The adoption of an additional budget bill for Abuja and confirmation of Kukere-Ekun as CJN as well as the inauguration of the Public Complaint Commission were highlights of activities in the senate today.
- Additional N288bn budget for Abuja
The senate has passed for second reading, a bill seeking the approval of a N288 billion supplementary budget for Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The bill is for an Act to issue from the Federal Capital Territory Administration Account the total sum of N288bn arising from a need to accommodate additional inflows from Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) and other revenues in the sums of N8bn and N280bn respectively.
Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) in his lead debate explained the need for a speedy consideration and passage of the appropriation bill in order to carry out swift implementations of critical developmental projects across the nation’s capital city.
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- Senate confirms Kekere-Ekun as CJN
The senate has confirmed the appointment of Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
This followed a request from President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, seeking the Senate to confirm her as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
During the screening exercise, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasised that her judicial approach is centred on strictness and integrity. She highlighted the need of strengthening national institutions and making sure that people behave better, particularly when elections are approaching, pointing out that these developments will lessen the tendency to challenge election outcomes in court.
- Senate pays tribute to Iwuanyanwu
The senate has paid tributes to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who had passed away on July 25, 2024, at the age of 82. Until his death, Iwuanyanwu was a businessman, statesman, and former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. During the day’s plenary, senators took turns to reflect on the life and legacy of Iwuanyanwu, calling on the federal government to immortalise him for his immense contributions to the nation’s development.
- Inauguration of Public Complaints Commission
The President of the Senate has assured the Public Complaints Commission of the National Assembly’s commitment to providing the support and resources necessary for them to fulfil their mission.
Akpabio who made this remark at the inauguration of the Commission stressed that in every democracy, the strength of the government is measured not just by the laws legislators enact but by how well they listen to the voices of the citizens.
According to him, the Public Complaints Commission is a vital bridge connecting the people to their government, ensuring that every concern is addressed, every voice is heard, and every grievance is met with action.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where every citizen feels valued, where justice prevails, and where the voices of our people are not just heard but amplified.”
