News Post

The plenary session of the Senate on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 marked the commencement of the Chamber’s Fourth Session which is the final lap of the 8th Senate. The Senate President, Bukola Saraki highlighted the achievements of the Chambers within the last three years which included the passage of 213 Bills into law and resolved disputes on 138 petitions; a landmark achievement which has surpassed all previous legislature’s since the return of the democratic rule in 1999 according to the Senate President. 

Sen. Saraki noted that the Chamber was resuming under the pool of national anxiety occasioned by insecurity in the country which has forced the Chamber not to celebrate its third anniversary in view of the prevailing challenges. He added that the National Assembly is strongly concerned over the security challenge in the country stating that security is the responsibility of everyone. He frowned at the continued proliferation of medium and light weapons across the country and called for the overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.

The Senate President called on the need to sustain a more robust Legislative/ Executive Engagements that would fast-track legislative processes aimed at boosting the nation’s economy and ease the means of doing business in Nigeria. He urged his colleagues to fasten their seat belt and power the task given to them by Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Red Chamber has considered and passed two Motions that arose from two point of order raised on the floor of the Chamber. They include:

1) Point of Order 42 and 52 on matters of urgent national importance raised by Sen. Barnabas Gemade (Benue North-East) where he reported a protest staged at the entrance of the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 (today) in which the protesters alleged the misuse of funds by the National Assembly for constituency projects and oversight. He added that the protesters called on the Federal Government to discontinue with constituency projects. The call did not go down well with most of the law-makers that lent their voices during the debate. The Motion scaled through with a single resolution below:

i) The Senate should continue with the well thought out constituency projects in all constituencies of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

2) Point of Order 42 and 52 on matters of urgent national importance raised by Sen. Jonah Jang (Plateau North) drawing the attention of the Chamber on the recent killings in Plateau State that led to the death of many people and the destruction of properties. The Motion having been exhaustively deliberated upon was passed with seven prayers below:

i) Senate Condemn in strong terms the spate of attacks on innocent persons, farmlands and properties.

ii) Urge the Executive Arm of Government to overhaul the nation’s security architecture.

iii) Further urge the Executive Arm of Government to undertake the rehabilitation of victims of violence in Plateau State.

iv) Urge the Executive Arm of Government to strengthen the Criminal Administration of Justice System.

v) Urge the Executive Arm of Government to apprehend and prosecute all perpetrators of violence.

vi) Senate to immediately direct its Committee on Constitution Review to forward an amendment that if passed into law that would allow for the creation of State Police by State Governments.

vii) Senate should fast-track the passage of Peace and Reconciliation Bill and Police Reform Bill and report back to the Chamber in one week.