Saraki reveals saddest day as Senate President

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Saraki reveals saddest day as Senate President

 

Outgoing Senate President, Bukola Saraki has revealed his saddest day as president of the 8th Senate.

He disclosed that the invasion of the National Assembly by armed security operatives in August 2018 remained his saddest day as Senate President.

Speaking during Senate’s valedictory session on Thursday in Abuja, Saraki said: “Distinguished colleagues, let me thank each and every one of you for your contributions towards making this the historic Senate that it is.

“When I think of the many trials and tribulations we have faced as an institution, and my own personal travails, particularly at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, I am humbled, because none of our achievements would have been possible without the support and cooperation of the entire members of this chamber.

“The invasion of the National Assembly by armed security operatives in August 2018 will live in infamy. This way down the line, however, I realise that the day of that invasion was the saddest – but in many ways, it was also a good day for asserting the independence of the legislature and the triumph of democracy.

“It also turned out to be a showcase of the special relationship between this chamber and the House, as Honourable Members stood in unison with their Senate colleagues in defiance of the invaders.

“I thank the House of Representatives for the remarkable unity of the two chambers of the 8th National Assembly, for it was only in unity that we could withstand the storm.”

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9th Assembly: Arewa forum tells Senators, Reps how to elect next principal officers

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9th Assembly: Arewa forum tells Senators, Reps how to elect next principal officers

 

The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has urged members of the incoming 9th National Assembly to elect leaders of their choice as principal officers.

ACF said members of the parliament should ensure that those to be elected meet the basic criteria.

The body stated this in a statement issued in Kaduna State and signed by its National Publicity, Mohammed Ibrahim Biu.

ACF stressed that member of the incoming National Assembly should be guided by the fact that “democracy is a majority rule in which the political party with the electoral mandate is held accountable.

“Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) therefore urges Senators and Members-elect that in exercising their rights to elect officers of their choice, certain attributes like legislative capacity and experience, amiability, track record of selfless service, integrity, compassion of the candidates and above all loyalty to their political parties, which manifestos are used for securing the electoral mandate needed for implementation, should guide them in making the best choice.

“Election of Principal Officers of the 9th National Assembly is the exclusive rights and prerogative of Senators and Members elect of the National Assembly. However, the political parties that provided the platform for them to be elected also have a role in choosing those to superintend over the affairs of the National Assembly for the purpose of ensuring good coordination with the Executive that are needed for delivering on the promise of democracy.

“More so democracy is a majority rule in which the political party with the electoral mandate is held accountable and the minority party is expected to be a viable alternative platform for the electorate, considering that democracy without a viable opposition is spurious.

“It should however be noted that multiparty democracy impels progress through change that comes with robust debates on issues of real concern to ordinary citizens.”

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Senate re-visits, passes Social Work Bill

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Senate re-visits, passes Social Work Bill

The Nigerian Senate has re-visited and passed the Nigerian Council for Social Work Bill.

The Bill entitled, “Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment) Bill 2017 was first passed in December 2017 by the Senate. 

The bill was thereafter transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent.

But, Buhari, in February 2018, refused to assent the bill due to what he described as lack of clarity over the scope of the profession of Social Work.

The bill was later sent to the Senate for consideration after the grey areas that made President Buhari to refuse assent on the bill, have been perfected by the various ministries.

The Senate, while reconsidering the bill on Wednesday, rescinded seven clauses of the bill.

The clauses include: 3, 10, 11, 16(2), 18, 21(3) & (4) and 28.

When assented to, the new law will recognise the establishment of the Nigerian Council for Social Work.

The bill seeks to establish the council to regulate the practice of professional Social Work in Nigeria.

According to the bill, the council’s activities will be regulated by a governing council.

The council, among other things, shall promote professional practice and uphold Social Work ethics and values.

The council, according to the bill when assented to by Buhari, shall determine what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by persons seeking to become member of the profession of social work and review those standards from time to time, as circumstances may require.

The council shall also promote research and ensure high standard and quality of training of Social Workers in Nigeria when the bill is passed into law.

The Nigerian Council for Social Work shall be under the total control of the Federal Government of Nigeria when the bill is passed into law.

