Thread by @NGRSenate

Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
#TodayInSenatePlenary

Senate President, @DrAhmadLawan leads the Principal Officers into the Chambers, takes the official prayers and begin the day's proceedings at 10:52am.
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Senate moves into a closed-door session at 10:53am.
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Senate resumed from its closed door session at 11:26am

Senate President, @DrAhmadLawan reported that at the closed-door Session, the Senate deliberated on the issues bordering on workings of the Nigerian Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general.

Senator Yakubu Oseni moves for the adoption of Votes and Proceedings for Tuesday, 9th February, 2021.

Senator Obinna Ogba seconds.
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Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege {@OvieOmoAgege} raises petition on behalf of members of his constituency.

Petitions were laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Privileges and to report back within four weeks.
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Senator Ayo Akinyelure presents petitions from the Office of the President of the Senate to the floor of the Senate.

Petitions were laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and to report back within four weeks
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Senate now moves into Presentation of Bills for First Reading.
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1.Chartered Institute of Forensic Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 615) by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi

Chartered Institute of Forensic Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 615) is read the First Time.

2.Federal Medical Centres (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 613) by Senator Aishatu Dahiru Federal

Medical Centres (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 613) is read the First Time.

3.Federal University L afia Teaching Hospital (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 616) by Senator Tanko Al-Makura

Federal University Lafia Teaching Hospital (Establishment) Bill, 2021 (SB. 616) is read the First Time.

4.National Unity Day Bill, 2021 (SB. 619) by Senator Rochas Okorocha

National Unity Day Bill, 2021 (SB. 619) is read the First Time.

5.Emergency Powers Bill, 2021 (SB. 620) by Senator Ibikunle Amosun

Emergency Powers Bill, 2021 (SB. 620) is read the First Time.

Senate now moves into Executive Communication
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1.Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)

Senate Leader moves that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs for the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria...

...in accordance with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

Minority Leader seconds.

The request of Mr. President C-in- C is referred to the Joint Committee on Defence, Army Navy and Air Force, and to report back in two weeks.
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2.Confirmation of the Nomination of Barr. Victor Chinemerem Muruako for Appointment as Chairman Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)

Senate Leader moves that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the Confirmation of the Nomination of Barr. Victor Chinemerem Muruako for Appointment as Chairman Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC)...

...in accordance with the provision of Section 5(3) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

Minority Leader seconds.

The request of Mr. President C-in- C is referred to the Committee on Finance and to report back in two weeks.
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3.Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as Non-Career Ambassador-Designate by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)

Senate Leader moves that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President C-in-C on the Confirmation of the Nomination of the following persons for appointment as Non-Career Ambassador-Designate in accordance with...

...Section 171(1), (2) (c) and sub-section (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

1.General Abayomi G. Olonisakin (Rtd) – Ekiti State

2.Lt. General Tukur Y. Buratai (Rtd) – Borno State

3.Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete E. Ibas (Rtd) – Cross River State

4.Air Marshal Sadique B. Abubakar (Rtd) – Bauchi State

5.Air Vice Marshal Muhammad S. Usman (Rtd) – Kano State

Minority Leader seconds.

The request of Mr. President C-in- C was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and to report back in two weeks.
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4.Confirmation of the Nomination of Larry Obinna Collins Chukwu for Appointment as Commissioner for the Nigerian Law Reform Commission by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)

Senate Leader moves that the Senate do consider the request of Mr. president C-in-C on the Confirmation of the nominations of Larry Obinna Collins Chukwu for Appointment as Commissioner for the Nigerian Law Reform Commission...

...in accordance with the provision of section 2(2) of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act, Cap N118 LFN 2004.

Minority Leader seconds.

The request of Mr. President C-in-C is referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to report back within two weeks.
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Senate now moves into Presentation and Consideration of Reports.
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1.Report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions

Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as Managing Director and Executive Directors of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) by Senator Uba Sani

Senator Uba Sani moves that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as...

...Managing Director and Executive Directors of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

1.Ahmed Lawan Karu – Managing Director
2.Eberechukwu F. Uneze – Executive Director
3.Aminu Ismail – Executive Director

Senator Yakubu Oseni seconds.

Senator Uba Sani lays and presents the report.

Senate resolves into Committee of the Whole to consider the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as Managing Director and Executive Directors of AMCON.

Senate reverts to plenary to report progress.
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1. The Nomination of Ahmed Lawan Kuru is CONFIRMED as Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

2. The Nomination of Eberechukwu F. Uneze is CONFIRMED as Executive Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

3. The Nomination of Aminu Ismail is CONFIRMED as Executive Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

“Congratulations to all of them. They performed well in the first tenure, we hope that they can do even better. We wish them the best of luck.” – @DrAhmadLawan
#TodayInSenatePlenary

2.Report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions

Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as Managing Director and Executive Director of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) by Senator Uba Sani

Senator Uba Sani moves that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as Managing Director and Executive Director...

...of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

1.Bello Hassan – Managing Director

2.Mustapha Muhammad Ibrahim – Executive Director

Senator Uche Ekwunife seconds.

