Senate in session

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

President of the Senate Presiding

Prayer/Commencement: 10:33am

Votes and Proceedings of Thursday, February 20, 2020 – approved (Moved by Sen. Ibrahim Hassan and Seconded by Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi)

       PRESENTATION OF BILLS

  1. Raw Materials Research and Development Council Bill, 2020 (HB. 47) – First Reading

Sen. Abdullahi, Yahaya Abubakar (Kebbi North-Senate Leader).

First Reading taken

  1. 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 322) – First Reading

Sen. Omo-Agege, Ovie Augustine (Delta Central).

First Reading taken

  1. 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 339) – First Reading

Sen. Moro, Patrick Abba (Benue South)

First Reading taken

  1. 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) Bill, 2020 (SB. 316) – First Reading

Sen. Ekweremadu, Ike (Enugu West).

First Reading taken

  1. Federal College of Education Gwoza (Est, etc.) Bill, 2020 (sb. 342) – First Reading                 Ali Ndume (Borno South).

First Reading taken

 

Point of Order

  1. Enyinaya Abaribe

Order 42 & 52

Sen. Enyinaya Abaribe sought for and was granted the leave of the Senate to move a motion on Urgent need to reconstitute the Federal Character Commission.

The Senate resolved to:

  1. Urge Mr. President Commander in Chief to immediately reconstitute or constitute the Commission as not to do so will amount to a breach of the Act establishing the FCC and also breach to the 1999 constitution as amended.
  1. Aishatu Dahiru

Order 42 & 52

Sen. Aishatu Dahiru sought for and was granted the leave of the Senate to move a motion on Insurgent attack on Garkida, a town in Gombi Local government area in Adamawa State

The Senate resolved to:

  1. Urge the Chief of Army Staff to establish a military Command base in Garkida and also all major settlements bordering the Sambisa forest immediately;
  2. Call on the North East Development Commission to immediately embark on rehabilitation of Public and religious institutions destroyed and provide assistance to the individuals affected; and
  3. Urge NEMA to urgently asses the extent of the damage and provide relief materials to members of the Mambila Community affected

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

  1. Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions Akinyelure, Patrick Ayo (Ondo Central)                                                                                                   -That the Senate do receive the reports of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of :
  1. Petition from Captain Diamond Onoberhie Against the Nigerian Navy for Unjust Treatment and Refusal to Promote Him; and
  2. Petitions from Ishaku I. Garba, Esq. and Comrade Gboyega Adeoye Respectively, Against the Presidency for Prematurely Replacing the Chairman, Governing Board of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Whose Tenure Was Yet to Expire – To be Laid.

The reports were laid.

 

ORDERS OF THE DAY

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

  1. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act No. 19 of the 1995, Enact the Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards Act and Re-establish the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 19) – Second Reading

Sen. Boroffice, Robert Ajayi (Ondo North).

The consideration of the Bill was stood down till another Legislative day

  1. A Bill for an Act to establish the Federal College of Education Ibokun to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for other related matters, 2020 (SB. 134) – Second Reading

Sen. Fadahunsi, Francis Adenigba (Osun East).

Lead debate by Sen. Fadahunsi, Francis Adenigba.

Second Reading taken and referred to the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND; to report back in four weeks

  1. A Bill for an Act to establish the Vigilante Group of Nigeria charged with the responsibilities to among other, provide community policing, maintenance of law and order and community service for Nigerians and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 249) – Second Reading

Sen. Balogun, Kola Ademola (Oyo South).

The consideration of the Bill was stood down till another Legislative day

 MOTIONS

  1. Digitization/Automation of collection and remittance of Withholding Tax on bank Deposits and Dividends payments for enhanced State Government Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Sen. Ekwunife, Uche Lilian

 Senate resolved to:

  1. Urge all Banks & Central Security & Clearing System [CSCS} to work with various Government agencies and stakeholders in ensuring that collection and remittance of Withholding tax to Government are done using modern automated Tax Solution and Information Technology infrastructure; and
  2. Urge the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions and Finance to investigate this matter and ensure that all Withholding tax revenues on both bank deposits and dividends are recovered and report back to the Senate in four weeks.

Prayer (i) was withdrawn

Prayer (ii) was adopted as Amended

 

  1. Urgent need to reduce accidents involving Trucks and Articulated Lorries (Tankers and Trailers) on our Highways.

Sponsor: Sen. Folarin, Teslim Kolawole

 Senate resolved to:

  1. Urge the Nigerian Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Commission and Vehicle Inspection Officers to immediately clamp down on trucks and articulated Lorries, plying our highways without the minimum prescribed levels of lighting or other road safety requirements;
  2. Mandate Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs (as amended) to investigate the level of compliance to road safety legislations amongst Haulage operators, owners, and drivers; and
  3. Mandate Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs (as amended) to investigate adoption and implementation of the recommendations from the 2018 haulage Operators Stakeholders’ Summit amongst all relevant stakeholders.

Additional Prayer:

iv.  Urge the Federal Government to establish Trailer Parks and introduce Weighbridges along the highways

All Prayers were adopted as amended

Announcement:

Valedictory session in honour of Late Sen. Ignatius D. Longjan will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2020.

Adjournment:

The Senate adjourned at 1: 06 pm to resume on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 10:00 am prompt

 

 Lawal, O. K
Head Press Relations (SSAP) NASSS- SENATE