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"We will have no option but to shutdown Bet9ja" - Nigerian Senate

NEWS

"We will have no option but to shutdown Bet9ja" - Nigerian Senate

 

The Senate has threatened to shutdown sports betting company, Bet9ja offices if it failed to honour its invitation for a second time.

The lawmakers issued the threat on Tuesday in Abuja during the verification of Loto companies with license to operate in Nigeria.

Chairman, Senate committee on Youth and Sport, Senator Obinna Ogba, PDP, Ebonyi, noted that it was unfortunate that Bet9a refused to honour their invitation.

He said, “Clerk, write to Bet9ja again. If they did not honour our invitation again, we will ask the National Lottery Commission to seal their offices.”

Senator Ogba further stated that the Senate was making efforts to assist the lottery commission to generate money for the federal government, saying, “We wanted to see bet9ja. They can’t runaway.”

Senator Ogba said that their verification followed series of complains against the betting companies.

He added that some do not even have offices while others have not been making remittances to the government.

According to the lawmaker, while verifying, about 20 betting companies that honoured Senate invitation, “some got the licenses but they are not operating. The new regulation only gives them one year to start operations.”

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Buratai, under scrutiny by the Senate for alleged illegal appointment of new NYSC DG

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Buratai, under scrutiny by the Senate for alleged illegal appointment of new NYSC DG

The Senate, Wednesday directed its committee on Youth and sports to investigate the alleged illegal appointment of a new Director-General for the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC.

 

It was also said that the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai unilaterally made the alleged unconstitutional but controversial appointment.

 

This development was sequel to an adopted order 42 and 52 Senate rule moved by Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West.

 

Melaye in presenting his motion said it was unconstitutional for Buratai to have made the said appointment as it was in breach of the provision of the 1999 constitution as amended.

 

In his words, “I’m bringing to the notice of the Senate an infringement in the appointment of a new Director-General of NYSC.

 

“It was said that the Chief of Army Staff made a new appointment of NYSC Director-General in replacement of the former DG.

 

“This is unconstitutional as it is only the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that has the right as provided by the constitution to do so.

 

“The NYSC act section 5 reads, “There shall be a Director-General for the National Youth Service Corps to be appointed by the President.

 

“But Buratai through a signal removed and appointed a new NYSC DG.

 

“We should not allow this, Mr. President. Otherwise, We should not be surprised to wake up one morning to hear that DG, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has been removed and appointed a new Senate President”.

 

However, Senator Bassey Akpan seconded the motion while it was put to a voice vote by Senate President, Bukola Saraki that resulted in the unanimous resolution to refer the matter to its committee to investigate and report back next week Wednesday for further legislative action.

 

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Senate Sets To Impeach Buhari Over $496m Aircraft

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Senate Sets To Impeach Buhari Over $496m Aircraft

Senate on Tuesday moved to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari over breach of various sections of the 1999 constitution as amended.

The move followed reports by the Senate Committee Chairman on Public Accounts, Senator Mathew Uroghide indicting President Muhammadu in the purchase of American Tucano Aircraft worth $496 million without the approval of the Senate.

Uroghide submitted that his committee grilled the Minister of defense to that effect in line with the mandate given to his committee. He also confirmed that the Minister of Defense, Mansur Dan-Ali had admitted wrongdoing in the purchase of the aircraft.

“Mr. President, the procedure of the purchase of that Aircraft was wrong procedurally. I wish to refer us to Section 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84.”

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise through order 15 and 52 to explain my Committee report. Mr. President, as the head of executive arm has breached the provisions of the Constitution.”

“In our grilling of the Minister of Defense yesterday, he admitted wrongdoing over purchase of American Tucano Aircraft.”

“Obviously, President Buhari has committed an impeachable offence and I move that the Senate invoke Section 80, 81, 82, 83 and 84.”

Uroghide added that it was not the first time, Mr. President was committing impeachable offence.

“Mr. President, the procedure of the purchase of that Aircraft was wrong procedurally. I wish to refer us to Section 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84.”

Senator Chukwuka Utazi, Enugu North Senatorial district seconded that Mr. President has committed an impeachable offence, hence, he should be impeached.

He was saddened that Buhari continued to dispense huge sums of money without regard to the Senate and the constitution, saying he clearly breached section 80.

He further explained that the purchased aircraft would be delivered in 2020.

Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Senatorial district admitted the high level of insecurity the nation is experiencing.

