News Post

In a move to assuage the plight of Nigerian Children, the Senate on Thursday, May 24, 2018 deliberated upon and passed a Motion titled 2018 Children’s Day Celebration, sponsored by Sen. Binta Masi Garba (Adamawa North) and the entire members of the Senate. The Chamber in commemoration of the 2018 Children’s Day Celebration noted that the 27th of May each year is observed as Children’s Day in Nigeria.

Sen. Binta Masi Garba leading the debate, acknowledged the significant role of the Nigerian Child in the nation’s development and the need to lay a good foundation for them to secure their future. The law-maker further recognized the importance of developing the Nigerian Child through the passage of the following legislation below:

1) The Child’s Rights Act, 2003, which defines a new protective system and allows opportunities for the participation of Children in matters that concern their rights and welfare which had been adopted and is being implemented by 23 States including the Federal Capital Territory.

2) The Universal Basic Education Act 2004 which makes education of the Nigerian Child compulsory and enforceable rights with penalties for parents and guardians who fail or neglect these obligations. The Motion scaled through with five resolutions below:

i) Congratulate the Nigerian Children on the Celebration of 2018 Children’s Day.

ii) Felicitate with the Federal Government and the Families of the Dapchi School Girls that have been released.

iii) Urge the Federal Government to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi School Girl that is yet to be released and the remaining Chibok School Girls that are still in the custody of the Boko Haram Insurgents.

iv) Urge the Federal Government to come up with a dedicated fund to assist the various Ministries of Social Welfare in the States affected to cater for victims of terrorism.

v) Urge all Senators to pledge certain amount of money that will be used to cater for Zamfara State victims of terrorism.

Similarly, the Red Chamber deliberated upon and passed two other Motions during plenary session presided over by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. They include:

a) The destruction of lives and properties by Rain/Windstorm in Jalingo Metropolis and the urgent need for relief materials to be provided to the victims, sponsored by Sen. Shu’aibu Isa Lau (Taraba North). The Motion sailed through with four prayers below:

i) Observe a minute silence for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

ii) Urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to as a matter of urgency, provide relief materials to the affected persons.

iii) Urge the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to direct the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (DISCO) to facilitate the restoration of power supply to Jalingo and its environs.

iv) Urge the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to draw the attention of various service providers on the need to reinforce their masts to withstand rain/windstorm.

b) Rescission of Senate Resolution in respect of a Report on a Petition from Mr. Nnochiri Anosike Igbokaike against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over his wrongful dismissal from the Service for alleged Misconduct, sponsored by Sen. Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East). Accordingly, the Senate resolved to:

i) Urge the Senate to rescind its resolution “that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in addition to issuing a letter of clearance to Mr. Nnochiri Anosike Igbokaike in order not to jeopardize his employability, should pay him the three months’ salary in lieu of notice” (S/Res/233/13/18); and

ii) Replace same with: That the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to reinstate, promote, retire and pay appropriate benefits to Mr. Nnochiri Anosike Igbokaike since his dismissal was an error and without cause”.

Meanwhile, the Senate has acknowledged the receipt of an Executive Communication from President Muhammadu Buhari seeking the Chamber’s screening and confirmation of seven Nominees for appointment as Chairman and Members of Police Service Commission. 

The Nominees include: Musiliu Adeola Smith – Chairman, Clara Ogunbiyi – Member, Lawal Bawa – Member, Muhammadu Naja’atu – Member, Braimoh Ugiagbe Austin – Member, Roni Rom – Member and Ikemeka Isiburu – Member. The request was read on the floor of the Chamber by the Senate President.

Nonetheless, the Senate has commenced consideration of the Report of its Committee on Water Resources on the National Water Resources (Establishment, etc.) Bill, 2018 (S.B. 479). The Report was presented before the Chamber by the Committee Chairman, Sen. Ubali Shittu (Jigawa North-East).

On receipt of the Report, the Chamber observed some legal and establishment issues that may hinder the smooth operation of the Bill if passed into law, hence the Bill was referred back to the Committees on Water Resources and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to fine tune identified grey areas and report back to the Chamber. 

The Senate has adjourned sitting to Wednesday, May 30, 2018.