PROCEEDING OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF WEDNESDAY 5TH APRIL, 2017

Its 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 Senate Leadership into Plenary.

Senator Marafa Kabir moved for the approval of Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday 4th April, 2017. Senator Philip Aduda seconded.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Senate Committee on 1999 constitution amendment are to meet after Plenary.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu welcomed the staff and students of Batrep Primary school, Nasarawa who were here to observe Plenary.

PETITIONS

1. Senator Mao Ohuabunwa raised a petition on the wrongful dismissal of his constituency member in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

2. Senator Jide Omoworare raised a petition on the review of the implementation of 65year old retirement for the centre for management  development

3. Senator Hope Uzodinma raised 3 petitions.
-on the delayed pension of the former M.D of Nigerian railway cooperation.
-Customs office wrongful dismissal of officer.
- The traditional body of his constituent should adhere to the ruling of the Supreme Court.

POINT OF ORDER

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi cited Order 42, talked about amnesty and issue of mal-treatment of Nigerian children abroad.

MOTIONS

1. Re Committal of the National Assembly Budget and Research Office Bill, 2017 and the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria Bill, 2017 by Senate Leader.
The Senate resolved to:
Invoke Order 1 (b) of the Senate Standing Order as amended, 2015 to refer the Bills to the respective Conference Committee that had earlier worked on them to consider the observations raised by the Directorate of Legal Services and report back to the Senate within one week - Laid

2. Re Commital of the Dangerous Drugs Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and currency conversion (Freezing) orders Act (Amendment ) Bill,2017 by Senate Leader.
The Senate resolved to:
Constitute Conference Committee on the Respective Bills to consider the observations of Mr President C-in-C on the Bills.

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS - SECOND READING

1. A Bill for an Act to make Provisions for the suppression of Piracy and to provide for punishment for the offence of Piracy, 2017 (SB.254) by Senator Nelson Effiong.

"It's a highly technical bill which calls for professional handling"
-Senator Shehu Sani

Senator Akpabio called for gradual minimization of Piracy which will lead to total eradication.

Senator James Manager said It's a criminal activity, relief debate is very exclusive. He also said "We need to implement laws to punish Piracy and matters connected".

"It's a trend that is causing serious damage. The cost of this goes directly to the consumers"
- Senator Jibrin Barau.

"We need to reach out to the Ministry of foreign affairs and also consult all the relevant stakeholders"
-Senator Yahaya Abdulahi

Senator Foster Ogola suggested that the Bill be amended to read suppression of River piracy and maritime crime.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu stated that For years we have been engulfed with Acts of terrorism, we are starting to witness kidnaping then river piracy.,we should take appropriate measures so as to curb this,it could destabilize our economy and become a threat to security. He further stated that you don't have to be a habitant of the communities involved in order to feel the impact.

"I suggest very severe punishment for the culprits of this act because it is not a pardonable offence".
-Senator Matthew Urhoghide.

"We should look at empowering Maritime Police,it's not the job of the Navy to provide protection,we need a robust public hearing"
-Senator Na'allah

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said Goods coming from abroad has been affected by the pirates. These pirates and acts of terrorism has caused us National embarrassment.We have to give attention to this Bill,Ensure development in science and technology to monitor our maritime activities. He further stated that those who commit this crime should be apprehended and punished severely.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu referred the Bill to the Committee on Navy and to report back in 4 weeks.

2. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigeria Postal Service Act CAP No.127 LFN 2004, to provide for the operations and development of postal services, the establishment of the Nigerian Postal Commission, 2017 (SB.437) by Sen. Gbenga Ashafa.

"In line with the 21st century we need to review the existing Act cause it is a straight forward Bill"
-Senator Ali Wakili

Senator Bassey Akpan lent his voice and supported the Bill.

