It’s a new legislative day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Senate President Bukola Saraki leads the procession of the Senate Leadership into warm handshakes and embraces of Distinguished Senators.
Senate President Bukola Saraki takes the official prayers.
Senate moves into a Closed Door Executive Session…
…Senate resumes from its closed door session as Senate President Bukola Saraki reports progress from the closed door session.
Senator Usman Bayero Nafada moves for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings of Thursday 23rd June, 2016. Senator Sani Danladi seconds.
Senate President Bukola Saraki makes announcements and welcomes pupils and students present at the Senate Gallery to observe proceedings.
Senator Tijjani Kaura raises a Point of Order on the demise of Alhaji Umaru Aliyu Shinkafi, the Marafan Sokoto on the 6th of July, 2016.
Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura takes time to speak on the great life of service of the late Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Usman Aliyu Shinkafi.
Senator Adamu Aliero rises to second the motion and also speaks on the life of the late Marafan Sokoto.
Senate President Bukola Saraki adds that the Late Umaru Shinkafi was a detribalized Nigerian and he led a delegation to Sokoto yesterday.
Senate now observes a 1-Minute Silence in honour of the Late Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Umaru Aliyu Shinkafi.
Senator David Umaru also raises a Point of Order on the earlier refusal of the Min for Justice and AGF to appear before the Human Rights Committee
Senator David Umaru says SA to @NGRPresident on NASS, Senator Ita Enang has been in touch with him on behalf of the Min of Justice & AGF.
Senator David Umaru now adds that the Minister of Justice and AGF Malami seeks time to appear before the Human Rights Committee of the Senate.
Senator David Umaru asks that the Senate reschedule to allow the AGF meet with the Committee on Legal Matters, Judiciary and Human Rights.
SP Bukola Saraki thanks Sen. David Umaru for the feedback. He adds that the Senate will not hesitate to do the needful, when necessary.
SP Bukola Saraki says reports from newspapers about the AGF’s refusal to appear before the Senate seem to be different from what’s happening
Senate now moves to the subsequent matters of the day.
Senator Matthew Urhoghide now raises a Point of Order.
Senator Urhoghide refers to a Newspaper Publication of Daily Trust of 28th June, 2016 by the SGF, David Babachir Lawal on the #Budget2016.
Senator Urhoghide says with the SGF Babachir Lawal’s comments, his core responsibility of ‘representation in the Senate is threatened’.
Senator Urhoghide says the SGF has said Zonal Intervention Projects may not be executed & this can lead to leaving constituencies in limbo.
Senator Matthew Urhoghide for “SGF Babachir Lawal to speak as such is worrisome and he has dashed he hopes of our people”.
Senator Matthew Urhoghide speaks frankly that “for SGF Babachir Lawal to speak as such is worrisome & he has dashed the hopes of our people”
Senator Urhoghide reminds the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal that the #Budget2016 has become LAW.
Senator Urhoghide does not mince words in saying that it is an impeachable offence to try to circumvent the #Budget2016 implementation.
Senator Matthew Urhoghide now moves that Senate summons SGF Babachir Lawal for proper clarification of his comments in Daily Trust Papers.
Senator Bala Na’Allah now rise & tries to douse tensions. He says the SGF is neither the Finance Minister nor the Budget and Planning Minister.
===
Senator Na’Allah says he believes that the comments of SGF Babachir Lawal does not represent the views of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Senator Biodun Olujimi rises and says the SGF is the highest administration nominee of the Govt & whatever he says will be regarded official.
Senator Olujimi said the comments of SGF Babachir Lawal on the Nat’l Confab, Intervention Projects et al are getting unbecoming.
Senator Olujimi says “it’s time to call a spade a spade” and the Nigerian Senate and Legislature “deserves to be respected”.
Senator Olujimi concludes that it’s beyond which party is in power & that political nominees should stop undermining the hallowed chambers.
Senate moves to the Motions of the Day…
The Motion on the Non Payment of Teachers’ Salaries across the Country by Senator Dino Melaye of Kogi West Senatorial District.
Senator Dino Melaye mentions up to 23 distressed states that cannot settle outstanding salaries of teachers.
Senator Dino Melaye says it’s necessary to focus on salaries of teachers in the same way security funds are focused on.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu rises and speaks that Teachers across States in the Country are indeed at a very low time.
Senators Sam Anyanwu and Ali Wakili as well rise to support the motion on the need to ensure payment of salaries of teachers.
Senators say the notion that the reward of teachers is in heaven alone should be disregarded. Their reward should start from the earth!
Senator Jeremiah Useni also adds his voice that Teachers’ Salaries should be given the top priority it deserves.
Senate President Bukola Saraki says it’s a straightforward motion and puts the question regarding the prayers.
The Prayers of the Motion on the Non-Payment of Teachers’ Salaries across the Country with amendments are adopted.
Senate President Bukola Saraki says he once broke the Ramadan broke fast with Teachers in his home state and took note of their predicament.
Senate President Bukola Saraki says the Nigerian Senate stands with Teachers and there must be some intervention to offset the arrears.
Senate President Bukola Saraki adds that there is no need building schools when there are no teachers to teach.
Senate President Bukola Saraki thanks the sponsor of the motion, Senator Dino Melaye and all those who contributed via debate.
Senate President Bukola Saraki says the issue of outstanding teachers’ salaries should be taken as an emergency.
Senate asks the appropriate Senate Committee to take it upon themselves for oversight.
Senate Leader now moves that all other matters on the Order Paper be stepped down to the next legislative day. Minority Leader seconds.
Senate Leader now moves that Senate adjourns plenary to the next legislative day. The Minority Leader seconds.
Senate President Bukola Saraki puts the question and Senate hereby adjourns plenary to Wednesday 13th July, 2016.
Gavel Bangs!
© Copyright 2015 www.elombah.com. Send eyewitness accounts/reports/articles to publisher@elombah.com; follow us on twitter handle @Elombah; like our Facebook page: “Elombah.com”
