*#TodayInPlenary* *PROCEEDING OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF THURSDAY 27TH APRIL, 2017*

Welcome to a new Legialative day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Deputy Senate President Ike Rkweremadu took the official prayer and led the Senate Leadership into today's proceedings.

Senator Abdullahi Gumel moved for the approval of the votes and proceedings of Wednesday 26th April, 2017. Senator Ben Murray Bruce seconded.

*ANNOUNCEMENT*

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu made announcements. He also welcomed guests observing Senate Proceedings in the Gallery.

Invitation from Senator Philip Aduda for free fertilization to farmers on the 29th of April, 2017. Venue: Kuje Abuja.

*PETITION*

Senator Ovie OmoAgege presented a petition on behalf of one of his constituents. The Petition is referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition.

*POINT OF ORDER*

-Senator Joshua Lidani raised a Point of Order on the demise of a Former Senator from Gombe State.

Senator James Manager spoke on the great life of former Senate Adamu Waziri as Senate observes a Minute Silence in honour of the late Senator.

-Senator George Sekibo also raised a Point of Order on Personal Explanation that the cash found in #IkoyiGate actually belongs to Rivers State.He said its the second time they are blowing the whistle on this matter and wants the circumstances around #IkoyiGate investigated.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu noted that the Nigerian House of Representative has already set up a panel on #IkoyiGate as well as the other Executive panel led by Proffesor Yemi Osinbajo.

-Senator Nazif Suleiman also raised a Point of Order and a subsequent motion on the upcoming May 1, 2017 #WorkersDay.

Senator Dino Melaye spoke on the need for improvement in the welfare of Nigerian Workers. He accuses Governors of not using bailouts and the Paris Club Refund to actually pay Salaries and singles out his home State, Kogi for owing 15 Months Workers' Salary. He advises President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the allocation of 2nd tranche of Paris Club Refund to States who owe Workers' Salaries.

Senator Paulker spoke in support of the Motion on improvement in Workers' Welfare, insisting Workers be given their due entitlements.

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan congratulated Nigerian Workers on the occasion of the 2017 Workers Day. He added that Nigerians need to ask about what happened to Bail Out Funds I and II as well as the Paris Club Refund. He urged State Legislators to be up and doing in Oversight.

Senators Abdullahi Gumel, Albert Bassey and  Ibrahim Gobir all congratulated Nigerian Workers and lent their voices on the need for incentives.

Senator Chukwuka Utazi said the Executive needs to take the welfare of workers as paramount. He urged Governors to come and learn from Enugu State.

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha also congratulated the Nigerian Worker on the upcoming occassion of the May 1, 2017 Workers' Day.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu-"Congratulations to the workers, I believe we can do more for them on productivity. Security of lives is also a major focus". He said Government needs to ensure the prompt payment of Gratuities and Pensions upon retirement. He spoke on the need for fiscal federalism to ensure states can sustain themselves unlike the current situation where they take handouts monthly.
"The review of minimum wage should be a priority." -Deputy Senate President.

*PRESENTATION OF BILL FOR FIRST READING*

1. Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill, 2017 (SB. 472)by Senator Alasoadura Omotayo.

*PRESENTATION OF REPORT*

Report of the Joint Committee on Gas, Petroleum Upstream, Finance and Appropriation. Implementation of Joint Cash Calls Obligation from 2011- 2015 by Senator Bassey Albert Akpan.
-That the Senate do consider the report of the Joint Committee on Gas, Petroleum Upstream, Finance and Appropriation on the Implementation of Joint Cash Calls Obligation by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) from 2011-2015.
- The Report was LAID.
*CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS*

Report of the Committee on Marine Transport. Nigerian Ports and Habours Bill, 2017 (SB.243) by Senator Ahmed  Rufai Sani.
-That the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Marine Transport on the Nigerian Ports and Harbours Bill, 2017 (SB.243).

*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*

Senate dissolved into the committee of whole to consider the report on the Marine Transport, Nigerian Ports and Harbours Bill.

"What is worth doing is worth doing well, this is for us to jump start the process"
- Senator James Manager.

Senate reverted back to plenary and reported progress.

At the commitee of the whole the Senate considered the ammended clauses.

"It's a very important development in our country and we should adopt the best practices,also ensure there is improvement and port efficiency.
-Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

*ADJOURNMENT*

Deputy Senate leader moved that other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day. Deputy minority leader seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday 2nd May, 2017.

#GavelBangs.