Senate Moves Forward with Bill to Protect Domestic Workers and Employers
In response to the escalating cases of abuse and exploitation faced by domestic workers in Nigeria, the Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step forward by advancing a bill aimed at protecting the rights of domestic workers and their employers. Sponsored by Senator Hussaini Babangida of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing Jigawa State, the bill passed its second reading on Wednesday following a comprehensive presentation of its core principles during plenary sessions. Senator Babangida emphasized the urgent need for legislative intervention, stating, “Over the years, there has been an increase in the incidents of assaults and abuse of domestic workers by their employers or hosts. These abuses ranged from slave labor, physical abuse, and sexual abuse among others.” He further highlighted the vulnerability of domestic workers in the informal sector, noting, “They are unionists and they do not have a collective platform to speak for themselves and therefore remain ostensibly vulnerable and helpless.” Addressing concerns about crimes involving domestic workers, Babangida pointed out, “On the other side of the coin, is the rise in the state of complicity of crimes committed by domestic workers mostly in connivance with other criminal elements of society against their employers or host. These bother on burglary, kidnapping, stealing of children, and sometimes outright murder.” The bill aims to document and safeguard the rights of domestic workers while also considering the security concerns of their employers, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities such as Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, referred the bill to the Committee on Labour and Productivity for further legislative inputs after it successfully passed its second reading. It is expected to return to plenary for deliberation in four weeks. Also in a related development, a bill seeking to amend the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Act also progressed with its second reading at the Senate. Presented by Senator Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun), the bill proposes amendments to strengthen ICAN’s collaboration with other professional bodies and regulatory authorities, both domestically and internationally. Adeola highlighted the necessity of updating the ICAN Act to align with the evolving needs of chartered accountants and the changing economic landscape. “The act empowered the Institute to set standards and regulate the practice of Accountancy in Nigeria,” he stated. Following the second reading, the bill was referred to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service for further legislative inputs and is expected to return to plenary for consideration in three weeks’ time.
Foreigners earning more from mining than Nigerians, says Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, May 7, lamented that foreigners are earning more from mining the nation’s solid minerals than Nigerians. Akpabio made this assertion in his speech before declaring open a three day investigative hearing on: “The need to comprehensively review the input and output values of the Nigeria mining industry in the light of its general role to economic diversification, foreign exchange earnings and social inclusion” in Abuja. The public hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development chaired by Senator Sampson Ekong (PDP – Akwa Ibom South. Akpabio further said that the foreigners after exploitating the solid minerals and benefiting from them maximally, often leave behind a tale of woes including insecurity. He said time has come for the country to benefit from the mining sector while challenging stakeholders at the event to discuss the challenges that have hindered the growth of the mining sector and come up with a way forward.
Senate Forms Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Delayed $18.5 Billion Abuja Centenary Economic City Project
Amid mounting concerns over the prolonged delay in completing the $18.5 billion Abuja Centenary Economic City project, the Senate has taken decisive action by establishing a 7-member ad-hoc committee. Tasked with unraveling the factors impeding the project’s progress a decade after its commencement, the committee aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation. In a bid to expedite the project’s completion and ensure adherence to the original public-private partnership agreement, the Senate has directed the committee to review the agreement and propose amendments if deemed necessary. Additionally, the Federal Government has been urged to prioritize the revival of the Abuja Centenary City project by extending essential support and resolving regulatory hurdles. The impetus for these actions was a motion titled “Urgent need to revive and complete the stalled Centenary City Project, Abuja to realize its economic and development potential,” sponsored by Senator Oyelola Ashiru of Kwara South (APC). Senator Ashiru underscored the significance of the project, which was conceived in 2014 to commemorate Nigeria’s centenary through the creation of a modern city akin to Dubai. Envisioned as an economic powerhouse, the Abuja Centenary Economic City was poised to generate employment, accommodate residents, and attract visitors on a grand scale. Despite the initial optimism and substantial investment, the project has languished for nearly a decade, achieving only minimal progress. Senator Ashiru cited an independent investigation assessment from November 2023, which revealed a stark disparity between the project’s current status and its ambitious vision. The regulatory and implementation challenges have further exacerbated the project’s stagnation, prompting Senator Ashiru to emphasize the urgent need for intervention. He cited the success of similar ventures, such as the $6 billion Eko Atlantic City development project in Lagos, as a testament to the transformative potential of well-executed urban projects.
