The lawmakers in the committee of supply critically reviewed and approved the 11 clause budget in its totality.
Details later....
Wednesday, 23 March 2016
BREAKING NEWS: Senate Passes 2016 Budget
The lawmakers in the committee of supply critically reviewed and approved the 11 clause budget in its totality.
Details later....
Thursday, 17 March 2016
Saraki sues for peaceful elections in Rivers
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, urged the various stakeholders in the Saturday national and state legislative rerun elections in Rivers State to ensure that the poll is free, fair, credible and violence free.
In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja, Saraki said it is high time the country moved away from turning election into event for blood letting.
Senate passes Bill to increase FCT High Court judges to 75
The Senate on Thursday passed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Act (Amendment) Bill 2016, to increase the number of judges in the High Court of the FCT from 37 to 75.
The passage followed a clause by clause consideration of the report of Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the bill.
The bill sponsored by Sen. Joshua Lidani (Gombe South) and co-sponsored by Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Sen. David Umaru and Sen. Andy Uba (PDP-Anambra South).
National Assembly fails to lay Budget: sets new date
The National Assembly on Thursday, failed to lay the 2016 budget for commencement of consideration and passage as promised but has set a new date for laying the budget document.
The spokesperson of the Senate Sen. Abdulahi Sabi on Wednesday at a joint news conference said that the National Assembly would be unable to pass the budget on March 17 as earlier promised.
Senate to amend Electoral Act, to include card reader, others
The Senate on Thursday, passed for second reading, a bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act to include the use of the Card Reader in the electoral process.
While considering the Bill sponsored by Sen. Tijani Kaura (APC Zamfara North) they directed its committee on INEC to conduct a public hearing and report back in four weeks.
The President of the Senate Bukola Saraki directed the committee to go beyond the issue of card reader to also consider all other issues in the Act that would require amendment.
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Senate To Partner IAEA On Law To Use Nuclear Energy For Power Generation
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Tuesday said that the Senate will work closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) to enact a comprehensive law that will give Nigeria access to use nuclear energy for the generation of power and other peaceful purposes.
Saraki, according a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Sanni Onogu in Abuja, made this known when the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Dr. Erepamo Osaisai and his management team led the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ambassador Yukiya Amano, on a courtesy visit to the Senate President in Abuja.
Senate swears in Ohuabunwa, as Saraki wears Aba clothes
The Senate on Wednesday swore in Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP Abia North) as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ohuabunwa who collected his certificate of return on Tuesday from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) won his rerun election on March 5.
Tuesday, 15 March 2016
Senate allocates N10bn for IDPs relocation, resettlement
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| Internally Displaced Persons |
The Senate has directed its Committee on Appropriation to allocate N10 billion from the Service Wide Vote for relocation and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.
Sequel to a five prayer motion moved on Tuesday by the Leader of the Senate Mohammed Ali-Ndume and co sponsored by seven other senators.
Sunday, 6 March 2016
Lawmakers Deny Discussing Saraki's Successor
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| Senate President and Deputy Senate of the 8th Senate |
Some senators, on Sunday, refuted claims that some of them were discussing or thinking about a successor to the Senate President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, adding that there was no basis for such plans.
The senators, who claimed that they are solidly behind Saraki, maintained that Saraki still enjoys an overwhelming majority and unshakeable support of their colleagues in the Red Chamber.
They include: Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Senator Isa Hamma Misau, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Senator Lanre Tejuoso.
Abia North Re-run: Ekweremadu Congratulates Ohuabunwa
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has congratulated Senator Mao Ohuabunwa on his victory in the Abia North Senatorial District re-run election.
Ekwerewmadu, who described the victory as a confirmation of Ohuabunwa’s mass appeal and earlier victory, expressed gratitude to the people of Abia North for their abiding faith in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Thursday, 3 March 2016
Senate, UK Parliament pledge collaboration
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| UK Parliarment |
The Nigerian Senate and the United Kingdom (UK) parliament on Thursday pledged to collaborate towards deepening the nation's democracy and strengthening the ties that exists between both countries.
