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Tag: Senate

  • Senate rejects bill on National Road Transport Council

    Senate rejects bill on National Road Transport Council

    The Senate has rejected a bill seeking to establish the National Road Transport Council in Nigeria.

    The bill sought to establish an agency that will be saddled with the responsibility of regulating the road transport and the transportation profession in Nigeria.

    However, lawmakers rejected the bill which was sponsored by the Deputy Senate Leader, Oyelola Ashiru, during Thursday’s plenary.

    The bill was titled National Road Transport Council in Nigeria Bill, 2024, and was presented by Senate Majority Whip, Sen. Mohammed Monguno, on behalf of the sponsor.

    He said the current state of Nigerian road transport industry was plagued by numerous challenges that severely undermined its efficiency, safety and growth potential.

    “These issues, among others include; lack of comprehensive policy framework, inadequate insurance coverage, poor regulation and oversight,” he said.

    The lawmaker said in order to address the multifaceted challenges, the bill sought to establish the council as the  regulatory body for the road transport sector.

    In his contribution to the debate, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo), vehemently opposed the bill.

    “The police have the traffic division and they do their job so diligently; such that if there are roadblocks, you will find them trying to manage traffic.

    “If there are accidents, they do everything to establish who is wrong; who is right and prepare to go to court, if the party decides to go to court.’’

    He also said the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), was later established to manage and regulate traffic situation, across the country.

    Oshiomhole expressed regrets that the FRSC had not been performing its responsibility well in that regard.

    “I think what we need is to make existing institutions to work; where they fail to work, we evoke sanction; just recently, I had a conversation with a fellow senator in this chamber.

    “I think this House must be seen to act in a manner that is in tune with those broad policy statements that we had accepted, among which is, to avoid multiplication of agencies that have duplicated functions.

    “Why Nigeria is committed to cutting federal government’s excessive overhead expenditure, more agencies should not be created,’’ he said.

    Other senators, who contributed and opposed the bill, included Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) and Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra).

  • Bill seeking establishment of FMC, Gembu passes 1st reading in Senate

    Bill seeking establishment of FMC, Gembu passes 1st reading in Senate

    A Bill for an Act to amend Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 on Wednesday to provide a legal framework to establish FMC Gembu passed first reading in the Senate.

    The Bill was sponsored by Senator Haruna Manu representing Taraba Central Senatorial District.

    If eventually passed into law, the FMC will service Gembu which is 6 to 7 hours drive from Jalingo and other environs such as Gashaka, Karumi and villages, it’s definitely not for people on the Mambila, Sardauna LGA alone as this will bring healthcare closer to so many communities.

    The Bill presented on the floor of the Senate by the Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and passed for first reading.

    This Bill may be cited as the Federal Medical Centres Act Citation
    (Amendment) Bill, 2024

  • Major reason why Senator Ndume lost out as Senate Chief Whip emerges

    Major reason why Senator Ndume lost out as Senate Chief Whip emerges

    … maybe flushed out of APC

    Facts as to why vocal and popular Senator Ali Ndume was sacked as Chief Whip of the Senate has finally emerged.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG, had earlier reported how the Borno federal lawmaker was politely exited from his position during plenary on Wednesday.

    Findings by TNG clearly pointed to the fact that Aso Rock was no longer comfortable with the recent outbursts of the former Director General of Akpabio/Barau campaign organisation.

    The Ndume threat got to the hilt after he granted a major national television interview and took the Tinubu led administration to the cleaners.

    This development did not go down well with Aso Rock as Ndume during an interview said “the country is being led by those who are unfit to govern, prioritising personal interests over the well-being of the nation and its citizens.

    He said the “government is going down,” adding that it is “run by kakistocrats”.

    “The government is also populated by kleptocrats, but unfortunately that is not what the president is up to; he really meant renewed hope, but you can only do that when you have people around you that are on the same type of thinking,” he said.

    Ndume expressed concern over recent government policies, such as the cybercrime levy, which faced public opposition.

    Ndume had also criticised the limited access to the president, stating that some ministers only meet the president during council meetings and that the president is often the first to leave.

    “I’m the chief whip, and if the chief whip can’t have access to the president, the new senators won’t have access either,” he said.

    Ndume had emphasised the need for the president to tap into Nigeria’s resources and surround himself with competent individuals, urging him to appoint democrats to key positions and ensure a more inclusive and effective governance.