He suggested for the recall of the funds for due process to be followed instead of impeachment.

Senator Abu Ibrahim in his contributions took the Senate through national accountability, stating that APC led government has been very open.

He urged the Senate to focus on how to assist government to tackle insecurity.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, as responsible Senate, I appeal that we should consider Mr. President’s request since he has written to us.”

“My appeal is, lets look at the request. Senators should do anything to tackle insecurity. Today, it is Benue, Zamfara, tomorrow it could be anywhere.”

Senator Samuel Anyanwu representing Imo East insisted that the breach of the constitution by President Buhari was beyond party and friendship, stating that the substance of Buhari’s action must be looked into.

He recalled that late Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo was removed from office based on anticipatory budget. He called on the Senate to invoke section 143 of the constitution, saying Buhari should be impeached.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki recalled the United States Congress meeting with Nigerian parliament over the purchase which President Donald Trump sought the American Congress’ approval.

“It was after our meeting in August last year, that they went back to approve Donald Trump’s request,” he said.

The Senate President added that there was ample time for the executive to write to the National Assembly for approval. He, therefore, referred the motion to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal matters to weigh the legal implications and report back on Wednesday next week.

                                                  

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Senate Invasion: Senator Ovie Omo-Agege Should Be Investigated - CDHR

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Senate Invasion: Senator Ovie Omo-Agege Should Be Investigated - CDHR

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights has called for thorough investigation into the invasion of the Senate by suspected hoodlums on Wednesday.

Thugs suspected to be loyal to the suspended Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, on Wednesday, invaded the red chambers and forcefully took away the mace. 

Few hours later, Sen. Omo-Agege was arrested in connection to the incident but was later released.

Reacting to the recent development, the CDHR President, Malachy Ugwummadu, speaking to Punch, described the situation as a terrible one if Sen. Omo-Agege was found guilty.

Ugwummadu said “I do not want to completely accept that the invasion was orchestrated by the suspended senator.

“But assuming that it is true, it will be more unfortunate and a very terrible situation for him.

“What was Omo-Agege doing in the Senate when he had already been suspended? All these must be thoroughly investigated.”

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Senate Thug Invasion: Ekweremadu Speaks On His Meeting With Osinbajo

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Senate Thug Invasion: Ekweremadu Speaks On His Meeting With Osinbajo

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu has said he was at the Presidential Villa to update Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, on what transpired earlier at the Red Chamber during plenary on Wednesday.

Ekweremadu and Osinbajo were having behind closed-doors meeting for hours after the invasion of the Senate chambers by suspected thugs.

Ekweremadu told state house correspondents at the end of the meeting that since the President, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, were out of the country, it was incumbent on him to intimate the Vice-President on the invasion of Senate by hoodlums.

He said: “I’m sure you are aware of the senate invasion today and we have to come and brief the vice-president because the president is not in town. It is appropriate for him to know. We are in a democracy; we are all in one government.

“It is the responsibility of the president or the vice-president to ensure that there is law and order in the country and once we have this kind of major development it is important that he is briefed at the earliest opportunity.

“The senate president is out of the country, it is, therefore, my responsibility to come over and brief the vice-president who has sympathised with us over what happened and he is going to join forces with us to ensure that we get to the root of the matter to make sure that this will not happen again.

“For us, it’s a threat to our democracy, the invasion of the parliament is not acceptable to any person, it’s not acceptable to me, it’s not acceptable to the VP, it’s not acceptable to my colleagues, I believe it’s not also acceptable to the president so those who acted this script must be on their own.”

He also appealed to the media to do its best in discouraging this “kind of brigandage”.

Ekweremadu also criticised Omo-Agege, wondering the right he had to enter into the red chamber when he was on suspension.

“All we need to do as a country is to ensure that this is forestalled and I want to appeal to the media to help us discourage this kind of brigandage so that people have to behave in a very responsible manner. But let me assure you that we are on top of the situation, we did our sitting today and we are going to continue tomorrow,” he said.

“Having suffered suspension, does Omo-Agege have legal right to enter the chamber? It was a breach of the law for him to force himself into the chambers, as I said police is still investigating we are going to find out the details of those who aided him to come in and then some of them I believe have been arrested and we will get to the root of the matter,” he added,

It could be recalled that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege allegedly led suspected thugs into the senate chamber to cart away the mace, which is the symbol of authority of the legislature.