Senators’ Discontent Over Refurbished Chamber Echoes Amidst Senate Proceedings
Complaints by Senators on their refurbished Chamber continued Tuesday, a week after bickerings about sitting arrangements. Recall that Senate plenary was last week Tuesday, marred by complaints made by some senators on sitting arrangements in the renovated chamber. The complaints led to a rowdy session which lasted for about 15 minutes and eventually forced the Senate into executive session. A week later, issues on alleged inadequacies in the Chamber were again raised, specifically by the Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South). Senator Ndume, who raised the issues through Order 42 of the Senate Standing rules, said what was supposed to be a Chamber has been turned into a conference hall, which, according to him, is not acceptable. “Mr. President, I rise to make disturbing observations on this supposedly renovated chamber through order 42 that deals with personal privileges. “Since day one, precisely last week Tuesday when we moved into this Chamber that was supposed to have been renovated, there have been complaints here and there. “First was on sitting arrangements, followed by echoing of voices by microphones that are even not audible. No voting device, required facilities not yet provided. “We need to correct all these anomalies for the Hallowed Chamber to be what it is supposed to be,” he said. Concurring to Ndume’s observations, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his response, said the observations were well noted and the point of order was upheld. He, however, explained to Ndume that complaints on sitting arrangements among Senators have been sorted out 99.9%, just as he reminded him that the contract for the renovation work was not done by the 10th National Assembly. “This is not our contract and not even National Assembly contract but that of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the landlord of the National Assembly Complex. “Observations on inadequacies in the renovated chamber are welcome from time to time for required perfection but what we should be aiming at in the long run is for us, as federal lawmakers, to have proper autonomy on the National Assembly Complex and not continue as tenants of FCDA,” he said.
Graduate unemployment: NYSC Trust Fund to the rescue – Senate
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Community Engagement, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), said that the recently passed National Youths Service Corps Trust Fund Bill would provide jobs for graduates. Adaramodu disclosed this when he led a delegation of the committee on an official visit to the Oyo State NYSC Orientation Camp at Iseyin on Saturday. He said that the bill, having scaled first and second readings and other crucibles of legislation, will soon be sent to the President for assent. The lawmaker said that the provision of the bill was basically to ensure that corps members get established through the training acquired from the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme. He added that the provisions of the bill also cater to corps members who might wish to go into business after their service year. “The issue of unemployment and what next for corps members after the service year will be a thing of the past soon. The bill will ensure that the dreams of every Nigerian graduate become a reality,” he said. Adaramodu disclosed that the Senate, in collaboration with relevant government departments, agencies and other stakeholders, would soon work on the upward review of corps members’ allowances.
Senate Session Disrupted by Seating Spat in Renovated Chamber
The much-anticipated return to the revamped Hallowed Chamber for the Senate’s plenary session was overshadowed by a bitter dispute over seating arrangements, resulting in a chaotic interruption of proceedings. Anticipation ran high as Senators gathered in the newly refurbished Hallowed Chamber for their first plenary session post-renovation. However, the mood soured quickly when Senate President Godswill Akpabio began acknowledging Senators who celebrated birthdays during the recess. Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u of APC Zamfara North wasted no time in expressing his discontent with his allocated seat, confronting Senate Leader Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele of APC Ekiti Central. What began as a private grievance escalated rapidly into a public confrontation, inciting reactions from fellow Senators and plunging the chamber into disarray. Senator Ya’u vehemently argued that his seat, positioned at the far right of the chamber, failed to reflect his seniority as a former Deputy Minority Whip during the 9th National Assembly. Senator Danjuma Goje of APC Gombe Central echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the perceived disregard for hierarchy in the seating arrangement. In an attempt to restore order, Senate President Akpabio intervened, urging Senator Bamidele and the aggrieved Senators to address the issue with the presiding officer. Following this intervention, Akpabio proceeded with his welcome address, albeit after a delay caused by the altercation. Subsequently, Senator Bamidele called for an emergency executive session, presumably to diffuse tensions and salvage the disrupted proceedings. As Senators work to resolve internal conflicts, the nation’s legislative agenda hangs in the balance, awaiting their undivided attention.
