hardship, but I appeal to the federal government, the President to know how he can bring succor quickly to the people of Nigeria.

    “He has to do something not yesterday, but today. He must do something like yesterday because the condition of the Nigerian people is not too good. I believe that no president in the world elected by people would want his people to suffer.

    “I called our senior members in the group and said when I have to make my sacrifices it is not for the federal government, it is for the good of the company.
    “So I said fly no more, fly commercial and saved the money for restructuring our workers both in Nigeria and West Africa so that everybody must feed in this time of hardship.
    Kalu however commended some of the Policy measures undertaken by Tinubu to tackle the challenges.
    He said:
    “We feel that the reformation going on now has not happened in the last 60 years, no president dared to do what President Tinubu is doing now. It is about courage. The man is very courageous. Possibly if I’m president what he is doing now to reform the economy, I won’t do it, I might come slowly.

    ”I’m not in the economic team, I have not seen the President or anyone to ask but this is what (return of subsidy) the president has to sit with his economic team to discuss, but the decisions he has taken is what no president in the 60 years of the republic, no president has been able to take that decision.

    On last Saturday’s Edo State Gubernatorial election which the candidate of his Party All Progressives Congress emerged victorious the former Chief Whip said; “The national chairman, the national secretary, and members of the NWC, and including the senators, have worked so hard for Edo and I believe that whoever works hard for the election deserves to win.

    “The election is about numbers, when you have the numbers on the ground, you win. When you don’t have the numbers, you don’t win. INEC has declared the winner and they (Okpebholo) deserve the win, because it is the most organized party, in terms of togetherness, there is no political party.”

    Providing answers to the wild news which suggested that he died during his long vacation outside the country, Kalu debunked the rumors’ saying;
    “Listen, there was nothing wrong with me. I took permission from the senate president about seven days before the senate closed, I went for a little study in one of the universities that I paid for myself not that anyone paid for me. I went to do some courses for two months so I used the holiday period to do courses on democracy and the economy.

    “I did not die. I didn’t go for any medical check-up, but if people say I have died, we give thanks to God.”

  • Despite public outcry, Senate suspends investigative hearing on oil sector sabotage

    Despite public outcry, Senate suspends investigative hearing on oil sector sabotage

     

    Despite public anger over the increase in price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol and the scarcity of the product at retail outlets, the Senate has suspended its investigative hearing expected to hold on Tuesday.

    Senate Leader and Chairman of the adhoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    Bamidele’s statement was silent on the reason for the sudden postponement but merely claimed that “the decision for the postponement was taken in the best interest of the federation and its teeming population.”

    He further explained that the postponement became imperative considering the compelling need “to consult more widely with expanded stakeholders within and without the petroleum industry and legislative exigencies to further deepen due diligence in the conduct of the investigative hearing “

    “The prevailing realities in the country that demanded urgent interventions of nearly all the stakeholders in the public and private sectors across 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory informed the resolve for the postponement.

    “While we deeply regret all inconveniences it may have caused all the stakeholders collectively or individually, this decision was taken purely and solely in the national interest.”

    He explained that each of these decisions was taken to enable the ad-hoc committee the holistic approach to the public hearing and find lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the petroleum sector of the economy.

    The Senate further assured all the stakeholders that a new date for the public hearing would be communicated to them in due course.

  • Senate frowns at false claims against Bamidele

    Senate frowns at false claims against Bamidele

    The Senate has frowned at a petition against the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele by the Convener, Public Procurement Transparency Group, David Udoh.

    The Directorate, Media and Public Affairs, Office of the Senate Leader, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    It said that Udoh had petitioned the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN) against Bamidele.

    “Udoh accused Bamidele of intimidating and pressurising Chief Executive Officer, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Mr Abba Aliyu to award contracts to some companies linked to him,  contrary to the Public Procurement Act, 2007.”

    According to the statement, the allegation is not only baseless but also without any evidence in support of its claims.

    “Already, REA has issued a statement, disputing all these vicious claims.

    “Specifically, REA management noted that it was never under any pressure “to compromise the integrity of its procurement process.

    “Rather, it always upholds transparency, fairness and due process in all its activities including procurement.”

    The statement reads further: “We have endured enough of all sorts of cheap blackmail by faceless groups and individuals using some bloggers and social media.

    “To feed the unsuspecting public with falsehoods and fallacies capable of causing further damage not just to the image of the National Assembly, but also to the public perception of Nigeria, especially among comity of nations.

    “Our preliminary background checks reveal that the Public Procurement Transparency group has no record with the Corporate Affairs Commission; its Convener, David Udoh, faceless and his phone contact is practically inactive and non-functional.

    “Further checks showed that this faceless group never submitted any petition to ICPC. Nevertheless, its sole aim was to use the social media to blackmail Sen. Bamidele

    “Henceforth, we shall no more treat cases of cheap blackmail against the senate, its leadership and the national assembly lightly.

    “But we shall treat such infractions within the confine of extant laws and whoever found guilty in the process shall face the full wrath of the laws.”

  • Senate slams NNPCL, FIRS, others over alleged refusal to respond to queries

    Senate slams NNPCL, FIRS, others over alleged refusal to respond to queries

    The Senate Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday, took a swipe at managements of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other agencies.

    This is for their persistent refusal to respond to queries raised against them in the 2019 Audit report.

    Chairman of the committee, Sen. Ahmed Wadada (SDP-Nasarawa West) made this known while speaking to newsmen in Abuja.

    He decried  the attitude of the agencies for failing to respond to queries raised against them in the 2019 audit report.

    Wadada said that going forward, any agency that refused to honour invitation to defend its queries would have its queries sustained and reported to the senate in plenary by the committee.

    He said  the attitude of the affected public agencies on persistent refusal to respond to queries against them in audit report was frustrating and detrimental to aspirations and goals of the  President Bola Tinubu-led government .

    According to him, apart from NNPCL, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Police, other heads of agencies involved in the habit of not honouring invitations include the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

    “Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (former DPR) and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.”

    Others,  he said,  were FCT Internal Revenue Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited etc.

    He said: ” It is worthy to state that the committee commenced the consideration of the Audit Report in October 2023, with a view to presenting its report to the Plenary.

    “However, some agencies have willfully failed to honour invitations to defend their written responses to the audit queries as submitted to the committee’s secretariat.

    “Beside the demand for submission of written responses to audit queries, part of the committee’s rules of engagement requires that accounting officers attend its public hearing.

    “This is to respond to questions arising from the analysis of their submissions which in turn,  forms a basis for informed decision on the matter by the committee.

    “The committee is very displeased with the attitude of foot dragging by agencies who are by law, expected to respond to parliamentary invitations and account for their actions.”