Theodore Orji, a Senator from Abia state was speaking on the floor of the senate when the unwanted visitors broke in.

The senate immediately went into a closed-door session after which a spare mace was brought and it reconvened.

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Senate Thug Invasion, Stolen Mace Sponsored By People In The High Position - Ben Bruce

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Senate Thug Invasion, Stolen Mace Sponsored By People In The High Position - Ben Bruce

Ben Murray-Bruce, the Senator representing Bayelsa East constituency, has warned that the Senate will not be “cowed”, after thugs broke into the National Assembly and made away with the mace on Wednesday.

Writing on his verified Twitter handle, Ben Bruce insinuated that the incident was supported by people in high positions.

“What happened at the Senate was unfortunate. Just yesterday I mentioned that the tension in the country is worse than it was before Shagari was overthrown.

“Today this happened. Can the Senate be cowed? Can I be cowed? Anyone, no matter how high, who thinks so, should think again!,” he tweeted.

Thugs suspected to be loyal to the suspended Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Ovie Omo-Agege had invaded the red chambers and forcefully took away the mace.

They broke into the chambers when plenary was going on, creating serious confusion and tension.

Few minutes later, the mace was recovered and the hallowed chamber resumed sitting.

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Stolen Mace: APDA Speaks On The Senate Invasion, Missing Mace

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Stolen Mace: APDA Speaks On The Senate Invasion, Missing Mace

The Advanced Peoples Democratic Party, (APDA) has described the invasion of the Senate Chamber by suspected thugs on Monday as a national embarrassment which must be handled with seriousness.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Tosin Adeyanju, called on the heads of security agencies to immediately commence investigation and ensure quick apprehension of perpetrators.

Adeniran advised the lawmakers not to bow to the pressure, but remain resolute in discharging their duties.

“We call on heads of security agencies to swing into action and bring the perpetrators of these enemies of democracy to justice.

“We equally appeal to NASS not to be deterred in its constitutional responsibilities to Nigerians,” Adeyanju added.

Thugs suspected to be loyal to the suspended Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Ovie Omo-Agege had invaded the red chambers and forcefully took away the mace.

They broke into the chambers when plenary was going on, creating serious confusion and tension.

Few hours later, Sen. Omo-Agege was arrested in connection to the incident but was later released, after which he denied claims that he staged the incident.

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Lagos Senator Kidnapped Amidst Senate Invasion, Mace Stolen

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Lagos Senator Kidnapped Amidst Senate Invasion, Mace Stolen

The Senator representing Lagos West, Solomon Olamilekan was abducted by unknown gunmen at the National Assembly on Thursday.

Olamilekan also known as Yayi, was picked up in front of the building housing the two chambers, but he later escaped.

An aide of the lawmaker told The Cable that the incident might not be unconnected to his call for the sack of all the service chiefs on Tuesday.

“Yesterday at the floor of the plenary, senator Yayi Adeola, while lending his voice to the killings in Nasarawa he called for the sacking of all service chiefs and heads of security agencies.

“Today, before the mace was seized, Senator Yayi Adeola was actually kidnapped. Not attempted kidnapped by unknown gunmen at the national assembly right in front of the white house.

“They took him all the way to the house of reps – they were trying to escape through the villa gate; it was at that point he had to maneuver and jumped out of the vehicle. As I speak to you, he still has a sprain on his leg,” the aide said.

The lawmaker is said to be responding to treatment.

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Senate Stolen Mace Saga, An Attempted Coup - Senator Waku

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Senate Stolen Mace Saga, An Attempted Coup - Senator Waku

Elder statesman and former Senator representing Benue North-West District between 1999 and 2003, Joseph Waku, has described the snatching of the mace from the chamber as an attempted coup.

Waku, who likened the Wednesday’s incident to the days of Chuba Okadigbo as the Senate President, said the person behind the drama should be brought to book

He told Premium Times that, “It is not just our democracy but also our security. The person behind this should be brought to book. That (National Assembly) is an institution. It is an attempted coup. He should be tried for treason. The mace is the symbol of authority of the Senate and the Senate President is the chairman of the National Assembly. So it is an attempted coup and should be treated as such.

