Senate and House of Representatives Gear Up for Return to Main Chambers
With the conclusion of the ongoing renovation in both chambers of the National Assembly, as promised last month by Visible Construction Company Nigeria Limited, handling the renovation work of both chambers of the National Assembly, plenaries will commence in the main chambers from April 23rd, 2024. Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, announced the planned movement to the main chamber in a written statement to 359 other members of the House of Representatives last week. The rescheduling of the resumption date, originally set for April 16th, to April 23rd, was necessitated by the need to resume plenary in the renovated and reconfigured main chamber, according to the House spokesman’s announcement dated April 4th. Similarly, the Clerk to the Senate, Barrister Chinedu Akabueze, postponed the resumption of Plenary from April 16th to April 23rd, citing the same reason. Tajudeen Olanipekun, the site engineer of Visible Construction, assured journalists covering the Senate last month that the main chambers would be ready for use by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in April. The completion of the renovation project, awarded at N30 billion by the Federal Capital Development Authority to Visible Construction Limited in March 2021, includes the rehabilitation of critical segments such as office buildings, the roof, cooling systems, and lifts in the complex. With the finishing touches and installation of state-of-the-art equipment and furniture, the Hallowed Chambers have undergone a significant transformation, signaling the imminent return of legislative activities to the main chambers after nearly two years of using temporary ones.
Drama Unfolds As Senator Flees Live TV Interview To Avoid 2024 Budget Questions
In a dramatic turn of events, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of Cross River North abruptly ended a live TV interview when pressed about the details of the 2024 budget. During the session, the senator expressed reluctance to delve into budget specifics and insisted on focusing on his constituency’s concerns. When confronted with questions regarding budgetary allocations for his district, the senator opted to disengage, citing a desire to avoid controversy. The unexpected departure occurred on the Arise News breakfast show, leaving the interviewers and viewers startled. “I was not elected by the people of Cross River North, you are, it is your duty, I believe, not mine (to scrutinise the budget), but let’s move on…., ” the TV anchor said. At that point, Senator Jarigbe quid in saying, “Come oh, what is this budget, budget talk nah? I want to talk about my thanksgiving and representation to my people. You people are doing budget, budget, I will walk away oh. You people want me to say something that I will go and face wahala, you should allow me oh, let me serve my people quietly.” Thereafter, the connection to Senator Jarigbe was lost. Efforts to get him back on line failed as the senator may have cut off the connection, thereby bringing the interview to an abrupt end.
Sen Ningi’s Suspension: Falana Issues 7 days’ Ultimatum
Rights Activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has written to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, seeking reversal of Senator Abdul Ningi’s suspension within seven days. The Senate has suspended Sen. Ningi on the floor of the Senate for three months, over the allegation he brought that the National Assembly passed two versions of the 2024 budget. The constitutional lawyer said that the senate, by its actions, violated the right of the entire people of the Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate for three months. According to him, their action breached section 111 of the Constitution and Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Act. Reacting, the law firm of Falana & Falana, had in the letter dated March 25th, signed by its principal, noted that Ningi’s trial before the lawmakers on March 14, was contrary to the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2018, and violated their client’s fundamental right to a fair hearing. In the letter titled “Request to lift the suspension of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi” Falana posited that the Senate President faulted by not drawing the attention of the lawmakers to a recent decision of the court which held that no parliament in Nigeria has the power to suspend or expel a legislator. He, therefore, demanded that Ningi’s suspension be lifted within 7 days, failing which the matter will be taken to court for the reinstatement as well as a report to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for treating the judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal with disdain. The letter reads in full; We are Solicitors to Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi representing the Bauchi Central Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as “our client”) on whose behalf we write this letter. On March 9, 2024, our client granted an interview to the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 Appropriation Act. He expressed his views on the budget in exercise of his fundamental right of freedom of speech guaranteed by section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Dissatisfied with the interview, you caused our client to be put on trial before the Senate on March 14, 2024, contrary to the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2018. Even though it was alleged that you were indicted by our client in the interview, you presided over the proceedings of the Senate. It is on record that you were the accuser, the prosecutor and the Judge in your own case in utter violation of the provisions of section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 At the end of the trial, you pronounced our client guilty and declared “That the Senate do suspend Senator Abdul Nigin (Bauchi North) for three (3) months and he should forfeit all his entitlements and be disallowed from the precincts of the National Assembly Complex during the period of the suspension. He should also apologise to the Senate in writing. Thereafter, the Senate can consider his remorse and recall him;” Apart from violating our client’s fundamental right to fair hearing, the Senate violated the right of the entire people of the Bauchi Central Senatorial District to representation in the Senate for three months. This is a breach of section 111 of the Constitution and Article 13 of the African Charter on
El-Rufai Visits Suspended Senator Ningi At His Residence
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, has paid a solidarity visit to suspended Senator Abdul Ningi at his residence. Senator Ningi had raised concerns about the budget implementation under the Tinubu-led government, alleging discrepancies between the approved budget and the actual implementation. He was eventually suspended for three months by the Akpabio-led senate. The details of El-Rufai’s visit to the PDP lawmaker cannot be ascertained as at press time but it might be connected to the 2027 presidential polls. On Thursday, El-Rufai visited the Social Democratic Party headquarters in Abuja with many speculating his impending defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC). However, his spokesperson refuted the rumors.