The pledge was made when United Kingdom parliamentarians in the International Development Committee led by Mr. Stephen Twigg visited the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in Abuja.
The Nigerian Senate and the United Kingdom (UK) parliament on Thursday pledged to collaborate towards deepening the nation's democracy and strengthening the ties that exists between both countries.
The pledge was made when United Kingdom parliamentarians in the International Development Committee led by Mr. Stephen Twigg visited the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in Abuja.
Mark laments Agatu Massacre
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| Fulani Herdsman |
Thousands of families have been displayed just as the hostilities continued unabated.
As a palliative measure, Senator Mark donated relief materials worth millions of naira to the displaced persons in Aila, Aku, Okokolo, Odugbeho and other war ravaged communities in Agatu local government area of the state.
No end to herdsmen-farmers’ clashes except ECOWAS intervenes – Sen. Bukar
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| Fulani Herdsmen |
Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim (APC Yobe East) has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene and resettle herdsmen as the only way to curb clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the region.
In an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the senator called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the governments all other West African Countries to intervene in the matter.
According to him, all the 15 countries must be involved as if it must be effective as no one nation can solve the problem in its country since the nomads will continue to move.
Wednesday, 2 March 2016
Nigerians Should Patronize Made in Nigeria Women - Melaye
Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has called on Nigerian men to “patronise” Nigerian women, rather than importing women and “paying dowry in pounds and dollars.”
Speaking during the debate on a motion entitled: need for the patronisation of made-in-Nigeria goods presented by senator representing Abia South, Eyinnaya Abaribe.
Melaye urged his colleagues to work at making legislation's to encourage the consumption of local goods.
NASS To Pass 2016 Budget March 17th
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| Joint Session of Lawmakers |
The National Assembly on Wednesday stated that it will pass the 2016 Budget on Thursday, March 17.
Recall that the passage of the Budget was postponed earlier by the National Assembly due to discrepancies inherent in the N6.08 trillion proposed Budget.
Addressing a joint press conference jointly, chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje and Hon. Jibrin Abdulmumin, respectively, said that they will lay their reports at both chambers on Wednesday, March 16, after which it will be considered and passed the next day.
#BuyNaijaToGrowNaira: NASS Moves To Amend Procurement Act
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| Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe |
The National Assembly will commence a move that would compel the Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and other institutions begin to ultimately begin to patronise Nigerian made goods ahead of any other.
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Sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and entitled: Need for Patronisation of made in Nigeria goods in Nigeria.
Mark Receives Heroic Welcome At Senate
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| Former Senate President, Senator David Mark |
Mark, who is currently the longest serving senator in Nigeria, was sworn in for the six record time by the Senate President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki.
The exciting moment came, as Mark stepped forward to take his oath of office, which was administered on him by the Acting Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Effiong Nelson.
NESG: Why the Legislature Must Give Priority to Business Environment
The Chairman of the Board of the NESG, Mr. Kyari Bukar, who stated this during the formal presentation of the Business Environment Legislative Review Report to the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki in Abuja, said that without such proactive interventions, the nation risks losing the few jobs available as well as the opportunity of moving significantly upwards in the doing business ranking and the world economic forum competitiveness ranking.
He commended the 8th National Assembly for its efforts and commitment at ensuring that there are appropriate regulatory and legislative instruments to make the business environment in Nigeria conducive for investments to thrive.
Bukar said: "A friend of mine keeps saying that there is really no difference between running a business and running a country. If you don't have proper governance processes and in the case of a nation, legislative and regulatory framework in place, you still do not have sustainable outcome.
"This is why our legislature has a critical role to play for exercising its powers to make, amend or repeal the necessary laws that will facilitate the development of small and medium enterprises.