Senator Uba Sani lays and presents the report.
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Senate resolves into Committee of the Whole to consider the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on the Confirmation of the Nomination for Appointment as Managing Director and Executive Director...

...of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

Senate reverts to plenary to report progress.
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The Nomination of Bello Hassan is CONFIRMED as Managing Director of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

The Nomination of Mustapha Muhammad Ibrahim is CONFIRMED as Executive Director of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

“Congratulations to both of them. We wish them well.” - @DrAhmadLawan
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Senate now moves into Motions.
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1.General Insecurity in Nigeria by Senator Ajayi Borrofice and 104 others.

“Security must be everybody’s business. Are we effective in policing in ensuring the safety of lives and properties? To me Mr. President, most of those involved in the instability of our nations are not Nigerians.

"And I think we must get the message clear. I am not in doubt that there is international conspiracy against our nation. We need to police our nation and import more sophisticated weapons.” – Senator Smart Adeyemi

“It is unfortunate that this country has sunk into a level that it is being seen almost as a failed nation. Now that a new security outfit is in place, I think the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs have their jobs cut for them.

"Troop morale should be improved upon and thereafter we should also coordinate the security intelligence that has been failing the security outfit.” – Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari

“We need to deal with the basics and ensure that in times of resources allocation, we are able to allow everyone access.” – Senator Sabi Abdullahi

“I see this motion before us as extremely important and strategic and if we continue with our effort in finding peace within and amongst ourselves. The custodians of peace are those of us who are privileged to enjoy elective positions.

" I believe very strongly that we will make better sense if we go into some States to find out the true allegations of killings. I so submit.” – Senator Abdullahi Adamu

“We are part of the system, we must do something drastic and declare insecurity a national emergency. Posterity will not forgive us if we don’t do the right thing.” – Senator Biodun Olujimi

“We must face this fact that these people are being supported in high places. It must stop.” – Senator Binos Yaroe

“No Nigerians are being sent away anywhere. Criminals are being sent away from the forest where they are. The message is simple. The Police IG has told us these are criminal elements coming from outside Nigeria.

"What we want to say is simple, all criminal elements that are coming into the country from wherever they are must be flushed out.” – Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

“It is no longer about North East or South West, it is about Nigeria. And my call to our colleagues is that, that patriot that live in everyone of us, this is the time to allow him or her to lead us in our utterances, in our decisions.

"As lawmakers, let us tell every Nigerians that Section 43 of our Constitution which grants a right to every Nigerian to live and acquire property in every part of the country is the Section that confers a right as to where you can live and own property.

"It is not the right of anyone to trespass on the land that belongs to any other person in this country. – Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

“The herders that trespass this country, not all of them are Nigerians. That is absolutely true. I have seen a video where so called herders are occupying a place somewhere in the South, and the video was indicating where they group and their language was French.

"Let us find a solution because they are criminals.” – Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa

“Mr. President I want to plea that the screening of the new Service Chiefs should be done at plenary. It is not going to be business as usual. They should come and speak to us here. I agree that those attacking us as a country are not Nigerians.

"There is need for us to look at this country at another dimension. We set up a Committee on Restructuring and the Committee has submitted their report. We should start looking at the creation of state police to put an end to the insecurity facing us as a country.

"Going forward, there is need to call on the President to address the country on the security situation affecting us even if it is to pay condolence to the families affected. – Senator Adeola Solomon

“It is an indictment on our leadership that people are coming into Nigeria to rape, maim and kill our people. It is upsetting and we must rise up to this occasion. I rise that the President need to speak and calm the nation." - Senator Tolu Odebiyi

"The President can sign an Executive Order banning open grazing. There are actions that he can take immediately but nothing is being done.”– Senator Tolu Odebiyi

“Nigerians are worried, the parliamentarians are worried. We have lost so many lives to banditry. We know that these people are herdsmen who are trying to rear their cattle on people’s farmland. We have serious problem in our hands.” – Senator Kola Balogun

“We have to be up and doing on this issue. We have to be open minded. If not we will have crisis in our hands." – Senator Chukwuka Utazi

“If you look at our Police, you will see that they have nothing to offer. Nigeria Police cannot arrest or combat crime. When you go to the Police Station they will tell you they don’t have money for petrol." - Senator Nicholas Tofowomo

"I think we should reform Nigeria Police and if we reform Nigeria Police they will be able to fight crime." – Senator Nicholas Tofowomo

“The problem here is that how many of these people have been arrested and prosecuted? A criminal must be arrested. How many of them have been arrested? That is the issue that is before us. Arrest, prosecute and these people should be sent to jail.” – Senator James Manager

“We should take responsibility as leaders. The problem of insecurity can be classified into four – Boko Haram, Bandits, Herdsmen and Armed Robbers. Nigerians are looking up to us for solution. Let us behave as leaders." – Senator Ali Ndume

"These are criminals and they do not settle in one place. These herdsmen are not necessarily criminals. Let us take the responsibility as leaders and set up a committee and look at what this country is not doing right." - Senator Ali Ndume

