News Post

Education is the best legacy a nation can bequeath to its citizens while on the other hand the availability of food is second to none after health and peace. Coincidentally, the Senate on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 made a landmark achievement by passing into law another Agriculture University Bill “Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2019 (S.B. 686)”, sponsored by Sen. Barau Jibrin (Kano North) with the aim of boosting both education and Agriculture at the same time, thereby generating employment opportunity as well as wealth for the citizenry and the nation.

The passage of the all-important Bill followed the presentation of the report of the legislation before the Senate for consideration by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND led by Sen. Jibrin. Accordingly, the Chamber resolved into the Committee of the Whole where clauses 1 – 28, schedules 1, 2, 3, short and long titles as well as memorandum  of understanding of the Bill were approved as recommended or amended. Afterwards, the Bill was read the third time and passed.

Similarly, the Red Chamber has approved the establishment of National Assembly Legislative Museum and Archives. The approval was sequel to the presentation of its report by the Senate Special Committee on the Establishment of the Legislative Museum and Archives led by Sen. Fatimat Raji-Rasaki before the Chamber for consideration. On receipt of the Committee’s report, the Chamber unanimously approved the recommendations seeking the establishment of the historical monument. It would be recalled that the establishment of the Legislative Monument stemmed from a Senate Motion.

Meanwhile, the Upper Legislative Chamber deliberated and passed two Motions that arose from two point of order. The Motion that got the legislative nod include:

a) Point of Order 42 and 52 by Sen. Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central) calling for a legislative intervention that would lead to the establishment of Zamfara Victims of Violence Intervention Fund which should be included in the 2019 budget currently before the National Assembly to address humanitarian crisis caused by the activities of Kidnappers, armed bandits and cattle rustlers in Zamfara State. The Motion, having enjoyed the overwhelming support of lawmakers was passed with three resolutions below:

i) Commend all Nigerians irrespective of culture, religion and tribe who trooped out in solidarity with Zamfara people over the killings in the State.

ii) Urge the National Assembly to provide a N10 billion Intervention Fund in the 2019 budget to cater for victims of Zamfara crisis.

iii) Urge the Federal Government to establish a Committee that would investigate and address the immediate and remote causes of the Zamfara crisis.

b) Point of Order 42 and 52 by Sen. Philip Gyunka (Nasarawa North); reporting a recent attack on his constituents by some border communities in Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba States which resulted in loss of lives and properties. The Motion sailed through with five prayers below:

i) A minute silence was observed in honour of those that loss their lives.

ii) Senate condemn the criminal activities in its entirety.

iii) Senate urge Security Agencies to provide adequate surveillance to the communities.

iv) Federal Government urged to create a Military Base along Akwanga Road.

v) Urge National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to affected victims.