“In that case, there was no breakage. We took it, it was not stolen. It was during our vacation. We were on vacation. It was during Obj’s (President Olusegun Obasanjo) time and it was during a crisis.

“There was a plan to remove Okadigbo and we got wind of it and adjourned and took the mace. But the then deputy senate president, Haruna Abubakar, attempted to reconvene the Senate. They went and arranged for a fake mace but we intercepted it. Haruna wanted to preside as acting senate president.”

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Senator Ovie Omo-Agege Speaks On The Senate Invasion, Missing Mace

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Senator Ovie Omo-Agege Speaks On The Senate Invasion, Missing Mace

The Senator representing Delta Central district in the National Assembly, Ovie Omo-Agege, has reacted to the invasion of the Senate Chambers by suspected hoodlums.

The Senate Chamber was invaded earlier today by some thugs believed to be loyal to Senator Omo-Agege. Shortly after the mace was stolen, the Senate accused Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of sending thugs to steal the mace.

The Senator in his reaction, however, denied involvement in the theft of the mace.

A statement signed by his lawyer, Lucky Ajokperniovo, said that he only went to the Red Chamber on Wednesday, April 18 to resume work and sit for plenary, adding that he was only invited by the police to speak on his perspective and has been released.

The statement reads: “We are aware of several media reports suggesting that Senator Omo-Agege personally removed or encouraged anyone to remove the Mace of the Senate. This weighty allegation is not true at all.

“Following the said media reports on the Mace issue, the Police authorities decided to hear from Senator Omo-Agege. He has told the Police his perspective to help them carry out a proper investigation. He has since left the Police. Senator Omo-Agege trusts them to thoroughly investigate this very serious matter.”

Omo-Agege also reacted to the statement by the Senate Spokesperson, Senator Abdullahi Sabi accusing him of leading the hoodlums to cart away the mace.

“Without any investigation, Senator Sabi willfully, deliberately and unfairly made very serious allegations against Senator Omo-Agege on the Mace incident.

“We are carefully studying Senator Sabi’s allegations to ascertain their full ramifications. Appropriate responses will follow, as may be necessary,” he said.

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Missing Mace: FG Orders Immediate Probe Of Senate Invasion

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Missing Mace: FG Orders Immediate Probe Of Senate Invasion

The Federal Government has ordered a probe of the invasion of the Senate on Wednesday, during which the mace was taken away.

Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.

The statement said the government received the report of the theft of the Senate’s mace with shock.

We reported that thugs suspected to be loyal to the suspended Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district, Ovie Omo-Agege had invaded the red chambers and forcefully taken away the mace.

They broke into the chambers when plenary was going on, creating serious confusion and tension.

Few minutes later, the mace was reportedly recovered and the hallowed chamber resumed sitting.

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Oil Well Ownership Status Between Enugu, Anambra, Kogi Set Senate On Fire

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Oil Well Ownership Status Between Enugu, Anambra, Kogi Set Senate On Fire

The Senator representing Enugu North senatorial district, Chukwuka Utazi has sought the intervention of the Senate into ownership status of oil wells which have been the subject of controversy between Enugu, Kogi, and Anambra states.

Speaking through order 43, the lawmaker stated that Anambra state government had used one of its appointees, Prince Emu to grant an interview in a popular newspaper earlier in the week stating that Anambra was an oil producing state.

Utazi reminded the Senate that the federal government has since realised that it was an error for the Jonathan administration to have conferred on Anambra an oil producing state when the ownership of oil wells have not been decided upon.
According to him, “Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the oil producing status on Anambra state has since been withdrawn.”

The Enugu North lawmaker stated that latest moves by Anambra state was already brewing crisis among communities laying claim to the wells, even as he asked the Senate Committee to wade into the matter.

“We know what we did in the past to restore peace among those warring communities, and election period is around the corner. So, we don’t want any crisis.”

However, Senator Andy Uba, rose in total condemnation of Utazi’s position, disclosing that he contributed to how Anambra became an oil producing state.

He said: “What my colleague, Utazi is saying is not correct. They said any state that produces 120,000bpd is qualified as an oil producing state and that is why Anambra was conferred.”

It took the intervention of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki to calm nerves at the plenary, while he reminded senators that the matter came through order 43 which means it was not open to debate.

He thereafter referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), demanding that the report be turned-in in two weeks.

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