    He stressed that this would enable the president to harness the country’s potential and tackle pressing challenges.

    “The president needs people who will realise his dream and tell him when something is wrong,” he said.

    Also, after his removal on Wednesday as Chief Whip, the very friendly Senator if not the most friendly in NASS maybe chased out of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

    In response, the APC’s national leadership, represented by national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, urged Ndume in a letter addressed to the Senate Caucus to resign from the APC and join any opposition party of his choice.

    APC has broken a record for being the first political party in Nigeria to demand for the head of its own in NASS.

  • Tinubu seeks inclusion of N6.2tn into 2024 budget

    Tinubu seeks inclusion of N6.2tn into 2024 budget

    President Bola Tinubu has forwarded to the Senate for consideration and approval the injection of N6.2 trillion into the N27.5 trillion 2024 budget.

    The President, in the request via a letter read on the floor of the Senate by its President, Godswill Akpabio, during plenary on Wednesday, specifically sought for withdrawal of N3.2 trillion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, for capital expenditure.

    The President in the second leg of the request sought for withdrawal of another N3 trillion from the consolidated revenue fund for additional recurrent expenditure for the year ending on December 31, 2024.

    According to the letter, Tinubu is also seeking an Act to amend the Finance Act of 2023, to impose and charge windfall tax on banks and to provide for the administration of the tax and matters related thereto.

    For expeditious consideration, the Senate had already listed the two requests on its Order Paper as Executive bills for consideration.

    If the requested N6 2 trillion is injected into the N27 5 trillion 2024 budget, the budget size will increase to N33.7 trillion.

     

  • BREAKING: Senate sacks Ndume as chief whip

    BREAKING: Senate sacks Ndume as chief whip

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday asked Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, to resign from the party.

    The party also asked the senator to vacate his position as chief whip of the senate.

    The APC made the requests in a letter sent to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    The letter was read on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday.

    Abdullahi Ganduje, national chair of the APC; and Ajibola Basiru, national secretary of the party; nominated Tahir Monguno, senator representing Borno north, to take Ndume’s place.

    The APC accused Ndume of making hurtful comments against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

     

  • ICYMI: Senate confirms Argungu as Chairman Police Service Commission

    ICYMI: Senate confirms Argungu as Chairman Police Service Commission

    The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Mr Hashimu Argungu as Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC).

    Also confirmed as Secretary and Member were Chief Onyemuche Nnamani and Mr Frederick Lakanu.

    This followed adoption of the report of the Committee on Police Affairs at the Committee of the Whole on Thursday.

    Presenting the report Chairman of the committee, Sen. Abdulhamid Ahmed (APC-Jigawa) said the professional truck records of the nominees validates the fact that they are persons of proven integrity and ability.

    According to him, there is no petition or any adverse security report against their nomination.

    He said their qualifications, track record of excellence, professional services and cognate experience confirmed and affirmed their suitability and competence to be appointed for the positions.

    He therefore urged the Senate to confirm the nominees.

    Contributing, Sen.Seriake Dickson(PDP-Bayelsa) said the committee performed its duties as was requested by the senate.

    He said he has a personal knowledge of the nominees in the course of his service at various levels, while urging the Senate to confirm the nominees.

    Sen.Ahmed Lawan(APC-Yobe) commended the committee for conducting a through secreening on the nominees.

    He said the nominees were all qualified for the positions expressing hope that they would perform creditably.

    He said there was a disagreement between office of Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission on who should recruit new police officers, saying that the matter ended at the Supreme Court.

    This, Lawan said was a a bad experience, saying that the Senate must insist that whatever issues between the two organisations should be resolved.

    He expressed believe that the nominees are well qualified to do the job, while urging the committee to closely monitor activities in the two organisations.

    President of Senate Godswill Akpabio said committee on police affairs should ensure oversight functions to avoid the mistakes of the past particularly the idea of office of the Inspector-General of Police struggling with the police service commission on issues of recruitment.

    “In the last two years, we probably would have had additional 20,000 Nigerians into the Nigerian Police Force.

    “But unfortunately as a result of personality clashes, the issues went as far as the supreme Court.

    Whelther withdrawn or not withdrawn, this police service commission we have just cleared today.

    And so Office of the Inspector-General of Police should be cautioned to take the interest of Nigerians into consideration and security of this nation uppermost and not their personal interest.

