#TodayInPlenary

*PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF WEDNESDAY 22ND 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 Jonah Jang moved for the approval of votes and proceedings for Tuesday 21st March,2017.  Senator Lanre Tejuoso seconded.

*EXECUTIVE SESSION*
Senate now moves into an Executive Session.

Senate resumes from it's Executive Session and Reports Progress.

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

*ANNOUNCEMENT*

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu welcomed students of Nigerian Economics Association, modibo Adamawa State, Wonder kids foundation school, who were here to observe the Plenary.

*PETITIONS*

1.Senator Theodore Orji raised a petition about a Professor From Michael Okpara University of Agriculture on the discovery of drugs that cure Hiv/Aids.

2.Senators Mao Ohuabunwa, James Manager, Omo Agege, Umaru David laid Petitions from their perspective Constituents.

The Petitions were laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics and priviledges.

*PRESENTATION OF BILLS- FIRST READING*

1.National Lottery Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB.451). By Senator Ahmad Lawan.

2.National Fertilizer Bill,2017 (HB.240).By Senator Ahmad Lawan.

3.National Fertilizer Quality Control Bill, 2017 (SB.259). By Senator Theodore Orji.

4.Federal Colleges of Education Act (Amendment)Bill,2017 (SB.445). By Senator Ubali Shittu.

5.Chartered Institute of Auctioneers of Nigeria Bill,2017 (SB.446). By Senator Hope Uzodinma.

6.City University of Technology Auchi (Est,etc )Bill, 2017(SB. 447). By Senator Francis Alimikhena.

7.Federal Task Force on Revenue Defaulters,Piracy and National Heritage Protection Bill, 2017 (SB.449). By Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

8.Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention,etc)Act 2015 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2017 (SB.450). By Senator Buhari Abdulfatai.

9.Nursing and Midwifey (Registration)Act CAP N143 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill,2017 (SB.451). By Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

10.Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (Est,etc)Bill, 2017 (SB.452). By Senator Mustapha Bukar.

*PRESENTATION OF REPORT*

Conference Committee Report. Nigerian Airforce Institute of Technology (SB.180). By Senator Duro Faseyi.
-That the Senate do receive the Conference Committee Report on the Nigerian Airforce Institute of Technology Bill, 2017 (SB.180).

*EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION*

Approval of the $500m Eurobond in the International Capital Market.
-That the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President Commander in Chief  Muhammadu Buhari for the approval of the $500m Eurobond in the International Capital Market for the funding of the 2016 Budget Deficit.

*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*

Senate dissolved to the Committee of the Whole to discuss the Approval of the $500m Eurobond.

At the Committee of the Whole, Senate Considered the Request of President Muhammadu Buhari for the Approval of the $500m Eurobond to fund the 2016 Budget deficit.

The Senate Reverted to Plenary and Reported Progress.


*BRIEFING*

Briefing by the Comptroller General of Customs. By Senator Ahmad Lawan.
-That the Senate do receive the Comptroller General of Customs to brief this Distinguished Senate on the proposed retrospective duty payment on vehicles in Nigeria.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekwerwmadu asked the Clerk of the Senate to read a letter from the Attorney General of the Federation on the Comptroller General of Customs invitation.

Senator Dino Melaye asked "Can the Court Process Stop any form of Government from carrying out Constitutional duties?". He said it is the first time the Attorney General will write to the Senate on how to run the Senate.Senator Dino Melaye also said it is not a Court injunction, not an order, it's a mere Court Process. The position of the Comptroller General of Customs is a rank and anyone occupying it is a Public Servant. He invoked the Public Service Rule.

Senator Abaribe said "Lest we forget, Customs made an obnoxious policy, it was in this process that we invited him to explain his policy".

Senator Abaribe further stated that it makes no sense for the Comptroller General of Customs to rush to court to secure a deliberate injunction. He urged the Nigerian Senate to reject the letter written by the Attorney General of the Federation.

Senator Olujimi said the action of the Comptroller-General of Customs is a breach of the Constitution and a grand display of arrogance. She stated further that such display by the Comptroller-General of Customs only shows that he feels no reason to abide by the law. She adds "The Executive is sitting pretty and pretending nothing is wrong".

Senator Isah Misau said the enemies of this Government are within the Presidency. He also stated "If the Attorney General can write a letter to the Senate, I wonder what advise he gives Mr. President".

Senator Aliyu Sabi urged the Senate to cancel the collection of duty until a more robust method of collection can be agreed upon.

Senator Sekibo said the letter from the Attorney General undermines the Senate as an institution and must be investigated.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said it is important that the integrity of the Senate must be maintained at all times. ahe adds that "There's no big deal in asking a public officer to dress properly, people should be proud of what they do" and that "We as public officers should live an exemplary life and obey laws in accordance of the constitution".

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu reiterated that "there is nothing like "they" vs "Us", we are the same government serving the same people".

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu thanked the Senators for their maturity and contributions in ensuring that no individual undermines democratic institutions.

Senator Adeyeye said the resolutions should be sent to the House of  Representatives for concurrence so they can be on the same page.


*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 Thursday 23rd March, 2017.

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO WATCH THE PROCEEDINGS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yoxk-7xOJBM

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