News Post

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki led the Principal Officers into the chambers; took the official prayers; and began the day’s proceedings at 12:11pm.

Senator Aliyu Wamakko moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Thursday, 13th December 2018. Senator Dino Melaye seconded.

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION 

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki read a letter from Mr. President on the Presentation of 2019 Appropriation Bill to a Joint Session of the National Assembly tomorrow at 11am.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki read a letter from Mr. President on his decision to Decline Assent to the National Broadcasting Commission (Amendment) Bill 2018.

POINT OF ORDER

Senator Dino Melaye cited Orders 43 and 52 stated that one of his constituents, Deji Adeyanju, was invited by the Police.

“Deji Adeyanju is a pro-democracy activist. He has been arrested twice by the Nigerian police for organising protests in the defense of democracy.”

“This activist was arrested again by the Police, for a matter that took place 18 years ago. The judgement has been given. Deji Adeyanju and two others have been discharged and acquitted by the court.”- Senator Dino Melaye.

“Mr. President, we are in a democracy. Our Constitution has given us the freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.”- Senator Dino Melaye.

“This is not acceptable to me; it should not be accepted by the Senate. It is time for the Senate to stand up and speak up in defense of Deji Adeyanju. We need to defend Deji Adeyanju, as we need to defend every Nigerian.”- Senator Dino Melaye.

“The Senate should constitute a committee to look into this. A matter like this should not be awoken from the grave. This is about our basic fundamental human rights.”- Senator Dino Melaye.

Senator Paulker seconded the Motion.

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki refers the Point of Order to the Joint Committee on Police and Judiciary to investigate and report back to the Senate in one week.

“This young man has been arrested and rearrested. This is a country that is seen as a leader in the continent. The committee should look into this.”- Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

PRESENTATION OF BILLS- First Reading

Animal Disease and Control Act, SB. 1268

Animal Disease and Control Act, SB. 1268 was read the First Time.

Federal University Awolu, Edo State establishment Bill SB. 713

Federal University Awolu, Edo State establishment Bill SB. 713 was read the First Time.

MOTIONS

1. Motion on the Federal Audit Service Commission Bill by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

Senate resolved to rescind its decision on the Bill and recommit it to the Committee of the Whole for the Consideration of the Report.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Senate dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Federal Audit Service Commission Bill.

Senate reverted to plenary and reported progress.

Federal Audit Service Commission Bill was read the THIRD time and PASSED.

2. The Senate and the House of Representatives do sit in a joint session to receive an address from the president, Commander in Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday 19th December 2018 at 11am on the 2019 Appropriation Bill by Senator Ahmad Lawan.

Senator Emmanuel Paulker seconded the motion.

ADJOURNMENT 

‪Senate Leader moved that all items on the order paper be stood down to another legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.‬

Plenary is adjourned to Wednesday, 19th December, 2018.

#GavelBangs

Signed:

New Media Department,

Office of the President of the Senate,

Federal Republic of Nigeria.