"Permit me to note that without the legislature giving priority to the Business Environment, the nation risks losing what little jobs are currently available as well as risks losing the opportunity of moving significantly on the doing business rankings or indeed the world economic forum competitiveness rankings as it is common knowledge that our poor performance is largely as a result of constraints in the business environment.
"I am however pleased to note with confidence that the 8th National Assembly has demonstrated its commitment to making the business environment right in Nigeria," he said.
The NESG boss said the formal presentation of the Business Environment Legislative Review Report to the National Assembly marked a significant milestone in the history of the nation's democracy "with regards to interaction of the legislative arm of government whose premise the Nigerian public is yet to fully understand and harness since the advent of democracy."
While acknowledging the "visionary leadership of the 8th Assembly" and its dedication to public engagement with the citizenry and public sector targeted at making Nigeria a modern and globally competitive nation, Bukar said: "The report is an embodiment of the canvassed shift for government to be proactive and strategic with regards to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive sustainably.
"The imperative for this being that over 37 million micro and medium enterprises exist in Nigeria and contributing approximately 50 per cent of GDP in nominal terms and account for 84 per cent of all jobs.
"It is therefore imperative that the business environment is urgently addressed in order to mitigate negative impacts associated with current economic downturn as well as for the repositioning of Nigeria within the global economy," he said.
He said he was also pleased that the leadership of the National Assembly is already considering a business environment roundtable with the private sector where the findings and recommendations of the report are "expected to form the agenda of the round table with the aim of developing the right tools and instruments to accelerate business and investment across various segments of the Nigerian economy."
Senate Tasks NPF, NDLEA, NAFDAC, PCN On Drug Abuse
They also urged the Federal Government to restructure and reposition the NDLEA to be able to meet the challenges of evasive drug traffickers, using Nigerians to traffic drugs.
These were sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Gbenga Ashafa and 21 others, and entitled: Nigerians' Involvement in Illicit Global Drugs Trade and Increase in Domestic Drug Abuse by Nigerian Youths.
The Red Chamber further mandated its Committee on Drugs and Narcotics to consider an urgent amendment of Section 23 of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria Act to include the sale of prescription pills over the counter as an offence punishable by the Act.
Presenting the motion, Ashafa expressed worry that the involvement of Nigerians in the dangerous enterprise is tarnishing the image of the country.
"Our nationals are viewed with suspicion and subjected to demeaning treatment at airports across the world as a result of this negative perception," he added.
He noted with serious concern the engagement of some Nigerians in the usage and smuggling of hard drugs into South-East Asian countries and other parts of the world.
"The Malaysian authorities have again issued a strong statement that 40 percent of the foreigners being arrested for drug offences are from Nigeria. So far, 30 out of 80 foreign students arrested in 2015 were Nigerians, in a country, where drug trafficking attracts the supreme retribution.
"In their desperation, these Nigerians are disguising as university students, colluding with drug syndicates (predominantly outside Nigeria) there to undermine the visa system and gain entrance into Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other drug traffic routes." he said.
He expressed disappointment that the Federal Government has not done anything to curb the menace, despite the fact that Nigeria currently tops the list of the countries involved in drug trafficking and drug use in West Africa.
"The Federal Government has not swung into strategic action to curb the menace of drug couriers and their sponsors both in and out of Nigeria. The NDLEA is doing its best within its powers, as presently constituted.
"Young Nigerians are being distracted and derailed by the high prevalence of drug abuse/trafficking and as such have become willing tools for crime/ criminal syndicates who find it easier to brainwash young Nigerians in their state of alternative reality or what they refer to as ‘highness’.
"The scenario in Nigeria is also unnerving, in a 2012 report, the International Narcotics Control Board said that Nigeria, was a transit point for cocaine from Latin America destined for Europe. Nigeria also topped the list of the countries involved in drug trafficking and drug use in West Africa, and also the list of drug couriers arrested in Europe in 2011 and 2012," he concluded.