Senator Ayogu Eze Is Dead
Former Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ayogu Eze, is reportedly dead. The former Senate spokesman died in an Abuja Hospital after a protracted illness. A source who spoke to the Daily Post said the late Senator had been down, which prevented him from attending his child’s wedding ceremony earlier in the year, which was held in Lagos State. Ayogu Eze was a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, before he defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, where he ran for the Enugu State governorship election.
Senate gives update on P/Harcourt Refinery
The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries has said the Port Harcourt Refinery will begin operation before the end of December. This is as the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that his administration is working in tandem with President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government’s policies designed to make life better for Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda. Fubara noted that, in doing so, the Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery Road, now 70 per cent completed, was being constructed to provide a bypass to easily access the Port Harcourt Refinery and take off traffic from the East-West Road. He made the remark when members of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Turnaround Maintenance of Nigeria’s Refineries, led by their Chairman, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday. This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi. The governor said the purpose of governance was to make life easy for the people. He expressed delight that the Senate Committee’s investigation would make life easy and meaningful for Nigerians. The statement read, “We, as a state, before the commencement of the rehabilitation job, had a contribution that we wanted to make to support the work at the refinery because of the deplorable state of the East-West Road. “There is a road: Woji-Aleto-Alesa Refinery Road. We are almost completing the bridge. It’s about 70 per cent completed. We are doing almost the last part of it. With that road, it will help to decongest and reduce the trouble commuters face along the East-West Road while providing easy access, straight to the refinery. “So, you can see that our government is working in line, supporting the Administration of President Bola Tinubu to give our people hope and assurance that things will soon get better.” It added, “And it is this role that you are playing, genuinely. With the support of this state government, that is the only way we can achieve the purpose of governance for everyone. “The purpose of governance is to make life easy for the people. I am happy that your investigation would make life easy for the people,” the governor explained. Fubara pointed to the derivable benefits when the refinery is eventually revamped and becomes operational, both to the Federal Government and host, Rivers State. He added, “When the refinery restarts production, there will be petroleum products available locally. The issue of importation will go down. “We will now make an impact, the economy will grow, and internally generated revenue will increase. More projects will be executed in this state. You can see that it’s a chain effect thing. So, I want to thank you.”