Northern Senators Forum Urges Immediate Action Against Rising Kidnappings in March 2024
The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has voiced urgent concerns regarding the recent surge in kidnappings across northern Nigeria during the month of March. In a release signed by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, they condemned the escalating violence, particularly in Kaduna State. Citing a series of alarming incidents, including the abduction of 286 students and staff from a school on March 7th and an attack on worshippers in a mosque on March 8th, the NSF stressed the critical need for swift intervention. Furthermore, subsequent kidnappings on March 12th, 17th, and 18th, which resulted in 87 individuals being abducted in Kujuru alone, underscored the severity of the situation. Senator Yar’adua characterized the acts as reprehensible and called for immediate and decisive action to address the crisis. The NSF reiterated its unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions and ensuring justice for the victims and pledged to exhaust all avenues in fulfilling its mandate to protect the welfare of the people and uphold national security.
Senate Joint C’ttee Holds Closed Meeting With Service Chiefs Over Killing Of 16 Soldiers…Security takes precedence over other sectors – Lawan
The Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce is currently in a closed meeting with the nation’s Service Chiefs over the recent killing of troops in Okuoma community, Bomadi local government area of Delta State. The meeting which started at exactly 3:42pm has in attendance, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan; and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Recall that the Senate, during plenary on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, mandated the joint committee to investigate the incident. The upper chamber also urged the federal government to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice. The Joint Committee is chaired by Senator Ahmad Lawan, who is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence. Moments before the commencement of the meeting with the Service Chiefs, members of the Joint Committee observed a minute silence in honour of the 16 Military personnel killed in Okuoma community last Thursday. Speaking on the incident, Senator Lawan in a speech delivered at the investigative hearing by the Joint Committee recalled that, “The troops of 181 Amphibious battalion, on Thursday, 14 March, 2024, went on a peace mission to Okuoma Community in Delta State. An incident occurred resulting in the loss of a Commanding officer, two Majors, a Captain and 12 Soldiers during the peace mission. “The troops on the peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi local government area of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths, which resulted in the death of officers and men. “Acknowledging the gravity of the attack on the military personnel, the Senate at its plenary on Tuesday, 19th March, 2024, mandated the Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce to investigate the incident. “The Senate also urged urged the federal government to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.” Senator Lawan further underscored the need for the federal government to prioritise the issue of security, noting that same takes precedence over investment in any other sector. He described the killing of the 16 soldiers as “barbaric”, and appealed to Nigerians to support the Armed Forces by volunteering information that would lead to the capture and prosecution of those behind various forms of insecurity across the country. The former Senate President said, “We, in the Senate, and, indeed, the National Assembly, will always support our military in whatever way we can. [And] the National Assembly has that history. We try to at all times make meaningful appropriation for resources to be available. We know it has never been enough and, in fact, I will take this opportunity to commend our Armed Forces for doing so much with the little we can afford. “The insecurity in our country takes precedence over any other consideration and, therefore, it is the position of the Senate that no investment in any sector can be more important than ensuring that we are secured as a country. “We, therefore, are very sad as a parliament over this tragic incident. It is our hope in the Senate that those who perpetrated this barbaric and horrific act are captured and the law takes full course on them. “I want to appeal to Nigerians that this is our Armed Forces and they cannot secure us without us as citizens playing our part. Therefore, every citizen is supposed to support our Armed Forces. And those in the area where this incident happened must volunteer information because this is the only way we can stop something like this from happening another time.”
