Major issues addressed on the floor of the senate today includes the Jigawa tanker explosion and worrisome corruption in the oil and gas sector
- Senate calls for intensified sensitisation on tanker explosion dangers
Following the petrol tanker explosion at Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State last night, the senate has asked the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify sensitisation on the dangers of indulging in scoping fuel from tankers after an accident. This was in response to a request for immediate aid for over 300 people who survived the Jigawa tanker disaster. Lawmakers also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the ministry of humanitarian affairs and disaster managementin to assist the victims. About a hundred people were killed in the explosion that happened beside the Hadejia motorway. The deceased were scooping petrol from a fully loaded tanker when it burst, according to Senator Hussaini Babangida (APC, Jigawa-west), who brought the matter to the senate’s attention under matters of urgent public importance.
- Senator Kawu vows to unravel shady issues in the petroleum sector
Sen. Sumaila Kawu (NNPP, Kano south), newly appointed chairman of the senate committee on petroleum downstream, is prepared to take on the ongoing lack of openness in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, which he compares to a “cabal.” In the wake of Senator Ifeanyi Uba‘s death, representing Anambra south, Kawu was named chairman of the committee. Following the plenary session of the day, Kawu gave a detailed overview of his objectives to clarify the industry’s practices and hold meaningful discussions with the general public, emphasising the pressing need for accountability and clarity in the sector. He emphasised the value of holding public hearings so that people can directly express their worries and experiences. He aims to uncover any inconsistencies and guarantee that money are being spent efficiently by closely examining the agreements.
- Confirmation of 21 RMAFC nominees
The senate has confirmed the appointment of 21 nominees as federal commissioners in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). This followed the report of the joint committee on national planning and economic affairs and finance presented by Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (PDP, Kebbi north). The nominees confirmed are; Mrs. Linda Nkechi Oti (Abia), Mr Akpan Imo Effiong (Akwa-Ibom), Mr Enefe Ekene (Anambra), Professor Steve Ugbah (Benue), Chief Eyo Nsa Whiley (Cross River), Aruviere Egharhevwe (Delta), Nduka Henry Awuregu (Ebonyi), Mr. Victor Eboigbe (Edo), Hon. Wumi Ogunlola (Ekiti). Others are; Hon. Ozo Obumreme Obodougo (Enugu), Mr Mohammed Kabeer Usman (Gombe), Alh. Kabir Mohammed Mashi (Katsina), Hon. Adamu Fanda (Kano), Professor Olusegun Adekunle Wright (Lagos), Aliyu Almakura Abdulkadir (Nasarawa), Bako Shetima (Niger), Mr. Amosun Akeem Akintayo (Ogun), Dr. Nathaniel Adjutelegan (Ondo), Saad Ibrahim (Plateau), Modu-Aji Juluri (Yobe), Bello Garba (Zamfara) and Mohammed Usman (Gombe).
- Senate debunks report of impeachment
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has debunked the allegations of impeachment plots against him, describing the news as a mischief. There had been media reports earlier today that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had taken control of the national assembly amid allegations of a potential impeachment threat against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio. Reacting to these reports shortly after the day’s plenary, the Spokesman of the Senate, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti south) debunked the news, mentioning that the information is “ill-will, untraceable and from the gate of hell.”
- Senate advances 3 establishment bills
The senate has passed 3 establishment bills for second reading. The bills which include “Bill for an Act to provide for Establishment of Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences Egbe, Kogi State and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration was sponsored by Sen. Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi west).
The second is titled, “A Bill For an Act to provide for establishment of Federal University of Education (Special) Oyo and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration is sponsored by Sen. Yunus Akintunde (APC, Oyo central).
The last one is “A Bill For an Act to provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education (Special) Karaye and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration,” sponsored by Sen. Kawu Sumaila (NNPP, Kano south).
All three bills were referred to the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND.
BILLS CHART FOR THE DAY
Below is OrderPaper’s signature presentation of bills taken in Senate plenary today. Readers are invited to contact us for further information via info@orderpaper.ng or WhatsApp via +234 704 700 3031.
