It’s a new Legislative day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senate President Bukola Saraki took the official prayer and led the chamber into today’s proceedings.
Senator Ali Wakili moved for the approval of Votes and Proceedings of Tuesday 11th July, 2017. Senator Sam Anyanwu seconded.
OATH
Senator Ademola Adeleke took the Oath of office as Senator representing Osun West.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Senate President Bukola Saraki welcomed staff and students who were present in the gallery to observe Plenary.
PETITIONS
Senator Oluremi Tinubu raised a Petition regarding 8 pioneer staff of the Federal Road Safety Corps disengaged from appointment since 1999.
Senator Isah Misua raised a Petition against the Chief of staff of Kogi State Government for illegal transaction involving Guaranty Trust Bank.
Senators Shehu Sani, Danjuma Laah, Matthew Urhoghide and Benjamin Uwajumogu raised Petitions regarding their constituent members.
Senate President Bukola Saraki referred all petitions to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
Senator Bwacha cited order 43 and congratulated the new Senator elect and also congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party on their victory at the Supreme Court.
POINT OF ORDER
Senator Ahmed Lawan cited order 42 (1) and referred to fiscal responsibility Act 2007 Section 21(1) saying all Government corporation and agencies yet to submit the budget should do so within a week.
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu seconded and reiterated the need for Government agencies to submit their budget.
Senator Yayi Adeola said all agencies should submit their budgets.
Senate President Bukola Saraki put the prayer that all budgets should be sent to the Committees who will ensure onward transmission to the leader and conclude within a week.
Senate President Bukola saraki said those who have done necessary review should meet to finalize with the leader, he stated that it is important for committee chairmen to finish because we must pass the budget before the recess.
Senator Yerima asked for more time on the Nigerian Ports Authority investigation and Senate President Bukola Saraki granted him 3 weeks.
PRESENTATION OF BILLS -FIRST READING
1. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007 (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 448) by Senator Samuel N. Anyanwu
2. Civil Aviation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (SB. 481) by Senator Buruji Kashamu
3. Armed Forces Comfort Fund CAP A21 Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (S.B 486) by Senator Shehu Sani
4. Nigerian Oil Research Development Agency Board Bill, 2017 (S.B 500) by Senator Theodore Orji
5. Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology (science) (Est, etc) Bill, 2017 (HB. 39) by Senate Leader
MOTIONS
1. The need for an investigative audit in respect of contracts that were awarded and paid for in the past by Tertiary Education Trust Fund but are yet to be executed by Senator Jibrin Barau
Senator Ahmed Lawan said our Committees on Education and Public Procurement should ensure that these things don’t happen, he states that such institutions should be taxed before receiving additional funds.
Senator Isah Misua said Tetfund contributed about 25% of election funds, I thought this Government would prosecute them through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Senator Emmanuel Bwacha said contractors in these agencies receive money and disappear into thin air.
Senate resolved to:
Mandate the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund to conduct an investigation to ascertain the contractors who collected monies belonging to Tertiary Education Trust Fund in the past but absconded without performing such contracts to specification and to report bacj to the Senate its findings and recommendations for further action.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said we have observed that for 2 years no one has invited Tertiary Education Trust Fund, this matter is very important in the corruption fight”
Senate President Bukola Saraki said we need to know the companies who were given these contracts and we should get a report so as to know what the Anti-graft agencies should investigate.