Senate Leader Ali Ndume points out that humanitarian funds, as much as $417 million, has been sent to the North East yet no sign of such funds.
Senate President Bukola Saraki commends the Ad Hoc Committee led by Senator Shehu Sani for the courage on the report on N/E humanitarian crisis.
SP Bukola Saraki points out that the need for medical personnel from FMOH Nigeria will be followed up as well as the need for food items.
SP Bukola Saraki also says the Ad Hoc Committee has reported some infractions while noting that Nigeria cannot continue with business as usual.
3:03p.m.
Senate President Bukola Saraki further charges the New PCNI to see to the diligent use of resources and proper coordination.
SP Bukola Saraki notes that issues of corruption in the N/E should be seen to a rapid conclusion.
He agrees with Senator Isah Misau that APC will see things and not cover it up.
He also charges the Executive arm to take the resolutions and recommendations serious and implement.
Senator Baba Kaka Garbai raises an additional prayer that David Babachir Lawal should immediately resign as SGF and be prosecuted accordingly.
Senator Ahmed Sani seconds the additional prayer.
Senate President put it to Vote and the Ayes have it that SGF Babachir Lawal resign.
Senator Dino Melaye further raises a Point of Order from the Constitution on the conduct of Public Officials. SP Bukola Saraki says “noted”.
Senate refers the letter on the appointment of a new Auditor General to the Public Accounts Committee.
Senate President Bukola Saraki charges the Chairman and Members of the Public Accounts Committee to fast-track the confirmation process.
Senate moves to the Motions of the Day.
Senate President Bukola Saraki charges the Chairman and Members of the Public Accounts Committee to fast-track the confirmation process.
1. Church Building Collapse in Uyo and the need to curtail the spate of building collapse in Nigeria by Senator Godswill Akpabio
Senate moves to the motions of the day.
Senator Akpabio notes with shock the collapse of Reigners Bible Church, Uyo on Saturday 10th December, 2016.
Senator Akpabio also recalls that on Friday 12th September 2014, a 6-Storey Guest House in the SCOAN premises in Ikotun, Lagos collapsed.
Senator Akpabio is deeply worried that although there are provisions for summary trials of violators of building codes, there is no record of persons convicted or sanctioned for incidences of building collapse.
DSP Ekweremadu also comments on the motion. He says several lives were lost in the Uyo Incident.
Senate Leader Ali Ndume says it is now time to take action and not just to commiserate with the families who have lost loved ones.
Senate observes a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives at the Reigners Bible Church Building Collapse in Uyo.
3:15p.m.
2. Recent Suicide Attacks on Madagali Market in Adamawa State by Senator Garba Binta.
Senator Binta notes with deep grief the dastardly twin bomb attacks that took place on Friday 9th Dec., 2016 at Madagali, Adamawa State.
Senator Binta says no fewer than 56 Lives were lost and 177 others injures in the attacks at the Madagali Market.
Senator Binta says last Friday’s attack was the third in the town and it was masterminded by two teenage bombers.
Senate accordingly resolves to condemn the attack in its entirety and commends NEMA for its quick response to the crisis.
Senate calls on the FG to adequately compensate the bereaved families and take care of the wounded.
Senate calls on the security agencies to embrace modern technology in explosives detection and expand their intelligence networks.
Senate observes a minute silence in honour of the lives lost to the Madagali Market Bomb Blasts.
Senate Leader moves for adjournment till later in the day to receive President Muhammadu Buhari for the Budget 2017 presentation. Minority Leader seconds.
Senate President Bukola Saraki puts the question and plenary is adjourned.
Senators now move to the House of Representatives Chambers to receive the President for the 2017 Budget Presentation.
Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara receive President Buhari for the 2017 Budget Appropriation Bill Presentation.
The National Anthem is taken.
Honourable Nnenna Elendu Ukeje takes the Christian Prayer while Senator Ahmed Sani takes the Muslim Prayers.
Senate President Bukola Saraki makes welcome remarks.
Senate President Bukola Saraki reminds the executive and the legislature that the 2017 Budget is a proposal like any other bill.
Breaking: Buhari presents N7.298t 2017 budget to NASS
Honourable Abdul takes the closing prayer in the Muslim way and the Senator Sam Egwu takes the closing prayer in the Christian way.
The National Anthem is taken as the 2017 Budget presentation by President Buhari ends.
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