Senate President Ahmad Lawan led the Principal Officers into the Chambers, took the official prayers and began the day’s proceedings at 10:45am.
CLOSED SESSION
Senate moved into a closed-door session at 10:46am.
Senate resumed from closed-door session at 12:02pm.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan reported that at the closed-door Session, the Senate deliberated on the issues bordering on workings of the Nigerian Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general.
VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS
Senator Lola Ashiru moved for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday, 22nd December, 2021.
Senator Seriake Dickson seconded.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION
Senate President Ahmad Lawan read two letters from President Muhammadu Buhari, on:
1. Request for Confirmation of two members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission who have been appointed in consultation with the Council of State.
a. Ekenem Nnamonso, SAN – Akwa Ibom State –South-South
b. Mamhud Abubakar Magaji, SAN – Niger State – North Central
2. Confirmation of Professor Mansur Anwarul Bindawa as Non-Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
SENATE PRESIDENT AHMAD LAWAN READS HIS WELCOME SPEECH
In his speech, Senate President called for the continued support for the Armed Forces to combat the nation’s insecurity challenges. He also thanked his Distinguished Colleagues in remaining focus and firm in their determination to deliver services to the country.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS FOR FIRST READING
1. Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria, Bill, 2022 (HB. 1381) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi
Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria, Bill, 2022 (HB. 1381) was read the First Time.
2. Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) Act Cap A26 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 885) by Senator Sadiq Umar
Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) Act Cap A26 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 885) was read the First Time.
3. Fire Service Act No. 11 1963 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 888) by Senator Sani Musa
Fire Service Act No. 11 1963 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 888) was read the First Time
4. Freedom of Information Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 892) by Senator Uba Sani
Freedom of Information Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 892) was read the First Time
5. Advanced Rent (Residential Apartments, Office Spaces etc) Regulation Bill, 2022 (SB. 893) by Senator Smart Adeyemi
Advanced Rent (Residential Apartments, Office Spaces etc) Regulation Bill, 2022 (SB. 893) was read the First Time.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR SECOND READING
1. A Bill for an Act to establish the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (RIMAN) and for other related matters, 2022 (SB. 705) by Senator Tolulope Odebiyi
Senator Tolulope Odebiyi, in his lead debate stated that the proposed Institute will be focused mainly on financial risk and non-financial risk. He added that RIMAN has the support of key private and public institutions in Nigeria and some merchant banks in the country. According to him, the Bill seeks to provide expert opinions for public discourse, regulate its members, set ethical conduct and set a standard that will meets global best practices.
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru seconded. Said “The passage of this Bill will strengthen and support some of the concessions and also the backlash that may arise from the concessions.”
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters to report back within four weeks.
2. A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Research and Innovation Council, National Research and Innovation Foundation and for other related matters, 2022 (SB. 758) by Senator Frank Ibezim.
Senator Frank Ibezim in his lead debate argued that the passage of the Bill will bring the NRIC under proper legislative body as recommended by the policy.
Senator Smart Adeyemi seconded. Said, “Looking at the challenges confronting our country today, we must be looking at how we can open more frontiers in the area of economy and job opportunities. What this Bill seeks to do is to provide a legal framework towards research and innovation. This is the appropriate time to give adequate attention to innovation and research work. This Bill is a welcome development that all of us should support.”
Senator Robert Borrofice in his comment gave support to the Bill and urged it should be read the Second Time.
Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, in his comment, commended the Sponsor of the Bill. According to him, the Bill was in the Chamber in the 8th Senate and into the 7th Senate. He raised some grey areas in the Bill noting that there is an existing Raw Materials Research and Development Council that gets funding for research. He however supported that the Bill be read the Second Time.
The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Science and Technology to report back within four weeks.
CONSIDERATION OF A REPORT
1. Report of the Committee on Aviation
Nigeria College of Aviation Technology Act CAP LFN 2004 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 193) by Senator Smart Adeyemi.
Senator Smart Adeyemi moved that the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Aviation on the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology Act CAP LFN 2004 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 193).
Senator Biodun Olujimi seconded.
Senator Smart Adeyemi presented the report.
Senator Smart Adeyemi, in his presentation said “the Bill seeks to award Higher Diploma in various aspect of the aviation industry. The institution is one of the oldest institution in Nigeria. It is important for the College of Aviation, Zaria to be upgraded so that modern equipment that are needed for the industry can be provided and the needed manpower be produced for this college.”
Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole to Consider the Report.
Senate reverted to Plenary to report progress.
Senate in the Committee of the Whole and Plenary considered and approved Clauses 1-47 as recommended, Interpretation as recommended, Short and Long Title as recommended, Schedules 1 & 2, Explanatory Memorandum as recommended.
Nigeria College of Aviation Technology Act CAP LFN 2004 (Repeal & Re-enactment) Bill, 2022 (SB. 193) was read the Third Time and PASSED!
MOTIONS
1. Passage of Chief Ernest Shonekan, GCFR, (May 9th 1936 – Tuesday, 11TH January, 2022) by Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi
Senator Tolulope Odebiyi seconded.
Senate resolved to:
i. Observe one minute silence in his honor;
ii. Urge the Federal Government to immortalize him;
iii. Send a delegation to condole with the Shonekan family; the Government and people of Ogun State.
“Let me join our colleagues who remarked on the death of Chief Ernest Shonekan, the former Head of Interim National Government of Nigeria. Today, we are celebrating this great man because he served our country and it is that service to our people that will make us feel happy and pleased with ourselves and also make us part and parcel of leaders that would have served their country meritoriously. The contribution of most of us centered on when he came into office, when he was made the Head of the Interim National Government. That says a lot because at that time, the military was looking for someone who will be acceptable to the civilians and citizens across the country. And therefore, the military at that time fished out a gentleman who has showed no signs of going into politics to contest for any political position. He was a symbol of national unity. Surely at this time, we need people like him – with their experience of both the public and private life to make Nigeria better for all citizens. Surely we will miss him but God that created him and took him back loves him more than we do.” – Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
2. Recent Bandit attack in communities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State: A Call for action. By Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar.
Senator Bimah Enagi seconded. Said, “Something drastic needs to be done. I want to advise strongly that the prayers by the movers should be looked into seriously and we should all support it especially the establishment of a military base in Shiroro area.”
“It is really horrifying to yet hear another story about bandits killing people and terrorizing innocent Nigerians. We have done several critical report on strategic methods of fighting these terrorists. Up till now, I don’t know where those reports are kept. I don’t think they have been utilized. What we need to do now is to ensure all those studies are implemented so we can have seemingly safe nation. I think it should be more extensive, it is about the state of the nation. It is a national problem that requires national response.” –Senator Stella Oduah
Senate resolved to:
i. Commend the President C-in-C for ordering air bombardment on their area of operation;
ii. Call on federal Government to declare a full fledge war on these unscrupulous elements since they have been declared as terrorists;
iii. Call again on the Federal Government to establish a military Base at Shiroro to restore confidence in the security and safety of the affected communities and to safeguard the National Asset located within the area, such as the Shiroro Hydro-electric Power Dam); and
iv. Direct NEMA to provide relief materials and medical team to the victims immediately.
ADJOURNMENT
Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi moved that all other items on the Order Paper be stood down till another legislative day.
Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha seconded.
Plenary was adjourned to Wednesday, 19th January, 2022.
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