    “They should work harmoniously toward the realisation of Mr President’s vision that Nigerians should be allowed to sleep with their eyes closed.”

  • Senate rejects bill to amend Foreign Exchange act

    Senate rejects bill to amend Foreign Exchange act

    The Senate on Thursday, rejected a Bill seeking to amend the Foreign Exchange Act, 2004.

    The piece of legislation also sought to make provisions for  control, monitoring and supervision of transactions conducted in the Foreign Exchange Market.

    The bill was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa (APC-Niger) during plenary.

    The proposed law is titled: “The Foreign Exchange (Control And Monitoring) Bill, 2024 (SB. 353) was read for the first time on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

    In his Lead debate, Musa described the bill as an important legislation that sought to repeal the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provision) Act, Cap. F34, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Musa said the proposed law would provide for  regulation, monitoring and supervision of the transactions conducted in the market and for related matters.

    He said it would also contribute to the sound development of the national economy by striving to facilitate foreign transactions and maintain an equilibrium of balance of international payments.

    “The Bill seeks to stabilise the value of currency by ensuring the liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions to maintain an equilibrium of balance of International payments.

    “It will also stabilise the value of currency by ensuring liberalisation of foreign exchange transactions and of other foreign transactions by revitalising
    market functionality.

    “The newly introduced clauses will enable the CBN to determine the basic exchange rate of purchase and sale of foreign exchange,” Musa said.

    Most senators in their various contributions,  expressed fears that a fresh legislation,  seeking to monitor or control activities of the foreign exchange market apart from what the CBN was doing, could be counter productive.

    Some of the senators who expressed serious reservations over the proposed law were Solomon Adeola (Chairman Committee on Appropriation ); Tokunbo Abiru (Chairman, Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions) and Aliyu Wadada (Chairman, Senate Public Account Committee).

    For instance, Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo (APC-Gombe) noted that the law, if passed, would confuse Nigerians.

    He was of the opinion that any further law aimed at regulating the foreign exchange market should come from the executive arm of government to avoid crisis in the sector.

    Also contributing, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) said: “we have to be careful because we cannot speculate. Anything done in this house, Nigerians will take it very seriously, because we have the power to make laws.

    “Senators who have spoken, have  summarised and amplified meticulously, the contradictions and negative implications of passing the law.

    “I believe that the bill should not attract further hearing because we are trying to take over the monetary policy regulations of the CBN if we go ahead with it.

    “If the executive arm of government likes, let them bring a Bill to further strengthen the regulatory powers of the CBN. It is not our work.”

    The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged Musa to withdraw the proposed law for further consultations but the senator refused to do so.

    Akpabio subsequently called for voice vote to determine its approval or rejection for second reading and majority of the lawmakers voted against it.

  • Senate Plenary Sessions: Akpabio, Lawan clash over timing

    Senate Plenary Sessions: Akpabio, Lawan clash over timing

    The Senate convened an emergency executive session on Thursday following a heated disagreement over the official sitting time of the Red Chamber.

    The conflict involved Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his predecessor, Senator Ahmed Lawan, centered around the timing of plenary sessions.

    Currently, Senate rules stipulate that sessions begin at 10 am. However, it has become common for sessions to start later, around 11 am or even later, due to the late arrival of lawmakers. In response, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele proposed a formal amendment to shift the official sitting time from 10 am to 11 am.

    Senator Lawan opposed this proposal, challenging Senate President Akpabio and arguing that the reason given for the change—aligning the Senate’s schedule with the House of Representatives—was neither convincing nor “scientific.”

    Lawan stated, “The explanation that the change was to enable the Senate to synchronize its sitting time with that of the House of Representatives is not saleable to senators.” He also contended that starting at 11 am would extend sessions until 3 pm, which conflicts with committee schedules.

    Senator Bamidele defended the proposed change, explaining that senators often have multiple engagements, including oversight duties and committee assignments, which sometimes extend late into the night, making a 10 am start challenging.

    To diffuse the escalating tension, Akpabio called for an executive session to discuss the issue privately. During the closed-door meeting, Akpabio reminded Lawan that the 11 am practice was inherited from Lawan’s own 9th Senate. Lawan refuted this, stating, “No, that is not correct!” Akpabio also clarified that starting at 11 am did not necessarily mean sessions would last until 3 pm, suggesting they could conclude by 1 pm instead.

