#TodayInPlenary

*PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF TUESDAY 21ST 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.

Senator Mohammed Hassan moved for the approval of the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday 16th March, 2017 and Senator Dino Melaye seconded.

*ANNOUNCEMENTS*

1. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu read announcements that the Senate Committee on Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases should meet with Professor Nwabuike.

2. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu also recognized students of the Faculty of Law of the Igbenidion University and White Plains British School.

*POINT OF ORDER*

1. Senator Obinna Ogba cited orders 42 and 52 in honour of Mr. Amanu Pinnick in the just concluded Confederation of African Football (CAF) elections. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu congratulated the new CAF chief and said this is a step forward for the country as it gives Nigeria a good international image.

*PETITIONS*

1. Senator Ali Ndume raised a point of order based on the alleged seizure by the Nigerian Customs Sevice of a bullet proof car reportedly belonging to the Senate President and also reads from a document which questions the authenticity of Senator Dino Melaye's Certificate from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The Petitions laid were referred to Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

*MOTIONS OF THE DAY*

1. The Ethnic Clash in Ile-Ife, Osun State by Senator Jibrin Barau and co-sponsored by Senator Shehu Sani.

Senator Shehu Sani said since 1914 till date we have had series of Ethnic clashes, the clashes threatens our unity,we need to tell ourselves the truth. "Its unfortunate that Nigerians are unsafe in and outside the country".

"We should refer this to the appropriate committee; Nigerians should prevent attacks within, so we don't send a wrong signal".
- Senator James Manager.

Senator Jide Omoworare said he supported the motion saying as he is a legal mind, the clash was not exactly an ethnic one, it's more of a territorial issue. "I was not consulted before the motion was presented, because I'm the Senator representing the district".

"The crises arose from a misunderstanding between two individuals and become a public clash".
- Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as Senator Isiaka Adeleke also supported the motion.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu thanked Senator Jibrin for the motion and cited section 41, provision for freedom of movement and section 42 stating that ethnic background shouldn't be a barrier.

Senate now resolved to:
I. Observe a minute silence for the dead victims of the clash.

ii. Called on the Inspector General of Police that while he tries as much as humanly possible to prevent a re-occurrence of such dispute in Ile-Ife or anywhere else in the country, he should conduct a thorough investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the Ile-Ife dispute and ensure prompt prosecution of the culprits.

iii. Urged the Federal Government to bear the cost of rebuilding the burnt houses and usinesses and pay adequate compensation to the families of the bereaved victims and the injured as a matter of utmost urgency.

iv. Send a igh power delegation of the Senate to condole with the Government and People of Osun State on the incident and also visit the scenes of destruction and report to the Senate within two weeks.

2. Averting the looming crises and monumental corruption in Nigeria's Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS): A time for action by Senator Kabir Garba Marafa.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu put the question and the Senate agreed to set up an adhoc committee to investigate the National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS.

The Committee shall include: Senators Ahmed Lawan, Lanre Tejuoso, Bassey Akpan, Kabir Garba Marafa and Ahmed Ogembe .

3. The need for the Federal Government to establish more Colleges of Education (Special) in Nigeria by Senator Muhammad Ubali Shittu.

Senate accordingly resolved to Urge the Federal Government to establish more colleges of Education (Special)and create one in each Geo-political zone.

4. The need for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement its intervention Funding Programmes to qualified Nigerian Companies and Exporters by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.

"I support the motion. Banks should be directed to the bodies that are paramount to proper functioning".
-Senator Abubakar Yusuf.

Senator Jibrin Barau adds "I support this motion, we are in a serious economic situation, we need a triangulated approach. The interest rate is very high, that is why the CBN brought the bodies of intervention but there is a problem in funding."

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said "the interest rate is high and we must provide the intervention bodies with money. It is also important to review the issue of minimum wage".

Senate resolved to:
I. Urged the CBN to consider implementing expeditiously, the approvals and disbursement of intervention facilities to those companies in the real sector that merits such facilities.

II. Invited the CBN Governor to address the senate on the progress so far made through the use of its various intervention faculty programmes (including the list of beneficiary companies, factories, exporters etc.) in assisting the sustainable growth of the real sector of the economy and as an instrument for getting out of the nations economic recession.

*CONSIDERATION OF BILL - SECOND READING*

1. A Bill for an Act to provide for the Prohibition of Facial Mutilation, the Offences, Prosecution and Punishment of offenders and the protection of victims under threat of facial mutilation and to provide for other related matters 2017 (SB. 408) by Senator Dino Melaye.

Senator Sola Adeyeye says "I don't think anyone would oppose the bill, no parent should put a hot knife on a child's face for identification". Medicine has gotten to a point where if you are trying to save life, the pain must be minimal, you should not administer unnecessary pain. If the so called surgeon knows that if you touch a child with a knife there is a penalty for it, this act will be stopped. This brings a reproach on the African race, we must stop the act."

Senator Ahmed Lawan and Senator Godswill Akpabio lent their voices and supported the bill.

"I think this bill is overdue, these children should be saved from this act".
- Senator Philip Gyunka.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said he is proud of the Senate. He adds that a Bill like this should be effected as soon as possible.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu referred the bill to the Committee on Judiciary, Human rights and Legal Matters to report back in 4 weeks.

*ANNOUNCEMENT*

1. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said Senate Committee heads that have not reconciled with the Appropriation Committee should do so on time to avoid further delay.

*ADJOURNMENT*

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan moved for other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.

Senate Plenary is adjourned to Wednesday 22nd March, 2017.

#GavelBangs

Ali ndume has been ranting up and down, ever since he was removed as senate leader