Tuesday, 1 March 2016
Senate Extends N144bn FCT Capital Budget Implementation
We recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had, last week Tuesday, sent the bill to the Senate. Buhari requested that the document be passed to enable him effect the extension of the implementation deadline.
The Red Chamber resolved to heed the request, and gave the bill accelerated hearing. Consequently, the bill was considered for Second and Third readings, and finally passed.
In his remark, the Senate President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, directed its Conference Committee to harmonise its figures with the House of Representatives.
Earlier, while presenting the bill for Second Reading, the Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, noted that the 2015 FCT Budget was approved on May 28, 2015, allowing only seven months for the implementation.
He said that in order to meet the obligations of the FCT as requested by Buhari, the Senate should give accelerated passage to the request.
Ndume explained that in view of the seven months period, the FCT Budget implementation only stood at 40 percent, hence the need for the extension.
Buhari also pointed out in his letter to the Senate that the late assent of former President Goodluck Jonathan to the document allowed the FCTA only seven months in 2015 for implementation, which he said was not enough to fully implement the Act.
He further explained that the delay in signing the appropriation bill into law, also affected its implementation in respect of capital projects and other expenditures, resulting in numerous payments for critical and essential projects remaining outstanding.
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N70bn Contract Fraud: NDDC, Auditor General disagree over figures
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday in Abuja, disagreed with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) over figures discrepancies in contract awarded between 2008 to 2012.
While briefing the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, the OAGF had alleged that over N70 billion worth of contract by the NDDC between 2008 and 2012 were unaccounted for.
The OAGF had in 2015, submitted its report to the senate committee alleging that the NDDC paid the amount for about 1723 contract and paid mobilization fee while the contractors didn’t report to site.
According to the report: ``further scrutiny of the records revealed that 90 per cent of these contracts were awarded between 2011 and 2012 and some of these contractors had about four jobs.
``The N70 billion did not even include some contractors who went to site but had very minimal achievement and those whose contract had been declared as stalled,” it said.
The OAGF therefore said that the blame should not only go to the contractors but also to the past management of the NDDC who were awarding contract without site identification.
However, Mr Jimoh Egbejule, Director of Finance of the NDDC said that it discovered in its records that only N11 billion was paid as mobilization fee during the period.
He said that the commission had contracted a consultant to look into its books and only N11 billion was discovered as mobilization paid within the period under review.
However, representatives of the Accountant General’s office, who were at the public hearing insisted on the initial figure of N70 billion.
In view of the disagreements, the committee chaired by Sen. Andy Uba gave the institutions four weeks to meet and reconcile their records then report back to the committee.
Sen. Ubah while noting that the Managing Director of the NDDC was still new and had no knowledge of the issues said that the committee would reconvene in one month to consider the report.
``I want to assure Nigerians that the 8th Senate Public Accounts Committee will ensure that there is transparency, probity and accountability in the management of public funds.
``All government financial transactions must be conducted according to financial regulations, extant acts and the constitution.
``The committee will like to urge all MDAs to respond promptly to its requests and summons to avoid sanctions,” he said.
While responding to questions after the public hearing, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, Acting Managing Director of the NDDC said that there could be some errors in the report she apologized for the discrepancies, saying that the commission would immediately get to work and investigate the details of the Auditor General’s report.
The new MD added that the commission will not shield any contractor that is found to have defaulted in any way in the contracts.
``Government is a continuum and there are documents to look at: quite frankly the Auditor General’s queries are in the interest of the country.
``The Senate Public Account Committee is to hold institutions accountable to the people of Nigeria. For us we will go back we sit with the Auditor General’s office, we will look through our records and respond to each query one after the other.
``You also have to understand that sometimes in documentations, there will be inconsistencies but not necessarily indicative of fraud.
``Once the Auditor General’s Office finishes a check, they will raise queries and it is for he institution to respond to those queries and once they respond the AGF will then produce a report.
``We welcome this and we can assure you that there will be no sacred cow, there will be no hiding place, we will respond in all honesty, we will not shield any contractor,” she said.
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