National Assembly Passes Long-Awaited Student Loan Bill
The National Assembly, encompassing the Senate and the House of Representatives, has finally passed the much-anticipated student loan bill into law. After undergoing rigorous scrutiny with first, second, and third readings in both parliamentary chambers, the bill officially attained legal status on Wednesday. The Senate’s approval came following a thorough examination of the committee’s report on tertiary institutions and TETFUND, as presented by Muntari Dandutse, the committee’s chairperson, during a plenary session.
Nigerian Senate Urges Action to Address Out-of-School Children Crisis
The Nigerian Senate has issued a strong directive, calling upon the Federal Ministry of Education, its associated agencies, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to prioritize the plight of out-of-school children. The primary objective is to substantially reduce the alarming number of children deprived of education across the nation. The Senate stressed the urgent need for the formulation of innovative strategies to effectively combat the persistent challenge of out-of-school children. Moreover, they emphasized the critical importance of revitalizing national awareness through extensive sensitization and advocacy efforts, highlighting the indispensable role of education in Nigeria’s overall progress and prosperity. Senator Idiat Oluranti, representing Lagos West, spearheaded the motion, underscoring the troubling prevalence of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Senator Oluranti underscored the potential societal repercussions of this crisis, warning against the risk of vulnerable children being lured into criminal activities, thereby exacerbating existing security threats such as banditry and terrorism. During deliberations, several Senators voiced their support for the motion, emphasizing the necessity of prompt action. They urged relevant authorities to disclose accurate data regarding the number of out-of-school children, facilitating targeted interventions and resource allocation. In response to the motion, the Senate called upon the Judiciary in all 36 states of the Federation to take concrete steps toward establishing mobile courts for the enforcement of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, signaling a commitment to upholding education laws and ensuring accountability. The motion has been referred to the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance for comprehensive review and follow-up actions, reflecting the Senate’s firm resolve to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children and foster a brighter future for all Nigerian youths.
Students Loan Repayment: NANS Proposes Five Years plan
Nigeria student’s body, the National Association of Nigerian Students, has urged the federal government to extend the repayment plan for the proposed students loan to five years after post-NYSC instead of the initial two years post-NYSC plan. The body maintained that less than 10 per cent of graduates get absorbed into the labour market within two years post-NYSC, adding that it becomes unrealistic to expect beneficiaries of the loan scheme to begin repayment two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps. NANS President Lucky Emonele, made the proposal on Monday at a public hearing on the repeal and re-enactment of 2024 Students Loans Access to Higher Education Bill 2024 in Abuja. Whioe commending President Bola Tinubu for responding to the request of NANS, by including its leadership as representatives of the students on the loan board, Emonele also commended the decision to repeal the Act to address grey areas that could hinder the success of the student loan scheme. According to him, the proposed repayment period of two years post-NYSC for the loan was not realistic, saying that less than 10 per cent of Nigerian graduates get absorbed into the labour force upon completion of their NYSC. The NANS President, therefore, proposed a minimum of five years repayment duration, given the challenges of unemployment after graduation. While calling for the provision of study grants for Nigerian students in the Act seeking to establish the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Emonele also appealed that the provision of a loan scheme should not be a further reason for an arbitrary increment of school fees by the management of tertiary institutions. He, therefore, urged the National Assembly to pass a resolution that prohibits public tertiary institutions from increasing school fees in the next 10 years, saying it was the only way to sustain the act when enacted. According to him, there is also a need to make provision for grants for students to enable them to complete or further their studies. This, he said, would encourage more students to enroll in school and alleviate the burden that may be placed on the loans. “If the Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, could earmark N683bn for public tertiary institutions in 2024, without requesting for payback from beneficiary institutions, Nigerian students should not be treated any differently.” The public hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Education and TETFUND and the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loan, Scholarship, and Higher Education Financing. In his words, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, commended President Bola Tinubu for his passion and commitment to the education sector, stating that the President does not want any child of school age to be out of school, given his passion for education. The minister said the public hearing would provide an opportunity to make further input to improve the bill for the good of Nigerian students.
Kwankwaso pays solidarity visit to suspended Bauchi senator, Abdul Ningi
Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has paid a solidarity visit to suspended Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi. Senator Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial district, was suspended by the Senate following his interview with the BBC Hausa Service, in which he alleged budget padding against the Senate leadership. The former majority leader of the Senate was suspended for three months after Senator Jimoh Ibrahim moved the motion. Senator Ningi’s suspension has since sparked debate and raised concerns about freedom of expression within the Senate. His allegations of budget padding have drawn attention to issues of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s legislative processes.