"We should not stop, we should continue telling the government what it needs to do.” - Senator Ali Ndume

“We have to work as a team in fighting this insecurity. We have to be very careful because we cannot politicize the issue of insecurity. If we want to end this problem, we must call some State Governors that are not doing very well into order." – Senator Uba Sani

“If we are going to take the issue of insecurity in this country then we should not be sentimental. We should try as much as possible in finding solutions to this country. Nobody will come into this country to kill people without a collaborator." Senator Sani Musa

"If we have solutions to the insecurity in this country we should proffer it to the new Service Chiefs. And I want the Nigerian press to support the armed forces of this country." - Senator Sani Musa

"This should be a collective thing, everyone is responsible to see that this insecurity is tackled.” – Senator Sani Musa

“The last three weeks have been very horrible in my state. Listening to most of my colleagues, I want to attest to it that it is true most of these people arrested are foreigners. We need Border Patrol Police." – Senator Abdulfatai Buhari

"It is high time we have database so that we will be able to know our people in this country. We need to re-orientate our people and go to their root and get information from their birth up to the time they grow up.” – Senator Abdulfatai Buhari

“What we need to do in this case is to go into research on the causes and come up with something that will help to alleviate this problem." - Senator Nora Dadu'ut

“It has become clear to me that a lot of our security agencies are not adequately funded. One of the things that we must look at is how to put together a standing committee to look into adequate funding of these agencies." – Senator Gershom Bassey

“This is one issue we will never get tired of discussing in this chamber. We will continue to talk about the security situation in the country and partner with the federal government." - @DrAhmadLawan

"There is no better investment today in Nigeria than making more resources available for our security. What the Federal Government must do is to arm the security agencies properly so they can deal with any security challenge." - @DrAhmadLawan

"We should not be frustrated, we should not be discouraged. The Executive listens to what we are talking about. We have to address criminality but we must also have to nip in the bud that desire of people picking on ethnic groups." - @DrAhmadLawan

"I want to also say that when our Committees will screen the Service Chiefs, we should be as exhaustive and as critical as possible so that they get the impression and perspective the National Assembly has on this insecurity. I want to thank everyone once again.” - @DrAhmadLawan

Senate resolves to:

i.Urge the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to direct the National Security Adviser and the Newly nominated Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police...

...to device a proposal to rejig the nation’s security architecture and disposition of forces for more effective counter measures against the current security challenges particularly in the rural areas;

ii.Urge the State Governors to re-invigorate rural governance and convene state-wide inter-communal conclaves and dialogues to promote local conflict resolution and inter-ethnic harmony;

iii.Urge the Federal Government to immediately embark on an operation to checkmate proliferation of firearms and enforce the laws against illegal possession of firearms by arresting, disarming and punishing anyone in illegal possession of arms;

iv.Urge the State Governors to implement the National Livestock Transformation Plan which is a modern scheme designed to eliminate transhumance in order to prevent farmer-herder conflicts and activate highly productive livestock sector in Nigeria;

v.Urge the Security Agencies to actively deploy drones and helicopters to monitor forests and ungoverned areas in Nigeria, to identify illegal camps of armed bandits;

vi.Urge the Federal Government to adequately equip the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to police and monitor our borders using technology to check illegal immigrants, and checkmate smuggling of fire arms and light weapon;

vii.Urge the Federal Government to resuscitate and inaugurate the National Task Force Commission to combat the proliferation of Light Weapons, Small Arms and Ammunition;

viii.Urge the Federal Government to review the ECOWAS Protocol of free movement to checkmate the infiltration of criminal elements into Nigeria; and

ix.Observe one minute silence for all the lives of all Nigerians lost to insurgency, banditry and so on.

2.Proper constitution of the Delta State House of Assembly by restoring Ethiope West State Constituency (1) with Code SC/11/DT, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)...

...in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as (altered) and order of the Federal High Court by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege {@OvieOmoAgege}

Senate resolves to:

i.Approve the immediate restoration of Ethiope West State Constituency (1) with Code SC/11/DT comprising of Jesse Ward I, Jesse Ward II, Jesse Ward III, Jesse Ward IV, Mosogar Ward I, and Mosogar Ward II...

... in line with the decision, declarations and directives of the Federal High Court;

ii.Direct INEC to immediately restore Ethiope West State Constituency (I) with code SC/11/DT comprising of Jesse Ward I, Jesse Ward II, Jesse Ward III, Jesse Ward IV, Mosogar Ward I, and Mosogar Ward II;

iii.Direct the Independent National Electoral Commission {@inecnigeria} to comply with this resolution ahead of the next General Election and election of members of the next Delta State House of Assembly...

...in compliance with Section 115 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), by restoring Ethiope West State Constituency (I) in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State consistent with the orders of the Federal High Court; and

iv.Seek the concurrence of the House of Representatives to this resolution in line with Section 115 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered).

@DrAhmadLawan rules that Plenary be adjourned till Thursday, 11th February 2021.

#GavelBangs
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