It’s a new legislative day and the first of the week in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Senate President Bukola Saraki leads the Senate leadership into plenary.
Senate President Bukola Saraki takes the opening prayers and the Senate goes into executive session.
The executive session now over Chief Whip Sen. Olusola Adeyeye calls his colleagues to take their seats.
In a closed session the senate discussed tropical issues concerning the economy – Senate President Bukola Saraki reports progress.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari Moves for the adoption of votes & proceedings of Thursday 6th Oct. 2016 & Sen. Abubakar Danladi seconds & is approved.
SP Bukola Saraki announces communication from President Muhammadu Buhari requesting confirmation of appointment of two Supreme Court Justice.
SP Bukola Saraki recognizes the presence of students of Political Science Nassarawa State University Keffi, who are observing plenary.
Sen. Joshua Lidani in a point of order raised concern over unlawful arrests of Judges by the official of the Department of State Security.
He expressed full support of the senate in the fight against corruption but decried the unlawful approach adopted by the DSS.
“The fight against corruption should be done within the confines of the Law “- Sen. Joshua Lidani
The senate Supports the fight against corruption but with strict observance to the principles of separation of power” – Sen. Joshua Lidani
Sen. Dino Melaye rises to second the motion moved by Sen. Joshua Lidani.
“It is a misnomer, it is absurd for the directorate of the SSS to operate outside their mandate,” Dino Melaye said.
“These are not allegations of rape, terrorism or crime, they are allegations of professional misconduct,” he added.
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“I acknowledge the existence of corruption in the judiciary but the DSS overstepped and abused their boundaries” – says Senator Dino Melaye.
“The National Assembly must stress clearly and call relevant agencies to remain within the mandate provided by the law” – Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi
“National Assembly cannot provide the rule with one hand and collect it with the other hand” – Sen. Suleiman Hunkuyi
Sen. Hunkuyi still speaking in support of the motion, added: “every agency must operate within the confines of the law” .
“The very principle of democracy that we are supposed to espouse cannot be achieved with the way we are doing it” – Sen. Chukwuka Utazi
“What will the International Community think of us with our Gestapo approach” – Sen. Chukwuka Utazi
“The act cannot be rationalized, the world is watching the senate, we must rise & stand for Justice- Sen. Chukwuka Utazi
“We have exhibited ways to fight corruption despite attempts to rubbish the institution – Dep. Senate Leader, Sen Bala N’allah
“The way we handle this matter will determine how the public view this senate I condemn this action – Sen. Bala N’allah.
“The senate is made up of erudite people Nigerians believe in us, we must see things from both sides”-Minority Leader Senator Godswill Akpabio said.
“The senate supports President Buhari in his corruption fight but we must look at the image of the country and do things right” – Senator Akpabio
SP Bukola Saraki moves for adoption of the recommendations & refers the matter to Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights & Legal Matters.
The committee will report back to the senate in four weeks.
SP, Bukola Saraki also acknowledged that the judiciary needs to be sanitized but condemns the unlawful mode of arrest.
“Any anti-corruption action that goes against the rule of law does not help the fight against corruption ” – Bukola Saraki
SP thanks his colleagues adding “The senate supports the fight against corruption especially in the judiciary” – Bukola Saraki
“National Assembly has been playing its role to support other arms of government in its fight against corruption – Bukola Saraki
Senate now moves to the presentation of bills for first reading.
Continues…