"Transactions are made easier working with MasterCard,Money gram and the others,it keeps us at the same pace with other countries"
-Senator Dino Melaye

"The Nigeria Postal Service has a huge platform that can give rise to job creation and generate revenue.It will help Nigerians"
-Senator Stella Oduah

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said its necessary we update our ways of managing services because of the new technology era

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu referred the Bill to the Committee on Communications and to Report back in 4 weeks

3. A Bill for an Act to amend the Arbitration and Reconciliation Act CAP A18 LFN 2004, 2017 (SB.362) by Senator Monsurat Sunmonu

4. A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Arbitration and Conciliation Act CAP A18 LFN 2004 and Re-Enact the Arbitration and Conciliation 2017 for the modern regulation of Arbitration and Conciliation processes and recognition and enforcement of Arbitral Awards in International Commercial Arbitration,  2017 (SB.427) by Senator Andy Uba

Senator Kurfi Umaru and Senator Joshua Lidani lent their voices and support the Bill.

Senator Dino Melaye said it's a new introduction from the existing arbitration act,most cases people steal parts of installation of the properties. There's no winner or loser,we can avoid flimsy issues because most cases can be settled by arbitration instead of long court cases.

"This amendment should be carefully handled and looked into, in reference to Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and Senator Andy Uba"
 -Senator Na'Allah

"This Bill is coming at an important time in our National history. The need for arbitration, reconciliation and ADR is visible".
-Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu

The Bill is referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights for further legislative action to report back in 4Weeks.

5. A Bill for an Act to amend the Insurance Act 2003 to say minimum limit of compensation in the event of death, injury or loss of property of third party with respect to insurance of public buildings under construction, 2017 (SB.275) by Senator Umaru Kurfi.

Senator Francis Alimikhena and Senator Gershom Bassey lent their voices and support the Bill.

"Insurance sector is an important part of our economy, I support the bill."
 - Senator Burka Mustapha.

"insurance is good incase of an accident,insurance fees should be paid and 3rd parties should be given a reasonable amount"
-Senator Danjuma Laah

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu thanked Senator Umaru Kurfi for the incisive Bill on the Insurance Act and tasks the Banking Committee to expedite action.

The Bill is referred to the Banking Committee for further legislative action.

6. A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the Armed Forces (Restriction on the use of Arms in certain Internal Security Operations,etc), 2017 (SB.341) by Senator David Umaru

Senator Shehu Sani said this Bill seeks to give us the necessary collaboration between the Armed Forces and simplify their do's and don'ts" . He stated that we have seen our Armed Forces have violated the enforcement of the law.

Senator Jonah Jang said the inadequacy of the police Force makes the soldiers to act the way they do.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu stated that it's necessary the matter goes for public hearing so all the forces and even victims involved can focus on their primary duties.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu referred the Bill to the Committee on Defence and to report back in 4weeks.

7. A Bill for an Act to provide for the Prevention, Control and Management of Sickle cell Anaemia, 2017 (SB.128) by Senator Sam Egwu

Senator Gbenga Ashafa said before you enter any marriage you must go through a medical certification to avoid the occurence of Sickle cell. The issue on this Bill is as a result of ignorance.

 "We used to call them 'Ogbanje' but now we know better. A lot need to be done regarding information and awareness."
-Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu

"I am aware churches don't consent to marriage without medical test, we should focus on creating awareness"
- Senator Stella Oduah

The Sickle Cell Anaemia Bill is referred to the Senate Health Committee for further legislative action.

8. A Bill for an Act to establish the Chartered Institute of Fraud Examiners, 2017 (SB.167) by Sen. Foster Ogola

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu asked what is the difference between an Auditor and Fraud Examiners.

Senator Ogola said Auditors are Forensic Expert for Accounting Frauds but Fraud Examiners have expertise in detecting other kinds of frauds.

Senator Dino Melaye spoke against the Bill, he cited the EFCC as basically a financial crime commission with a forensic department .He said the Chartered Institute should be involved  for training in gaining forensic experience.

Senator Adeyeye noted that Nigeria is not in trouble because of absence of good laws but due to multiple agencies and endless bureaucracies. He appealed to Senator Ogola to withdraw the Bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Fraud Examiners.

After consideration, Senator Foster Ogola moved the Motion for the withdrawal of the Bill. Senator Akpabio seconded and the Bill is withdrawn.

ADJOURNMENT

Senate Leader,Senator Lawan moved for the adjournment of plenary to the next Legislative day. Minority Leader Senator Akpabio seconded

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu commended all Distinguished Senators for a very productive day with the passage of 8 different Bills for Second Reading.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu adjourns plenary to Thursday 6th April, 2017.

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