News Post

In an attempt to rejig the nation’s electoral process for efficiency and credibility as well as ensure a successful amendment to the electoral laws come 2019 general elections, the Senate on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 re-introduced “Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (S.B. 645)”, sponsored by Sen. Nazif Suleiman (Bauchi North).

The first reading of the Electoral Bill, 2018 kick starts a fresh legislative consideration of the Act having been earlier passed by the National Assembly and sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent; but withheld assent over perceived reasons. The re-introduction of the Bill will accord both Chambers of the National Assembly the opportunity to look into the identified reasons with a view to streamline them for efficiency.

Meanwhile, The Senate has reminded its various Standing Committees of the Thursday, March 29, 2018 deadline for the submission of their 2018 Appropriation Bill reports to the Senate Committee on Appropriation led by Sen. Danjuma Goje. The announcement was made during plenary by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who presided over session.

Nevertheless, Sen. Yusuf A. Yusuf (Taraba Central) came under point of order 42 to report a statement credited to Retired Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma during the Convocation Ceremony of Taraba State University, Wukari urging Nigerians to defend themselves since the Nigerian Military has been compromised in its mandate of defending Nigerians. The Chamber has taken note of the point of order.

Similarly, Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi rose under point of order 15 to draw the attention of the Senate over a publication of the Sunday Sun newspaper alleging that members of the National Assembly received bribe from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to pass their 2018 Appropriation Bill. Most of the Senators that lent their voices on the matter denied knowledge of any inducement stating that it is another attempt to ridicule and tarnish the image of the legislature.

Ruling on the matter, the Red Chamber has referred the issue to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to Investigate and report back in one week.

Also, Sen. Isa Hammah Misau came under point of order 42 and 52 to report a possible break of law and order in Kogi State over the orchestrated attempt by the Kogi State Police Command to arrest and persecute Sen. Dino Melaye without taking his statement. The Motion scaled through with a single resolution below:

i) Direct the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters as well as Police Affairs to investigate the matter and report back to the Chamber in not less than 48 hours.