4. Report of the Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on the 2016-2018 External Borrowing (Rolling) plan by Senator Shehu Sani.
5. Report of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Planned Concession of the Port-Harcourt Refinery to AGIP/ENI and OANDO by Senator Abubakar Kyari.
The Reports were LAID.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS – SECOND READING
1. A Bill for an Act to Establish the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency as the central body in Nigeria responsible for receiving, requesting, analysing and disseminating financial intelligence reports and other information to law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies and other relevant authorities, 2017 (SB. 535) by Senator Chukwuka Utazi.
Senator Na’ Allah seconded and urged his colleagues to do the needful and support the Bill. He says its a straight forward Bill. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu referred the Bill to the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial crimes to report back tomorrow.
2. A Bill for an Act to facilitate the development of Nigeria’s Capital Market by enabling the conversion and re-registration of the Nigerian Stock Exchange from a company limited by guarantee to a public company limited by shares, 2017 (SB. 531) by Senator Foster Ogola.
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa seconded and said moving the company from private to public is good so people can invest in the Nigerian stock exchange.
Senate President Bukola Saraki referred the Bill to the Committee on Capital Market to report back in 4 weeks.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
1. Report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters by Senator David Umaru.
Senator George Sekibo seconded that the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the issues surrounding the adoption of the Conference Committee report on Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) (Est., Etc.) Bill 2017 (SB. 173 and 183).
2. Conference Committee Report. Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) Bill, 2017 (SB. 173 and 183) by Senator Bayero U. Nafada.
Senator James Manager seconded that the Senate do consider the Conference Committee Report on the Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) (Establishment, etc.) Bill 2017 (SB. 173 and 183).
The Report on the Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) (Est., Etc.) Bill, 2017 (SB. 173 and 183) was approved and the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill passed.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said this has been one long journey and stated that we finally got to the Promise land. Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked all his colleagues.
3. Report of the Committee on Constitution Review by Senator Ike Ekweremadu.
-That the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Constitution Review on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended (Alteration) Bill.
Senator Atai Aidoko seconded that Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Constitution Review on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended (Alteration) Bill.
Senate Leader Senator Ahmed Lawan congratulated the chairman and his colleagues for a job well done.
Senator Olusola Adeyeye said he appreciates the work that has been put in by the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu on the Constitution Review.
Senator Adamu Aliero said that his constituent is happy and that he is in support of local government autonomy.
Senator Dino Melaye said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should conduct local government elections, also said he is happy that former Governors in the Senate are in support of Local Government autonomy.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said he is in support of this motion but it needs to go through both houses so as to ensure due process.
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi commended the Committee for a job well done and reiterated support for 35% percent quota of women as Public office holders.
Senator Foster Ogola said the Senate should consider proper administrative restructuring to include federalism to ensure everybody can control his resources, he also stated that the way we considered the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), we should resolve to include economic restructuring in the process.
Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked those who contributed to the debate particularly the chairman, thanked him for keeping the promise.
He stated that this Bill will review the budget process, strengthen democracy at the state level, Provide savings for the nation and will encourage younger people to take up offices.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said the issue of election will need further consultation from the House of Representatives.