Uzor Kalu’s Case Exposes Serious Deficiencies In Criminal Justice System
Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption has expressed dissatisfaction over recent developments surrounding the N6.7 billion fraud case involving former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, and Jones Udeogu. The right group held that the situation has exposed serious deficiencies in the criminal justice system of the nation. The Director General of the group, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, on a press statement released on April 19, informed that the utilization of technicalities and procedural loopholes to evade justice in the matter is deeply troubling and undermines the principles of accountability and fairness. The convener recall that the Supreme Court, had on the 8th of May, 2020, nullified the conviction by Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State, holding that the Constitution does not permit a judge elevated to a higher court to return to a lower court to conclude a part-heard case. Justice Ejembi Eko, who delivered the lead judgment of the panel led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour (retd.), also declared as unconstitutional the provision of Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which the then President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa (retd), relied on to authorized Justice Idris to return from the Court of Appeal to the High Court to conclude the trial. The decision by the Court of Appeal to dismiss the EFCC’s appeal based on insufficient records highlights how technicalities are being exploited to thwart the judicial process. Instead of addressing the substantive issues of fraud and corruption, the focus has shifted to procedural irregularities, allowing the accused to evade accountability and delay justice for the people of Abia State. The group insisted that Sen. Orji Uzor has been tried, found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, and convicted accordingly, consistent with the extant laws as provided by the Constitution of Nigeria. According to Nwambu, the interpretation of legal provisions, such as the constitutional limitations on judges returning to a lower court to conclude a part-heard case, has been used to create confusion and delay in the adjudication of this case. He said that the insistence on strict compliance with procedural requirements, to the detriment of addressing the actual allegations of financial misconduct and massive fraud, is a disservice to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. “It is unacceptable that technicalities are being prioritized over the merits of the matter, especially in a case as serious as an alleged N7.6 billion fraud. The manipulation of legal loopholes to avoid facing the substantive allegations undermines the integrity of our criminal justice system and erodes public confidence in the ability of our institutions to hold the powerful accountable.” Consequently, our coalition here by call on all stakeholders in the legal system to prioritize the fair and expeditious adjudication of cases involving financial crimes and corruption. The focus should be on addressing the substantive issues at hand and ensuring that justice is served without being derailed by technicalities and procedural obstacles. The coalition thanks President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his willingness and determination to combat the hydra- headed monster of corruption, which has held the Nigerian nation on her knees for several decades. The group informed that the pronouncement of the Attorney General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice on the current case of the former Governor of Kogi State has shown Mr president’s determination to ensure that every alleged corrupt Nigerian citizen irrespective of creed, religion or office held is made to face the law is a clear testament to this fact The group therefore informed that it is time to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those accused of financial misconduct are held accountable, regardless of the legal maneuvers they may employ to evade justice.
Former Senate President, Lawan Reacts As Soldiers Allegedly Kill Three ‘Innocent’ Civilians In Yobe
Former President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has reacted to the alleged killing of three innocent civilians by soldiers in Gashu’a, the headquarters of Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State. According to reports, the soldiers, on Sunday, fired indiscriminately at groups of protesters who were approaching their ‘Stop-And-Search’ checkpoint near Gashua Bridge. The protesters were demonstrating against the alleged killing of a tricycle operator by soldiers in Gashu’a on Sunday. Three civilians lost their lives in the incident, while 12 others were injured and taken to the Federal Medical Centre Nguru for treatment. In a statement he personally signed on Sunday, Senator Lawan urged the military authorities to conduct an immediate investigation into the tragic incident. As the Senator representing Yobe North in the Upper legislative chamber and the current chair of the Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Lawan emphasized the need for the Nigerian Army to ensure that those responsible for these acts of violence are held accountable. He said, “Gashua community has always been a peaceful place with calm people, who always give support and cooperate with the military, paramilitary, and, indeed, all government agents operating in the town.” Lawan urged the residents to remain calm, stating that he had already consulted with military officials to guarantee that the perpetrators would be caught and punished in accordance with the law. He stressed that justice would prevail. The legislator also pledged to oversee the care of all injured individuals. “I am deeply saddened by Sunday’s tragic event that took place in Gashua, Yobe State, where soldiers allegedly killed three innocent civilians who were amongst those protesting the killing of a tricycle operator by the soldiers. “I call on the military authorities to swiftly investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the killings. It is imperative that those behind these senseless acts of violence are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served for the victims and their families. “Accordingly, I have waded into the issue by contacting the Bade Local Government Chairman and Commanding Officer for an hourly brief to keep me abreast of developments. I have also taken responsibility for the treatment of all the 12 persons who sustained various forms of injuries from attack by the soldiers. “I urge the community of Gashua in Bade local government area, to remain calm and peaceful in the midst of this tragedy. “I stand in solidarity and unity with the residents of Gashu’a during this difficult time to mourn the loss of innocent lives. Together, we can honour the memories of the lives lost and work towards a more peaceful and just society for all. “My thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who died during this tragic incident. May the souls of the deceased rest in Aljannatul Firdaus,” Leadership quoted Senator Lawan’s statement.