News Post

“Everything that has a beginning must of necessity come to an end” such were the words of the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma Egba leading the debate on the Valedictory of the 7th Senate. He recalled that the 7th Senate was inaugurated on the 5th of June, 2011 for a term of four years and Thursday 4TH June, 2015 marked its end. Sen. Egba noted that between June, 2011 and June, 2015 a total of 591 Bills were introduced in the Senate and 123 have been passed into law while others are at various legislative stages. He added that among the Bills passed by the Hallowed Chamber were legislation that have far reaching impact on the polity which include Occupational Safety and Health Bill, Pension Reform Act Amendment (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill, Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill, Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Prohibition Bill, Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011, Bill and Proceeds of Crime Bill etc. The Senate Leader asserted that within the four year period, 115 Motions were considered with concomitant resolutions approved. He stressed that despite the penchant of the Executive not complying with National Assembly resolutions, they nevertheless serve as a moral compass of putting the Executive in check. He observed that the 7th Senate was remarkable for a number of reasons; it was scandal free and stable, it ensured the stability of the polity which guaranteed peaceful elections witnessed on March 28 and April 11, 2015, as highlighted by the nation’s democracy. He cited an instance in which a party in government lost to an opposition party which he described as a milestone in the nation’s democracy. Sen. Egba added that lessons must be learnt from the last election such as a second term is no longer taken for granted, incumbency has its limitations, impunity is unsustainable anywhere and internal party democracy is the only assurance to electoral victory. Other Distinguished Senators that contributed to debate include Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Ganiyu Solomon, Chris Anyanwu, Victor Lar, Ayogu Eze, Joshua Dariye, Boluwaji Kunlere, Zaynab Kure, Bello Hayat Gwarzo, Nenadi Usman, Philip Aduda, Ehigie Uzamere, Solomon Ewuga, George Akume, Abdulmumini Hassan and the Senate President, David Mark. The Senate President, David Mark in his remark expressed dismay over the wanton destruction of lives and properties by the Boko Haram insurgency. He stressed that the issue of kidnapped Chibok Girls is still painful and unresolved since they are yet to be rescued. He noted that in spite of the difficulties encountered, the 7th Senate succeeded in stabilizing the polity and nation. While on the flip side, the Chamber was not successful in passing the Petroleum Industry Bill and the Amendments to the 1999 Constitution. He acknowledged the immense support of National Assembly Management, National assembly service Commission, National Institute for Legislative Studies and National Assembly Budget and Research Office as well as the unflinching support of the 108 Senators. He also expressed appreciation to the Security Operatives, the Media and the Guild of Editors. Sen. Mark expressed hope of seeing establishment of National Assembly Radio and Television and the completion of National Institute for Legislative Studies’ permanent site in the nearest future. Worthy of note at the Valedictory Session is the presence of former Senate Presidents Joseph Wayas, Iyorchia Ayu, Ken Nnnamani, former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin and a host of past Senators. Also, a minute silence was observed in honour of five late Senators of the 7th Senate, they include Pius Ewherido, Gyang Dangton, Awaisu Kuta, Uche Chukwumerije and Ahmed Zannah. The climax of the special session was the laying of the report of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business on the status of Bills, Motions, Confirmations and sundry Legislative Measures of the 7th Senate from 6th June, 2011 to 4th June, 2015.