    In summary, the Senate’s internal conflict over the adjustment of sitting times prompted an emergency executive session to seek a resolution.

  • NNPP denies writing to Senate alleging siege by FG on Kano

    NNPP denies writing to Senate alleging siege by FG on Kano

    The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has denied writing any letter to the  Senate, accusing the Federal Government of laying siege on Kano State over the Emirate  leadership tussle.

    This is contained in a statement by the NNPP National Chairman, Dr Agbo Major on Friday in Lagos.

    The party is reacting to a letter written to the Senate, through its President, Godswill Akpabio by Dr Ajuji Ahmed on June 24.

    The letter was titled: “Need for NNPP Federal Lawmakers to Make Urgent and Concerted Efforts to Immediately End the Siege on Kano State by Agents of the Federal Government.”

    According to Major, the letter written by Ahmed was without the mandate and authorisation of the leadership of the NNPP.

    ” Dr Boniface Aniebonam is the founder of the NNPP, holder of the registration certificate of the party,  chairman,  board of trustees and a life member of the board.

    “While Dr Agbo Major is the national chairman and Mr  Oginni Sunday is the national secretary, “he said.

    “The NNPP stand remains that the Kano Emirate leadership crisis is an internal matter of Kano state indigenes under culture and tradition.

    “Political party involvement under the circumstances is wrong. The principle of our party remains focused on peace of the society, development and wellbeing of the greater numbers of Nigerians.

    “That the matter is currently before competent courts of law and jurisdiction and any interference by the National Assembly shall further complicate the situation.

    “The avoidable tension generated as a result of the actions of the state government in Kano, necessitates the need for vigilance and enhanced security in the state to avoid breakdown of law and order,”he said.

    “It is trite for Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf, Sen  Rabiu Kwankwaso and Elder Buba Galadima to understand that every court order must be obeyed first before complaint.

    “The rules of engagement to vacate orders of the court are very clear and unambiguous.”

    He said that it was necessary for the national assembly to align with the position that would guarantee protection of lives and property of citizens in Kano state.

    ” ⁠The NNPP as a registered political party in Nigeria is not interested in engaging in any controversy with the Federal Government and its agencies,  particularly security institutions.

    “We should be responsible partners and law abiding citizens for the peace and development of Nigeria. The letter and any form of representation by the said Ahmed should be disregarded.

    “In an ideal situation, it shall be the responsibility of the NNPP lawmakers to raise the matter on the floor of the national assembly.

    “Like we said, the matter is in court and they should go to court, after all, the Kano state governor is in power today via the court.

    “NNPP has no role to play because Yusuf is the governor of Kano state and not the party,”he said.

    Major urged Elders and the elite of Kano state to come together and resolve the internal Chieftaincy crises.

    “We wish to state that Yusuf should concentrate in providing quality leadership in Kano and distance himself from all  avoidable tensions in the state.

    “We also appeal to the senate to disregard the illegal and inappropriate letter of the expelled members of the NNPP,” he said.

  • Senate seeks inclusion of Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in renewed hope funding

    Senate seeks inclusion of Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in renewed hope funding

    The Senate hon Thursday sought the inclusion of the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project in the Renewed Hope funding.

    It equally urged its committee on Finance and Appropriation to liaise with the Ministry of Finance to ensure the funding of the project.

    The upper chamber’s resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by Sen. Haruna Manu (Taraba) during plenary.

    The motion is titled: “Urgent Need to Address the Challenges of Commencing the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project.

    Moving the motion, Manu noted that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power signed a contract with a consortium of Chinese comprising CGGC, SHC and CGOC in 2017.

    “This is to construct a 3050mw hydroelectric project known as the Mambilla Electric Power Project in Taraba at the sum of $5.792 billion”.

    He noted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the Buhari administration approved the said contract with an agreed Joint Venture funding structure of 85 per cent from the Chinese consortium and 15 per cent from the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    “This is as counterpart funding for the entire project with a 72 months construction period.

    “The project has great benefits for local content in the area of human capital development, including the creation of over 55,000 jobs, constriction of resettlement homes for over 100,000 people”.

    “The decades of efforts toward the take-off of this national economic asset have been ongoing including that from north-east governors to place the project in implementation mode.”

    He expressed worry that the volume of contradictory information about the project may hinder the actualisation of the good objectives and the benefits it brings to the good people of Nigeria.

    Contributing, Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) said that the project should be given national priority.