*#TodayInPlenary*

*PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF THURSDAY 16TH MARCH 2017*



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



*EXECUTIVE SESSION*



Senate moved into an Executive Session.

Senate resumed from it's Executive Session and Reported Progress.



At the Executive Session they deliberated on issues bothering on the workings of the Senate and the National Assembly in general.



Senator Jibrin Barau moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Wednesday 15th, 2017. Senator Sabo Mohammed seconded.



*PETITIONS*



Senator Barnabas Gemade laid a petition on exam malpratice in Benue North East.
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa raised a petition on wrongful dismissal of custom officer.


Deputy Senate President referred the petitions laid to the committee on Ethics and Priviledges and to Report back in 2weeks.


*MOTIONS*



Senator Fatimat Rasaki cited orders 42 and 52 and moved for the Motion on General Adebayo Adeyinka’s demise. Senate then observed a one minute silence on the passing away of General Adebayo and a delegation to Ekiti State for Condolence visit.



The Motion raised on the demise of General Adebayo Adeyinka is Seconded by Senator Biodun Olujimi.



Deputy Senate President sent deep condolences on the passing away of Gen. Adeyinka," he was a gentleman and a warrior, may his soul rest in peace".



Senate observed a minute silence for the late General Adebayo Adeyinka.


*PRESENTATION OF REPORTS*



1. Report of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. By Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

-That the Senate do receive the reports of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in respect of:



a. Petition from the Attorney-General and commissioner of Justice of Rivers state on behalf of the government and people of Rivers State against Shell Petroleum Development Company for alleged planned relocation of its operational base from PH, Rivers to Lagos.



b. Petition from Aremiyau Y. Abubakar, Esq. on behalf of Late Hajiya Fatima Ladi Mohammed against the Bureau of public enterprises for Non payment of retirement benefits.



c. Petition from Sgt. Godwin Obanga against the Nigeria Police Force for his Wrongful Dismissal from the Force; and



d. Petition from Oluchukwu Ulasi, Esq. and Associate on behalf of the family of Late Arerebo Dreesman by Officils of the company.



2. Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs By Senator Munsurat Sunmonu.

-That the senate do receive the committee on Foreign Affairs on the nomination of Mr. Adeyinka Asekun from Ogun state as Non-Career Ambassador for Confirmation as Ambassador Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



3. Report of the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crime By Senator Chukwuka Utazi.

-That the Senate do receive the report of the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crime on the Confirmation of members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC).



*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*



Senate now dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to receive the Comptroller General of Customs Col. Hameed Ali.


Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu thanked the Comptroller General of Customs for honouring Senate's invitation and asked why he is not wearing the Customs uniform.



The circular issued by the Comptroller General of Customs stating to the Senate that he won't wear his uniform is derogoratory.

-Sen. Ibn Na'Allah.



Senator Na'Allah cited Sections 7,8 and 10 of the Customs Act which states that the Customs shares same privileges with police and other institutions.


Senator Yayi Adeola said anyone can wear the Customs uniform and appear as the Comptroller General of Customs.


Senator Ali Wakili said the Senate should temper justice with mercy, "he is a man of integrity, we would liase with Comptroller General of Customs ".


Senator Magnus Abe pleaded with the Comptroller General of Customs to wear his uniform to preserve the image of the Customs and perception of other institutions.


Senator George sekibo said the Comptroller General of Customs must re-appear before the Senate in his uniform.


Senator Barnabas Gemade seconded and said it is respectable and important for the Comptroller General of Customs to wear his uniform.


Senate in a voice vote mandated the Comptroller General of Customs to come in uniform on Wednesday 22nd March, 2017.


Senate reverted to Plenary and Reported Progress on what transpired at the Committee of the Whole.


*CONSIDERATION OF REPORT*



Conference Committee Report, Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) Bill, 2017 (SB. 173 & SB. 183).

- That the Senate do consider the Conference Committee Report on the Nigerian Peace Corps(NPC) (Establishment,etc.)Bill, 2017 (SB.173 and 183).



Senator Ibrahim Gobir seconded the Report on the Nigerian Peace Corps.


The Conference Committee report on the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill, was withdrawn due to conflicting reports from the committee's findings.


*ADJOURNMENT*

Senate Leader moved that other items on the Order Paper be stepped down to another Legislative day. Minority leader seconds.


Senate is hereby adjourned to Tuesday, 21st March, 2017.

*#GavelBangs*.